Division 1 Athletes Approve This New Brunswick, NJ Dispensary’s Weed

Athletes using cannabis was a strict no-go for decades—a combination of outdated policies and lingering stigma kept the plant far from the locker room.

Cannabis was long viewed as a threat to discipline and performance in professional sports, silencing athletes from sharing its now well-known benefits.

But times are changing. 

The NFL scaled back punishments for players who test positive for marijuana, while the NBA eliminated testing entirely. For some athletes, cannabis is more than a recreational choice—it’s a tool for recovery, pain management, and even bonding with teammates.

The team behind Earth & Ivy gets this on a personal level. Swapping the sports field for the cannabis field was a natural move for these former Division 1 student-athletes. 

Now, their New Jersey dispensary is breaking stigmas and redefining success after sports.

Since opening in May 2023, this women-owned gem has redefined what a cannabis shop can be. 

Earth & Ivy was a passion project from former student-athletes looking to offer a safe space for anyone—including athletes—to buy cannabis without stigma or stress. 

The vibe here is friendly and approachable, thanks to the knowledgeable, down-to-earth staff who love chatting about everything from trending strains to overall cannabis culture. With a glowing 4.8-star Google rating and a never-ending, ever-evolving menu, it’s easy to see why Earth & Ivy has become a New Jersey favorite.

Earth & Ivy keeps it simple: they’re open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. 

Located at 355 George St, New Brunswick, NJ, this dispensary delivers within 10 miles, so your stash can come straight to your doorstep. 

Finding a dispensary menu that can impress a newbie and an old-timer isn’t easy. The gap between “I just started” and “I’ve been rolling joints since forever” is huge.

But Earth & Ivy nails it. Whoever’s behind that menu clearly knows their way around the art of the green. 

You can expect the typical product categories:

• Whole flower (3.5g and 7g)
• Vape carts (0.3g, 0.5g, 1g and 2g) 
• Disposable vapes (0.5g)
• Pre-rolls 
• Edibles
• Extracts
• Topicals
• Merchandise

One of their most frequent sell-outs is the 3.5g jar of Diamond Dust flower. 

This Indica-dominant hybrid (Sour Bubble x Double Dream) packs THC levels up to 32%, delivering a heavy, energetic body high that feels like your very first hit. Think dense, frosty buds with that unmistakable dank aroma ready to leave their mark on your fingertips.

Another heavy hitter goes to FREE MAC by Brighterside Farms, a powerful and flavorful hybrid strain that’s densely packed with trichomes.

Brighterside Farms has become a fan favorite for its organic, hand-trimmed cannabis, and this particular strain packs all the sweet, earthy, and citrus notes a connoisseur could ask for.

Beyond Division 1, tons of superstar athletes have used cannabis during their spotlight in sports. 

From NFL stars to Olympic legends, cannabis has quietly been part of the game for years. 

Here’s a look at some notable names who’ve lit up the conversation about cannabis use in sports. 

Calvin Johnson, aka Megatron, found his post-game recovery in cannabis.

In an interview with Business Insider, the NFL Hall of Famer shared that he started smoking during his college days at Georgia Tech and kept it in his routine throughout his nine-year NFL career. Post-game sessions often included teammates—and even players from opposing teams. 

Cheers to cannabis for bridging rivalries!

UFC legends Nate and Nick Diaz have made cannabis as much a part of their brand as their fighting skills. 

Nick sparked controversy in 2015 with a five-year suspension for testing positive for marijuana, but the brothers stayed unapologetically loyal to the plant. 

When the UFC eased its rules, Nate celebrated by lighting up his own brand, Kill_4209, at a press conference. Way to show them, Diaz! 

Sha’Carri Richardson quickly gained recognition as one of the fastest women in the world, wowing fans with her speed and unique style. But in 2021, she made headlines for a different reason: testing positive for marijuana ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

The test results came after Richardson won the 100-meter dash at the U.S. Olympic Trials, securing her spot at the Games. However, the positive result led to a 30-day suspension, disqualifying her from competing in Tokyo and sparking a global conversation about cannabis and its place in sports.

Unlike many athletes who stay quiet, she owned her story, openly admitting her use and highlighting the stigma around cannabis in athletics. Her story continues to fuel discussions about mental health, coping mechanisms, and the evolving perceptions of cannabis in the world of elite sports.

Michael Phelps may be the most decorated Olympian of all time, but his name also made waves in cannabis conversations. In 2009, a photo surfaced of Phelps hitting a bong at a party, and the internet did what it does best: spiral.

While it earned him a three-month suspension from USA Swimming, let’s be real—14 gold medals probably eases the sting.

Liz Carmouche, one of the pioneers of women’s MMA, has been open about her support for cannabis. 

As a military veteran and professional fighter, Carmouche has spoken about using cannabis to manage pain and promote recovery from the grueling demands of her career.

Carmouche’s advocacy highlights how cannabis can serve as a safer alternative to prescription painkillers, especially for athletes taking on physical wear and tear. From the cage to the conversation around cannabis, she’s helping to shift perspectives on weed’s role in sports and wellness.

From athletes breaking barriers to dispensaries like Earth & Ivy redefining the norm, the stigma around cannabis is finally lifting.

Earth & Ivy is on a mission to bridge the gap between sports and the plant so many athletes trust for recovery and relaxation.

Whether or not you’re an athlete, Earth & Ivy delivers the vibe, the knowledge, and the goods you’re looking for.