Why Do Athletes Smoke Weed? Sports and Cannabis

For years, the idea of professional athletes using cannabis seemed counterintuitive. 

After all, sports demand discipline, peak physical performance, and unwavering focus—qualities that don’t exactly align with outdated stereotypes of cannabis users. 

And yet, a growing number of elite athletes, from the NBA to the NFL and even the UFC, openly advocate for cannabis use. If weed were truly detrimental to performance, why are some of the world’s most competitive athletes incorporating it into their routines?

The answer lies in cannabis’ powerful potential for pain relief, anxiety reduction, recovery, and focus.

Many athletes turn to cannabis as a natural alternative to opioids, which come with high addiction risks. 

Others use it to calm pre-game nerves, enhance mental clarity, or promote muscle recovery. Some even say cannabis helps them reach a “flow state”, where they perform at their best with heightened focus and reduced stress.

But with major sports leagues still imposing bans and the science behind cannabis and performance still evolving, the question remains: does weed help or hurt athletic performance?

The Reality – How Many Athletes Actually Use Cannabis?

Cannabis use among professional athletes is far more common than many people realize. 

Former NFL tight end Martellus Bennett once estimated that nearly 90% of players in the league use cannabis, mostly to manage pain and inflammation. If you’re a Miami Dolphin or early 2000’s NFL fan, you’ll remember the story of Ricky Williams. He was suspended five times for cannabis-related violations, taking two years from his career.

Other leagues are no different—Kevin Durant has been vocal about his cannabis use, and countless retired athletes from the NBA, NFL, and MMA have come forward to advocate for its benefits.

Pain relief is the driving force behind this trend. 

Professional athletes endure relentless physical strain, chronic injuries, and post-game soreness, making alternatives to opioids not just appealing but necessary. Many choose cannabis over prescription painkillers, avoiding the dangerous cycle of addiction that has plagued former athletes for decades. 

Beyond pain management, cannabis is used for pre-game anxiety, focus, and post-workout recovery—even combat sports like the UFC have begun embracing it.

Despite its prevalence, cannabis has long been banned in major leagues, forcing athletes to navigate drug tests carefully. Some use detox methods, while others time their consumption around testing schedules. 

Why Do Athletes Turn to Cannabis?

The demands of professional and high-performance sports push the body and mind to extreme limits.

Whether it’s managing pain, battling anxiety, or enhancing recovery, athletes are constantly looking for safe and effective ways to stay in peak condition. While traditional painkillers and alcohol were once the go-to options, more athletes today are turning to cannabis as a natural alternative. 

Here’s why.

Pain Management Without Opioids

For decades, professional sports have had a troubling relationship with prescription painkillers and opioids. Many athletes struggling with chronic pain have been prescribed highly addictive medications, leading to long-term dependency issues. 

Cannabis presents a safer, plant-based alternative that helps athletes manage pain without the risks of opioid addiction.

Cannabis is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable tool for athletes recovering from intense training sessions. Cannabinoids can help reduce swelling, ease joint pain, and promote faster healing after injuries.

Unlike traditional painkillers, which can cause liver damage and digestive issues over time, cannabis offers relief without the same harsh side effects.

Reducing Performance Anxiety & Improving Focus

The pressure of elite competition can be overwhelming, leading many athletes to struggle with performance anxiety and mental distractions. 

Former NFL wide receiver Percy Harvin admitted that he used cannabis before every game to stay calm and manage the stress of playing in front of massive crowds.

Photo Source -> NFL On ESPN

In low doses, cannabis may help clear distractions, enhance focus, and increase confidence before or during competition. However, some critics argue that THC could impair reaction time or coordination if used improperly, making strain selection and dosing crucial for athletic performance.

Muscle Recovery & Sleep Enhancement

After grueling workouts, athletes need effective recovery solutions to rebuild muscle and restore energy. 

Cannabis plays a major role in muscle relaxation and reducing post-exercise soreness. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain and inflammation.

Beyond physical recovery, sleep is one of the most underrated aspects of athletic performance. Poor sleep can affect reaction times, cognitive function, and muscle repair. 

Many athletes use cannabis—especially CBD and CBN-infused products—to promote deeper, more restorative sleep. Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids, which can cause grogginess and dependency, cannabinoids offer a natural approach to falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.

Alternative to Alcohol

Athletes are increasingly choosing cannabis over alcohol for relaxation, socializing, and stress relief.

 Alcohol is notorious for its negative effects on hydration, recovery, and cognitive function, making it a poor choice for athletes looking to maintain peak performance. Cannabis provides a way to unwind without the hangovers, dehydration, and muscle inflammation associated with alcohol consumption.

