Exploring Medical Professionals' Perspectives on Cannabinoid Use in Professional and Elite-Level Contact Sports: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Thompson E.; Alcorn J.; Laprairie R.; Rohatinsky N.; Dehghani P.; Neary J. · Sports health · 2026

**Background & Methods** This qualitative, descriptive study (Level 4 evidence) conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 medical staff members (physicians, athletic trainers, nutritionists, and mental health professionals) from elite sports organizations in North America and Australia, including the NHL, NFL, and NCAA. Transcripts were inductively coded using thematic analysis to identify barriers and knowledge gaps regarding cannabinoid use in professional and elite-level contact sports. **Key Findings** • Medical staff across elite sports organizations demonstrate significant knowledge gaps regarding cannabinoids, with most lacking formal education and relying on informal information sources. This knowledge-practice gap restricts their ability to provide evidence-based guidance to athletes inquiring about cannabis use for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. • Multiple systemic barriers impede appropriate athlete care, including regulatory uncertainty due to inconsistent league policies, persistent stigma limiting open dialogue, and lack of institutional support. These factors create hesitation among medical professionals to discuss cannabis openly with athletes, compromising trust and communication. • Despite evolving societal attitudes toward cannabis legalization, medical staff report observing increased athlete cannabis use and inquiries but feel unprepared to provide informed guidance. The study identified six major themes: pervasive knowledge gaps, compliance challenges, stigma-related communication barriers, shifting attitudes, increased athlete cannabis use, and the critical role of trust in facilitating safe discussions. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. **Evidence Quality** This study represents Level 4 evidence (qualitative descriptive research) with significant limitations. The small sample size (n=10) from specific North American and Australian leagues limits generalizability to other sports contexts or global settings. As a qualitative inquiry, findings reflect subjective perspectives rather than quantifiable outcomes. The study provides valuable insight into knowledge gaps and systemic barriers but cannot establish prevalence rates or causal relationships. The authors acknowledge that targeted cannabinoid education, destigmatization efforts, and development of clear evidence-based league policies are urgently needed to bridge identified gaps and optimize athlete care and harm reduction strategies.

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