Ryan Tucker’s journey from a promising Major League Baseball pitcher to an outspoken advocate for cannabis is one of transformation, resilience, and reinvention. Once celebrated for his blazing fastball on the mound, Tucker has since found a new purpose—helping others understand the benefits of cannabis through personal experience and industry leadership.

From the Mound to Medical Reality

Born December 6, 1986, in Burbank, California, Ryan Tucker was drafted 34th overall by the Florida Marlins in the 2005 MLB Draft. A right-handed pitcher with elite velocity, he was projected as a future star. Tucker made his MLB debut in 2008, showing flashes of brilliance but quickly fell victim to a series of injuries that would derail his career. Despite stints with the Marlins and later the Texas Rangers, chronic shoulder problems led to multiple surgeries and ultimately ended his playing days by his mid-twenties.

The pain and emotional toll from repeated setbacks led Tucker down a dark road of prescription medications and frustration. But when traditional treatments failed, cannabis became his lifeline. He has openly discussed how cannabis use helped him recover physically, manage pain naturally, and regain mental balance—something that traditional medicine never fully offered.

Building a Career in Cannabis

After stepping away from baseball, Tucker transitioned into California’s growing cannabis industry, where he has become a respected operator and advocate. He has owned and managed licensed cannabis businesses in several regions, including Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. His work spans cultivation, retail, and compliance—a reflection of his commitment to normalizing and professionalizing cannabis operations.

Tucker’s advocacy extends beyond business. He regularly speaks about the therapeutic value of cannabis for athletes, veterans, and individuals dealing with chronic pain or anxiety. He credits cannabis with saving his life, emphasizing its ability to replace addictive painkillers and improve overall wellness. “I didn’t just get into cannabis to make money,” Tucker said in a past interview. “I got into it because it helped me heal when nothing else worked.”

Challenging MLB’s Cannabis Stigma

Tucker’s stance arrives at a pivotal moment for Major League Baseball. In 2019, MLB officially removed cannabis from its list of “drugs of abuse,” signaling a shift toward acceptance and away from outdated stigma. Tucker has applauded this progress, but he continues to advocate for deeper education and consistency between the major and minor leagues — where cannabis testing remains stricter.

He’s been candid about the quiet acceptance of cannabis use among professional athletes, noting that players at the major league level often rely on it for recovery. He believes that as more former players share their experiences, the sport will continue to move toward open dialogue and better wellness alternatives for athletes.

More Than an Advocate

Today, Ryan Tucker stands as an example of life after sports — proof that purpose doesn’t end when the game does. His story resonates with athletes facing similar struggles, serving as a reminder that cannabis can be a tool for both healing and entrepreneurship. Through his businesses, mentorship, and transparency, Tucker continues to push for a more compassionate, informed, and forward-thinking conversation around cannabis in professional sports.