• Athletes are leading cannabis normalization – With public endorsements from icons like Mike Tyson and Al Harrington, professional sports are becoming a powerful force for cannabis acceptance and moving cannabis out of “taboo” status and into athlete wellness conversations.
• Recovery, not recreation, drives athlete use – Surveys of elite and retired athletes show that most cannabis use is linked to pain, inflammation, sleep, and anxiety management — not just adult-use recreation. 78% of surveyed athletes said they use cannabis primarily for pain management rather than recreation. This figure comes from self-reported surveys of current and retired athletes, not league-wide testing data.
• Policy changes reflect athlete advocacy – In 2020, the NFL raised the THC threshold from 15 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL and ended suspensions for positive marijuana tests, showing the impact of player pressure. The NFL has since continued softening enforcement: players are typically fined instead of suspended, testing happens in a narrow preseason window, and the THC threshold for a “positive” test is now far higher than it used to be.
• Cannabis offers safer pain management – For athletes managing chronic pain from injuries, cannabis provides an alternative to opioids, with studies of medical cannabis patients reporting an average of ~60% drop in opioid use after starting cannabis. That’s self-reported outcome data, not a controlled clinical trial, but it’s a major reason collision-sport athletes now frame cannabis as a harm-reduction tool.
• Women athletes are breaking barriers – Female stars like Megan Rapinoe and Sha’Carri Richardson are changing the conversation around cannabis in women’s sports by linking it to recovery, mental health, and fair policy — not just “recreational weed.”
• Business ventures extend influence – Former athletes are launching cannabis brands focused on sports recovery, creating legitimate pathways in the industry (for example: Al Harrington’s Viola, Ricky Williams’ Highsman/Real Wellness, Mike Tyson’s Tyson 2.0, and Rob Gronkowski’s CBD partnerships).
• The Herb community connects fans to athlete-backed products – With 14 million passionate members, Herb provides the platform to discover strains and products featuring athlete brands and covers how leagues (NFL, NBA, etc.) are updating cannabis policy.
• Educational resources support informed choices – Herb’s guides help consumers make decisions aligned with athlete recovery practices while clearly distinguishing between intoxicating THC products and non-intoxicating CBD recovery products.

World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe has been open about her cannabis use and partnered with Mendi, a CBD company focused on athlete recovery. Rapinoe specifically promotes hemp-derived CBD products (which are non-intoxicating) for pain relief, sleep, and inflammation — not just “smoking weed.” Beyond personal use, Rapinoe represents a shift in how female athletes engage with cannabis culture—framing it as part of wellness rather than rebellion. Her advocacy extends to supporting women-owned cannabis businesses and promoting gender equity in the industry. As a prominent voice in both sports and social justice, Rapinoe’s cannabis openness helps normalize plant medicine for female athletes who face additional stigma.

Sha’Carri Richardson won the women’s 100m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2021 but was given a 30-day suspension after testing positive for THC. She explained that she had used cannabis while grieving the death of her biological mother, forcing a national conversation about how the federal government punishes THC. Her suspension kept her out of the Tokyo Olympics and reignited debate about whether cannabis should really be treated like a performance-enhancing drug. THC is still banned “in-competition” under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, which is why sprinters can still lose eligibility over cannabis.

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey publicly criticized harsh marijuana penalties in MMA, particularly the five-year suspension of Nick Diaz in 2015. Her vocal support for reform reflected a broader recognition among combat sports athletes of cannabis’s benefits for managing inflammation and promoting recovery. Rousey’s willingness to speak out against punitive policies helped shift the conversation in mixed martial arts toward more rational approaches to cannabis use. She publicly argued that cannabis punishments were harsher than penalties for substances with clearer performance-enhancing or addictive risks — and that made headlines beyond MMA.

Former NBA forward Al Harrington launched Viola Brands after witnessing his grandmother’s positive response to medical cannabis for glaucoma. His company focuses on premium cannabis products while championing social equity in the industry. Harrington represents a new generation of athlete entrepreneurs who leverage their platform to build legitimate cannabis businesses. With 85% of NBA players reportedly using marijuana during their careers — a figure Harrington has described based on his experience in the league, not an official NBA study — his success shows how widespread cannabis really is in pro basketball.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has partnered with Weedmaps to help destigmatize cannabis in sports. His public support for cannabis reform reflects the evolving attitudes among elite athletes who recognize its therapeutic potential. Durant’s advocacy helps normalize cannabis among current players while contributing to broader policy discussions. Durant has said he’s directly talked to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about softening marijuana rules, and in 2023, the NBA removed marijuana from its standard testing program and now treats it more like alcohol unless there’s a conduct/safety issue. As cannabis policies continue evolving, Durant’s leadership encourages more active players to support reform initiatives.

