Breaking Barriers | The Rise of Weed in Professional Sports
Cannabis Acceptance in an Unexpected Place
June 2024 – Weed and professional athletes: two things you probably didn’t expect to see in the same sentence a few years ago unless someone found themselves suspended due to a positive drug test. Yet, here we are, in 2024, with the summer Olympics in Paris just around the corner, and cannabis use among athletes being a hotter topic than ever. As everyone’s favorite plant gains acceptance in society (roughly 9 out of 10 Americans support legal access now), its presence in the world of professional sports is becoming increasingly significant. That’s why I felt there would be no better way to kick off a summer filled with sports by discussing how policies have quickly changed around pro athletes consuming what was once considered a taboo plant — which is crazy to think about in itself…that a 28 million year old PLANT can be seen as taboo.
Let’s take a look at how the sports world’s stance on weed is changing faster than Sha’Carri Richardson’s 100 meter sprints.
Blazing Trails | The Brief History of Cannabis in Pro Sports
Before we jump into the current world of cannabis in professional sports, let’s first take a quick trip back in time. The history of cannabis prohibition in sports has been a rollercoaster of cultural shifts, scientific discoveries, and evolving attitudes.
By the 1930s, cannabis had been criminalized in the United States, which led to a ripple effect that reached professional sports. In the mid-20th century, as sports organizations sought to maintain a “clean” image, cannabis was firmly placed on the banned list.
Sparking up some weed hasn’t always been frowned upon by sports organizations though. Did you know that ancient athletes, like those in the original Olympic Games in Greece, were rumored to use cannabis to enhance their performance and alleviate pain? Fast forward to the 1960s and 70s, and cannabis made a quiet but noticeable comeback in the athletic community, aligning with the broader counterculture movement of the time. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that drug testing in sports became more rigorous, and cannabis found itself on the list of banned substances athletes were screened for.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which was established in 1999, set the global standard for prohibited substance testing in sports, and to no one’s surprise, cannabis was classified as a prohibited substance. This decision was based on the notion that cannabis violated the “spirit of sport“, “posed a health risk to athletes”, and “could potentially enhance performance” — Let’s all take a moment to roll our eyes.
Interestingly, in the early 2000s, the conversation around cannabis in professional sports started to shift. Athletes began to speak out about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, particularly for pain management and recovery. This was a significant departure from the past, where any association with cannabis could tarnish an athlete’s career. You may recall hearing about the controversy surrounding Ricky Williams, the NFL running back who famously retired from the league — for the first time — in 2004 partly due to the league’s strict cannabis policies. Williams, who eventually returned to the NFL, is now seen as a trailblazer amongst other professional athletes, advocating for the medicinal use of cannabis long before it became a mainstream topic.
In recent years, the landscape has transformed rapidly. With cannabis legalization spreading across various states and countries, sports organizations are re-evaluating their stances. This shift is reflective of a broader cultural acceptance and a growing body of research supporting the potential benefits of cannabis.
With 2024 being a Summer Olympics year, it’s fascinating to see how far we’ve come from the days of blanket prohibition. Athletes today are more vocal and influential in advocating for cannabis, and sports organizations are slowly but surely catching up. This evolving landscape is one of resilience, change, and the ongoing quest to balance fair play with the well-being of athletes.
Professional Sports Organizations and Their Stance on Cannabis
It should come as no surprise that most, if not all, professional sports organizations and governing bodies have been pushed in recent years by both the fans and pro athletes to update or clarify their views and policies surrounding cannabis consumption and/or prohibition. From fields, courts, rinks, and octagons, many governing sports organizations — and this part probably WILL surprise most — have altered their stance on weed.
Touchdowns and Tokes: The NFL’s Playbook on Cannabis
Ah, the NFL — known for its hard hits and gridiron glory, but what about its stance on weed? Historically, the league had a strict no-tolerance policy — Just ask any of these guys. Players caught with THC in their system once faced hefty fines, suspensions, and the dreaded “reputation hit“. The NFL’s testing protocols were once stringent, with random tests year-round and increased scrutiny during the season.
However, recent years have seen a positive shift. In 2020, the NFL Players Association negotiated changes that significantly reduced penalties for players testing positive for THC. Now, instead of suspensions, players may receive fines or mandated treatment programs. Additionally, drug screening tests seem to be less frequent. This change is a touchdown for player advocacy, highlighting the growing acceptance of cannabis for pain management and mental health. This is especially true considering that in a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, Chiefs’ tight end and now household name, Travis Kelce estimated that 50 to 80 percent of the NFL’s 1600 rostered players currently use cannabis.
Notable players like the aforementioned Ricky Williams and Calvin Johnson have also been vocal about their cannabis use and the benefits they’ve experienced. Additionally, several well-known players like Tiki Barber and Marshawn Lynch have taken on investor positions in cannabis brands after retiring from the league.
