The First Annual KIND Invitational Raised More Than $9000 and Hosted More Than 250 Golfers to Benefit Athletes For CARE

Athletes for CARE set to Honor Co-Founder and 10 Year NFL Quarterback Jake Plummer at Charity Golf Tournament in Denver, Colorado

DENVER, CO., April 14,2022 - Athletes for CARE is excited to announce the second location of the 2022 A4C Golf Tour presented by Chronic at Arrowhead Golf Course, 10850 Sundown Trail, in Littleton, Colorado on Thursday, May 26th, 2022. Athletes and business leaders are invited to participate in this tournament as we raise funds to provide mental, physical, and financial health support to athletes of all ages.

The event will honor Jake Plummer, a former Pro-Bowl Quarterback who enjoyed a ten-year career in the National Football League. He was selected in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after enjoying a successful collegiate career at Arizona State University. During his career he played for both the Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. In 2007, Plummer was inducted into the Arizona State Hall of Fame and then in 2019 was a College Football Hall of Fame inductee.

“I believe that everyone needs community, guidance and unbiased encouragement in life. A4C is an organization that provides a place for former athletes to realize and pursue their dreams post career. Athletes have a voice and through experiencing alternative forms of healing, educating others and advocating for health and wellness we can collectively make a difference in the lives of others and help them discover a higher purpose in life,” said Jake on what it means to be honored at this year’s tournament.

Not only a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of Athletes for CARE, but Jake has also long used his platform to help with cannabis advocacy across NFL and sports in its entirety. His advocacy has now led him to his newest venture as the co-founder of Umbo, functional mushrooms helped to rebalance the mind. 

Athletes for CARE is a community of athletes finding support, opportunity, and purpose in life after a career in sports by using their influence for social change including improving global standards of health, destigmatizing alternative medicine use, and ensuring safety and quality of life for all athletes.

“We are excited to honor Jake at our Denver tournament. Jake is a great example of an athlete who is using his success on the field and his influencer status to help people lead healthier lives. He is passionate about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and is helping to remove the stigma around plant-based treatment options,” said Anna Valent, executive director, Athletes for CARE. 

Sponsorships and foursomes are still available for purchase for those looking to participate in the tournament. For more information, please visit athletesforcare.org. Sponsors currently include Chronic, High Country Cones, Mary's Medicinals, Canna Real Estate Group, Let’s Talk Hemp and Escape Artists. Other stops on the 2022 A4C Golf Tour Presented by Chronic besides Denver include Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Learn more about the series and our 2022 honorees.

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Athletes for CARE

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a nonprofit organization launched in 2017 by passionate retired professional athletes who recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety, and wellness of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency. For more information, please visit athletesforcare.org, follow A4C on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Athletes for Care Contact

Jeffrey Draluck - Community Manager

jeffrey@athletesforcare.com

Verfuerth boasts two gold, a silver, and a bronze medal from the ParaPan Am Games and is an advocate for sports and recreation accessibility for all

PHOENIX, Ariz., February 3, 2022 — Athletes for CARE, a nonprofit organization, today announced a new national charity golf tour launching Friday, April 1, 2022 at the Ocotillo Golf Club, 3751 S. Clubhouse Drive, in Chandler, Arizona in collaboration with the Marijuana Industry Trade Association. Athletes and business leaders are invited to participate in this all day event with proceeds benefiting the health, safety, and quality of life for athletes of all ages.

The event will honor Kaitlyn Verfuerth, a wheelchair tennis and outrigger canoe four-time Paralympian. The tournament will boast attendance of celebrity athletes including retired NFL legends, and longtime cannabis advocates, Marvin Washington, Ricky Williams, Jake Plummer, and Jim McMahon who will be recognized at the tournament as Athletes for CARE Athlete Ambassadors. For information on how to sponsor or register, visit mita-az.org or call David Fowler at 602-790-8876.

Activities on the driving range will consist of an all day Health and Wellness Expo with 70 vendors where attendees and golfers can meet Verfuerth and the other athletes, do yoga and other alternative therapies, and learn more about the alternative medicine industry. The Athletes for CARE national tour is presented by Chronic Cannabis Company.

“I am honored to be the sponsored athlete for an amazing event geared around helping the same athletes I have been working with in my career. I’m excited to utilize the resources donated by Athletes for CARE to help continue to improve the lives of more athletes,” said Kaitlyn Verfuerth.

Athletes for CARE is a community of athletes who are passionate about their mission of improving global standards of health, destigmatizing alternative medicine use, and ensuring safety and quality of life for athletes of all ages.

“There are plenty of professional athletes who have come off the field addicted to opioids, none come off the field addicted to marijuana. It's essential athletes have access to the proper resources and recovery education, so they have a safe alternative to harmful opioids,” said Athletes for CARE Ambassador and tournament host, Marvin Washington.

The next leg of the national tour will be in Denver, then Philadelphia, and will conclude in Los Angeles. To learn more about Athletes for CARE, the golf tour, or how to sponsor an event or athlete, visit the website at athletesforcare.org.

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Athletes for CARE

Athletes for CARE is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), founded in 2017 by passionate people who recognize the need to advocate for the health, safety and wellbeing of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency.

Kaitlyn Verfuerth

Kaitlyn Verfuerth is a four-time Paralympian in wheelchair tennis and Paracanoe; she has two gold, a silver, and a bronze medal from the ParaPan Am Games. At the top of her tennis game, Verfuerth was ranked 8 in the world and number 1 in the United States. She also played wheelchair basketball on team USA in 2013-2014 and recently competed in Paracanoe at the 2021 Paralympic games in Tokyo. When Verfuerth isn’t training, she is a recreational therapist and tennis instructor. Verfuerth was the director of tennis with the Flagstaff Unified School District, managing after school tennis clubs in the Flagstaff district, and teaching tennis in PE classes. Verfuerth also taught tennis at Northern Arizona University and was an assistant tennis professional at Forest Highlands Golf and Tennis club in Flagstaff, AZ.

Verfuerth recently graduated with her Master’s degree in Recreation with an emphasis in Recreational Therapy. Her goal is to reach individuals during rehab and help them find their passions, like adaptive sports. Kaitlyn Verfuerth enjoys spending most of her time advocating for others; she served as the chair on the City of Flagstaffs’, Inclusion and Adaptive Living Commission; she also works with Arizona State Parks to ensure that Arizona State Parks are accessible to all. Verfuerth currently works with Ability360 in Phoenix, AZ and runs a successful wheelchair tennis program with the City of Scottsdale. When she is not running the tennis program, she runs outdoor programming for people with both physical and intellectual disabilities.

MITA

The Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA) is the voice of the Arizona cannabis industry with a mission to help Arizona’s businesses stay informed, network and thrive. MITA works directly with members and policy makers to ensure a fair, tightly regulated and successful cannabis economy. MITA represents the dispensary community and other stakeholders who are committed to building a strong and sustainable future for legitimate medical marijuana and adult use consumption. MITA offers unparalleled networking opportunities, exclusive access to industry information, special training and education opportunities. For information, visit MITA-AZ.org.