NBA veteran Cliff Robinson became one of basketball’s most vocal cannabis advocates, publicly calling for reform and launching Uncle Cliffy, a cannabis brand focused on athlete wellness. Robinson’s early post-retirement cannabis work (including his “Uncle Spliffy” line) was especially influential because he was an 18-year NBA veteran and Sixth Man of the Year — he had credibility with players and fans. Robinson’s advocacy was particularly significant given his 18-year NBA career and respected status in the basketball community. His willingness to build a cannabis business helped legitimize athlete involvement in the industry and paved the way for other players to follow. Robinson’s legacy continues to influence how athletes engage with cannabis entrepreneurship.

Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams faced multiple suspensions for cannabis use during his NFL career, ultimately choosing to prioritize his health over league compliance. Williams has been candid about using cannabis to manage pain and anxiety, describing it as essential to his well-being. His willingness to sacrifice his career for personal health principles paved the way for current athletes to demand better pain management options. Now retired, Williams advocates for cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic tool and has launched wellness initiatives incorporating plant medicine. He later co-founded cannabis and herbal wellness brands (including Real Wellness and Highsman) positioned around mood, recovery, and mental health.

After retiring from the NFL, tight end Rob Gronkowski partnered with CBDMedic to promote recovery products specifically designed for athletes. His high-profile endorsement brought mainstream attention to cannabis-derived products as legitimate recovery tools. Gronkowski’s transition from athlete to cannabis advocate reflects the growing acceptance of plant-based recovery methods in professional sports. His CBD line focuses on post-athletic wellness, addressing the chronic pain many retired players face without resorting to dangerous opioids. Gronkowski’s advocacy is focused on hemp-derived CBD — non-intoxicating formulations for pain and sleep — rather than high-THC marijuana products.

Former NFL offensive tackle Eugene Monroe became one of the league’s most vocal cannabis advocates, publicly calling for research into cannabis as an alternative to opioids for pain management. Monroe’s advocacy was particularly significant given the NFL’s historically strict cannabis policies. He emphasized the potential neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids for athletes exposed to repetitive head trauma, highlighting cannabis as a potential tool for addressing player health. Monroe’s leadership helped push conversations about cannabis research in professional football. He was one of the first active NFL players to demand that the league fund real medical cannabis studies, not just punish use.

When a photo of Michael Phelps smoking from a bong surfaced in 2009, it shocked the world and threatened his endorsements. However, the incident also highlighted the disconnect between the athlete’s reality and public expectations. Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 28 total medals, including 23 golds, later addressed the incident as a learning experience while maintaining that cannabis use shouldn’t define an athlete’s legacy. His case demonstrated how public perception has evolved—what once seemed scandalous is now increasingly understood as normal adult behavior. Importantly, Phelps was not suspended for failing an Olympic drug test for cannabis; the fallout was about image and sponsorships.

At the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati initially lost his gold medal after testing positive for THC metabolites — then had it reinstated when officials determined cannabis wasn’t technically on the banned list at the time. His case pushed Olympic authorities to explicitly add cannabis to the prohibited substances list going forward, sometimes called the “Rebagliati Rule.” Rebagliati later launched a cannabis brand, using his story to argue that adult cannabis use shouldn’t erase athletic achievement.

Mike Tyson has transformed his post-boxing career into a cannabis empire with Tyson 2.0, offering premium flower, edibles, and cannabis experiences. His journey from controversial heavyweight champion to respected cannabis entrepreneur demonstrates the legitimization of athlete cannabis involvement. Tyson’s brand emphasizes quality and authenticity, appealing to both cannabis connoisseurs and sports fans. His success shows how athletes can leverage their platform to build credible cannabis businesses that extend their influence beyond their competitive years.

Athletes increasingly turn to cannabis for recovery, with many gravitating toward specific strains and products based on their needs. Indica-dominant strains are popular for nighttime recovery and sleep support, helping athletes manage pain and promote restorative sleep. For managing inflammation during training periods, athletes often prefer CBD-dominant varieties that don’t produce psychoactive effects, allowing for consistent use without cognitive impairment. Athletes also consider terpene profiles when selecting cannabis products, recognizing that compounds like myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene contribute to specific therapeutic effects. Herb’s strain guides provide detailed information on varieties that athletes commonly select for pain relief and recovery support.

