Skating to break the stigma, normalize the conversation and advocate for change, Bethany Semeiks is moving the needle forward and paving the path for athletes around the world. For 8 years Bethany Semeiks was known as the “B-Train” dominating Women’s Roller Derby and today she’s using CBD to help with sleep, recovery and relief. With an opportunity to shift the perception Bethany’s using her platform to move timely topics to the forefront and create awareness around the endocannabinoid system.
With a relentless work ethic and ferocious appetite to succeed, Bethany was destined to be a leader. After graduating highschool she went on to complete a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from University of Maryland, a Masters of Business Administration focused on Marketing and Business Strategy from the University of California, Irvine and today is in progress of completing her Masters of Science in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. During these years she found Roller Derby, a Sport that spoke to her and gave her an outlet as well as another platform she could dominate. Quickly rising up the ranks, she became a legend in the scene and today coaches others following in her footsteps.
Let’s pause for a moment, for most people, this schedule would be demanding enough, University/Masters classes, coupled with Roller Derby responsibilities, this would be their cap. However for Bethany, it was just the opposite. Born with a creative soul, an eye for niche markets and a strong marketing background, B-Train co-developed Wicked Skatewear with her best friend Strychnine. After years of success, Bethany left the company, shifting her focus onto the Cannabis industry and today is the Business Team Leader at NuLeaf Naturals. Bethany defies the Cannabis lazy stoner stereotype everyday by being herself, a constant force moving the needle forward as well as educating and advocating for clean, natural modalities.
Bethany Semeiks x Sports Cannabis Interviews
Sports Cannabis :
You’ve constantly pushed yourself to the limit, where does that drive, the relentless pursuit come from?
Bethany Semeiks :
“I grew up in a hustle household and if you want something, it’s up to you to go get it. Once you start seeing results in schoolwork, athletics, career or giving back, I can’t imagine not always being in pursuit for something. Please also understand, there are always moments in the day where I recharge and that’s typically on the lake with Waffles and Hazel!”
Sports Cannabis :
Why Roller Derby, what hooked you to the sport?
Bethany Semeiks :
“In 2006, I saw a flyer in a bar about skating fast and hitting people. As a hockey player who didn’t like going to the gym at the time, it was perfect. After the first practice, I went all in to purchase the gear and since I’m a nerd, I found every piece of media on the history of sport that I could find.”
Sports Cannabis :
When did you ultimately introduce cannabis for recovery, relief and what was your ah-ha moment?
Bethany Semeiks :
“It wasn’t until 2017 that I tried to incorporate CBD into my health and wellness routine. At the time, I went to a very competitive gym and anything that I could get my hands on to help tomorrow hurt less, I would try it. A friend at the gym worked for a vape company so I bought a couple carts and felt zero difference. Cannabis as a recovery method went away until I was poached by a med tech company in the cannabis space to move to Colorado and at that point, the rest is history. The ah-ha moment is 2018 when I got my hands on quality products to take at night. Without them, my sleep is off, this 41-year-old body creaks and cracks and it’s not a good look in the morning!”“
Sports Cannabis :
What does your cannabis routine look like today and what is your favourite mode of consumption?
Bethany Semeiks :
“I am very spoiled working for NuLeaf Naturals and my preferred method of consumption is our capsules. Each night, I take CBD, CBN and Multicannabinoid about an hour before bed. I’m one of those jerks who wakes up at 3am and my brain wants to party. If I’m having trouble falling asleep, then I’ll grab our tincture for a faster delivery time. Though I really need the capsules to carry me through the night.”
Sports Cannabis :
How have you defied the lazy stoner cliche throughout your academic and professional career?
Bethany Semeiks :
“During The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics orientation last month at the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy, I had to laugh in the face of a young 20 something classmate who hadn’t brushed her hair in over a year, smelled of patchouli and was wearing a blanket when she applauded me for my stereotypical stoner look … an athleisure look that included of metallic rose gold Jordan’s, black pants and a super cute off the shoulder Mile High Dispensary long sleeve. I defy the lazy stoner cliché daily by going for another masters and leading the Inside Sales team at NuLeaf Naturals.”
Sports Cannabis :
Leagues and Sports have been slow to adopt the plant, have they done enough and where would you like to see sports and cannabis in the next 2-4 years?
Bethany Semeiks :
“As long as WADA bans all cannabinoids except CBD isolate, overall adoption will stand still. I would love to see all cannabinoids available in every professional, college and hobby sports locker as available as Advil.”
Sports Cannabis :
Why is it important to build a community for cannabis culture?
Bethany Semeiks :
“We have decades of stigma to fight! Coming out of Medical Cannabis History, Culture and Policy, we can see the moments in time there was an opportunity to shift the cannabis conversation to medicine instead of crime. Unfortunately, that moment passed and then there was Nixon, the War on Drugs, DARE and sweet Nancy Reagan creating the stigma. Cannabis can help a variety of ailments for humans and pets, I’ve even incorporated CBD use into my dogs routine.”
Sports Cannabis :
You have a few dogs and have talked about partnering CBD into their routines. What made you take that step and how effective has the treatment been? (and) what does the routine look like?
Bethany Semeiks :
“I originally found CBD to help with Waffles fear of sky booms around July 4 th . While I had ZERO clue what I was doing with the dosage, I love that my dog was my dog and not some drooling vessel on anti-anxiety medicine that the vet prescribed. Today, my 25 lb dog, Waffles, gets 2 drops or 6mg of NuLeaf in each meal for overall health and wellness. I’ve noticed that he jumps higher, farther and is less of a total jerk. Hazel is 45 lbs., has a luxating patella, bad hips and cancer so she gets 5 drops or 15mg NuLeaf per meal and acts like a puppy.”
Sports Cannabis :
Talk to us about the current/future initiatives you’re taking on to break the stigma and normalize the cannabis conversation?
Bethany Semeiks :
“Besides grad school, we have a core group of former professional athletes and Olympians in the Denver area that spends time monthly with Pat Karns, founder of ProAdvocates. He is the former Head Athletic Trainer for the Colorado Avalanche winning two NHL Stanley Cups and Head Athletic Trainer for US Men’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal winning team. He’s also the former staff Athletic Trainer for the Minnesota Timberwolves. ProAdvocates is an organization that helps former professional athletes, Olympians and college athletes come together with “experienced sports medicine providers” to serve their post-career life. It’s difficult in their post-career to receive the high level of medical care that they received in their respective league.”
Sports Cannabis :
Can you share advice for others following in your footsteps?
Bethany Semeiks :
“Know your why! If you know your why, you can endure the how. My why is to keep veterans and former professional athletes here with us and not eating a gun. Keep going. For the love of all things holy – we need you & it!”
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BREAK THE STIGMA
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