Weed for Athletes

Cannabis has long worn a cultural stigma—but in recent years, a prominent wave of athletes have begun embracing the plant for its therapeutic and recovery benefits. As high-profile sports figures continue to speak out, we’re seeing a shift in how cannabis is viewed in elite sports. Let’s explore why athletes are turning to cannabis, who some of the most vocal advocates are, and what science says about its potential benefits—and limits—in athletic performance.

Notable Athlete Advocates

Al Harrington (NBA)

A former 16-year NBA veteran, Al Harrington founded Viola Brands in 2012 after experiencing chronic pain and realizing the healing power of cannabis. His company now boasts a valuation north of $100 million and champions Black entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry. (talksport.com)

Travis Kelce (NFL)

Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce has openly said that 50–80% of NFL players use cannabis, and he’s shared how players often time their usage to avoid testing while benefiting from its effects.

Eugene Monroe (NFL)

In 2016, offensive lineman Eugene Monroe became the first active NFL player to publicly advocate for cannabis. He urged the NFL to remove cannabis from the banned list and highlighted its advantages over opioids for pain management.

Champ Bailey (NFL)

Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey credited cannabis for helping him avoid prescription painkillers and effectively manage chronic pain post-career. He now serves as a cannabis advocate and brand collaborator.

Elias Theodorou (MMA/UFC)

The first North American pro athlete to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for cannabis in 2020, Elias Theodorou used cannabis to treat nerve pain from injuries—and this exemption paved the way for others.(Wikipedia.com)

Why Athletes Use Cannabis: The Science & Biology

⚖️ Pain Relief & Inflammation Management

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system—particularly CB1 (central) and CB2 (immune)—to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. One study shows that 10 mg THC is as effective as 60 mg codeine, with added relaxation benefits. CBD, meanwhile, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that aid recovery after intense exercise.

💤 Enhanced Recovery & Sleep

High-intensity training can lead to muscle soreness, inflammation, and fatigue. CBD is recognized for its analgesic and anxiolytic effects, while THC can help with sleep regulation—both crucial for athlete recovery and performance .

😌 Stress Reduction & Mental Focus

THC helps some athletes manage pre-competition anxiety and maintain mental clarity. Olympian freeskier Tanner Hall credited cannabis for his "stress, anxiety" control during competitions, believing it helped him perform consistently.(BusinessInsider.com)

🧠 Neuroprotection & Brain Health

Certain cannabinoids exhibit neuroprotective benefits, potentially aiding recovery from concussions and head injuries—common in high-impact sports .

What Studies Say: Benefits vs. Limitations

Current Evidence

A review of cannabis and athletic performance highlights mixed evidence: while cannabis shows promise for pain, inflammation, recovery, and anxiety, there’s no strong case for direct performance enhancement, and THC may impair functions like coordination and decision-making.

Athlete Surveys

Surveys show many athletes use cannabis specifically for therapeutic purposes: a PLOS One-backed study found that among athletes who used cannabis, 61% used it for pain relief, and 68% reported positive results for pain, sleep, and calmness.(hub.jhu.com)

CBD-Specific Research

A narrative review highlights CBD’s anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, anxiolytic, and pain-relieving potential. However, it also stressed that more high-quality human data is needed, especially in elite athletes.

Pros & Cons for Athletes

Changing Policies & Recognition

Organizations like the NFL Players Association have started investing in cannabis research—notably a $1 million CBD study to explore its use as a painkiller alternative to NSAIDs like Toradol. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its banned substance list in 2018, acknowledging its therapeutic potential. THC remains restricted, but regional policy shifts reflect evolving attitudes.(TimesofIndia)

Real-World Impact

Athletes like Kyle Turley and Eben Britton have formed advocacy groups, such as the Gridiron Cannabis Coalition and Athletes for Care, lobbying for policy reform in professional sports. Rachael Rapinoe, twin of soccer star Megan, founded Mendi to provide CBD wellness solutions, citing personal experiences with opioids and recovery.(GQ.com)

Final Thoughts

References