Athletes find cannabis an awkward topic with medical staff

Among 166 surveyed contact-sport athletes, 56% reported using cannabinoids at the time, but only 21.4% felt comfortable discussing cannabis with team medical staff. Canadian researchers surveyed athletes from Canada, the United States and Australia, and separately questioned 64 physicians, therapists and other staff working with athletes. Both groups had knowledge gaps, and medical staff also wanted specific training: there was no all-knowing expert on the other side of the treatment table. Anonymous responses were collected in 2023–2024; they do not establish cannabis benefits for recovery or sporting performance.