Media Contact

Sadie Thompson

Proven Media

602-527-0794

sadie@provenmediaservices.com

Event Contacts

Jeffrey Draluck

Athletes for CARE

jeffrey@athletesforcare.com

David Fowler

MITA

david@mita-az.org

602-790-8876

In the first major study of opiate use amongst current and former NFL players in 2011, surveyors found that over half of used opioids during their NFL career and 71% reported misuse of drugs. Additionally, 15% of players admitted to current misuse versus only 5% who said they used painkillers “just as prescribed” during their playing time.

In response, a growing chorus has turned into a clarion call among current and former players to enable alternatives to opiate use, namely via cannabis derivatives. More than ten years after the movement began, the NFL announced last week that the league will provide $1 million for research into cannabinoids for pain management. Chosen from over 106 proposals, the money will be split between two studies. Medical researchers at the University of California San Diego will investigate the effects of cannabinoids on pain management and a medical team at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan will study its impact on neuroprotection from concussion in elite football players.

Athletes for CARE, a nonprofit organization advocating for the health and wellness of not only former players, but for all people playing sanctioned sports, celebrated the decision, but stated it hopes that this is only a first step.

“It is especially promising that the research is focused on pain management and as a neuroprotection,” the organization said in a statement. “These are two issues athletes from many high impact sports face for the rest of their lives. We hope this is only the beginning of the investment in finding a solution for athletes as well as anyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury or has long-term pain to manage.”

Former player Marvin Washington, a board member for Athletes for CARE, wants to turn away from addictive chemicals for the health of his peers in the football brotherhood.

“CBD is used by my former compadres as an alternative to diazepines, which are basically poison,” Washington said. “They’re addictive. There are 20,000 former NFL players and they’re four times more likely to abuse than general society.”

Todd Herremans, a founding member of Athletes for CARE and a former player, has a unique perspective on cannabis use after having been in the league’s substance program three times in his career for brushes with marijuana.

“It was eye-opening after I tested positive and got put into the drug program,” Herremans said. “I started to abuse alcohol more frequently and take more pills. It promoted a harsher lifestyle as it was more accessible to me when I was not allowed to use cannabis.”

Cannabis is still a banned substance in the NFL, although the policy around using marijuana was loosened in the last collective bargaining agreement because of the advocacy work from past players like Washington and Herremans.

Under this recent labor deal, players testing positive for marijuana are fined based on the number of positive tests as opposed to being suspended. The timing of testing was reduced to the first two weeks of training camp instead of from April to August and the amount of marijuana necessary to produce a positive test was raised by four times. This is a slow, yet steady return to a more natural remedy to pain, Washington said.

“Nobody is using it to get high. They’re smoking to feel better,” Washington said. “We’ve been on the opiate path for the past 70 years. Before that, though, cannabis was the most prescribed medicine in the country. As humans, we’ve used plant-based medicine for thousands of years, from shamans to village doctors. This is the new road to get back to the old.”

The research projects will take three years to complete. Washington sees this as a positive first measure in a path that the NFL needs to continue down.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Washington said. “But we’re talking about a $13 billion industry that just contributed $1 million. Once you get the NFL to put their resources behind this, they can normalize cannabinoid use and really lead the plant-based revolution.”

Herremans hopes that this action leads to the league-leading a scientific study of the cannabis plant.

“The end game would be to have the NFL be a champion of this and push for more money into utilizing all the different parts of the plant.”

For Athletes for CARE, this is positive progress. Time will tell how much further these advocates can coax the league into acceptance and advocacy for what they see as a large part of the future of pain management for the collision-based sport.

Professional Athlete Community Joins the Athletes for CARE Charity, Celebrity Golf Tournament in Los Angeles, California on September 27, 2021 at Tierra Rejada Golf Club presented by Chronic

Athlete Ambassadors continue to unite and advocate to improve health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, Substance Abuse & Opioid Dependency

WHAT:

Athletes for CARE is excited to host a charity golf experience unlike any other. Join us at our sixth of seven spectacular A4C Tour golf events presented by Chronic benefiting Athletes for CARE's mission to improve global standards of health, safety and quality of life for athletes of all ages. Tierra Rejada’s stunning championship golf course, upscale amenities, unmatched event capabilities and superb service offer guests a foursome of reasons to visit.

WHO:

This tournament will include some of the top professional athletes and executives in the industry, including: 

• Ruben Lindo, NFL, CFL

• Bertrand Berry, NFL

• Oscar McBride, NFL

• Bryan Chamberlin, NFL

• Members of the NCAA

INTERVIEWS: 

Interviews are available ahead of the event, and on-site. To book a pre-tournament media interview please contact: Jess Moran, Founder, JESSCO PR, jess@jessmco.com

For on-site media attendance, media passes & and interviews please contact: Jeffrey Draluck, A4C Community Manager, jeffrey@athletesforcare.com

WHEN & WHERE: 

Golf: Monday, September 27, 2021, Tierra Rejada Golf Club, Los Angeles, 15187 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark, CA   93021

**Sponsorships & Foursomes still available until September 22, contact Clint Johnson at clint@athletesforcare.com or (904) 404-8714 for details**

WHY:

The A4C Los Angeles Tournament presented by Chronic is being held to raise much-needed funds for Athletes for CARE’s advocacy, research and education initiatives. A4C was Created by Athletes for the Athlete in All of Us.

Founded by former professional athletes, A4C is uniting athletes as one voice to advocate for research, education, and compassion when addressing important health issues. We are the only non-profit organization empowering legendary athletes from every sport to use their influence to improve global standards of health, safety and quality of life for athletes of all ages.

Athletes for Care is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), which is led by a community of athletes finding support, opportunity and purpose in life after a career in sports by using their influence for social change.

ABOUT ATHLETES FOR CARE

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a nonprofit organization launched in 2017 by passionate retired professional athletes who recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety and wellness of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency. For more information, please visit athletesforcare.org, follow A4C on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Athletes For CARE

Jessica Moran, Founder

JESSCO 

jess@jessmco.com

519-494-5379

Athletes for CARE Launches Charitable Collaboration with Kendra Scott

Olympians and Professional Athletes are setting new standards for personal care and well-being to protect their mental health, disrupting intense pressure and expectation

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. (PRWEB) AUGUST 12, 2021

Athletes for CARE (“A4C” or the “Organization”) is a nonprofit organization working since 2017 with current and former athletes to address the long term impact of the mental and physical toll a career in sport takes on athletes. A4C advocates for the removal of stigmas surrounding mental health and personal well-being in sport, as well as for treatment options. A4C applauds and supports the challenging decisions made by Olympic athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka in the past weeks to protect their mental health and well-being. Their outspoken bravery sets a precedent encouraging others to reinforce that no athlete must suffer alone in silence on, or after leaving, the world stage.

A4C is committed to fostering resilience and support for mental health challenges faced by current and former professional athletes. To further this mission, the organization is proud to announce a collaboration with the Post-Game Players’ Lounge (“PPL” or the “Partner”), a program devoted to supporting retired athletes who are finding themselves, for the first time, in a world that isn’t solely dominated by participation in professional and team sport.