Hoops and Herb: The NBA’s Cannabis Journey
The NBA has been on an interesting journey with cannabis. Historically, the league tested players during the season and imposed fines and suspensions for positive results. However, the tide began to turn as players like Al Harrington and Matt Barnes started speaking out about their cannabis use and pushing for policy changes.
More recently, the NBA has shown a more progressive stance. During the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, the league stopped randomly testing players for cannabis, a policy that has continued into subsequent seasons. This shift is largely attributed to player advocacy and the growing recognition of cannabis as a potentially beneficial substance rather than the demonized drug as it was once portrayed.
Well-known situations, such as the 2019 suspension of players like Dion Waiters for a cannabis-related incident, have spurred discussions and influenced policy changes. The NBA’s evolving approach reflects a broader trend towards acceptance and understanding of cannabis in sports.
Bunts and Blunts: Baseball’s Evolving Cannabis Policies
Major League Baseball has come a long way from its strict anti-cannabis stance. Once subjecting players to regular testing and suspensions, MLB has now become one of the more progressive leagues regarding cannabis use. In 2019, MLB removed cannabis from its list of banned substances, treating it similarly to alcohol. Players are no longer penalized for cannabis use, although they are still tested for abuse and can face treatment programs if needed.
This policy shift came in response to changing societal views and the acknowledgment of cannabis’s medicinal benefits. Players have reacted positively, with many openly discussing how cannabis helps them manage pain and anxiety.
Hockey and Herb: The NHL’s Chill Approach
The NHL has always been a bit of an outlier when it comes to cannabis. Unlike other leagues, the NHL does not penalize players for positive cannabis tests. Instead, players who test positive are referred to the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program for evaluation. This impressively progressive approach recognizes that cannabis use does not necessarily impair performance or pose significant health risks to the degree that sports organizations once suggested.
Players and management have generally maintained a laid-back attitude towards cannabis, with many acknowledging its potential therapeutic benefits. The NHL’s stance reflects a broader acceptance of cannabis within the hockey community, where physical tolls of the sport often lead players to seek alternative pain relief methods — a welcomed mindset.
Punches and Pot: UFC’s Cannabis Chronicles
In the world of mixed martial arts, the UFC has had a rocky relationship with cannabis. Governed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), fighters were subjected to strict testing protocols, and positive tests often led to suspensions and fines.
However, things have been changing over the past few years. In 2021, the UFC and USADA announced that they would no longer punish fighters for positive cannabis tests, suggesting that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug. This policy shift was influenced by high-profile incidents, such as the preposterous 5 year suspension of top-tier fighter, Nick Diaz in 2015 for testing positive for THC, and the advocacy of athletes who use cannabis for pain management and recovery. To supplement their 2021 policy change, the UFC officially removed cannabis from its banned substances list altogether as of December 31st, 2023.
The UFC’s new approach is a knockout win for fighters, reflecting a broader acceptance of cannabis in the sport.
Goals and Green: FIFA’s Field of Cannabis Policies
FIFA, the global governing body of soccer — or football, for our readers outside the US — oversees not just the World Cup but a vast network of national leagues and tournaments. Given its influential role, FIFA’s stance on cannabis is of significant interest. In the past, FIFA has adhered to strict anti-doping regulations aligned with the WADA, with cannabis being treated like a performance-enhancing drug, leading to penalties such as suspensions and fines.
FIFA conducts regular drug testing across all levels of competition, including random and targeted tests to detect a wide range of substances, cannabis included. However, the conversation around cannabis has shifted dramatically due to changing laws and increasing recognition of its potential therapeutic benefits. In 2013, WADA raised the threshold for a positive cannabis test, acknowledging that social use should not lead to disqualification. FIFA adopted this change, resulting in less severe penalties for cannabis use outside of competition.
Despite not removing cannabis from its banned substances list as some other sports organizations have, there’s a growing dialogue about the need for further reform. Advocates argue that cannabis can possibly aid in pain management and recovery, crucial for athletes facing intense physical demands. These discussions are especially relevant as we approach related global events like the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Many soccer players have started speaking out about their cannabis use, highlighting its probable benefits for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and overall well-being. For example, former Hertha BSC player, Kevin-Prince Boateng, has publicly discussed the pressures faced by professional athletes and the potential benefits of cannabis for mental health and recovery. Testimonials like these appear to be driving change and fostering a more supportive environment within FIFA.
As societal attitudes towards cannabis evolve, FIFA will hopefully face increasing pressure to modernize its policies. The organization’s commitment to fair play must balance with the growing evidence supporting cannabis’s potential benefits. Future reforms could see more lenient penalties and a greater focus on education and support rather than punishment.
Cannabis in College Sports: The NCAA’s Playbook
When it comes to the NCAA, cannabis consumption among student-athletes has always been a contentious issue — I mean, isn’t college when most of us started our relationship with weed? The NCAA maintains a strict policy, testing athletes year-round and imposing penalties for positive tests. However, student-athletes face unique challenges, as they navigate the pressures of academics and athletics without the same resources and support systems as professional athletes.
