Former MLB Stars Champion Medical Cannabis Relief

As Major League Baseball continues to distance itself from punitive drug policies of the past, a growing number of former players have emerged as vocal advocates for medical cannabis. Their message is rooted in personal experience—stories of chronic pain, post-career injuries, sleepless nights, and the mental health turbulence that too often follows athletic retirement. For these athletes, cannabis represents not a shortcut or a scandal, but a lifeline.

Over the past decade, MLB has gradually softened its stance on marijuana, removing it from its “drugs of abuse” testing panel in 2019 and shifting its focus toward treatment rather than punishment. This cultural pivot has opened the door for former players to speak more openly about their experiences. Many say the league’s earlier policies forced athletes toward opioids and alcohol instead of safer therapeutic options. Today, several former stars are pushing to ensure upcoming generations of players have better choices.

One of the most recognizable voices is Ryan Dempster, the former Chicago Cubs pitcher who has spoken publicly about how cannabis helped him manage chronic pain and anxiety after retirement. Dempster has emphasized that cannabis is not about performance enhancement but about restoring balance and quality of life—something he argues many players quietly struggle with long after their final game.

Another influential advocate is David Wells, a former All-Star pitcher with a long and demanding career. Wells has been candid about his battles with pain management and dependence on prescription medication. He credits cannabis with helping him step away from opioids and regain control of his health. His advocacy includes collaborations with medical researchers and outreach to current players to educate them on non-addictive alternatives.

Former outfielder Brett Meyers has echoed similar sentiments. After retiring, he suffered from lingering injuries and sleep issues that conventional therapies failed to address. Meyers has since partnered with cannabis wellness organizations, highlighting how topicals and low-dose edibles improved his recovery routines without the dangerous side effects associated with NSAIDs and painkillers.

Meanwhile, players such as Jeremy Jeffress, who has opened a CBD shop after his MLB tenure, say cannabinoids helped them stabilize mood, reduce inflammation, and navigate the intense pressures of professional sports. Their stories underscore a common theme: cannabis provided relief that many athletes couldn’t find within traditional medical structures.

These testimonials hold weight not only because they come from seasoned professionals, but because they reflect a new era in MLB—one in which health and player autonomy are taking precedence. Although federal law and league sponsorship rules still create barriers, the voices of retired athletes are pushing the conversation forward. They’re advocating for expanded education, additional medical research, and policies that support cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic tool.

For fans, consumers, and the next generation of ballplayers, these former MLB veterans offer a straightforward reminder: cannabis is not about controversy—it’s about care. And for athletes whose bodies and minds endure the relentless demands of elite competition, that care can make all the difference.