“PPL is excited to collaborate with A4C to help bring the mental health aspect of athletics to the forefront! While traditional sports psychology focuses on athletes’ success on the field, PPL is shifting their focus to helping athletes succeed off the field,” says Dr. Shannon McHugh, PsyD., co-founder of PPL.

“Athletes for CARE is committed to helping athletes find success in life after a career in sport,” said Anna Valent, Executive Director A4C. “We have worked for years on a one on one basis to address barriers to success and help athletes find support, opportunity and purpose in life after a career in sport. We are excited to work with the Post-Game Players’ Lounge to bring this program that focuses on mental health at no charge to any athlete from any sport.”

“A4C was there to support me through some dark times after my football career ended.” said Jamie Brown, A4C Athlete Ambassador and NFL Superbowl Champion. “I am excited that A4C and PPL are partnering to create a safe space where you can share anything in a group of people who understand how you are feeling. It helps connect the dots whether you are struggling with finances, or purpose or anything.”

The program, led by former athletes who are now mental health professionals, includes a 16 week program for athletes and will grow to include programs for spouses, partners and families of athletes. Athletes who complete the program will also be invited to participate in a leadership development program to continue their mental health journey. In addition to the weekly program, athletes needing additional support will receive individual care plans that will also be supported through A4C. Many athletes struggle with mental, physical and financial health during and after a career in sport. It is difficult to navigate how and where to get help, especially when coming from a unique industry and usually without a transition plan or health insurance.

About Athletes for CARE

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a nonprofit organization launched in 2017 by passionate retired professional athletes who recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety and wellness of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency. For more information, please visit athletesforcare.org.

About Post-Game Players Lounge

The Players' Lounge was created with a collaboration between psychologists Dr. Shannon McHugh and Dr. Jesi Sasaki, B.J. Williams, the founder of Can I Be Vulnerable (an organization aimed toward reducing the stigma of mental health for black men and boys), and occupational therapist Dr. Madison Harris, who specializes in helping athletes with their retirement transition. Started as a safe space for former NFL players to come together and talk about their mental health and post-career journey, now turned into a program that all former athletes can access and benefit from as they transition out of their athletic career. PPL provides mental wellness tips and techniques to group members and collaborate with partnering neuropsychologists and occupational therapists to provide relatable information to help athletes develop a playbook for retirement that prioritizes their mental and physical wellness post-sport.

For Further Information, Or media requests:
Jess Moran
Founder, JESSCO
519-494-5379
jess@jessmco.com

Kaitlyn Verfuerth remembers encountering a bright light in the windshield of the crashing car she was in, and two angels telling her it was not her time to go. At age 7, she sustained an L2 incomplete spinal cord injury, paralyzing her from the waist down.

© Courtesy of Kaitlyn Verfeurth U.S. Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth is preparing for the 2021 Games in Tokyo.

Today, Verfuerth is a veteran of the Paralympics ready for a new challenge.

A three-time Paralympian (2004, 2008, 2016) in wheelchair tennis, Verfuerth will debut in paracanoe in Tokyo this summer — and had no intention of doing so. She was hesitant she would be training for something that would not happen, given the postponement of the games last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so her focus was on the Paris Paralympics in 2024.

Without attending the trials this May in Hungary, Verfuerth automatically qualified when one woman flipped her boat, and another rowed out of the lane, disqualifying both. Verfeurth was the next fastest time from the 2019 ACA Sprint and Para National Team Trials in Oklahoma City.

Verfuerth, a native of Wisconsin who now lives in the Valley, will leave Aug. 25 for Tokyo to compete in the V1 200m and K1 200m races in an outrigger canoe and kayak.

“I am brand new to this sport. I really just started competing in 2018 and to be honest, I am really lucky to be going,” Verfuerth said. “I swear if you asked me in February, I would’ve been like, I don’t care, I am just focused on Paris.”

After the 2016 Rio Games, the traveling tennis required was taking a toll on Verfuerth and her partner, so she decided to swing her racket to the side. She wanted something different, but did not necessarily know she would find it.

Some things are just meant to be, and for Verfeurth the moment might have come while standing next to USA paracanoe coach, Deb Smith, in the opening ceremony at Rio. The next summer Verfuerth paddled in a canoe for the first time at Smith’s house in Florida.

She did not buy her first canoe until September 2020. 

“I learned that I had muscles that I didn’t even know existed that I can't even feel, but they work," Verfuerth said. "You feel so humbled by being in an environment that isn’t controlled. If there is a wave coming and I flip over, that is out of my control.”

Verfuerth is not only representing the USA this summer but Ability 360 and her alma mater, the University of Arizona, where she played wheelchair tennis on a full scholarship.

Ability 360 is a Glendale-based non-profit that works with individuals with disabilities to help achieve self-sufficiency and offers comprehensive programs ranging from athletics to home care. Verfuerth began coaching wheelchair tennis at the non-profit last November.

“My dream came true (working at Ability 360),” Verfeurth said. “I wanted to work here since I moved to Arizona. I love the mission, I love what we do here, I love how we change lives of people day in and day out. I am literally getting teary-eyed. It’s really amazing what we get to do. It’s a really special place to be.”

The Paralympian is fulfilled every day by helping kids, in whom she sees her 7-year-old self, and teaching them how to use their chairs and roll closer to gaining their independence. And independence means everything to Verfuerth.  

“Others assume that people with a disability are not capable of doing things by themselves or they need help all the time,” Verfuerth said. “I had to rely on people and I am not that type of person. I am training every day and I don’t have to rely on others. It’s liberating.”

Verfuerth carries her 26 foot-long boat on a trailer with wheels alone and feels “pretty damn good about it.” 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth will swap tennis racquet for kayak paddle in Tokyo

Is CBD Safe? - 4 Things Everyone Needs to Caption About CBD Safety

CBD is sweeping the nation! But for all its popularity – and its wellness-boosting benefits – researchers and consumers alike still have a lot to learn about all the myriad ways this stress-relieving cannabinoid affects the human body. 

While you should always consult your physician if you have any concerns or hesitations about introducing CBD to your wellness routine, there are a few basic questions we can answer to help put your mind at ease. Together with our partners at Athletes for CARE – a non-profit organization advocating to improve global standards of health, safety and quality of life for athletes of all ages – we've compiled 4 essential things to know about the safety of CBD.

Can CBD Get You High?

Short answer: no. Unlike its cousin THC – the active ingredient in marijuana – CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. You’re fine to take it in the morning, go to work, run errands in your car, or anything else you might normally do in the sober light of day. 

But there’s a longer and more complicated answer to consider as well. While CBD on its own won’t get you high, there are some CBD products which do contain trace amounts of THC. If your tincture or gummies contain CBD isolate (CBD by itself), you’re probably good to go. Similarly, you can choose a product made with broad-spectrum hemp oil, which contains naturally occurring CBD and other beneficial plant compounds but no more than .01% THC (though this limit may vary a bit by state).

However, if a CBD product is made with full-spectrum hemp oil, that means its legal limit for THC content is .3%. That may not seem like much, but it’s relative to the net weight of the product. For example, a full-spectrum gummie that weighs 4.5 grams could theoretically contain as much as 13.5 milligrams of THC! That’s more than a regulated recreational marijuana product is allowed to have – and more than enough to get you well and truly high.

