In the high-stakes world of professional sports, where the pursuit of peak performance often collides with the harsh realities of physical strain and injury, athletes are increasingly turning to a new ally: cannabis. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals riddled with side effects, such as opioids, anti-inflammatories, steroids, and painkillers, cannabis offers a natural, clean alternative.
Today, athletes embrace a holistic wellness approach, prioritizing sustainable, effective solutions over conventional remedies.
Athletes Leading the Way
Calvin Johnson Jr., known as “Megatron,” made headlines not only for his exceptional talent on the football field but also for his openness about using cannabis for recovery and relief.
“I started using cannabis in the NFL as a medicinal outlet due to my bad back and an injury I sustained in my rookie year… Everybody else that was in the league at that time was being prescribed opioids, painkillers as well as anti-inflammatories. Witnessing it firsthand, seeing the way it affected my teammates and their families, as well as understanding the history of those drugs and what it does to your body, I knew I didn’t want to be affiliated with that.“
Following his retirement, Johnson teamed up with former Detroit Lions teammate Rob Sims to create Primitiv Group. The vertically integrated cannabis company operates in Michigan, where it is licensed for cultivation, processing, and retail sales.
“We will continue developing innovative products like the Primitiv Performance line. Looking forward, we’ve started preliminary discussions about disseminating educational material backed by research. It’s an exciting time for Primitiv as we get closer to sharing the content with respected institutions about cannabis research.”
Ricky Williams, a former NFL running back, faced scrutiny during his playing days for his outspoken support of cannabis. Williams, known for his holistic approach to health and wellness, has since founded Highsman, a lifestyle cannabis wellness brand and continues to champion its therapeutic benefits.
A prominent advocate in the political landscape, Williams is using his platform to fight for plant equality and athletic acceptance.
“Incorporating cannabis into the conversation, at least in my experience, has shifted the narrative toward wellness. Now, when the NFL Players Association discusses cannabis with NFL owners, it’s not about substances of abuse; it’s about well-being. As this conversation expands, which it must, more athletes are realizing that cannabis is a better option for them compared to alcohol, painkillers, and opioids.”
NBA Game Changer, in the NBA, Kevin Durant and Al Harrington have been vocal cannabis proponents. A two-time NBA champion, Durant is taking bold steps by investing in their potential. As an astute entrepreneur and visionary investor with a keen interest in technology, Durant has positioned himself to reap the benefits of these burgeoning industries both on and off the court. Harrington, who enjoyed a successful career spanning 16 seasons, founded Viola Brands, a cannabis enterprise bearing his grandmother’s name. Since its inception, Viola Brands has surged to prominence in the cannabis realm, garnering MVP accolades from enthusiasts and aficionados across North America. Harrington and Viola Brands have focused on uplifting Black and Brown-owned businesses and legacy operators, prioritizing social equity initiatives and education.
Rohan Marley, a standout at the University of Miami and son of legendary musician Bob Marley, has also shared his journey with cannabis. Marley’s advocacy extends beyond personal use; he believes in the plant’s ability to promote overall well-being, drawing parallels between athletic performance and holistic health.
On April 20, 2022, Rohan Marley, launched Lion Order, a cannabis roots luxury lifestyle brand connected to the essence of life and the Rastafari mindset.
“Cannabis is a way of life. It creates unity, opens pathways of understanding, raises consciousness, and connects us to a higher purpose. Our mission is to create the highest quality herbs and lifestyle products that elevate consciousness and culture…”
Expert Insights: The Science Behind the Hype
Behind these personal stories are scientific findings that support cannabis’ potential benefits in sports medicine. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, influencing pain perception, inflammation, and even mental acuity—all critical factors in an athlete’s performance and recovery.
Dr. Sue Sisley, a leading researcher in cannabis and sports medicine, emphasizes the need for further research while acknowledging the promising anecdotal evidence from athletes. Her work underscores the importance of understanding dosage, delivery methods, and individual variability in optimizing cannabis use for athletes.
Dr. Ryan Vandrey, a pharmacologist specializing in cannabis research, discusses the nuanced effects of cannabinoids on athletic performance. From enhancing sleep quality to mitigating the effects of overtraining, cannabinoids offer a multifaceted approach to supporting athlete health.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While attitudes towards cannabis are evolving, challenges remain. Regulatory hurdles, inconsistent policies across sports leagues, and lingering stereotypes continue to shape the landscape. However, as more athletes share their positive experiences and as scientific inquiry progresses, the potential for cannabis to become a mainstream fixture in sports medicine grows stronger.
The journey towards embracing cannabis in sports is marked by personal courage, scientific exploration, and a commitment to holistic athlete care. As athletes like Calvin Johnson Jr., Ricky Williams, Kevin Durant, Al Harrington, and Rohan Marley continue to lead by example, the conversation around cannabis shifts from controversy to consideration, from stigma to acceptance. In doing so, they challenge traditional norms and pave the way for a new era of wellness in sports—one where natural alternatives play a pivotal role in supporting health, wellness and recovery.
Sports Cannabis
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
SPORTS CANNABIS 