When former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a terrifying injury during a 2017 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he didn’t know that trying to walk again would lead to even more battles during his recovery.
As his journey progressed from paralysis to relearning how to walk, Shazier not only had to deal with pain, but also depression and anxiety that grew from mourning the loss of football in his life.
After being prescribed opioid-based painkillers, he realized he wanted to find alternatives to the highly addictive drugs.
Shazier discovered medical marijuana and found it to be a safer alternative. He knew he had hit upon something.
The products worked so well that he decided to launch a line of medical cannabis products to help others looking for opioid alternatives.
Shazier partnered with Organic Remedies in January, introducing Steel City Greats at a launch party Jan. 26 at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto atop Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh. The line is geared to help patients manage pain, depression and anxiety, all of which Shazier dealt with during recovery.
In an effort to reduce the stigma that exists surrounding medical marijuana, Shazier has spoken publicly about the benefits of legal cannabis.
“Because of this stigma, many patients suffering from a wide array of health conditions are not comfortable discussing medical marijuana
with their health care providers,” Shazier said. “As we lessen the stigma, more patients will be able to benefit from…