So, to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, it’s best to stick with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum hemp oil. May we recommend Wana Wellness Hemp Gummies or Tinctures? While they contain all the natural, non-psychoactive goodness hemp has to offer, we’ve made sure that Wana Wellness products are completely THC-free.

*Contains no more than 5 parts per million THC.

Is it Safe to Mix CBD and Prescription Medication?

This one is above our pay grade! ALWAYS check with your doctor about mixing CBD with your prescribed meds. Another great resource is the free Leaf-411 hotline, which is staffed by trained nurses ready to answer all your cannabis-and-health-related questions... but there is really no replacement for your personal physician.

What we do know: CBD is metabolized by the CYP450 family of liver enzymes, which is the same group that processes some other medications. Interactions are not known to be common, but mixing CBD with some drugs – especially blood thinners – could put you at risk for an adverse reaction.

Can You Mix CBD and Alcohol?

Again, not much research exists to support a conclusion one way or the other. CBD in high amounts can cause drowsiness (that’s why many people use it to help them sleep). For this reason, it seems rational to conclude that CBD might exacerbate some of the sedative effects of alcohol. So, when in doubt, it’s probably best to keep the CBD and the booze separate.

Is it Possible to Take Too Much CBD?

Again, research is needed to give you a definitive answer on whether or not there is an unsafe serving of CBD. Again, high quantities may cause some drowsiness, which you may find disruptive to your day. More importantly, the FDA has expressed some concern that CBD in very high amounts – we're talking 1000mg or more – may have harmful effects on your liver. But 1000mg is way more than the average person would even consider taking, so overconsumption is generally not a huge concern in the CBD space.

To find your own perfect amount, it’s really a process of trial and error. Start by taking a low-ish serving (10-25mg) every day at the same time for a week. If you’re not feeling the effects you want, try slowly adding milligrams until you find what feels right. But maybe stop short of pulling a Martha Stewart and popping 20 gummies a day.

In Conclusion...

With the limited research available on CBD, it’s important to use caution and common sense about how you consume it. Anecdotally, CBD seems to fit into most people’s lives without issue – but it’s worth repeating that only a doctor can give you the OK to mix it with certain lifestyles, medications, and conditions. So if you’ve still got questions, consult the pros... and make whatever choice feels right for you!

Special Thanks to Our Partners at Wana Wellness for putting this together!

As a growing movement calls for Sha’Carri Richardson’s cannabis suspension to be erased, the incident is drawing comparisons to past pot mishaps at the Games.

Canadian Ross Rebagliati, whose gold medal in snowboarding was temporarily revoked after a positive cannabis test at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, was one of the first athletes to speak out on Richardson’s behalf.

“I’m sad about it. I’m sorry to hear that this is still an issue,” Rebagliati, who now runs cannabis accessory brand Ross’ Gold, said earlier this week.

“I know in Rio (Olympics) they decided not to test for cannabis and I thought we were past this. I would argue that cannabis is a bigger part of our culture than it was 23 years ago.”

As it currently stands, Richardson, a gold medal favourite in the women’s 100-metre dash, will be barred from competing in the event at Toyko Olympics as she serves a 30-day suspension from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

A petition calling for her reinstatement is approaching half a million signatures.

Like Rebagliati, who was hauled off for questioning at a Japanese police station following his positive test, U.S. swimming legend Michael Phelps also has some familiarity with cannabis and the Olympics.

A photograph of Phelps clutching a bong was leaked a few months after the 2008 Games. He was suspended for three months by USA Swimming and lost the Kellogg Company as a sponsor. Phelps, who admitted the photo was genuine, later apologized.

While Phelps has stayed mum about Richardson’s suspension, other athletes, like Canadian MMA fighter Elias Theodorou, have not been afraid to speak out.

“Athletes shouldn’t need to jump through hoops to consume a non-performance-enhancing plant that is legal in many jurisdictions,” Theodorou, the first professional athlete in the world to receive a therapeutic use exemption for medical cannabis in competition, said in a statement.

Retired Canadian Olympic hurdler Perdita Felicien has also come to Richardson’s defence, telling CBC she was “shocked and stunned” when she first heard the news of Richardson’s suspension.

“My stance is weed shouldn’t be on the banned list. It’s not a performance enhancer,” Felicien said. “If anything, it’s just, you know, something WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, just feels is bad for the image of its athletes. And it’s been on the list for years. And I don’t think it belongs there.”

Anna Symonds, a professional rugby player who won championships in the U.S. and Australia, and is now a cannabis educator and athlete ambassador with Athletes for CARE, also issued a statement about Richardson’s suspension.

“It’s an unfair and nonsense rule that has led to this injustice,” Symonds said. “USADA’s and WADA’s ban on THC during in-competition windows is based on outdated and totally unscientific political biases, not real medical data. If these rules were truly a concern about ‘athlete health,’ then alcohol (a much more harmful substance) would also be banned in competition – but it’s not.”

“It is heart-wrenching to see this electric young star be stripped of this singular opportunity,” Symonds adds. “Cannabis doesn’t meet WADA’s own criteria for a banned substance, and it simply shouldn’t be banned or tested for at all.”

Suspension of Olympic Hopeful Sha’Carri Richardson Condemned by Athletes, Highlights Archaic Cannabis Rules

Athletes for CARE Expresses Support to Athlete Stripped of Opportunity to Represent United States in 100m Race at Tokyo Olympics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JACKSONVILLE, FL - July 2, 2021 - Athletes for CARE (“A4C”), a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the removal of stigma and punitive actions against the use of cannabis in sport, announces its unequivocal support for Sha'Carri Richardson in wake of her recent suspension from competition, and again calls on WADA and USADA to remove antiquated punitive actions against athletes who use cannabis.

Sha’Carri’s month-long suspension for cannabis use immediately crushes her ability to compete in the 100m race at the Tokyo Olympics, in which she was expected to medal. The timing of the suspension keeps open the possibility that she will compete in the 4x100m relay, but relies on being chosen by USA Track and Field as one of two alternative runners.

Joanna Zeiger, MS, PhD , olympian, former triathlon world champion, and A4C Athlete Ambassador, comments, “THC is a tricky compound for two reasons. First, from an anti-doping perspective, THC is considered a threshold drug that can only be used out of competition; THC can be found in the blood up to a certain level before triggering a positive result. It is unknown how much THC needs to be consumed to reach this threshold and this amount is likely variable between individuals. This makes dosing incredibly difficult, particularly for athletes who are using cannabis to treat medical conditions.” She continues, “a study on self-identified community based athletes found that 70% of current cannabis users slept better, 54% had decreased anxiety, and 58% stated that cannabis calmed them down,” especially pertinent given Sha’Carri’s mental state during the qualifiers in Oregon.

Anna Symonds , A4C Athlete Ambassador and long-time cannabis advocate, remarked, “It's an unfair and nonsense rule that has led to this injustice. USADA's and WADA's ban on THC during ‘in-competition’ windows is based on outdated and totally unscientific political biases, not real medical data. If these rules were truly a concern about "athlete health," then alcohol (a much more harmful substance) would also be banned in-competition – but it's not.” She continues, “It is heart wrenching to see this electric young star be stripped of this singular opportunity. Cannabis doesn't meet WADA's own criteria for a banned substance, and it simply shouldn't be banned or tested for at all.”

