For years, professional athletes have been expected to endure insane levels of physical punishment, all while staying silent about the pain. The go-to remedy? A cocktail of prescription opioids and painkillers. But as the conversation around cannabis shifts, more and more athletes are stepping up to challenge outdated policies, embrace the plant, and advocate openly for cannabis in sports.
Mike Tyson – The Knockout King Turned Cannabis Mogul
If there’s anyone who’s taken their love for cannabis to the next level, it’s Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champ now runs Tyson 2.0, a cannabis empire known for producing top-tier flower and edibles. He’s been open about how weed helps him with pain, mental health, and overall wellness because boxing isn’t exactly gentle on the body or brain.
Ricky Williams – From the NFL to Highsman
Former NFL running back Ricky Williams was practically exiled from the league in the prime of his career for cannabis use, but he never backed down. Today, he runs Highsman, a cannabis brand designed specifically for athletes. Ricky has been one of the loudest voices pushing for the NFL to reform its outdated stance on cannabis, advocating for its medicinal benefits over pharmaceuticals.
The Diaz Brothers – Stockton’s Finest Smoke Loud
You can’t discuss athletes and cannabis without mentioning Nick and Nate Diaz. These UFC legends are basically walking cannabis icons, openly smoking joints at press conferences and flaunting CBD vapes mid-interviews. They’re proving that elite fighters and triathletes can benefit from the plant without compromising their performance.
Al Harrington – Building Viola for the Culture
A former NBA standout, Al Harrington has transformed into a full-blown cannabis entrepreneur. His brand, Viola, sells fire weed, but it’s also empowering Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis space and pushing for industry equity. Harrington has been vocal about using cannabis to manage pain and recover from years of pro ball wear and tear.
Eugene Monroe – The NFL’s First Cannabis Crusader
In 2016, Eugene Monroe became the first active NFL player to publicly demand the league change its cannabis policy. He knew firsthand how prescription painkillers were wrecking players’ bodies, and he wasn’t afraid to say so. Now retired, Monroe continues to fight for cannabis reform in sports, advocating for safer alternatives to opioids.
Cliff Robinson – A Trailblazer on and off the Court
Before his passing in 2020, Cliff Robinson, aka “Uncle Cliffy,” was a major cannabis advocate. He spoke openly about how weed helped him with pain management, anxiety, and post-career recovery in a time long before the NBA eased up on its cannabis policies. The 1993 Sixth Man of the Year was suspended three times for violating cannabis use policies.
Sha’Carri Richardson – Sparking the Olympic Debate
When track star Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended from the Olympics after testing positive for THC, the world took notice. Her case reignited the debate over outdated cannabis rules in sports, exposing the hypocrisy of punishing athletes for a plant that’s legal in most of the U.S. While she wasn’t trying to be an activist, her situation forced a much-needed conversation.
Ross Rebagliati – The OG Olympic Weed Controversy
Long before Sha’Carri, snowboarder Ross Rebagliati was at the center of an Olympic weed scandal. After winning gold in the 1998 Winter Games, he nearly lost his medal for testing positive for THC. Fast-forward to today, and he owns Ross’ Gold, a cannabis brand dedicated to athletes. He was ahead of his time, and now the world is catching up.
Michael Phelps – The Bong Rip Heard Around the World
Although Michael Phelps never positioned himself as a cannabis advocate, that infamous bong photo in 2009 sparked one of the biggest debates on weed in sports. While he distanced himself from the plant publicly, the situation highlighted how cannabis use among elite athletes isn’t as rare as leagues would like people to believe.
Calvin Johnson – Megatron Goes Green
NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson took the hits, played through the pain, and left the game early because of it. Now, he’s flipping the script with fellow NFL veteran Rob Sims by founding Primitiv, a cannabis company dedicated to athlete recovery. Johnson is using his platform to push for cannabis research, showing how the plant can be a safer alternative to the brutal opioid culture in pro sports.
The Future of Cannabis in Sports
With leagues slowly reevaluating their outdated cannabis policies, it’s clear that the stigma is fading. More players are speaking up, more businesses are booming, and cannabis is proving itself to be a legitimate tool for recovery, performance, and overall wellness.