Recent discussions within the NCAA have hinted at potential policy changes, as more voices call for a reevaluation of cannabis’s role in collegiate sports. As societal views on cannabis continue to evolve, the NCAA may need to adapt its stance to better support student-athletes.
Medals and Marijuana: Cannabis and the Olympics
Author’s Note: If any reader has a better suggestion than “medals and marijuana”, please let me know! I spent far too long trying to think of a witty alliterative example to follow the theme here. 🙂
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and WADA have long held an insanely strict stance on cannabis, considering it a banned substance. Athletes caught with cannabis in their systems faced disqualification and other penalties. However, with the majority of the public now supporting the use of cannabis, and suspensions such as Sha’Carri Richardson before the Tokyo Olympics, the IOC and WADA appear to be — albeit slowly — succumbing to the pressure to reform their policy surrounding weed.
Since the Richardson suspension backlash, the WADA has relaxed its rules slightly, increasing the threshold for a positive test to account for social use rather than performance enhancement. With Sha’Carri Richardson set to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the conversation around cannabis acceptance in professional sports is bound to be a hot topic in the coming months.
The Benefits of Bud | Why Some Pro Athletes Love Cannabis
…Aside from the fact that, just like you and I, professional athletes like to just chill out sometimes too! Recreational aspects aside, you may ask yourself what benefit an athlete may get from consuming the same plant that often leaves you melting into the couch as you ponder life’s little mysteries — like…did Pavlov think about feeding his dogs every time HE heard a bell?
Having studied the medical and therapeutic elements of cannabis for years, I’m confident in saying that most athletes who reach for the nearest vape, edible, or terpene-infused blunt after a game or match, are most likely doing so to find relief from one of the following:
Pain Management
Athletes endure grueling training sessions, intense competition, and inevitable injuries. Traditional painkillers, while effective, come with a host of side effects and the risk of addiction. Cannabis, on the other hand, offers a natural alternative. Compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — alongside the synergistic effects of terpenes — interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to potentially reduce inflammation and alleviate pain without the harsh side effects of opioids. In fact, one study reports a 64% reduction in opioid use amongst chronic pain patients who used medical marijuana. While we may complain about our backs feeling stiff from sitting in front of a computer all day, I would imagine that consistently being mowed down by a 320 pound linebacker would result in a little more discomfort than what most of us experience on a day to day basis.
Anxiety Reduction
Professional sports aren’t just physically demanding, they’re mentally taxing too. The pressure to perform, the scrutiny of the public eye, and the constant travel can lead to anxiety and stress. Many athletes reach for cannabis to help manage these mental health challenges. In fact, it would not be shocking to discover that most are taking this a step further and tailoring their experience by pairing their cannabis with products infused with terpenes like caryophyllene, which has been shown to potentially alleviate stress and anxiety. Tip: I’ll save you the Google search…strains like Gelato have been shown to be dominant in caryophyllene. Additionally, a premium product like this blunt wrap, is infused with terpenes similar to those found in cultivars like Gelato.
Recovery and Sleep
Recovery is crucial for everyone…nobody is arguing that. However, this critical state that allows our bodies to heal and recharge, holds an even higher value to high-performing athletes — and quality sleep is where the bulk of recovery occurs. Researchers suggest that cannabis can improve sleep quality, allowing athletes to get the rest they need. Better sleep means better recovery, and better recovery means better performance. It’s a win-win situation. Oh, right — Wouldn’t want your fingers to get fatigued poking around Google…Myrcene is a terpene that may lead to catching some quality Z’s…let me help you out again.
The Takeaway – Cannabis and Professional Sports
You see? Athletes consuming cannabis isn’t for many of the reasons that sports organizations once — or in some cases, currently — believe them to be. Sure, it could be argued that any random career athlete who consumes cannabis to, let’s say, get better sleep, may enhance their ability to recharge for a game, could be considered a performance-enhancing substance use situation. But, I’m pretty sure that the majority of folks out there would agree that argument is a bit of a stretch.
I was a bit skeptical researching for this article as I thought most sports orgs would be standing strong in their anti-cannabis policies, but much to my surprise, it appears that many sports stars now have access to more green things than just lush fields. I commend sports bodies that have accepted cannabis consumption for athletes. These men and women often wreak havoc on their bodies for our entertainment. The idea of prohibiting them from being able to relax and enjoy some weed during their time off simply feels inhumane.
At their core, the star athletes that we often idolize are humans just like everyone else, we share the same needs, many of the same problems, we breathe the same air, drink the same water — and fortunately, we have the opportunity to also share the same green plant that has been putting smiles on faces for generations.
This article is for informational purposes only and not to be used as medical advice. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet, medications, or daily routine. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Grady Moore is a marketing and development consultant for the cannabis and hemp industry. He holds a Master of Science in medical cannabis science and therapeutics from the University of Maryland. Grady is passionate about increasing medical cannabis literacy and education. When he isn’t working, you can likely find him playing with his golden retriever named Doobie, taking time-lapse photography, or practicing cello. To connect with or keep up with Grady, follow him on LinkedIn.
