For athletes, the hours after a game often hurt more than the game itself. Sore joints, tight muscles, and nagging tendon pain all trace back to inflammation. While ice, rest, and proper nutrition come first, many competitors are now experimenting with cannabis-based products to calm post-game inflammation and speed recovery.
Most of the science focuses on cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain and immune responses. Reviews of CBD in sport suggest it may reduce inflammatory cytokines and muscle damage after hard exercise, though research is still early and dose guidelines aren’t settled.
Here are some of the top cannabis product types athletes reach for after competition and how they may help with post-game inflammation.
CBD topicals: balms, creams and gels
Topical CBD lets athletes target specific hotspots—like knees, shoulders, or Achilles tendons—without whole-body intoxication. Early studies of transdermal CBD in former elite athletes report meaningful reductions in pain and improved function over several weeks. Look for third-party lab-tested products that combine CBD with menthol, camphor, or warming botanicals. In regulated state markets, THC-containing balms such as those from California brand Papa & Barkley are widely used for localized relief, though clinical data are still limited.
Find more CBD creams here.
Oral CBD oils, capsules and gummies
For full-body soreness, many athletes use oral CBD. Human trials suggest CBD may dampen markers of inflammation after fatiguing exercise and reduce next-day soreness, potentially by acting on immune cells and adenosine receptors. Surveys of active adults also find most users feel CBD helps recovery and joint comfort. Because CBD can interact with medications and the optimal dose is unclear, it’s smart to start low (for example, 10–25 mg) and talk with a sports medicine professional, especially if you have liver disease or take other drugs.
Balanced THC:CBD tinctures and edibles
Where legal, low-dose tinctures or edibles that blend THC with CBD are another post-game option. Many athletes report that small doses of THC soften pain perception and make stretching, foam-rolling, or sleep more comfortable, while CBD may temper some of THC’s side effects. Observational work in athletes and chronic pain patients suggests cannabis may reduce reliance on NSAIDs and, in some cases, opioids. Because THC can impair coordination and cognition, these products are better reserved for after games or at bedtime—not pre-game.
Transdermal patches
Cannabinoid patches deliver CBD, THC, or both steadily through the skin for hours. For athletes dealing with one or two stubborn joints, a patch can offer localized, longer-lasting support than a cream without needing to reapply. Early reports from clinical and real-world use highlight reduced chronic pain and improved sleep, though rigorous sports-specific trials are still lacking.
Bath soaks and recovery soaks
CBD- or THC-infused bath salts combine warm-water hydrotherapy with cannabinoids and magnesium-rich Epsom salts. While formal research is almost nonexistent, many athletes use these soaks to help muscles relax, ease perceived soreness, and promote sleep—key pillars of inflammation control and recovery.
Smart Use and Safety
Despite promising signals, experts emphasize that CBD and other cannabinoids are not magic bullets. Reviews note that evidence in athletes is still limited, product quality varies, and some “CBD” products contain enough THC to trigger a positive drug test. Any athlete considering cannabis for post-game inflammation should check league anti-doping rules, choose lab-tested products, and use these tools alongside—not instead of—sleep, nutrition, and sound training.
