List of Bodybuilders Who Smoke Weed

• Cannabis and bodybuilding share a historical connection – From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Venice Beach days to Dorian Yates’ modern advocacy, cannabis has been part of bodybuilding culture for decades
• The relationship has evolved from recreation to recovery – Some modern bodybuilders focus on cannabis for wellness, relaxation, and managing training-related discomfort, though evidence specific to bodybuilding recovery remains limited
• Verified cases are limited but significant – While fewer bodybuilders openly discuss cannabis use compared to other sports, the verified cases include some of the sport’s most iconic figures
• CBD versus THC distinction matters – Many current athletes focus on non-psychoactive cannabinoids for recovery without intoxication
• Drug testing creates complexity – Professional bodybuilding competitions have varying policies on cannabis, with some federations maintaining formal anti-doping programs while many contests remain effectively untested
• Bodybuilding legends lead cannabis advocacy – Mr. Olympia champions like Arnold and Dorian have been vocal about their cannabis experiences, helping normalize the conversation

The most iconic bodybuilder in history, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cannabis use became part of Hollywood legend through footage associated with the 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron.” The marijuana-smoking scene was reportedly filmed during the production but deleted from the theatrical release, later surfacing in discussions about unedited footage.

• Bodybuilding credentials: 7x Mr. Olympia winner (1970-1975, 1980); star of “Pumping Iron” documentary
• Cannabis documentation: Reportedly filmed smoking during the Pumping Iron era; footage was cut from the original theatrical release; in 2002 interviews, he stated he smoked a joint and inhaled
• Historical context: Part of the Muscle Beach Venice culture of the 1970s where cannabis use was common
• Later stance: Stopped smoking after his bodybuilding career; as California Governor, his stance was mixed—he signed California’s 2010 decriminalization measure (SB 1449) but also vetoed some marijuana-related bills and wasn’t uniformly pro-legalization
• Cultural impact: In 2002, Schwarzenegger publicly argued that any re-release should leave period-accurate footage intact, including the deleted marijuana-smoking scene

For those interested in the historical cannabis strains that might have been available during Arnold’s era, Herb’s strain guides provide educational context about cannabis varieties through the decades.

“The Shadow” Dorian Yates, who dominated bodybuilding in the 1990s with six consecutive Mr. Olympia titles, is perhaps the most vocal current advocate for cannabis use among bodybuilding legends. Unlike Arnold’s historical use, Dorian openly discusses his current cannabis consumption as part of a holistic wellness approach.

• Bodybuilding credentials: 6x Mr. Olympia winner (1992-1997); revolutionized bodybuilding with his intense “Blood and Guts” training philosophy
• Current cannabis use: Admits to “smoking a little bit in the evening to relax” as of his 2019 interview
• Holistic approach: Yates has discussed broader holistic practices; one widely cited account describes an ayahuasca experience in the Brazilian Amazon in 2008, along with interests in yoga and meditation
• Comparative stance: Believes “performance-enhancing drugs have way more possible negative effects than smoking marijuana”
• Advocacy: Openly supports cannabis legalization and incorporates it into his wellness brand, Blood and Guts

Dorian’s approach aligns with Herb’s educational content on cannabis wellness, emphasizing relaxation and lifestyle integration rather than purely recreational use.

While primarily known as one-half of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong, Tommy Chong was a serious lifter and fitness enthusiast who trained at the legendary Gold’s Gym Venice in the 1970s. He trained with renowned coach Vince Gironda and was part of the Venice lifting scene when Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived.

• Bodybuilding connection: Chong says he trained at Gold’s Gym Venice and knew the Venice lifting scene when Schwarzenegger arrived; they’ve both described overlapping in that era
• Cannabis influence: According to Arnold’s retelling, they got stoned and worked out together, with Arnold taking a few hits before hitting the gym
• Physical credentials: Was seriously committed to weight training in his prime, though he isn’t widely documented as a competitive bodybuilder
• Long-term advocacy: Decades-long cannabis entrepreneur with his Chong’s Choice cannabis line
• Historical significance: Represents the bridge between 1970s bodybuilding culture and cannabis normalization

Chong’s story highlights how cannabis was integrated into the training culture of the Golden Era, a time when bodybuilders sought every possible edge for muscle growth and recovery. Explore Herb’s learning center for more on cannabis and fitness culture.