Marvin Washington , A4C Co-founder and former NFL athlete, states that “WADA allows CBD but not THC - same plant - and neither are a performance enhancing substance. Let her run.”

Elias Theodorou , A4C Athlete Ambassador and UFC veteran, explains, “My journey to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) for medical cannabis in North America was the hardest fight of my life. Athletes shouldn’t need to jump through hoops to consume a non-performance-enhancing plant that is legal in many jurisdictions.” Theodorou was recently the first professional athlete to receive a TUE to compete in the state of Colorado .

A4C welcomes athletes to join in advocacy at Athletes for CARE, and for everyone to sign the petition to WADA .

About Athletes for CARE

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a not-for-profit organization launched in 2017 by passionate retired professional athletes who recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety and wellness of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency. For more information, please visit athletesforcare.org .

For Further Information, Or media requests:

Jess Moran

Volunteer Marketing Director, A4C

Principal & Founder, JESSCO

519-494-5379

###

1. The obvious question first: What was your reaction to Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympic drug ban? How disappointing is it to see an athlete miss out on running at the Olympics for a substance that is legal in the state she took it and has some real benefits?

We at Athletes for CARE were absolutely gutted at the news that Sha'Carri Richardson is having her Olympic spot taken away for cannabis use. It's an unfair and nonsense rule that has led to this injustice.

USADA's and WADA's ban on THC during "in competition" windows is based on outdated and totally unscientific political biases, not real medical data. If these rules were truly a concern about "athlete health," then alcohol (a much more harmful substance) would also be banned in-competition – but it's not.

It is heart wrenching to see this electric young star be stripped of this singular opportunity – that she has worked intensely for and earned in unforgettable fashion – simply for consuming a beneficial legal plant.

2. Take me through why you guys decided to send the open letter to WADA a couple years ago. What kind of response, if any, did you guys receive?

As an organization, our athlete members compete in various different professional leagues which base their drug testing policies on WADA's. So instead of trying to reason with all of these separate organizations one at a time, we took the issue directly to the source of the problem and the injustice.

At the time, WADA was in the process of reviewing its code (rules) for potential changes, and we saw the chance to  advocate for evidence-based common sense rules that are fair to athlete health and wellness. We did not receive any official response from WADA, although we did receive a lot of support from the public, and the campaign drew new awareness to this issue.

Cannabis doesn't meet WADA's own criteria for a banned substance, and it simply shouldn't be banned or tested for at all. Although cannabis and hemp are not performance-enhancing, they do have health benefits, and athletes should be able to support their needs in competition without having to fear that their careers will be harmed.

3. What's next in the fight to try to get marijuana removed from the WADA banned list? How can athletes combat this?

WADA only reviews its code every six years, and the new revisions were adopted in early 2021. Athletes shouldn't have to wait another six years for fairness and science to prevail.

I truly hope that an athlete will take legal action against WADA to challenge the cannabis ban, based upon the science and the contradictions within their own rules. However, the penalties for standing up against the organization are much more harsh – they give athletes much longer bans if they don't "cooperate" – so that is definitely a chilling factor to any active athlete who wishes to fight for their rights.

We welcome athletes to join their voices in advocacy with ours at Athletes for CARE, and anyone who shares these beliefs to sign the petition to WADA .

Statement from Joanna Zeiger:

“It was with great dismay that I read about the doping positive for cannabis by athlete Sha'carri Richardson. THC is a tricky compound for two reasons. First, from an anti-doping perspective, THC is considered a threshold drug that can only be used out of competition. This means, THC can be found in the blood up to a certain level before triggering a positive result. The difficulty is that it is unknown how much THC needs to be consumed to reach this threshold and this amount is likely variable between individuals. This makes dosing incredibly difficult, particularly for athletes who are using cannabis to treat medical conditions (even professional athletes have ailments and obtaining a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis is next to impossible, I tried!) Secondly, a study on self-identified community based athletes completed by my non-profit, Canna Research Foundation, found that just under 50% of athletes reported dealing with chronic or acute pain; cannabis consumption provided 69% of current cannabis users relief from pain. In addition, 70% of current cannabis users slept better, 54% had decreased anxiety, and 58% stated that cannabis calmed them done while only 19% reported improved athletic performance. The adverse effects reported were minimal (e.g. 24% indicated an increased appetite and 17% had difficulty concentrating) compared to the benefits. One plant based medicine does a lot of heavy lifting and can possibly obviate the need for potentially more harmful medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, NSAIDS, and sleeping pills. Certainly, more studies need to be completed on athletes, but as we wait for the completion of these studies, athletes should be able to consume THC, particularly to improve mental and physical health.”

Joanna Zeiger, MS, PhD

Olympian and Former World Champion

CEO of Canna Research Foundation

Cannabis epidemiologist

A4C Ambassadors ready to make a statement:

Marvin Washington

- A4C Co-founder and board member

- former NFL player

- took case to the Supreme Court advocating that access to cannabis is a civil rights issue

Anna Symonds

- A4C Athlete Ambassador

- USA Rugby player

- led A4C in our petition to get WADA to remove THC from their ban list in 2019

Joanna Zeiger

- A4C Athlete Ambassador

- Olympic Triathlete and former World Champion

- cannabis epidemiologist did a study on cannabis use for adult athletes

Riley Cote

- A4C Co-Founder and board member

- former eight season NHL left winger and enforcer with the Philadelphia Flyers

- plant based medicine advocate and educator

In the meantime, Here are Anna Symond's responses to your questions! Anna is an Athlete Ambassador/Co-Founder of Athletes for CARE, Cannabis Advocate:

1. The obvious question first: What was your reaction to Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympic drug ban? How disappointing is it to see an athlete miss out on running at the Olympics for a substance that is legal in the state she took it and has some real benefits?

We at Athletes for CARE were absolutely gutted at the news that Sha'Carri Richardson is having her Olympic spot taken away for cannabis use. It's an unfair and nonsense rule that has led to this injustice.

USADA's and WADA's ban on THC during "in competition" windows is based on outdated and totally unscientific political biases, not real medical data. If these rules were truly a concern about "athlete health," then alcohol (a much more harmful substance) would also be banned in-competition – but it's not.

It is heartwrenching to see this electric young star be stripped of this singular opportunity – that she has worked intensely for and earned in unforgettable fashion – simply for consuming a beneficial legal plant.

2. Take me through why you guys decided to send the open letter to WADA a couple years ago. What kind of response, if any, did you guys receive?

As an organization, our athlete members compete in various different professional leagues which base their drug testing policies on WADA's. So instead of trying to reason with all of these separate organizations one at a time, we took the issue directly to the source of the problem and the injustice.

At the time, WADA was in the process of reviewing its code (rules) for potential changes, and we saw the chance to  advocate for evidence-based common sense rules that are fair to athlete health and wellness. We did not receive any official response from WADA, although we did receive a lot of support from the public, and the campaign drew new awareness to this issue.

