Survivor: Ethan Zohn on Soccer, Cannabis, Cancer and Reality Show Stardom

Great Moments in Weed History · Jun 24, 2026 · 57m

In 2002, professional soccer player Ethan Zohn won Africa: Survivor, netting himself a $1 million dollar prize and overnight fame.

But it was his subsequent battle against cancer that made him a true survivor, and also opened his eyes to the therapeutic power of cannabis.

As you’ll hear in our interview, Ethan tried smoking herb just once as a college student, and liked it, but felt he had to put all forms of intoxication aside to focus on his athletic career. Years later, however, the plant would play a profound and central role in his healing journey, which in turn inspired him to become a…