The post Boxing Champion Shannon Briggs Says Cannabis Saved His Life appeared first on High Times.
As both medicinal and recreational cannabis continue to slowly intertwine with mainstream society, an increasing amount of prominent figureheads, celebrities and athletes have come forward with their advocation for the plant. Shannon Briggs, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, falls under the latter category—a well-known athlete vying for the usage of weed in their respective sport.
However, Briggs’ case is that of a different animal. He isn’t just lobbying for the usage of weed for ‘relaxation’ purposes. Or as an alternative to clubbing or partying. He claims that cannabis actually saved his life.
Shannon Briggs Credits Cannabis For Career Resurgence
The 46-year-old Briggs is expected to make another boxing comeback, fighting heavyweight trash-talker and embattled former champ Tyson Fury, barring the latter gets his boxing license reinstated. However, according to Briggs, his comeback story might not have gotten legs had it not been for cannabis.
After losing to Vitali Klitschko back in 2010, Briggs thought he was finished. He was deeply depressed and no longer interested in fighting. However, that has since changed course and Briggs is fixated on capturing the heavyweight title for the third time in his illustrious career.
“I wanted to kill myself. But here I am… I am in great shape. I’m going to become heavyweight champion of the world for the third time and the whole world is going to be saying let’s go champ! What’s better than that?” Briggs said to UPI.com.
Briggs said that he was originally prescribed a cocktail of prescription drugs to combat his depressive state, before turning to cannabis, which he ultimately credits for saving his life.
“It’s brutal. Sixty-four thousand