Cannabis doesn't meet WADA's own criteria for a banned substance, and it simply shouldn't be banned or tested for at all. Although cannabis and hemp are not performance-enhancing, they do have health benefits, and athletes should be able to support their needs in competition without having to fear that their careers will be harmed.

3. What's next in the fight to try to get marijuana removed from the WADA banned list? How can athletes combat this?

WADA only reviews its code every six years, and the new revisions were adopted in early 2021. Athletes shouldn't have to wait another six years for fairness and science to prevail.

I truly hope that an athlete will take legal action against WADA to challenge the cannabis ban, based upon the science and the contradictions within their own rules. However, the penalties for standing up against the organization are much more harsh – they give athletes much longer bans if they don't "cooperate" – so that is definitely a chilling factor to any active athlete who wishes to fight for their rights.

We welcome athletes to join their voices in advocacy with ours at Athletes for CARE, and anyone who shares these beliefs to sign the petition to WADA .

Athletes for Care (A4C) was founded by 12 former professional athletes who recognized the need to support athletes after a career in sports. Athletes leave their careers with physical and mental injuries and little to no support system to prevent situations like the untimely death of Vincent Jackson.

We are here for athletes and are their team for life. We advocate for better safety in sports to prevent injuries that will plague athletes for the rest of their lives. We here the outcry from the athletic community and we invite all current and former world class athletes to join us as we work to prevent situations like this in the future. Please reach out to us if you are struggling. Please connect us to your teammates or if your friend or partner is struggling in life after a career in sport. We are here to help.

The Power of an Orange 

February 14, 2021 By: Kathryn Walker 

The 1950s were a time of nutritional power when the direct sciences of foods were unknown. However, every household knew “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”. Today, we would need to consume 57 apples or 21 oranges to equal the same nutritional value of Vitamin C found in one apple or one orange 50 years ago. 

Unlike “man’s best friend”, humans do 

not naturally produce Vitamin C making 

our cells unstable in stressful conditions 

causing cellular damage and cell death at 

a quicker rate of speed leading to a 

cascade of events, including inflammation 

and injury.

Inflammation is often mentioned with 

current neurological theories leading 

to degenerative conditions including: 

● Depression 

● Memory loss 

● Fogginess 

● Agitation 

● Loss of concentration 

● Insomnia 

How do we address this? 

With the many advances we have in 

medicine, direct forms of Vitamin C 

are available in a multitude of forms 

including oral and intravenous 

supplements. The most effective route 

of consumption is intravenous due to 

the availability of substance at the 

direct cellular route causing 

improvement in: 

● Inflammatory conditions 

● Tendon and ligament repair 

● Pain reduction 

● Relief of fatigue 

● Immune system 

How much do we need? 

Recommendations for oral, daily 

consumption include starting doses of 500mg with low risk to the consumer. Intravenous dosages can be as much as 1.5g/kg without noted negative effects. While much variation exists it is always recommended to consult with an expert for professional advice. 

While overuse of land with food production continues, vitamin deficiencies will become more common. We must be aware of how we effectively supplement the vitamins our body needs in order to live a quality life. 

1. We launched a new website complete with a "Virtual Locker Room" for our members to connect directly with each other, join groups, manage their profile, post opportunities and promote their businesses.
2. We launched a new online Mental Heath tool that is more meaningful in today's environment than it was when we were conceptualizing it. This confidential free resource is available to anyone in our community. 
3. We hosted our first ever golf tournament and were able to donate $2,500 to a local youth sports program in Chicago that was impacted by Covid-19.
4. We added two new staff to our team to help us raise funds and effectively meet the needs of our community. 
5. We launched our membership program to allow companies and individuals who support A4C to connect with our community and help us drive our organization forward.

I played Division I football and had numerous sub-concussive hits to my head during my football career. I had one LOC (Loss of Consciousness) concussion in my collegiate career. I also had two LOC concussions, before I was 10 years old, resulting from a motorcycle racing crash and a bicycle crash. 

I have had tinnitus as long as I can remember (but that’s not saying much because I have some gaps in my long term memory). In addition to tinnitus and memory challenges, I have had challenges with aggression, violence, homicidal/suicidal ideations, PTSD, anxiety and depression.

I’m not famous. I was not a professional athlete. I’m a regular guy with a 9-5, a wife, and a kid. I haven’t always had the resources to address the challenges I’ve faced over the years and I still wonder if they’re related to football and motorcycle racing. I might never know.

I believe that there are many more “regular” people, like me, who didn’t make it to the professional level as an athlete, but still experience the deleterious effects of TBI. I have used plant medicines that have proven effective in ameliorating some of my symptoms and extricating me from the depths of my depression, but there have been additional challenges with “alternative” medicine: I had a job offer rescinded a couple of years ago because I didn’t abstain from my medical cannabis and tested positive for THC on my new hire physical examination.

My healing journey is ongoing. I have survived many life challenges. I have seen improvement over the years. I think I’m lucky and I think there are plenty of others who aren’t so lucky. For them, I hope this effort to heighten awareness around TBI facilitates healing.

Peace,
Dan Windham

In May 2017, I was driving home on my scooter, and the next moment I know, I lay on the ground disoriented. I went home, not knowing that I just stepped into my new life from then on. My entire world has changed in just a second.

The first year I didn't know what was going on with me. But it turned out I got whiplash and a concussion. I never knew what impact this could have on someone's life. As long, I felt something was wrong. But no one could address my symptoms, not even the best doctors in my country.

If even doctors don't know, how was I supposed to fix it? My world was falling apart and I felt like I was on my own.

I pretended I was okay. Yet from the inside, I felt everything was wrong. I had a hard time
sleeping, I couldn't concentrate, felt overwhelmed, tired, nauseous, I was sensitive to light and
sounds, got a pressure on my head and fatigue, had a blurred vision, couldn't watch any
screens and felt so restless/stressed all the time. The invisible part makes it hard. You are
the only one that is feeling those symptoms. No one can see or confirm them.

With the help of other people going through the same rollercoaster, I managed to put my
health first, changed my mindset, and made progress in my recovery. I did not feel alone
anymore, because they knew exactly what I was going through. Without them, I would not be
where I am today and I am so grateful for that.

I already knew that someday I would create a community myself to help other people around
the world, finding the support and help they need. With The Concussion Community I want
to guide you through the process, so that you don’t have to struggle as much as I did.

The Concussion Community is an online platform with classes given by experts from all over
the world who helped people improving after a concussion, or people who had a concussion
themselves. This makes therapy more accessible and affordable for everyone just from the
safe space of your home.

Never give up, have faith, and do not limit yourself to the options from your own country,
there is more out there and there are always new things to try. Together we will get there.

Athletes all know that one day it’s going to end one way or the other. We hope that we can ride off into the sunset hosting that trophy above our heads knowing that our very last game we won and left as a champion. Unfortunately that simply can’t happen, not everyone can win and not everyone gets to choose when their time comes to an end. We hope that it's our choice, that we can decide when enough is enough and that we did everything we could to our best ability for our brief stint as professional athletes.

“Woah, what happened” I thought as I laid in a pool of blood and swallowed different sized chunks of my teeth. I could feel the players gathering around me as whistles went off. Insanity commenced above my seemingly lifeless body, but it all was fuzzy to me. As I left the ice with a towel covering my face and the standard stick taps from both teams, I had yet to realize that it would be my last time ever playing professional hockey.

