In the realm of sports performance, athletes are constantly seeking innovative methods to enhance their training regimens and optimize their performance. While traditional approaches like diet, exercise, and recovery techniques have long been the cornerstone of athletic preparation, a growing number of athletes are turning to alternative methods to gain a competitive edge. One such method gaining attention is the use of cannabis in training.
Professional athletes, known for their rigorous training schedules and relentless pursuit of excellence, are increasingly open about their use of cannabis as part of their training routine. Far from the stereotype of the lazy stoner, these athletes are proving that cannabis can play a role in enhancing focus, recovery, and overall performance. That is why NextGen Nutrition's co-founders, Eric Eshoo and Gunnar Vogel made it their priority after their football careers, to merge the fitness and cannabis industries, knowing from personal experience how life changing the plant is both mentally and physically. Freeing themselves from the intrusive surgeries and pain pills doctors were throwing at them, cannabis provided a safer and healthier alternative to a brighter future. Now with strong health and high hopes they are set on pioneering the new legal landscape and laying the ground work for this new era of fitness.
Here are some insightful quotes from professional athletes who incorporate cannabis into their training:
Ricky Williams, Former NFL Player:
- Ricky Williams, a former NFL running back, has been vocal about his use of cannabis throughout his career. Despite facing suspensions and criticism from the league, Williams has remained an advocate for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in alleviating the physical toll of playing professional football. "It’s not what people say, because when I consume cannabis, I wasn’t sitting on the couch," Williams said. "I wasn’t being lazy. I was reading and reflecting and doing self-psychology and working on myself. When I retired from the NFL in 2004 and was free from those confines, I started to travel and have conversations and read and realized, ‘Oh, they lied to us about this.’ When Williams failed an NFL drug test in 2002 he had to stop consuming cannabis and stated “when I stopped smoking, I noticed that I was taking more pain pills and I noticed that I was more anxious.”
Megan Rapinoe, Former US National Soccer Team:
- As one of the most recognizable faces in women's soccer, Megan Rapinoe has not shied away from discussing her use of cannabis. The Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion has been open about incorporating THC into her recovery routine, citing its ability to help her relax and manage the demands of elite-level competition. “I wanted a healthier, more natural option for pain management, sleep aid, relaxation while flying, and general recovery.”
Ross Rebagliati, Olympic Snowboarder:
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"For me, [cannabis] was part of the daily routine. It wasn’t something that got in the way of my training, it wasn’t something that inhibited my success."
Rebagliati made headlines when he became the first athlete to win an Olympic gold medal for snowboarding at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Despite facing controversy over a positive drug test for cannabis, Rebagliati has been unwavering in his support for the plant. He credits cannabis with helping him stay focused, relaxed, and in tune with his body during training and competition.
Riley Cote, Former NHL Player:
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"I found it to be a very powerful tool, just in terms of overall maintenance and wellness. ... It helps my quality of life, day-to-day. And that bleeds into my performance."
Cote, who played in the NHL for several seasons, is now an advocate for cannabis use among athletes. He emphasizes the plant's role in promoting overall wellness and quality of life, which in turn can have a positive impact on athletic performance. By incorporating cannabis into his daily routine, Cote has found a holistic approach to maintaining his health and optimizing his performance both on and off the ice.
As attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve and its medicinal properties become more widely recognized, professional athletes are increasingly turning to the plant as a tool to enhance their training and performance. Whether it's managing pain, reducing inflammation, or promoting recovery, cannabis offers a range of benefits that can complement traditional training methods. With the growing interest in both medical and recreational marijuana consumption and how it provides both mental and physical benefits, the University of Boulder Colorado has been conducting an ongoing study to see the effects of cannabis during exercise. Watch the video below to see the findings and hear from the doctors and participants themselves.
While there is still much to learn about the specific ways cannabis interacts with the body and its potential effects on athletic performance, the testimonials of athletes like Ricky Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Ross Rebagliati, and Riley Cote offer valuable insights into the role cannabis can play in the world of sports. As more athletes share their experiences and scientific research advances, we can expect to see cannabis continue to gain acceptance as a legitimate tool for enhancing athletic performance.
