As cannabis legalization enters the conversation, many industries have to address new issues. Luckily, many pro sports organizations are taking cannabis off of their list of banned substances. This is primarily due to many professional athletes speaking out on the subject. Additionally, these brave trailblazers are using their voices to open a dialogue surrounding cannabis. Some are even becoming cannabis entrepreneurs also. This is a list of seven professional athletes that are breaking boundaries through their cannabis activism and entrepreneurship.
7 Professional Athletes Who Also Participate in Cannabis Entrepreneurship or Activism
Chris Webber
NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber is a huge advocate for cannabis. After retiring from playing professional basketball, the NBA All Star focused on entrepreneurship.
Further, one of Webber’s main business ventures involves starting a multi-purpose Detroit cannabis facility. This facility is currently being built, and its focus will be on the cultivation of cannabis, as well as real estate development. This business also seeks to bring in more prosperity for Webber’s hometown. Webber looks to better his Detroit community with the addition of an informative and innovative cannabis facility.
Image via @realchriswebber on Instagram
Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson never intended to become a figure of the pro-cannabis movement. However, the track star was unfortunately banned from participating in the 2020-2021 Tokyo Olympics. This is due to the fact that the groundbreaking track star tested positive for THC before the games. Furthermore, after the ban, a global community of celebrities and athletes rose to support Richardson. Citing her reasons for smoking cannabis, Sha’Carri discussed the benefit that the plant has given her.
Additionally, this recent news and its global response has already led to massive reform in sports drug testing. Undeniably, Sha’Carri is the face of a new movement of pro-cannabis athletes.
Image via @carririchardson_ on Instagram
Allen Iverson
After 14 seasons as a professional in the NBA, Allen Iverson is now focusing his attention on the cannabis industry. After partnering with Detroit cannabis company Viola, the NBA star officially has his own strain. Titled Iverson ‘96, this strain gets its name from the point guard’s debut year as an NBA player. ‘96 is an indica dominant strain that is a cross between Secret Kush Mints and Grape Stomper. This new strain marks a new era for athletic cannabis entrepreneurship.
Image via @theofficialai3 on Instagram
Al Harrington
Al Harrington is an NBA veteran who actually started Viola, which is the company Iverson partnered with. Furthermore, this successful company made its debut in 2011. According to Harrington, the company gets its inspiration from the relieving properties of cannabis.
Al Harrington’s grandmother suffered from Glaucoma and experienced a great amount of relief from cannabis use. After seeing these benefits first hand, Iverson named his new business venture after his grandmother, Viola. Since then, the basketball player is experiencing great success as the head of Viola Brands.
Image via @alharrington3 on Instagram
Ronda Rousey
While it is unclear whether Ronda Rousey is a cannabis user, the groundbreaking UFC fighter has been outspoken about cannabis regulations in the past. For example, after Nick Diaz’s suspension, Rousey began speaking out on the issue.
In an interview Rousey said “I’m sorry, but it’s so not right for him to be suspended five years for marijuana. I’m against testing for weed at all. It’s not a performance enhancing drug. And it has nothing to do with competition. It’s only tested for political reasons.”
Image via @rondarousey on Instagram
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is a wildly successful NBA star that currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets. The power forward is a known cannabis activist as well. Further, KD recently became a partner with Weedmaps to create podcasts that work to destigmatize cannabis. This partnership is one of the biggest athlete/cannabis partnerships to date. He is working to open up a dialogue about the benefits of cannabis as well as address the stigma surrounding weed in sports.
Image via @easymoneysniper on Instagram
Rob Van Dam
While the WWE isn’t necessarily legitimate wrestling, the training is as intense as the training for any pro sport. Rob Van Dam is a former WWE superstar with a reputation for being an incredible performer. He isn’t a stranger to the sports bans professional athletes face either. In 2006, he was banned from the WWE due to an arrest relating to cannabis possession.
Even though he has this history, he remains to be a huge cannabis activist. During an interview with the Washington Post, he addresses his outlook on the plant. “If I want to relax and just chill out, consuming cannabis can help with that,” he says. “If I want to be active, if I’m going to go work out or have a match, then it can help with that, too.”
Image via @therealrvd on Instagram
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