You smash leg day ... and then can't walk down the stairs. So it's no surprise that CBD and "functional" mushrooms are popping up in gym bags everywhere.
But can they really help with recovery, energy and muscle support – or is it just hype?
Let's break it down.
How CBD may support muscle recovery
A 2023 narrative review on CBD in sport suggests CBD can reduce inflammatory markers and perceived muscle damage after fatiguing exercise, potentially helping recovery.
Small human trials have found that CBD can reduce post-exercise soreness at certain doses, though results are mixed and not all studies show a benefit.
Where CBD looks especially promising is in sleep and stress. Better sleep = better gains. Reviews show CBD can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in some people, which indirectly supports training, recovery and consistency.
Key recovery takeaways:
- May reduce exercise-induced inflammation and soreness
- May support deeper sleep and lower pre-competition anxiety
- Evidence is promising but not conclusive – dosing and product quality matter
CBD, energy and performance: early days
A 2024 systematic review on CBD and exercise performance found small improvements in the volume of oxygen used per minute and power output in some studies, but overall effects were modest and inconsistent.
In other words, CBD is not a magic pre-workout. Think of it more as a recovery and regulation tool than an energy drink replacement.
Enter mushrooms: cordyceps, lion's mane and reishi
This is where things get exciting for endurance and focus.
Cordyceps – the "oxygen" mushroom
Human and meta-analysis data show cordyceps can improve endurance, ventilatory threshold and the volume of oxygen used per minute peak. They may speed up the resolution of exercise-induced muscle damage.
Lion's mane – brain and stress support
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce stress and improve cognitive performance in healthy adults – great for mind-muscle connection and staying focused during long sessions.
Reishi – chill and immune resilience
Reishi (Ganoderma lucifum) is being studied for immune modulation, antioxidant effects and potential support for fatigue and stress – helpful when you're training hard and flirting with overreaching.
Stacking CBD and mushrooms: smart starter ideas
Always chat to a healthcare professional first, especially if you're on meds or compete in test sports.
- Evening recovery stack: Low-to-moderate CBD + reishi to support relaxation, sleep and overnight repair.
- Endurance days: Cordyceps (taken daily for weeks, not just once) + consistent CBD for inflammation management and joint comfort.
- Focus sessions: Lion's mane in the morning, CBD later in the day to help you wind down.
Start low, track how you feel, and only buy third-party tested products with clear CBD and mushroom extract doses.
Final word
CBD and mushrooms won't replace hard training, good programming and solid nutrition – but they may become powerful allies for recovery, energy regulation and muscle support as the science evolves.
References
- McCartney, D., et al. (2023). Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: A Narrative Review. Sports Medicine – Open.
- Gbric, K.E., et al. (2024). Cannabidiol and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
- Dudgeon, W.D., et al. (2016). Cordyceps Militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise in Healthy Adults. High Altitude Medicine and Biology.
- Kawagishi, H., et al. (2022). Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) and Cognitive Performance: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
- Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2011). Ganoderma ludicum (Reishi) – Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Properties. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (CRC Press).
- Zhou, X., et al. (2019). Bioactive Compounds of Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Benefits for Athletes. Food Science and Human Wellness.
Disclaimer: This blog supports responsible cannabis use. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
CBD and Mushrooms for Fitness