Mary Jane Athletics was founded by Dr. Liz Thompson to share insights directly from the Canadian research team conducting an NFL-funded clinical trial investigating cannabinoids, pain, and neuroprotection in contact sports. The platform aims to translate emerging research into accessible information while encouraging thoughtful dialogue and inquiry about the cannabis plant and how individuals choose to use it.

Dr. Thompson holds a PhD in Pharmacy, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Her multidisciplinary background reflects a long-standing interest in understanding human physiology from both clinical and athletic perspectives. Through work with elite athletes as well as clinical populations, significant gaps in treatment options for neurological conditions became increasingly apparent.This experience led to a focused interest in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a potential framework for understanding conditions that currently have limited therapeutic options, including concussion and systemic inflammation. With neurodegenerative disorders continuing to rise in prevalence, advancing scientific understanding and evidence-based discussion has never been more important. Dr. Thompson’s doctoral research explored neurological disorders that intersect with the realities of professional contact sports, an area that shaped both her personal and professional interests.

Flourishing commercial markets, censored information platforms and ever evolving health regulations only add to Cannabis confusion. Making a properly informed decision on how you choose to interact with the Cannabis plant requires access to accurate information, both positive and negative. As prohibition decreases and laws adjust, this choice is increasingly yours. Mary Jane Athletics and the Train With Mary Jane educational program provides peer-reviewed lessons and firsthand information from our clinical trial research experts, where pharmacology and resulting output of cannabinoid use in elite athletes is closely examined and discussed.

Canada is proud to lead the way performing the first clinical trial researching therapeutic potentials of the Cannabis plant in athletes. It is an honor to be a member of the Canadian research team that was awarded funding from the National Football League (NFL) in 2022 for the study: Naturally Produced Cannabinoids for Pain Management and Neuroprotection from Concussion and Participation in Contact Sports.

Plenty of anecdotal evidence exists, but political prohibition has restricted research capabilities to properly study the effects of cannabinoids on humans for the last 80 years; but now, the curtain is rising. We would like to share our experiences in Cannabis research with anyone who is interested. We now offer accredited classes and an interactive community to share best practices and peer-reviewed information specific to cannabinoid use in athletics and active living.

We can all learn from this experience. Transparency in science not only shares new information with the world, but also helps the next generation of researchers learn from our successes and failures. We would like to bridge the gap between Cannabis research and Cannabis in the real world.

There is an amazing amount of Cannabis research happening that we would like to share in a language the average person can understand. Getting funding from the NFL for a Cannabis study seems counter intuitive, but it represents a societal shift and broader interests in the healing potential for a plant that has been used for thousands of years and is currently being used by many.

Unfortunately, quality education about cannabinoid therapy is lacking, quality care can be difficult to find, and stigma still exists. On the other hand, the commercial Cannabis industry is bringing new products to market every day. Without a basic understanding of what these products do and how they work, an informed decision is difficult to make. Self-care, patient care, and athlete care all deserve access to as much science backed information as possible to help formulate treatment and wellness plans and truthfully evaluate available product options. We want to share what we know and what we learn with anyone interested in following this journey.

We want to actively engage you in our research adventure. Our accredited classes are now open! We love to share our experiences at educational events and scientific conferences. Our firsthand experience researching the intersection of elite athletics and cannabinoid molecules in a clinical trial setting is unique and the first of its kind.

Our Train With Mary Jane Podcast Mini Series hosted by Jason Wilson MS at Curious About Cannabis covers a variety of topics and invites our research team members and guests to discuss cannabis science in a language we can all understand. See below for episode links and updates, or head to Curious About Cannabis to quench all your curiosities about cannabis.