Stars in the WNBA, Women's MMA, and US Women's Soccer have been less vocal about cannabis use compared to their male counterparts.
The only prominent female athlete to be involved in the cannabis industry is US Women's Soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who, along with her wife and fellow player Sue Bird, is an ambassador for her twin sister's CBD brand, Mendi. Launched in August 2021, it does not include any psychoactive products. Mendi sells CBD gels and oils for recovery, which are available for purchase nationwide.
Sha'Carri Richardson is one of the few examples of a female athlete publicly admitting to using the drug, and she only did so in response to her banishment from the Tokyo Olympics. She had no prior public involvement with the cannabis industry.
On average, female athletes make roughly 80% less in base earnings than male athletes, with fewer endorsement and sponsorship opportunities, according to Forbes.
This discrepancy could leave female athletes with less freedom to publicly endorse something as divisive as marijuana use, and could put their reputations and livelihoods at a greater risk than it would for stars in the NBA and NFL.