A 2026 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of Florida examined whether cannabidiol (CBD) could reduce muscle pain and improve physical recovery following exercise-induced injury. The study included 29 healthy adults who received either a full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD tincture or a placebo for 15 days. Participants in the CBD group received 67 mg of CBD daily, administered under the tongue. Researchers then induced muscle soreness and temporary impairment through a controlled exercise protocol targeting the quadriceps muscles.
The results showed that participants receiving CBD experienced less muscle pain, both at rest and during movement, 48 hours after injury compared with those receiving the placebo. The CBD group also demonstrated less muscle strength loss and fewer physical limitations during recovery. Researchers estimated that participants taking CBD recovered approximately 12 hours faster on average, with recovery times of 4.4 days compared with 4.8 days for the placebo group. No participants reported adverse reactions or treatment-related side effects during the trial.
The researchers concluded that full-spectrum CBD demonstrated promising potential for reducing exercise-related muscle pain and supporting physical recovery. However, because this was a small feasibility trial, the findings are preliminary and do not establish definitive effectiveness. Larger human clinical trials are needed to confirm whether CBD consistently improves muscle recovery, reduces pain, and helps restore physical function following exercise-induced injuries.
Source: Stauffer JW, Crow JA, Bishop MD, Cook RL, Borsa PA. Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) on reducing pain and functional impairment associated with exercise-induced muscle injury: a randomized placebo-controlled feasibility trial. Journal of Cannabis Research. 2026;8:64.