Weed has been and continues to be a controversial topic in professional sports. But as societal attitudes shift and cannabis becomes legal in more places, many athletes are stepping forward to share their personal experiences with marijuana and how it has helped their careers. Here’s a closer look at some famous athletes who are open about cannabis use.
Ricky Williams
Former NFL player Ricky Williams might be the ultimate poster child for athletes and cannabis. Williams has been an outspoken advocate of marijuana for years, even at the expense of his football career. He believes cannabis played a massive role in his mental health and physical recovery throughout his grueling NFL seasons. Today, Williams is a healer and entrepreneur with his own cannabis lifestyle brand.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is no stranger to speaking out, which is partly why he’s such a cultural icon and the face of his extremely valuable sports cards. Known for being one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Abdul-Jabbar has also been open about using marijuana for medicinal purposes. He has publicly discussed using cannabis to help manage chronic migraines and nausea. Abdul-Jabbar’s openness plays a big role in destigmatizing cannabis use for medical reasons.
Megan Rapinoe
Soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe has never been afraid to make bold moves, whether it’s on the field or off. The Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion openly advocates for CBD as part of her recovery routine. She uses cannabis-derived products to help with muscle soreness, inflammation, and maintaining overall balance in her demanding athletic career.
Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson, nicknamed Megatron, is a former NFL wide receiver and Hall of Famer who made a name for himself with his incredible talent and athleticism on the field. Since retiring from football, Johnson has become a vocal advocate for cannabis, highlighting its potential benefits for pain management and mental health—issues many athletes face. He co-founded a cannabis company, Primitiv, which formulates CBD products for athletes. Johnson’s work has sparked important conversations about alternative therapies for athletes and beyond.
Nate Diaz
UFC fighter Nate Diaz grabs attention for his tough-as-nails personality and wild fight style, but he also turns heads with his public use of cannabis. After a 2016 fight, Diaz famously vaped CBD at a press conference, sparking conversations about its benefits for recovery in combat sports. He continues to advocate for the use of cannabis in training and post-fight rehab, becoming one of the most well-known cannabis supporters in MMA.
These famous athletes being open about cannabis use has been shining a light on the plant’s potential medicinal and performance advantages. And this list only grazes the surface of professional athletes who use cannabis in some form or another. Times are changing and perceptions are evolving to be more receptive to the potential benefits of cannabis.
