Marijuana and the WWE

By Anthony Washington, The Fresh Toast on Jul 24, 2025

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Hulk Hogan was one of the star at it’s peak, so we wonder about marijuana and WWE

Cannabis has long been a popular—if unofficial—part of professional wrestling culture, and WWE is no exception. For decades, many of the industry’s biggest stars have used marijuana to relax, recover, and cope with the physical and mental toll of the job. By some backstage estimates, up to 90% of WWE talent have used cannabis, whether for stress relief or pain management. WWE reached its peak popularity during two main eras: the Godlen Era of the 1980s, where the late Hulk Hogan was the star and the Attitude Era of the 90s, led by stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. These periods saw unprecedented viewership. But what about marijuana and the WWE? The list of cannabis-friendly wrestlers includes major names such as Rob Van Dam, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Matt Riddle, and Sean Waltman. Rob Van Dam in particular has championed marijuana publicly, crediting it with helping him manage pain and stay grounded during his career. Others, like Bret Hart and Val Venis, have expressed similar sentiments.

By 2022, WWE had largely stopped enforcing marijuana fines in practice. And in early 2025, WWE superstar Michin (Mia Yim) confirmed what many suspected: marijuana was officially removed from the company’s banned substance list “a couple of years ago.” This quiet but significant policy shift aligns with widespread legalization and normalization of cannabis use in much of the U.S. The move has been welcomed by fans and insiders alike. WWE Hall of Famer Booker T called the change overdue, praising marijuana as a safer alternative to opioid-based painkillers, which have had devastating effects in the wrestling world. WWE’s new approach represents a more modern and compassionate vision of athlete wellness. Rather than punishing performers for using a now widely legal substance, the company has turned its focus toward more dangerous or performance-enhancing drugs. The shift gives wrestlers more autonomy over their health while also acknowledging cannabis’s role in long-term recovery. As WWE continues to evolve in the era of legalized marijuana, its updated Wellness Policy reflects a forward-thinking attitude—one prioritizing performer well-being over outdated stigma.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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