As a current IFBB Pro competitor, Antoine Vaillant offers a balanced perspective on cannabis use in modern bodybuilding. Unlike legends who can speak freely about past use, active competitors must navigate complex considerations around drug testing, diet discipline, and public perception.

• Current status: Active IFBB Pro bodybuilder competing in the 2020s
• Balanced perspective: Acknowledges both potential benefits and risks of cannabis for bodybuilders
• Key concern: Warns about the “munchies” potentially derailing strict diet discipline required for competition prep
• Psychological focus: Notes that “for some, marijuana makes a person sluggish and lazy,” which contradicts the discipline needed for bodybuilding success
• Individual approach: Believes cannabis effects vary by person; some athletes may benefit while others don’t

Antoine’s nuanced take reflects the reality that cannabis affects individuals differently, particularly in a sport requiring extreme discipline and precision. For those exploring cannabis products that won’t interfere with fitness goals, Herb’s products catalog offers various consumption methods with different effects profiles.

Joseph Sergo, known professionally as Joey Swoll, represents the modern intersection of bodybuilding, social media influence, and fitness culture. As a fitness influencer and former competitive bodybuilder (with amateur contests reported) known for gym-culture content, he bridges traditional bodybuilding with contemporary wellness approaches.

• Professional status: Fitness influencer and former competitive bodybuilder, known for gym etiquette advocacy and social media presence
• Cannabis acknowledgment: In at least one interview write-up, he’s described as someone who smokes marijuana—but public, on-record details about using it specifically for recovery or as a consistent part of his platform are limited
• Modern approach: Represents how fitness personalities navigate discussing wellness practices in the social media age
• Social influence: Uses his platform to discuss fitness culture broadly, helping normalize various lifestyle conversations among fitness enthusiasts
• Wellness focus: Part of a generation of influencers who take more open approaches to discussing personal wellness routines

Joey’s presence in fitness media demonstrates how modern personalities approach lifestyle topics. For those seeking dispensaries with knowledgeable staff, Herb’s dispensary directory can help locate stores with expertise in various product categories.

The relationship between cannabis and bodybuilding dates back to the 1970s Golden Era, when legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu trained at Venice Beach’s Gold’s Gym—a countercultural hub where cannabis use was common. The 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron” captured this era, with deleted marijuana-smoking footage becoming part of the film’s legend. Through the 1980s and 1990s, bodybuilding became more mainstream and pharmaceutical-focused, with less public discussion of cannabis. However, figures like Dorian Yates maintained private use while focusing on intense training. In the 2000s and beyond, as cannabis legalization spread and CBD gained popularity, some bodybuilders began openly discussing cannabis as part of their wellness routines. Today’s competitors like Antoine Vaillant offer nuanced perspectives, acknowledging both potential uses for relaxation and managing training-related discomfort alongside challenges like diet discipline and drug testing concerns.

The shift in bodybuilding’s relationship with cannabis mirrors broader trends in athlete wellness discussions. Where Golden Era bodybuilders like Arnold may have used cannabis recreationally as part of the Muscle Beach culture, some modern athletes focus on specific lifestyle benefits. Dorian Yates’ evening cannabis use for relaxation represents this evolution—using cannabis intentionally for wellness rather than recreation. Some athletes and lifters report using cannabis or CBD for sleep, relaxation, or managing soreness—but prevalence and benefits in bodybuilders specifically aren’t well quantified. The focus has moved from getting high to targeted wellness benefits, particularly as CBD products have gained popularity for their non-intoxicating properties.

Unlike team sports with standardized drug testing protocols, professional bodybuilding’s stance on cannabis varies significantly. Drug testing varies by federation and event—some bodybuilding organizations have formal anti-doping rules, while many contests are effectively untested, so athletes must check the specific federation and event rules. This ambiguity forces bodybuilders to make careful calculations about timing and consumption methods. For active competitors like Antoine Vaillant, this means considering not just the potential benefits of cannabis but also the consequences of testing policies where they exist. The situation contrasts with Olympic sports governed by WADA, where cannabinoids are prohibited in-competition (CBD is not), and labs apply a urinary threshold for THC metabolite to reduce positives from out-of-competition exposure. As cannabis legalization spreads, bodybuilding federations may develop clearer policies, but for now, competitors must navigate varying standards carefully.