Cannabis Culture Day was July 10 this year, and the Marijuana Policy Project took a look back at how American athletes have used cannabis throughout the years, and how they have helped to legalize and normalize cannabis in the U.S. and beyond.
While cannabis use among athletes was originally a major taboo topic, that is slowly but surely changing, as more and more athletes are coming out as cannabis users. Additionally, major sports organizations are finally changing their tune on the subject. Cannabis can help with things like pain from injuries and recovery, as well as dealing with the stress of being in the spotlight. More and more, athletes are coming out of the closet when it comes to cannabis use.
Athletes are also helping to dismantle the stereotype that weed makes you lazy and stagnant. In addition to cannabis legalization and decriminalization across the U.S., athletes coming out in support is also having a positive impact. In addition to THC, many sporty folks also use CBD to help with inflammation and sleep following athletic events. Here are a few folks who are out there making a major difference when it comes to acceptance of the leafy green plant.
Allen Iverson is just one of the athletes on the forefront of this charge. The former NBA player spent years avoiding public cannabis associations because in the past, he was arrested, and the NBA has not previously been supportive of cannabis. Now, he is advocating for cannabis, specifically how it can help Black people manage health and gain economic opportunities.
Sha’Carri Richardson is also someone who has made headlines for her use of cannabis, though to the detriment of her personal career. Following the loss of her mother, Richardson self-medicated with cannabis to help manage her mental health. Because of this, she lost her chance to compete in the 2021 Summer Olympics and represent the U.S. This brought to light how unbalanced and racist cannabis laws in the U.S. can be.
A little lesser known but equally important, Eugene Monroe, former offensive tackle in the NFL, retired to focus on health and family and found that cannabis had a lot of benefits when it came to dealing with pain. As an offensive tackle, Monroe sustained permanent shoulder and knee injuries that still caused him pain years later. Now he is a partner at a medical cannabis company and continues to advocate for legal cannabis, and all the benefits it can have.
Another former NFL superstar, Ricky Williams, is now a major advocate for cannabis. He was initially known for his career as a running back, and during his tenure with the organization, struggled trying to use cannabis because of the strict rules of the NFL. He is now an advocate and open user, speaking the praises of both mental and physical cannabis in healing and helping with long-term injuries.
A former NBA player who has gained acclaim and spoken up in support of cannabis is J.R. Smith. He began consuming cannabis when he was still in the NBA, and claims that cannabis helps him and other players they know get into the right mindset for playing and more in tune with their bodies.
While cannabis is still looked down upon in some sports settings, even nationally and internationally recognized ones, the face of cannabis is slowly changing across the world of sports. This month, as we celebrate another year of cannabis culture, 710, and the power of the plant, let’s also take time to celebrate the athletes who have helped pave the way for cannabis legalization and acceptance.
