The debate around cannabis and athletic performance just hit the main stage. In the latest episode of Freakonomics Radio, titled "Is Weed a Performance-Enhancing Drug?", the team explores the science, the stigma, and the future of cannabinoids in sports.
We were thrilled to hear a big callout for ATHLETHC early in the episode, highlighting our work in pioneering the movement of hemp-derived cannabinoids into plant-based nutraceuticals to improve performance. If you’re coming here from the show, welcome to the movement.
Here’s a breakdown of the research discussed by the episode's notable guests and why it matters for your performance.
The Science: Athletic vs. Psychological Benefits
The episode features Angela Bryan, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, who has spent years studying the intersection of cannabis and exercise. Her research suggests that while cannabis might not make you "faster" or "stronger" in the traditional sense, it plays a massive role in the "psychological benefits" of performance.
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The Runner’s High: Research indicates that the endocannabinoid system is actually more responsible for the "runner’s high" than endorphins are.
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Enjoyment and Motivation: Bryan’s studies show that many athletes find cannabis helps them get into a "flow state," making the grind of training more enjoyable, helping form a more long-term routine.
The Endorphin Myth vs. The "Bliss Molecule"
For decades, we’ve been told that "runner’s high" is caused by endorphins. But as Dr. Angela Bryan and the Freakonomics team discuss, the science has shifted. Endorphins are actually too large to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively.
The real hero? Anandamide—an endogenous cannabinoid produced naturally by your body.
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The Internal Pharmacy: Your body produces its own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) that lock into the same receptors as THC and CBD.
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The Reward System: Research shows that exercise-induced "bliss" is actually your ECS kicking into gear. It’s a survival mechanism designed to make high-output activity feel rewarding rather than just painful.
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The Enjoyment Factor: By tapping into this system, athletes can transition from "suffering" through a workout to finding a genuine sense of enjoyment and "flow."
The Cognitive Frontier: Unlocking "Flow"
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centered on the cognitive enhancements reported by elite athletes. They describe a sense of "hyper-focus" where the "noise" of the world drops away.
Interestingly, the scientists in the episode admitted they can’t quite pinpoint the reasoning yet. While we know our bodies are covered in cannabinoid receptors (a "lock waiting for a key"), the exact mechanism of how these compounds sharpen mental focus during high-stress activity remains a mystery. Whether it’s through "dissociation"—allowing the mind to separate from the physical pain—or a direct neurological spark to the dopamine system, the "mental edge" is undeniable, even if the lab results are still catching up to the athlete's experience.
The Healing Drug: A New Perspective from Ricky Williams
Former NFL superstar Ricky Williams joined the conversation to share how he transitioned from the "party drug" stigma to viewing cannabis as a "healing drug." He argues that for professional athletes, the greatest performance enhancer is recovery.
Williams highlights that cannabinoids help athletes connect with their "true self" and manage the physical and mental toll of high-level competition without the side effects of traditional pharmaceuticals. This shifts the focus from "getting high" to "getting better."
Anecdotally, Williams estimates that 70-75% of NFL players leverage cannabis in some form or another whether it is to help with recovery or improve mental focus.
Bridging the Gap at ATHLETHC
At ATHLETHC, we believe performance isn't just about what you do during the 60 minutes of your workout—it’s about the other 23 hours of the day. The research shared by Dr. Bryan and the lived experience of athletes like Ricky Williams confirm what we’ve always known: Recovery and mental clarity are the ultimate performance enhancers.
Our hemp-derived performance mints are designed to support your body's natural systems, helping you elevate your everyday by tapping into the same "bliss" and focus discussed by the Freakonomics team.
Listen to the full episode on Freakonomics.com to hear the deep dive into the data, and then head over to our shop to see how we’re putting that research into practice.
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