Major sports leagues continue reforming their cannabis policies, with institutional resistance eroding as more athletes speak openly about their use. The focus is shifting from prohibition to education and responsible use guidelines. Former athletes are increasingly launching cannabis brands specifically designed for sports recovery, driving innovation in product formulation and delivery methods. These athlete-founded companies bring authentic experience to product development, creating solutions that genuinely address athletic recovery needs while advancing cannabis acceptance in mainstream sports culture.

• NFL: The league no longer automatically suspends players for marijuana positives and dramatically increased the THC threshold that triggers a “positive” test. Testing is now limited mostly to a short preseason window, and discipline tends to be fines, not lost games.
• NBA: The NBA’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement removed marijuana from routine drug testing; cannabis is treated more like alcohol unless it causes conduct issues.

Olympic/WADA level: THC is still banned “in-competition,” which is why sprinters and other Olympic athletes can still be disqualified for cannabis close to an event.

Herb’s bi-weekly newsletter delivers the latest athlete stories, top strains, and product deals directly to your inbox. As the #1 cannabis community for Millennials and Gen Z with 14 million passionate members, Herb provides ongoing coverage of athlete cannabis involvement and policy developments. Browse cannabis products and dispensaries to discover athlete-backed brands and recovery solutions aligned with professional athlete experiences.

Herb doesn’t just cover celebrity weed stories — it tracks league policy shifts, recovery trends (CBD vs THC), and how athletes are building post-career wellness businesses around plant medicine.

Several prominent female athletes have spoken openly about cannabis use, including soccer star Megan Rapinoe, Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, and former UFC champion Ronda Rousey. These athletes have helped normalize cannabis use in women’s sports and advocate for policy reforms that recognize therapeutic use.

Rapinoe is publicly associated with CBD recovery products (non-intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids), not necessarily smoking THC. Richardson openly acknowledged cannabis use and was suspended for THC. Rousey has publicly defended fighters punished for cannabis and called the penalties “ridiculous,” even if she didn’t personally test positive.

Yes, several Olympic athletes have been open about cannabis use, including swimmer Michael Phelps and snowboarder Ross Rebagliati. While WADA maintains cannabis on its prohibited list during competition periods, many Olympic athletes use cannabis during off-season periods for recovery and wellness purposes.

Phelps’ situation was a leaked 2009 bong photo, not an in-competition THC test failure. Rebagliati actually lost — and then regained — his 1998 Olympic gold after a THC test because cannabis technically wasn’t banned yet.

Numerous NBA players have been associated with cannabis use, including players like Cliff Robinson, Al Harrington, and Matt Barnes. According to former NBA player Al Harrington, about 85% of NBA players use marijuana during their careers, making cannabis a consistent part of basketball culture.

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson literally built a media brand (“All The Smoke”) around candid conversations about cannabis, pain, mental health, and league politics — which helps normalize the topic.

Athletes primarily use cannabis for pain management, inflammation reduction, improved sleep quality, and anxiety reduction. Research indicates that 78% of athletes report using cannabis for pain management rather than recreational purposes, often as a safer alternative to opioids that carries fewer serious side effects and addiction risks.

Surveys of chronic pain patients and retired contact-sport athletes also show self-reported drops in opioid use (often cited around 60%+ reduction) after adding medical cannabis, but this is based on self-report, not a randomized clinical trial. That’s why many NFL and UFC voices call cannabis “harm reduction,” not “performance enhancement.”

Yes, many former athletes have launched cannabis brands, including Al Harrington’s Viola Brands, Mike Tyson’s Tyson 2.0, and Rob Gronkowski’s CBD line. These athlete-founded companies focus on premium products designed specifically for sports recovery and wellness, creating legitimate business opportunities while advancing cannabis acceptance in mainstream sports culture.

Be specific: Gronkowski’s work is with CBD/hemp recovery products (non-intoxicating); Tyson 2.0 and Viola sell THC cannabis products; Ricky Williams’ Highsman/Real Wellness brands position cannabis and botanicals as part of mood, focus, and physical recovery.

As of 2025, cannabis policies vary significantly across sports leagues. The NFL ended suspensions for positive marijuana tests in 2020. The NBA removed marijuana from its testing program in the 2023 CBA. While some leagues still maintain restrictions, the overall trend is toward decriminalization and recognition of therapeutic use, particularly during off-season periods.

In Olympic/track settings governed by WADA, THC is still banned “in-competition,” which is why Sha’Carri Richardson’s positive test led to disqualification. In the NFL, players can still technically be fined but are rarely suspended. In the NBA, marijuana is now treated more like alcohol unless there’s a behavioral/safety problem.