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Freakonomics Radio

663. Is Weed a Performance-Enhancing Drug?

February 13, 2026 • 50m

Summary

⏱️ 8 min read

Overview

This episode explores the complex relationship between cannabis and athletic performance through the story of NFL running back Ricky Williams, who was repeatedly penalized for marijuana use during his career. The episode examines both the scientific evidence around cannabis as a performance enhancer and Williams' personal journey from star athlete to healer, revealing how cannabis helped him manage pain, anxiety, and trauma while challenging societal stigmas about the drug.

The Science of Cannabis and Athletic Performance

Psychology professor Angela Bryan discusses groundbreaking research on cannabis and exercise, revealing surprising connections that contradict the "lazy stoner" stereotype. Her research shows cannabis users actually exercise more and have better health metrics than non-users. The endocannabinoid system, responsible for the "runner's high," helps explain why people report more enjoyment during exercise when using cannabis, even though their physical performance may be slightly impaired.

  • Bryan initially studied cannabis from a harm reduction perspective but found surprising benefits after legalization
  • Research showed cannabis users exercise more than non-users and have lower rates of type 2 diabetes and lower BMI
  • The endocannabinoid system, not endogenous opiates, is responsible for the runner's high
  • Studies show people feel better running under cannabis influence but go slower and it feels harder
" You're imagining someone with a bong sitting on a couch eating Doritos. You're not thinking of someone eating healthy and exercising. "
" We now believe that it is those cannabinoids, not endogenous opiates, that are responsible for things like the runner's high, that feeling of euphoria that we get with physical exertion. "

Ricky Williams' Introduction to Cannabis

Williams traces his relationship with cannabis from his teenage Bob Marley fandom through college experimentation to a pivotal moment during his senior year at Texas. After a devastating breakup and poor performance on the field, cannabis helped him break free from obsessive thoughts and refocus on improvement, leading to back-to-back 300-yard rushing games and ultimately winning the Heisman Trophy.

  • Williams grew dreadlocks and wore Rastafarian colors as a teenager but didn't smoke cannabis because he was a jock
  • His first experience with cannabis in 11th grade left him unimpressed and confused about its appeal
  • During his troubled senior year at Texas, cannabis helped him stop obsessing about his ex-girlfriend and poor performance
  • After using cannabis, he had back-to-back 300-yard rushing games, which remains a record
" I took a couple of hits and I remember walking upstairs and laying in the bed. And as I was sitting there, I noticed it was the first time in weeks that I wasn't obsessing about the girl and I wasn't obsessing about how poorly I was playing. "
" Coaches will say we make practice hard so the games are easy. As time went on, I got better and better and better at it because that's what coaches are saying. "

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