There are so many cannabis strains—it is virtually impossible to know all of their names. Specific titles come from how the weed smells. Others are named in honor of actors, musicians, and professional athletes. Cannabis-friendly sports icons have opened dispensaries and launched brands, especially after the NBA lifted cannabis investment restrictions. But even before that, breeders were naming their creations after the pros.
These 10 weed strains named after athletes cover some of the best swimmers, basketball players, hockey players, and golfers–and will surely continue growing over time.
RELATED: Sauce Bursts review: follow directions with this cannabis product
10 weed strains named after athletes
Weed is given lots of cute, funny, or confusing names. Oftentimes, they shine in honor of celebrities, like these flavors named after professional athletes.
Gary Payton
The Gary Payton strain is named after the former Seattle Supersonics player and was created by Powerzzzup Genetics. Gary Payton is a cross of Snowman and The Y. The resulting uplifting phenotype was the 20th consideration, the same number as the star point guard.
Sticky Ricky
Sticky Ricky, Sticky Rickey, or Ricky Sticky–it all refers to a strain named after former running back and cannabis industry darling Ricky Williams. The athlete has been pro-weed far longer than most. Now, he has his own weed brand and a strain named after him. Sticky Ricky is a cross of Gelato and Granddaddy Purple, resulting in a sweet, fruity indica-dominant hybrid.
Beast Mode
Marshawn Lynch became known as Beast Mode during his explosive career in the NFL. The star coined the term to honor the strength, focus, and determination required to reach peak physical performance. The weed strain definitely peaks and was named for its powerful punch of effects. It is thought to be a GSC or OG Kush cut.
Iverson 96
This strain is sometimes called Iverson 1996, but both refer to the indica-dominant hybrid of Grape Stomper and Kush Mints. The phenotype elicits a calm euphoria and is named after the year famed superstar Allen Iverson was drafted into the NBA. Both Iverson strains were created with fellow NBA player Al Harrington and his brand Viola.
Iverson 01
Allen Iverson was drafted in 1996 and won NBA MVP in 2001. This strain is named after that MVP year, likely for its valuable effects. The cross of F1 Durban Gushers and Runtz is said to provide super-powered joy before settling down into a stoney high. This is also crafted with Viola Brands.
Brett Hull #16
American hockey player Brett Hull released the strain named after himself with Missouri brand sundro in 2022. The sedating cultivar is a proprietary blend featuring sedating effects and is only available in Missouri.
Gelato #25 Barry Bonds
There are a few Gelato strains in the modern cannabis market, and two are named after athletes. Gelato #25 was the 25th seedling in the phenomenon when Mr. Sherbinski crossed Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint GSC. Many report this phenotype is more of a knock-out, which supports naming it after the home run king.
Gelato #33 Larry Bird
Gelato #33 is named after Larry Bird, a known leader for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s. The strain is a fit for “Larry Legend” with its more euphoric, groovy effects. People believe this plant creates a more cerebral flower compared to #25.
Michael Phelps OG
Michael Phelps took people by storm after absolutely slaying the Olympics in 2008. Shortly after, he became a weed icon after photos of him ripping a bong in college were leaked online. The cross emerged amidst the designer OG craze of the 2010s. It is believed to be an unknown strain and OG Kush.
Tiger Woods
Uplifting, sativa-dominant hybrid Tiger Woods is said to be giggly and energetic with lower-than-average THC percentages. Reports claim it smells of peppered lemons and potentially has a parent plant named Tiger’s Milk. Not much is known about this rarer weed strain. Those who can find it should give it a try.
RELATED: Psilocybin proving effective for cruel disorder
Famous athletes as weed strains
There are 10 popular cannabis strains named after professional athletes, and none of them are women. As the industry continues hunting for the best strains, Claressa Shields, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Brittney Griner might be worth checking out for the naming ceremony. Intersectional or not, these are some of the best weed flavors named after the pros–for now.
