Riley Cote knows pain. As a former NHL enforcer, he took and delivered hits. Off the ice, though, it was the hits to his mind and body that lingered the longest. Now retired, Cote has focused on education and healing—specifically through cannabis advocacy. What started as personal recovery has become a mission to change the way people—especially athletes—view cannabis.
From the Shadows to the Spotlight
“It’s been a process,” Cote said of challenging the cannabis stigma. “You’re going up against alcohol culture, pain management through pharmaceuticals, and all the baggage from cannabis prohibition. But people are waking up. We’re in the age of information.”
Cote believes that what once was buried—scientific data, real-life stories, and mindful use—is now coming to light, allowing people to make informed choices. “In the past, everything was suppressed. But now the truth is out there. And people are realizing cannabis isn’t just about getting high—it’s about getting better.”
Cannabis in the Locker Room
Though technically a banned substance by NHL standards, THC enforcement is minimal. “The League knows. The teams know. Coaches know. A lot of the coaching staff are using cannabis products themselves,” Cote revealed.
He pointed to a cultural shift in how athletes manage pain and recovery. “We’ve gone from drinking beers on the bus to guys using infused coconut oil and peanut butter after games instead. Why? Because they want to sleep. They want to recover. They want to feel good tomorrow.”
He added, “If I’m a GM, I want my players using cannabis over alcohol. They will perform better, sleep better, and recover better.”
On Alcohol Culture in Hockey: “It Was Normal”
Cote didn’t sugarcoat the drinking culture in hockey. “It was after almost every game. That’s how it was—you justify the grind with a few beers. But it was rarely just one or two. It could easily become an all-night affair.”
He shared stories about past generations, where it was “mandatory” to show up at the bar after practice. “It was ingrained in the culture. You were expected to be there, beer in hand. It wasn’t questioned.”
But today, things have changed. “There’s too much money, too much science, and too much awareness now,” he said. “Guys don’t want to feel like sh*t anymore. They want to feel optimized.”
Cannabis as an “Exit Drug”
Far from being a gateway to more complex substances, Cote sees cannabis as a lifeline. “I know countless people—including myself—who used cannabis to minimize and eliminate drinking,” he said. “It helped me manage the withdrawal and feel present instead of numb.”
He emphasized the intentionality of mindful cannabis use. “Alcohol is a numbing agent. You don’t feel anything. Cannabis, on the other hand, makes you observe your pain. It doesn’t mask it. That’s a huge difference.”
Respecting the Plant
Cote is quick to point out that cannabis use must be done with care. “Respect is key. There has to be the intention behind it. You can’t just grab a vape pen and zone out. You have to ask: why am I reaching for this?”
He recommends starting with low-dose edibles or CBD-only products. “One to two milligrams can go a long way. You’d be surprised how much of a difference that little bit can make in calming anxiety or helping you sleep.”
For anyone hesitant to try cannabis, especially those stuck in an alcohol cycle, his advice is simple: “You don’t have to jump in the deep end. Start low, go slow. Just permit yourself to explore a different way.”
A New Chapter: Healing Out Loud
Cote is open about his past struggles and his current passion. “I lived hard—on the ice and off. Cannabis became one of the most supportive tools in my recovery.”
He sees storytelling as the bridge between education and healing. “The science is great, but what connects people is lived experience. That’s why I speak so openly. Vulnerability permits others to look deeper into their own lives.”
The mission is clear to him: “I’m not here to tell anyone what to do. I’m here to share what worked for me. And if it helps someone else manage their anxiety, sleep better, or drink less—that’s a win.”
“I never want to feel hungover again,” Cote said bluntly. “Waking up feeling groggy and miserable… why do that to ourselves when there’s a better way?”
If you’re curious, anxious, or even skeptical — Riley Cote has a message for you:
“You don’t have to suffer. You don’t have to numb yourself with alcohol. Cannabis might not be the answer for everyone, but it could be an answer for you. Just ask questions. Be curious. And give yourself the grace to explore something new.”
REUTERS/Shaun Best (CANADA SPORT ICE HOCKEY)
