Athletes operate at the bleeding intersection of human performance, popular culture, cannabis policy and the law – with collisions often taking place explosively in the public eye.

Use of cannabis by professional athletes is common and widespread, despite the continued legal and career risks. (Amateur athletes and weekend warriors, too!)

Why do so many athletes choose cannabis? And how are athletes a bellwether for the general population?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently released its 2018 "List of Prohibited Substances and Methods" with a new exception for the use of CBD. WADA governs which substances are approved and banned for the Olympics and sports organizations worldwide, so this is progress for athletes.