Cannabis and athletics no longer exist on separate islands. Major leagues have stopped drug testing for the plant, and the Olympics are even getting heat for continuing their anti-cannabis stance. Even locally, athletes are merging their favorite pastimes with the plant.
This is the mission of Rolling Stonerz, a cannabis-themed Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) tournament held regularly in Connecticut. Founder Fabio Rivera hopes that the invitational plays a role in reducing the stigma against those who use cannabis.
“With an immense love for combat sports, as well as cannabis, my biggest goal was to bring the two together,” Rivera said in emails with GreenState. “As we enter into a modern and more sophisticated era of cannabis consumption, we thought it best to offer a platform for the recreational and therapeutic use of cannabis with the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
Rolling Stonerz take the mat
Rivera started developing the project in 2017 and went live after the state legalized adult use in 2021. The first event was in March 2021, and they have continued regularly since. Rolling Stonerz tournaments use IBJJF rules for Gi matches and Eddie Bravo ruleset for No-Gi. Both types of matches last for seven minutes, but No-Gi matches are submission only. Scissor kicks , eye pokes, and similar foul play are not allowed. Weed is, though.
Not all of the athletes competing in the event are high while doing so, nor do they all smoke weed. But there is no judgment if they do. Consumer or not, everyone who signs up to “roll stoned” receives a thank-you bag with topicals, products, and accessories to use as they see fit.
The founder views these events as a temple for stoner BJJ enthusiasts and fighters and appreciates everyone who joins him there.
“Their participation shows self-sacrifice to assist with breaking the negative stigma of cannabis and help further educate us more on how beneficial its properties are for athletes,” Rivera said.
Each grappling event is donation-based for those 21 and over. Once inside, guests can enjoy the fights or refreshments. The Croptober Harvest Brawl in Wolcott, CT at the VFW Post 1979 is the last Rolling Stonerz event of 2024. This leg of the event series will feature live music and “Fabio’s famous empanadas.”
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Rolling Stonerz parties happen three to four times a year, but Rivera teased some exciting updates in the works for 2025. No matter what is in store, his a goal of reducing the stigma and making space for stoners in BJJ and the greater world remains. In his pursuit, he has built an engaging, fun event series for the Connecticut community. While joints, empanadas, music, and live BJJ fights seem like all fun and games, the founder keeps sight of his intention.
“We were all privy to the nefarious reputation that was viewed about cannabis in the past. Now, we embrace the positive attributes of medical and recreational consumption,” Rivera concluded.
