On June 22nd, in a historic moment, Major League Baseball (MLB) officially welcomed CBD sponsorship into professional baseball. Provisions included that all partners are certified by NSF, a global health and safety organization, to ensure that products do not contain THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
In late 2023, the Kansas City Royals became the second MLB team to sign a CBD sponsorship deal with Pure Spectrum CBD, to educate baseball players and fans about the benefits of Cannabidiol.
“As someone who grew up in Kansas City, this partnership with the Kansas City Royals is more than a ‘dream come true’ for me…”
Dan Huerter, CEO of Pure Spectrum
Cannabidiol (CBD) is proving to be the MVP of cannabinoids for athletes globally on and off the field. CBD can help athletes strengthen their immune systems, reduce stress and anxiety, speed up recovery, relieve pain, provide optimal sleep, and reduce inflammation. Outside of providing medicinal properties, CBD offers an opportunity to create unique product offerings and push education forward.
The MLB/CBD Movement
MLB & Charlotte’s Web- In late 2022, MLB announced Charlotte’s Web as the official CBD Sponsor. The exclusive multi-year strategic partnership focused on increasing and promoting CBD visibility to MLB athletes, fans and communities across North America.
“As a leader in the CBD category, with products that provide health and wellness benefits, Charlotte’s Web is a welcome addition to the MLB family, representing a landmark partnership in baseball and sports.”
Noah Garden, CRO of MLB
Shifting the Sports Cannabis conversation in North America, Charlotte’s Web aims to fill a gap in the Sports Cannabis industry for NSF Certified for Sport CBD products for players and consumers who are looking for clean natural modalities. The NSF Certified for Sport program verifies that products do not contain any of approximately 270+ banned substances by major athletic organizations and is a globally recognized third-party organization that establishes standards for safety, quality, sustainability and performance.
“We applaud MLB for being the first-mover in professional sports CBD and are thrilled to welcome their league as a respected strategic partner… Bridging our industry-leading brands with science, innovation, and education, this pioneering partnership validates Charlotte’s Web’s core business principle and founding mission to open access to safe, quality and consistent CBD through our proprietary hemp genetics and industry-forging vision.”
-Jacques Tortoroli, CEO of Charlotte’s Web
Chicago Cubs & MYND Drinks- In 2023, the Chicago Cubs officially became the first Major League Baseball (MLB) team to partner with a CBD company, MYND Drinks, a Chicago-based cannabis beverage brand.
Looking to fill a gap in the Sports Cannabis industry for NSF Certified products, MYND Drinks developed a line of CBD beverages that are 100% plant-based, boast a great taste and are developed with premium ingredients.
“When MLB opened the CBD category for its clubs, it allowed us to explore new partnership opportunities and offerings…” adding “We’re proud to be the first club to partner with a CBD company, but what was more important to us was making sure that the brand was the right fit…”
-Alex Seyferth, VP of Corporate Partnerships for the Chicago Cubs
The partnership has allowed MYND Drinks to gain maximum visibility and the opportunity to provide athletes with natural and effective pain relief options. In addition to the partnership, the Cubs aim to bolster their health and wellness campaign with guided meditation segments, which will be released on YouTube and narrated by Cubs radio commentator Pat Hughes.
Looking Forward
Athletes around the world are coming to the forefront to create unique products and services for the Cannabis Industry. Retired MLB athlete, Hall of Famer, global icon and entrepreneur David Ortiz made waves by announcing the “Papi Cannabis” line in partnership with Rev Brands changing the game for MLB athletes looking to invest in the industry. The pressure is now on the NFL, NHL and NBA to act next.
Sports Cannabis
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Break The Stigma
SPORTS CANNABIS 