Why More Athletes are Turning to Cannabis

Behind the apparent increase in support for the plant among pro athletes and the reasons why athletes are turning to cannabis

In recent years, an increasing number of athletes from various professional sports have been embracing cannabis for its potential benefits in managing pain, improving mental health, and supporting overall well-being. These athletes are challenging the long-standing stigma associated with cannabis use in sports and paving the way for a more open and informed discussion about its potential advantages.

One notable figure who has been instrumental in advocating for cannabis use among athletes is former NFL Quarterback Jim McMahon. McMahon's journey with cannabis began after enduring the physical toll of a fifteen-season career in a sport known for its grueling physicality. Struggling with chronic pain and addiction to pharmaceutical pain medications, McMahon discovered the potential of cannabis as a safer and more effective alternative. When medical marijuana became legal in Arizona, McMahon saw an opportunity to not only improve his own well-being but also create a positive impact for other athletes. Alongside former NFL players Kyle Turley and Eben Britton, McMahon co-founded Revenant, a cannabis brand focused on providing natural relief to athletes.

Across different sports, athletes are finding success stories with cannabis. One such example comes from the world of professional ice hockey. Riley Cote, a former player for the Philadelphia Flyers, turned to cannabis after retiring from the NHL. Cote found that cannabis helped him manage pain and promote recovery from the physical demands of the sport. Inspired by his experience, Cote founded BodyChek Wellness, a hemp-based wellness brand that offers a range of products catering to athletes and individuals seeking natural alternatives for pain relief and overall wellness.

Combat sports, including MMA, have also seen athletes embrace cannabis. Nate Diaz, a renowned MMA fighter, made headlines when he openly vaped CBD oil during a post-fight press conference. Diaz's action sparked discussions and raised awareness about the potential benefits of cannabis in combat sports. Other fighters have shared similar experiences, noting that cannabis aids in recovery, reduces inflammation, and promotes relaxation after intense training sessions and fights.

The influence of cannabis is not limited to individual sports. In team sports like basketball, athletes are also recognizing its potential advantages. Al Harrington, a former NBA player, founded Viola Brands, a cannabis company that offers a variety of cannabis products. Harrington's interest in cannabis arose from witnessing its positive impact on his grandmother, who suffered from glaucoma. Now, he actively advocates for cannabis use in the NBA, aiming to educate players and promote responsible cannabis consumption.

Beyond McMahon, Cote, Diaz, and Harrington, many other athletes from diverse sports have openly shared their experiences with cannabis. Eugene Monroe, a former NFL player, became an outspoken advocate for cannabis use in football, particularly for managing pain and promoting brain health. Megan Rapinoe, a prominent soccer player and Olympic gold medalist, has expressed her support for cannabis as a natural alternative to prescription medications. These athletes, among others, are contributing to a growing movement that highlights the potential benefits of cannabis in sports.

Behind the Science of Cannabis-Related Physical Therapy

One aspect that further supports the use of cannabis among athletes is the emerging science behind cannabis-related physical therapy. Expert analysis and research have shown promising correlations between cannabis use and effective and timely healing, as well as the alleviation of joint and muscle soreness or inflammation.

According to Dr. Rachel Knox, a certified cannabinoid medicine specialist, cannabis possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing pain and accelerating the recovery process. The compounds found in cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain, mood, and inflammation. By targeting these pathways, cannabis may provide athletes with a natural and potentially safer alternative to traditional pain medications.

A study conducted by the University of South Carolina explored the effects of cannabis on exercise

-induced inflammation. The research revealed that cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), exhibited anti-inflammatory properties and helped mitigate the inflammatory response caused by intense physical activity. This finding suggests that cannabis has the potential to assist athletes in managing post-workout soreness and promoting faster recovery.

Furthermore, another study published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine examined the impact of CBD on athletes with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The results showed that CBD demonstrated neuroprotective effects and helped reduce brain inflammation, potentially aiding in the recovery process for athletes who have suffered concussions or other head injuries. These findings highlight the potential benefits of cannabis in addressing not only physical but also neurological challenges faced by athletes.

These scientific insights reinforce the experiences shared by athletes who have incorporated cannabis into their training and recovery routines. By leveraging the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of cannabis, athletes may find relief from pain, improved muscle recovery, and enhanced overall well-being.

Expanding the Scope: Athletes from Various Sports

While McMahon, Cote, Diaz, Harrington, Monroe, and Rapinoe have been influential advocates for cannabis in their respective sports, athletes from a wide range of disciplines have also embraced its potential benefits.

In the world of professional football, Ricky Williams, a former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner, has been an outspoken supporter of cannabis for pain management and overall wellness. Williams founded Real Wellness, a company that offers cannabis-based products, with a focus on promoting health and balance.

Professional golf has also seen athletes turn to cannabis. Cliff Robinson, a former NBA player who later pursued a career in golf, openly advocated for cannabis use to manage pain and enhance focus on the golf course.

Even in sports like surfing, cannabis has found its place. WSL World Champion surfer, Kelly Slater, has expressed his interest in exploring the benefits of cannabis for athletes and its potential applications in surfing.

These examples demonstrate that cannabis is increasingly gaining recognition among athletes from various sports. As more athletes share their experiences and the scientific understanding behind cannabis continues to evolve, it is becoming evident that cannabis holds the potential to revolutionize how athletes approach recovery, pain management, and overall performance.

The growing number of athletes turning to cannabis reflects a shift in attitudes and a greater awareness of its potential benefits. Athletes like McMahon, Cote, Diaz, Harrington, Monroe, Rapinoe, Williams, Robinson, and Slater, among many others, are leading the way by openly sharing their stories and advocating for responsible cannabis use in sports.

The emerging science behind cannabis-related physical therapy further supports the potential advantages of cannabis in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting recovery. As more research is conducted and regulations evolve, it is crucial for sports organizations and governing bodies to adapt and consider the potential benefits that cannabis can offer to athletes while ensuring fair play and competition integrity.

The narratives of these athletes and the scientific insights behind cannabis-related physical therapy serve as a catalyst for continued discussions and informed decision-making. By embracing the potential benefits of cannabis, athletes and the sports community can pave the way for a future where cannabis is seen as a valuable tool in supporting the health, well-being, and performance of athletes across all sports.