I had all the prototypical concussion symptoms. Headache, blurry vision, lacerations, broken teeth, brain fog, you name it I had it. I am a hockey player though, we are supposed to push through pain and injuries. In fact we take pride in doing so. But this was different. I knew I wasn’t getting back that game even though I could feel the pressure too. Hell, I had two goals that game and the team was playing well against one if not the best team in the league (Ironically enough I was first star that game). I figured I'd take some time off, go through “concussion protocol” maybe a few days or weeks, and I would be back just like before.  But this time it was different.

Many of the symptoms were gone within a few days. A few stuck around and became more pronounced. My sound sensitivity was off the charts. I couldn’t even be in the rink during the next few days as we wrapped up our road trip and found myself sitting in the room waiting for the games to finish, only to move to the bus once everyone came in because I just couldn’t deal with the sound. Music was a nonstarter, the tv remote was glued to my hand constantly adjusting the volume and silent car rides became the norm.  Once our season ended due to Covid-19 a few weeks later, I came home and was still experiencing extreme sound sensitivity, excruciating headaches as soon as my heart rate elevated and a general pain in my ears that was starting to get worse. I also had noticed my mood swings were more volatile. I am a pretty laid back guy and I found myself getting angry or frustrated over things that don’t deserve that kind of emotion. The highs were less frequent and the lows started to become really low. It didn’t even take someone else to notice, I could feel that this wasn’t the normal me. That this was not how I normally acted. Something clearly wasn’t right but there wasn’t really anything I couldn’t do at the moment. 

We were in the middle of a lockdown and were in a new city without a doctor to talk to. Eventually once things lifted and I was able to venture out and start to get things looked at. Over the next few weeks and months I saw a ENT (Ear Nose Throat specialist) twice , multiple different doctors (16 different visits), two neurologists, a chiropractor, a Vestibular specialist, 2 MRI’s, an audiologist and I am STILL waiting on a CT scan,  I got few answers and fewer treatment solutions. The light was looking dim at the end of the tunnel. I had a few issues that were diagnosed but the biggest of them all was my headaches and ear pain. Nothing seemed to make it better and no one seemed to know what was wrong, let alone how to make it better.

However, through all of this I was still preparing for next year. I was getting my lifts and training in everyday, was skating a few times here and there (depending on local covid guidelines) and preparing for a great season. Things were starting to deteriorate fast though. I was trying to push through my headaches, push through the ear pain and wonky balance I seemed to now have. September 9^th was the day I realized that this isn’t a blemish on my character, a slight on my work ethic or NOT WANTING IT BAD ENOUGH. September 9^th I was skating at a local rink and I was on the ice by myself and just warming up, skating around, shooting pucks, stick handling. Pretty standard stuff that I and other players do all the time when we first got out there. DING I ringed one of the posts as I went towards the net. Wow that one was loud. Again, DING off the crossbar. Okay is it echoing in here or something?. THUMP off the backboards. “Okay” something’s seriously wrong. I can’t even be out on the ice by myself with not a soul in the rink, without excruciating head pain. How am I going to play in front of thousands of people with the music cranked and the crowd screaming as the goal horn blares. This can’t be the way it ends, I thought as I sat on the bench and came to grips with what was likely to happen. Things were escalating in the wrong direction and I couldn’t do this anymore by myself.

It had been 7 months since my injury and I was in worse shape than the night it had happened. I didn’t know where to turn for help. No one had really been able to put a finger on what exactly was wrong. I had suggestions of what it could be, but XYZ injury and a XYZ treatment. I had tried a few different pharmaceutical treatments. I was very apprehensive at first knowing the dark history and what can happen to people and how countless athletes have had lives ruined by them.  However, I eventually gave them a try, nothing else was working and again to no avail, no real relief. I eventually had to find ways to work around these problems. Being in quiet spaces, plugging my one ear when listening to music, repeating to myself to watch my emotions, to even having to have a fan on at night to drown the whooshing in my ear. The headaches were getting worse, and the ear pain was more intense and more frequent. I was now waking up with headaches and going to bed with headaches. Causing my mental state to go down the drain. I wasn’t even able to go for a jog or a lift, let alone getting out on the ice. I had to ratchet things down to standstill and was in limbo of what my next move was to be. The only thing I did know was that I had to make a difficult decision either way. 

We are at 11 months since my injury and I really am in the same position I was before. I have learned to live with what I can and can’t do now and adapt to new ways of life. After speaking with my family doctor and once again another neurologist, it was advised that I stop playing contact sports, and thus retire from hockey. That day was one I knew was coming but you can never fully prepare for those words.

It took a while to adjust to the new reality that I wasn’t going to be able to play again. Even though I felt that I had known for some time that things were getting worse, and that playing this year probably wasn’t going to happen. It would be fair to say that athletes have a bravado that whatever obstacle comes in their path, they can push through. However, I had finally run into a brick wall. I wasn’t going to be able to get through without help. 

People are starting to realize the severity and variability of these injuries. TBI’s and concussions don’t affect everyone the same. We don’t have a concrete way of determining the severity and how the injured person is, or will be in the future. It really just goes off what and how they feel day by day. These injuries are bigger than the game. Our careers no matter how good or what level you play are for a brief portion of your life. But the consequences of your actions during this critical time are going to affect you for the rest of your life. Give yourself time to recover. It’s better to caution on the side of taking too long then too short. I know it can be tough with external pressure whether it be from your coaches, teammates, management or even yourself wanting to perform. But you only got one brain. 

On a positive note, I have taken a role with a company looking to help prevent these kinds of injuries. We are seeing too many athletes and people going through dark days, and it brings me great pleasure to help work toward the prevention of them. 

We need to shed light on what avenues people can take and how to help them move forward. Talk to someone, take time, and get help. There are people out there and resources available to help you. The human experience includes an incredible amount of suffering and little by little in the right direction is all it takes to turn things around.

Even though you can't see it, it doesn't mean it is not there.

-Jakob Reichert 

By Javier Hasse (Benzinga Cannabis)

Athletes for CARE, a non-profit founded by former pro athletes who advocate for cannabis and natural ways of healing, is hosting a charity golf experience that will allow fans to hang out with sports royalty.

Throughout 2021, the organization will organize a series of golfing events around North America, featuring top-notch athletes, all for charity. The tour will kick off in Orlando, Florida, on January 21. Abiding by all COVID-19 safety rules, the event will be held in the Arnold Palmer Design Company-designed Shingle Creek course, one of the most-played in central Florida.

The tour will then hit Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, Philadelphia, Toronto and Chicago.

Clint Johnson, former NFL player and current director of development of Athletes for CARE, told Benzinga his team is “excited to take this opportunity to elevate the conversation around health and safety in sports at all levels using one of the most COVID-friendly ways to enjoy some fresh air and physical activity together.

“A4C is using this platform for our athletes to share their experience with mental and physical health conditions. Athletes at all levels often suffer from concussions, CTE, PTSD, impact injuries, anxiety, depression, opioid dependency, etc. Our goal is to remove the stigma around physical and mental health conditions and treatment access and options. Help us #ChangeTheCulture."

