NHL Players Are Choosing Cannabis and Video Games Over Alcohol and Partying, Survey Finds
Table of Contents
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- Introduction
- Survey: NHL Players Embracing Cannabis Over Alcohol
- The Growing Popularity of Edibles Among Players
- Why Are Athletes Choosing Cannabis?
- The NHL’s Unique Approach to Cannabis Use
- What This Means for Cannabis in Professional Sports
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- A new survey reveals that NHL players are moving away from alcohol and opting for cannabis instead.
- Two-thirds of NHL players reported using edibles this season, a significant shift in athlete lifestyle choices.
- Cannabis is seen as a safer, more recovery-friendly alternative to alcohol.
- Unlike other major leagues, the NHL does not punish players for cannabis use.
1. Introduction
For decades, professional athletes were known for post-game celebrations involving alcohol. But according to a new survey of NHL players, that culture is rapidly changing—with more players ditching alcohol in favor of cannabis and video games.
The report found that two-thirds of NHL players have used cannabis edibles this season, highlighting a major shift in athlete culture.
So why are hockey players embracing weed over booze? Let’s take a look at the changing attitudes toward cannabis in professional sports.
2. Survey: NHL Players Embracing Cannabis Over Alcohol
A new player survey conducted within the NHL community revealed that:
✔ Fewer players are drinking alcohol than in previous seasons.
✔ More players are turning to cannabis, especially edibles.
✔ Video games and cannabis have become the preferred way to unwind after games.
This marks a major shift from the traditional “party culture” often associated with professional sports.
💡 Key Point: The days of wild post-game drinking seem to be fading as players look for healthier recovery methods.
3. The Growing Popularity of Edibles Among Players
One of the biggest takeaways from the survey is that two-thirds of NHL players are using cannabis edibles this season.
Why edibles?
✔ Discreet & Convenient – No smoke, no smell, easy to consume.
✔ Longer-Lasting Effects – Ideal for post-game recovery and sleep.
✔ Less Harmful Than Alcohol – No hangovers or liver damage.
Many players prefer edibles because they help with muscle recovery, pain relief, and relaxation without the negative effects of alcohol.
💡 Key Point: Edibles are now a go-to recovery tool for NHL players, replacing traditional alcohol-based celebrations.
4. Why Are Athletes Choosing Cannabis?
So, what’s driving this cultural shift among professional athletes?
1. Faster Recovery & Pain Management
✔ Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that help players recover faster.
✔ Many players prefer it over prescription painkillers.
2. Better Sleep & Relaxation
✔ Many athletes struggle with insomnia due to late-night games and adrenaline crashes.
✔ Cannabis, especially CBD and THC edibles, helps promote deeper sleep.
3. Avoiding Hangovers & Long-Term Alcohol Damage
✔ Unlike alcohol, cannabis doesn’t cause dehydration, liver damage, or next-day sluggishness.
✔ Players can stay sharp for training without dealing with the after-effects of alcohol.
💡 Key Point: Cannabis offers clear benefits over alcohol for recovery, relaxation, and mental focus.
5. The NHL’s Unique Approach to Cannabis Use
Unlike the NBA, NFL, and MLB, the NHL has one of the most relaxed cannabis policies in professional sports.
How Does the NHL Handle Cannabis?
✔ Players are NOT punished for cannabis use.
✔ Cannabis testing is minimal—and only used to identify potential substance abuse issues, not for disciplinary action.
✔ The NHL Players’ Association has pushed for more progressive drug policies, making it easier for players to use cannabis legally.
💡 Key Point: The NHL has become a leader in allowing professional athletes to explore cannabis use without fear of punishment.
6. What This Means for Cannabis in Professional Sports
The shift in NHL player habits could have a major impact on the role of cannabis in pro sports.
Potential Outcomes:
✔ Other leagues may follow the NHL’s lead and reduce penalties for cannabis use.
✔ More athletes will openly endorse cannabis brands, pushing for wider acceptance.
✔ The stigma around cannabis use in sports will continue to fade.
With more athletes embracing cannabis as a tool for recovery and wellness, we could see major policy changes in leagues like the NFL and NBA in the coming years.
💡 Key Question: Will we soon see cannabis sponsorships in pro sports, just like energy drinks and alcohol brands?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the NHL test for cannabis?
A: Yes, but players are not penalized for testing positive.
Q: Why are NHL players using edibles instead of smoking?
A: Edibles last longer, are more discreet, and don’t affect lung health like smoking.
Q: Could cannabis become fully accepted in all sports leagues?
A: It’s possible! With more athletes speaking up, major leagues are reconsidering their cannabis policies.
8. Conclusion
The culture of professional sports is shifting, and cannabis is playing a major role.
✔ NHL players are choosing cannabis and video games over alcohol and partying.
✔ Edibles have become a go-to recovery method, with two-thirds of players using them this season.
✔ The NHL’s progressive cannabis policy could set the stage for changes in other leagues.
As cannabis continues to gain acceptance in sports, we may soon see more athletes openly advocating for its benefits.
💬 What do you think? Should all pro sports leagues allow cannabis use? Drop a comment below! 🚀🔥
