Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018 ignited a global movement, dismantling stigma and opening doors to unprecedented opportunities in sports. Once relegated to the sidelines due to strict regulations and societal stigma, cannabis is now taking center stage as athletes and institutions embrace its potential benefits. In a transformative shift, cannabis has emerged from the shadows to become a game-changer for athletes worldwide.
Building the Foundation
NBA: The NBA is leading the charge by agreeing to a green-inclusive future in the latest CBA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Commencing from the 2023-2024 season, the National Basketball Association boldly announced its decision to cease penalizing players for cannabis consumption, effectively removing it from the league’s stringent anti-drug testing program. A new era of progressive policy and athlete advocacy is underway, reshaping the sports landscape toward innovation and holistic care.
WNBA/NBA: Shooting over the competition, the Brooklyn Nets and NY Liberty make history by becoming the first professional basketball teams to sign a CBD Sponsorship deal. This landmark agreement not only signifies a growing acceptance of cannabis products in mainstream sports but also highlights a strategic shift towards prioritizing player recovery and wellness through innovative partnerships.
NFL: The NFL has also made significant strides by investing $1 million in research studying the effects of cannabinoids on elite football athletes. The commitment represents the league’s recognition of cannabis as a potential tool for pain management and neuroprotection from concussion in elite football players. Paving the path forward are two teams from the University of San Diego and the University of Regina in Canada, which were selected by the NFL and the NFL Players Association’s Joint Pain Management Committee.
Retired NFL Athletes: Leading the charge off the field, former NFL stars Rob Sims and Calvin Johnson Jr., through their company Primitiv Performance, have teamed up with the Tigers in a groundbreaking CBD partnership. This collaboration focuses on leveraging CBD’s therapeutic properties to enhance athlete recovery and integrating cannabis into mainstream sports wellness programs.
UFC: In combat sports, the UFC’s decision to remove cannabis from its banned substances list marks a significant policy shift. This move acknowledges cannabis’s potential as a therapeutic aid rather than a performance-enhancing drug, aligning with broader shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis use in wellness contexts. The UFC sets a precedent for other combat sports organizations to follow by supporting fighter welfare and embracing alternative wellness solutions.
NCAA: The NCAA has cleared the lane by removing cannabis from the banned substance list. This progressive stance acknowledges the evolving science behind cannabis use and underscores a growing prioritization of player health and wellness over outdated punitive measures. The NCAA’s decision signals a broader shift towards more compassionate and science-driven policies across collegiate athletics.
Political Landscape: Beyond the sports arena, the DEA’s recent reclassification of cannabis has sparked debates on drug policy and wellness. This move reflects a growing consensus among experts and policymakers that cannabis should be approached with a balanced perspective that considers both potential risks and benefits. As attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve, so too do the regulatory frameworks that govern its use in professional and amateur sports alike.
As we stand on the precipice of a new era in athletics, the integration of cannabis represents not just a shift in policy but a transformative leap toward holistic athlete care. From the NBA’s progressive stance to the groundbreaking partnerships forged in Major League Baseball, cannabis is reshaping how we view recovery and wellness in sports. Looking ahead, the game isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the well-being of those who play it.
Sports Cannabis
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
SPORTS CANNABIS 