10 Famous Athletes Who Smoke Weed and Changed the Game
For decades, cannabis and professional sports had a complicated relationship. Leagues handed out fines, suspensions, and reputational damage to players caught using marijuana, even when it was legal in their state. But in recent years, the stigma has started to lift. More athletes are opening up about their use of cannabis, whether for pain management, recovery, mental health, or simply lifestyle. Some have even built entire businesses around it.
From Super Bowl champions to NBA legends and Olympic medalists, here are 10 athletes who smoke weed or advocate for its use, and how they’re helping change the perception of cannabis in sports.
10. Ross Rebagliati (Olympic Snowboarding)
At the 1998 Winter Olympics, snowboarder Ross Rebagliati won gold—only to briefly lose it after testing positive for THC. Since then, he has become one of the biggest advocates for cannabis in sports, launching businesses and promoting cannabis as a recovery tool for athletes.
9. Elias Theodorou (MMA / UFC)
Late Canadian MMA fighter Elias Theodorou made history as the first professional athlete in North America granted a medical cannabis exemption. Approved in 2020 and 2021 by Canadian and U.S. commissions, he used cannabis to manage chronic pain from injuries sustained in fighting.
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8. Mike James (NFL)
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Mike James became the first NFL player to formally request a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for medical cannabis to treat pain. Although the NFL denied his request, James continues to push for cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids.
7. Travis Kelce (NFL)
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce admitted in 2025 that he was suspended during college for a failed marijuana test. He reflected on how the incident likely affected his NFL draft status, pointing out how dramatically the league’s views on cannabis have shifted since then.
6. Champ Bailey (NFL)
Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey revealed in 2025 that he regularly used cannabis for recovery and pain relief during his playing days. He now partners with cannabis companies like Trulieve, advocating for the safe use of marijuana over prescription painkillers.
5. Ricky Williams (NFL)
Perhaps the most famous NFL player associated with cannabis, Ricky Williams once faced heavy criticism and suspensions for weed use. Today, he’s embraced it fully, launching Highsman, his own cannabis lifestyle brand. Williams credits marijuana with helping him manage anxiety, pain, and self-discovery throughout his life.
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4. Allen Iverson (NBA)
NBA legend Allen Iverson partnered with Harrington’s Viola to launch the Iverson Collection, his own line of cannabis strains. Iverson has spoken about his own experiences with marijuana during his playing days and now embraces cannabis as a business and wellness venture.
3. Al Harrington (NBA)
Ex-NBA forward Al Harrington became one of the biggest athlete-turned-entrepreneurs in the cannabis space. He founded Viola Brands, one of the leading Black-owned cannabis companies in the U.S., focused on premium flower and extracts. Harrington is also a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization and social equity.
2. Marshawn Lynch (NFL)
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch launched Dodi Blunts in 2021, a cannabis company specializing in pre-rolled products. Lynch says cannabis played a major role in helping him manage pain throughout his NFL career and now uses his platform to support social justice and cannabis equity initiatives.
1. Conor McGregor (MMA / UFC)
UFC star Conor McGregor has been open about using cannabis and CBD for recovery. He co-founded TIDL Sport, a plant-based recovery brand offering oils, sprays, and creams. McGregor has also been spotted smoking on social media and often credits plant-based recovery with keeping him strong in training and post-fight rehab.
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