As athletes continue to push for healthier, more sustainable recovery methods, cannabis has emerged as a versatile tool—not just for pain relief but for mental clarity, sleep, and overall well-being.

Why High Achievers Are Turning to Cannabis

For too long, cannabis has been boxed into tired stereotypes that don’t reflect the people actually using it. But today, the real cannabis users are leaders, protectors, and everyday grinders pushing their limits on and off the clock. As we like to say, “weed is for winners”.

The Science – Does Cannabis Help or Hinder Athletic Performance?

The relationship between cannabis and athletic performance is a subject of ongoing scientific debate.

Unlike banned performance-enhancing substances such as steroids, cannabis does not directly improve strength, speed, or endurance. 

However, many athletes report indirect benefits, such as reduced anxiety, improved focus, faster recovery, and better sleep.

What Does the Science Say?

Research on cannabis and sports performance is still evolving, but most studies indicate that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug in the traditional sense. 

Instead, it may provide benefits that support an athlete’s overall well-being, making it easier to perform at peak levels.

One key area of interest is cannabinoid differentiation. Not all cannabis compounds affect the body in the same way:

• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – Often referred to as the “sports cannabis” compound, THCV is believed to increase energy and focus without the psychoactive effects of THC. Some athletes use it as a caffeine alternative to boost alertness.

• CBD (Cannabidiol) – Non-psychoactive and widely accepted in sports, CBD is praised for reducing inflammation, easing muscle soreness, and promoting relaxation. Many athletes incorporate CBD into their post-workout recovery routines.

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and relieve pain. However, higher doses may impair reaction time, coordination, and cognitive function, which could be problematic for certain sports.

Potential Downsides – What Are the Risks for Athletes?

Despite the benefits, cannabis use in sports is not without controversy. 

Some researchers and coaches raise concerns about its potential downsides, including:

• Slower Reaction Time & Impaired Coordination – THC can affect motor skills, reflexes, and short-term memory, which may be problematic in fast-paced sports like basketball, football, or combat sports.

• Lung Health Concerns – Smoking cannabis may reduce lung capacity, impacting endurance athletes. However, vaping or consuming edibles eliminates this risk.

• Motivation & Training Discipline – While some athletes say cannabis helps them push through workouts, others claim it can reduce motivation and focus if used excessively.

• Mental Dependence – Some users worry that relying on cannabis for relaxation, pain relief, or sleep could lead to psychological dependence, making it harder to perform without it.

As sports leagues continue to evolve their cannabis policies, ongoing research will determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks. 

For now, personalized use and responsible dosing are key to maximizing cannabis’ potential in athletic performance.

Weed Is For Winners

The phrase “Weed Is For Winners” challenges outdated stigmas and celebrates a new reality, cannabis isn’t just for athletes, it’s for high performers across all walks of life. From law enforcement officers and first responders to military Veterans and fitness enthusiasts, more people are discovering that cannabis helps them stay focused, recover faster, and perform better—physically and mentally. 

Note: We recommend cannabis use outside of work, following legal guidelines.

These are individuals who wake up early, train hard, and show up for their communities every day. Cannabis supports their grind, not by offering shortcuts, but by helping them push through pain, stay calm under pressure, and sleep deeper at night. In this new era of recovery and resilience, winners choose wellness—and sometimes, that includes weed.

How Everyday People Use Cannabis for Exercise and Recovery

Cannabis isn’t just for professional athletes—it’s becoming a trusted tool for everyday people looking to stay active, recover faster, and enjoy their workouts. 

From weekend warriors to dedicated gym-goers, fitness enthusiasts are incorporating cannabis into their routines for both physical and mental benefits. 

Veterans, first responders, and other high-performance professionals who need to stay in peak condition are also turning to cannabis as a natural way to manage stress, aid recovery, and maintain an active lifestyle.

Pre-Workout Use: Enhancing Focus and Enjoyment

Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts take low doses of THC or THCV before workouts to help with focus, motivation, and endurance. 

THCV, often referred to as a “sports cannabis” compound, is gaining popularity as a caffeine alternative for those looking for an energy boost without jitters. 

Runners report that THC microdoses help them lock into a rhythm during long-distance runs, while yogis find that it enhances mindfulness and flexibility.

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Post-Workout Recovery: Reducing Soreness and Improving Sleep

CBD and THC-infused products are commonly used for post-exercise recovery, helping to reduce inflammation, soothe sore muscles, and promote deeper sleep. 

Recovery is especially important for those with demanding physical routines, like military personnel,and firefighters, who rely on quick muscle recovery and quality sleep to stay mission-ready.

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Mental Benefits: Pushing Through Workouts with Cannabis

For many, exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about mental clarity and stress relief. 

