A former Detroit Lions player’s cannabis-focused research firm aims to provide a more natural approach to pain management. Calvin Johnson Jr., a former wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, co-founded Primitiv, a cannabis research firm that specializes in nanotechnology. Johnson highlighted the company’s efforts at Cannabis Insights, which is an MLive-hosted cannabis-focused conference that was held this month.
Johnson and Rob Sims, former players of Detroit Lions, co-founded Primitiv after originally using cannabis to treat pain and injuries sustained while playing in the NFL. Johnson said, “Cannabis was one of those things that is a natural substance”. According to Johnson, Primitiv, which established its first retail shop in Niles, Michigan in the beginning of the year, approaches its research and products from a wellness perspective. At present, the firm offers a variety of flower, edible, live resins, and CBD items. Johnson said, “We’re here to serve in every capacity. It’s more than about the money that’s coming in — it’s how you affect your community. How do you build a better quality of life?”
The firm has teamed up with Harvard University to study how cannabis might be used to alleviate pain. Accordingly, the firm employs nanotechnology to generate cannaboid emulsions with enhanced bioavailability in the product they plan to commercialize shortly. Johnson said, “Basically the nanoparticle is so small that it’s able to bypass the intestinal tract and go straight to the bloodstream and go straight to work. So that’s exciting for us.”
Johnson stated that he is fascinated by the science of how many ways we can utilize this plant. He said, “It’s not a panacea; it’s not a cure-all. But if you learn about your endocannabinoid system and understand how it affects and regulates your body, there’s a lot of things this medicine can help with.” Despite creating new technologies, Johnson’s primary objective is to deliver natural treatment to people. Johnson stated that the firm also reflects a return to natural medicine. Johnson said, “Cannabis is a juggernaut when it comes to plant medicines, but there’s a lot more out there”.