All event sponsorships include 18-holes of golf, food and beverage, as well as a gift package.

Read More>>>

Athletes for CARE Launches new Athlete-led Community Platform to Empower  Advocacy Efforts

After five years of activism, The Athletes for CARE Community is evolving to amplify the voices of elite sport professionals

JACKSONVILLE, Oct. 29, 2020 - Athletes for CARE (A4C) is launching a community platform to empower their roster of over 200 professional athlete activists; now open to new members, from current and former athletes, engaged citizens to cannabis entrepreneurs. This comes along with a modern rebranding to better serve the advocacy efforts of its members.

Approaching its five-year anniversary, A4C has refreshed its image and offerings to adapt to recent global events, legislation, and public opinion. A4C is providing new features to create one of the largest communities of professional athletes, by far the foremost network of health and wellness focused, athletic professionals in both the United States and Canada.

“We’re very excited about our new membership platform, which will provide opportunities for athletes and members to connect, network, and collaborate on advocacy efforts. Their combined presence will continue to amplify our athlete and sponsor voices to further meaningful change within our athletic community and beyond” said Anna Valent, Executive Director of Athletes for CARE. 

To learn more about the recent launch, or to become a part of the Athletes for CARE community as an athlete ambassador or community member, visit A4C at www.athletesforcare.org. 

About Athletes for Care:

Founded by former professional athletes, A4C is uniting athletes as one voice to advocate for research, education, and compassion when addressing important health issues. A4C is the only non-profit organization empowering legendary athletes from every sport to use their influence to improve global standards of health, safety and quality of life for athletes of all ages.

Athletes for Care is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), which is led by a community of athletes finding support, opportunity and purpose in life after a career in sports by using their influence for social change. For more information visit A4C at www.athletesforcare.org or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn. 

Press Contact:

Jess Moran

Founder, JESSCO

519-494-5379

jess@jessmco.com

###

Gastown residents are welcoming a new cannabis retailer to the neighborhood with the much-anticipated opening of Marigolds Cannabis at 231 Abbott St. The destination retail space has been thoughtfully cultivated by Christina Michael, a Vancouver-based serial entrepreneur with a personal connection to cannabis.

After a good friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Christina promised to learn as much as she could about cannabis and find a way to help people consume legal cannabis responsibly. She has become a vocal advocate for the personal right to integrate cannabis and CBD into daily life. Marigolds Cannabis is a reflection of Ms. Michael's extensive professional background. Her consultancy, Full Circle Enterprises Inc., has given her the opportunity to work in cannabis on large-scale corporate projects, start-ups, retailers and non-profits.

"Marigolds Cannabis is offering consumers a best-in-class retail experience, no matter what their relationship with cannabis. It is so important to me to integrate my personal values of inclusion, collaboration, education and community into the cannabis retail landscape." Michaels emphasizes. "We have brought together a team of seasoned retail and customer service professionals who know that, whether you're selling cannabis, clothing, or coffee, you need to understand your customer and meet them where they are."

Michaels is confident that Marigolds Cannabis will be a cannabis destination for Vancouverites. "Every decision we have made, from licensing, to branding, to product selection and offerings has been with intent." She adds. "We have only just begun to empower cannabis consumers, and Marigolds is rooted in a new era of emerging cannabis culture. Every customer, every team member, is a Friend of Flower."

Marigolds Gastown location opens October 1st at 10 AM. Their second location, at 829 Davie Street in Vancouver, is slated to open in early 2021.

About Marigolds Cannabis:
Marigolds Cannabis is a destination retail space inspired by nature and nurtured by shared beliefs and inclusive practices, rooted in the new era of an emerging cannabis culture. Founded by serial entrepreneur and compassionate advocate Christina Michael, the growing network of stores cannabis offers consumers a space to 'bloom' through education, empowerment, and a customer-focused retail experience. For more information, visit: https://marigoldscannabis.com/ or follow Marigolds Cannabis on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

About Christina Michael:
Christina is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. As Founder & CEO of Marigolds Cannabis, Christina has passionately built her business from scratch with her knowledge, ambition and "get it done" attitude. Christina is a results-driven leader who has had the opportunity to work with notable brands within the cannabis sector. She utilized her expertise on large-scale corporate projects, start-ups, retailers and non-profits. In addition to her role at Marigolds Cannabis, Christina is the Canadian Activation Director for Athletes For CARE, awareness and fundraising volunteer for raising the Dr. Peter's Foundation for Complex Health Issues in the cannabis space, as well as a Senior Advisor at Council 45. Her drive, combined with her experience, makes her a natural leader, influencer, and connector. For more information, visit: https://christinamichael.ca/home or follow Christina at: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Following yesterday’s news that Americans for Safe Access, the nonprofit organization that promotes safe access to cannabis for communities across the country, has filed an amicus brief in the case of Washington v Barr, reports have come out that other organizations have decided to join the fray. According to a statement released on Tuesday, the law firm Ansell Grimm & Aaron announced the filing of another amicus brief in the case representing a slew of different groups, including pro football players, military veterans, mothers, and others.

“Patients today face an untenable choice,” said leading cannabis attorney Joshua S. Bauchner in a statement. “They can either risk federal prosecution for using medical cannabis in accordance...

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A medical marijuana case questioning the constitutionality of the DEA’s scheduling of medical marijuana had included both former AG Jeff Sessions and current AG William Barr as defendants.

The cannabis industry has never been a favored industry by U.S. Attorney General William Barr. His predecessor, former AG Jeff Sessions, also had issues with the industry, rescinding the Cole Memo in January, 2018, (“a return to the rule of law”) that provided the only source of protection against federal interference in the cannabis business.

Recently, Barr’s displeasure surfaced during a House Committee on the Judiciary hearing on June 24, where John Elias, a career employee of the Department of Justice working as an anti-trust division prosecutor on such issues as price-fixing schemes in the pharmaceutical industry, testified as a whistle-blower about Barr’s involvement in full-scale reviews of mergers in the cannabis industry, including the messy...

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Lightshade is coming up on its tenth year serving Colorado. The milestone anniversary will see the independent chain’s expansion to nine locations in Denver and Aurora, including the first drive-through facility on the Front Range.

“We are the last standing large independent chain in Colorado,” said Lisa Gee, director of marketing and corporate social responsibility. “We’re not as big as some of our competitors, not by a long shot, but we’re still independently owned and that means a lot to us.”

Gee believes Lightshade’s independent ownership is key to the company’s prolonged success and individuality. All decision-making remains local, and each dispensary maintains laser focus on identifying and meeting the needs of its customers.

Prior to founding Lightshade in 2011, Steve Brooks and...

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Athletes For CARE (A4C) — a non-profit organization founded by former pro athletes — wants to help solve the problem by hosting a charity golf event.

“A4C is partnered with League Side, the Nation's Leading Youth Sports Sponsorship Platform, to generate immediate assistance for youth sports across the country,” A4C executive director Anna Valent told Benzinga. “Our upcoming Drive to Save Youth Sports will directly benefit youth sports organizations’ specific needs.”

The event will take place in Chicago’s Bolingbrook Golf Club on September 22.

Sign up today following this link.

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