Pro Surfer Justin Quintal Talks About the Benefits of Cannabis in New Interview

Pot and professional athletes haven't always meshed well, image wise.

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps lost sponsors after photos surfaced of him holding a bong in 2009.

In 2013, the International Surfing Association stripped Aussie surfer Mark Richardson of his 2011 World Masters Championship gold medal after he tested positive for marijuana.

But, the times are a-changin'.

Back in April, Sunburn Cannabis announced its sponsorship of Pipe Master hopeful Justin Quintal in the post above.

Sunburn captioned it:

"At Sunburn we want ambassadors that are engaged in our business and share our passion. We respect professional surfer Justin Quintal’s drive and charger mentality, something we employ in our approach to Florida cannabis. Welcome to the fam, @jquinny!"

Yesterday, Forbes published a story about Quintal, his cannabis company sponsor, and his passion for pot.

"As a professional surfer, partnering with Sunburn Cannabis signifies a transformative chapter in both surfing and cannabis cultures," Quintal told Forbes.

According to writer Javier Hasse, the longboarder is the first surfer to be officially sponsored by a cannabis brand.

While Quintal says cannabis has helped him with stress and mental health in different stages of life, he believes it can help athletes.

Hasse writes:

"His advice to athletes who are curious about cannabis is grounded in personal experience and a belief in the natural benefits of the plant: 'For athletes curious about cannabis, I recommend starting with low dosages and consulting with medical professionals. Getting a medical card and exploring dispensaries, especially Sunburn, can be a good starting point. It's about finding what works for you and embracing it for a better quality of life.'

"Looking to the future, Quintal hopes for a more open relationship between professional sports and cannabis. 'Attitudes surrounding cannabis use amongst athletes and in major professional sports leagues are changing,' he notes, advocating for evolved policies in professional surfing leagues.

"'I envision a future where policies in professional surfing leagues evolve to recognize the nuanced role of cannabis. It's time our regulations reflect the changing perceptions and the integral role of cannabis in our culture and wellbeing,' Quintal says."

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