Cannabis helps some athletes push through long, repetitive workouts by making them more engaging and enjoyable. Music sounds better, nature feels more immersive, and mind-muscle connection improves, allowing for a deeper focus during strength training or endurance sports.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Products for Athletic Performance

Not all cannabis products are created equal—especially when it comes to fitness. 

Smoking a joint before a high-intensity workout isn’t the same as using a THCV gummy for an energy boost or a CBD tincture for recovery. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts need to be strategic about when and how they consume cannabis to maximize benefits while minimizing drawbacks.

Some athletes turn to fast-acting methods like vaping for immediate relaxation, while others prefer long-lasting edibles for sustained effects. 

Topicals are an excellent option for targeted relief, and tinctures allow for precision dosing without inhaling smoke or vapor. 

Choosing the right cannabis formulation can make a huge difference in athletic performance and recovery.

Best Cannabis Formulations for Athletes

Edibles – Best for Recovery & Long-Lasting Effects

For those looking for sustained benefits, edibles provide a slower onset but longer-lasting effects, making them ideal for post-workout recovery or energy-boosting before endurance training.

• American Hemp Co. has a range of gummies to help athletes unwind, reduce post-exercise soreness, and improve sleep quality—critical for muscle repair and overall recovery.

• THCV gummies are designed for focus, energy, and productivity, making them a great pre-workout option for those who want mental clarity without jitters.

• Since edibles take 30-90 minutes to kick in, they’re best for athletes who want longer-lasting benefits rather than immediate effects.

Vapes – Best for Fast-Acting, Short-Lived Effects

Vaping offers a quick onset, making it a go-to choice for athletes who need immediate stress relief or relaxation before and after workouts.

• THC vapes can provide rapid relaxation, helping yogis and mindfulness practitioners settle into meditation or deep stretching.

• CBD vapes are often used post-workout for muscle relaxation, reducing inflammation without impairing cognitive function.

• The effects typically last 1-2 hours, making vaping ideal for athletes who want a short-term solution rather than an all-day effect.

Tinctures & Oils – Best for Precision Dosing & Recovery

Tinctures allow athletes to control their dose more accurately, making them a great choice for daily recovery or pre-workout stimulation.

• CBD tinctures are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory effects, helping athletes manage chronic pain without impairment.

• THCV tinctures serve as a natural alternative to caffeine, providing an energy boost for morning workouts without increasing heart rate.

• Unlike edibles, tinctures take effect within 15-30 minutes and can be easily adjusted to match an athlete’s specific needs.

Topicals – Best for Targeted Pain Relief

For athletes dealing with localized pain, soreness, or inflammation, CBD-infused creams and balms provide direct relief without any psychoactive effects.

• Perfect for runners, weightlifters, and endurance athletes who experience joint pain or muscle stiffness.

• Can be applied directly to affected areas without affecting mental clarity or overall physical performance.

• Ideal for long-term pain management, especially for Veterans, first responders, and those with physically demanding careers who need to stay active.

The Changing Landscape – Will Sports Leagues Fully Accept Cannabis?

For decades, cannabis was treated as a banned substance across all major sports leagues, carrying fines, suspensions, and even career-ending consequences. 

But times are changing. 

With legalization spreading and new research challenging outdated stigmas, professional sports are beginning to ease restrictions on cannabis use.

The NBA has officially stopped testing for cannabis, signaling a major shift in attitude. 

The NFL has relaxed its policies, increasing THC thresholds in drug tests and moving away from automatic suspensions. 

Major League Baseball (MLB) removed cannabis from its banned substances list, while the UFC has openly embraced cannabis use, even partnering with CBD companies to support athlete recovery.

The biggest hurdle remains the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which governs global competitions like the Olympics. WADA still considers cannabis a banned substance, despite pressure from athletes, lawmakers, and medical professionals to reconsider. 

As more athletes advocate for cannabis as a tool for recovery, pain relief, and mental wellness, the future looks promising. Full acceptance may take time, but one thing is clear—cannabis is no longer a taboo in the world of sports.

What’s the Deal with Cannabis and Athletic Performance?

Cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug in the traditional sense—it won’t make an athlete run faster, lift heavier, or outcompete their opponents. 

However, what it does offer is something just as valuable: natural recovery, stress relief, and mental clarity. Whether it’s helping athletes manage pain without opioids, ease performance anxiety, or promote deeper sleep for better recovery, cannabis is proving to be a game-changer for many in the athletic world.

The conversation is shifting from stigmatization to optimization—how cannabis can be used responsibly to enhance longevity, performance, and overall well-being.

If you’re looking for safe, effective cannabis products for recovery and performance, visit our website to discover several legal cannabis products that could fit well into your training routine.