South Florida’s fitness scene moves fast—beach runs at sunrise, hot yoga at noon, and strength or cycling classes after work. In Fort Lauderdale, many athletes and everyday movers are layering cannabidiol (CBD) into that routine to target three goals: recovery, relaxation, and focus. The evidence base is still developing, but several signals explain why locals are curious—and how to use CBD responsibly.
On recovery, recent reviews suggest CBD may help with exercise-related soreness and inflammation, though study quality and sample sizes vary. A 2024 systematic review of physically active adults found preliminary benefits across pain, sleep, and perceived recovery, while emphasizing the need for larger, well-controlled trials. Laboratory and field studies echo the caution: CBD is widely marketed to athletes, but rigorous data on performance effects remain limited. In practice, Fort Lauderdale gyms and spas position CBD topicals as add-ons to massage or bodywork to soothe high-use areas after training. PURE Spa at the Pelican Grand offers CBD body care upgrades aimed at muscle relief, while the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Spa features a THC-free massage that blends broad-spectrum CBD with arnica and juniper to support recovery.
Relaxation is the second driver. Many athletes report using CBD to downshift after late sessions, citing better sleep quality and less pre-competition stress. A 2023 overview in Frontiers in Pharmacology notes potential anxiolytic and sleep benefits, again with the caveat that findings are preliminary and dosing standards aren’t settled. Locally, recovery-focused studios pair CBD retail products with infrared, cold plunge, or contrast therapy to help the nervous system settle post-workout; Fort Lauderdale’s wellness studios and yoga spaces commonly merchandise CBD balms or tinctures alongside those modalities.
Focus is the third use case. While CBD isn’t a stimulant, some athletes report steadier pre-workout mindset by reducing background anxiety. Importantly for competitive athletes, CBD itself is permitted by the World Anti-Doping Agency; cannabinoids remain complex in sport, but WADA removed CBD from its prohibited list in 2018 (all other natural or synthetic cannabinoids remain banned in-competition). The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency highlights that exemption while warning about THC contamination risk in poorly labeled products.
What about legality and safety? In Florida, hemp-derived CBD became broadly lawful to cultivate and sell under the state’s 2019 hemp program (SB 1020), aligning with the federal Farm Bill—so long as products meet testing and labeling rules. Federally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD for use in foods or dietary supplements and continues to issue warning letters to firms making unproven health claims; the agency has asked Congress to create a new regulatory pathway. Consumers should favor products with third-party lab results and avoid medical claims.
How locals are using CBD right now:
- Topicals for spot relief after long runs or strength days (e.g., CBD massage add-ons at Fort Lauderdale spas).
- Evening tinctures or capsules to support sleep—best approached conservatively and discussed with a clinician, especially if taking other medications.
- Pre-session “calm focus” routines (breath work, light mobility, low-dose CBD) for athletes who find anxiety blunts performance—again, product quality and testing are essential to avoid unwanted THC.
Bottom line: CBD is visible across Fort Lauderdale’s wellness ecosystem and may complement recovery, relaxation, and mental composure. But it’s not a shortcut—train smart, prioritize sleep and nutrition, choose tested products, and speak with a health professional before adding cannabinoids to your plan.