Primitiv Performance operates dispensaries in Niles, Michigan and Boston, Massachusetts, offering premium cannabis products including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, and vaporizers. Their cultivation facility spans 12,000 square feet with over 3,600 square feet of canopy space, producing up to 100 pounds of flower weekly using state-of-the-art systems and partnerships with leading LED manufacturer Fohse.The Primitiv Performance product line features nano-CBD infused electrolyte solutions and transdermal topical creams specifically formulated for athletes. Their flagship oral rehydration solution contains 25mg of nano CBD, 180mg sodium, 150mg potassium, plus vitamins A and C, utilizing CYP's High-Performance Nano Emulsion (HPNE) technology for faster absorption. The topical cream delivers 750mg-1,500mg of broad-spectrum cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN) in a Pluronic Lecithin Organogel base with cooling menthol, peppermint, and wintergreen.Their brand portfolio includes the flagship Primitiv line and TURF, a sibling brand featuring Nintendo Tecmo Bowl-inspired packaging for premium indoor-grown products. All products are THC-free and manufactured to pharmaceutical-grade standards, focusing on athletic performance, recovery, and wellness applications.
Primitiv Performance was founded by former Detroit Lions teammates Calvin Johnson Jr. (Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, 2021) and Rob Sims, who both experienced firsthand the physical and mental toll of professional football. After struggling with traditional pain management approaches, both players turned to cannabis for holistic relief, with Sims crediting it as having "saved my life and kept me on the field."In 2019, they co-founded Primitiv Group, establishing a vertically integrated cannabis company in Michigan with cultivation, processing, and retail operations. Their Primitiv Performance line launched in fall 2022 as a collaboration with CYP, focusing on innovative nano-cannabinoid technology for athletic recovery.A major milestone came through their partnership with Harvard University's International Phytomedicines and Medical Cannabis Institute, where they support research on cannabis benefits for conditions including chronic pain, CTE, and cancer treatment. The company expanded to Massachusetts in 2024, partnering with former teammate Gosder Cherilus for their Boston location. From NFL legends to cannabis pioneers, they've built a research-driven brand that's changing how athletes approach wellness and recovery.
"To act as a leading light in the cannabis industry by supporting efforts to provide holistic relief for patients who struggle with chronic illness and pain, while educating the public on the health benefits of marijuana." Primitiv Performance is dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic power of cannabis through research-driven practices, aiming to change perceptions and prove the plant's potential as a healing agent.Founded by former professional athletes who experienced the healing power of cannabis firsthand, their mission centers on breaking down stigmas surrounding cannabis while advancing its understanding and applications for wellness. Their focus on education and innovation allows them to develop products rooted in science and optimized for wellness, while breaking down stigmas with evidence-based education.Through partnerships with Harvard University, they work to expand research and disseminate information on cannabis benefits for chronic pain, CTE, and cancer treatments, believing the plant holds incredible potential as a healing agent.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Primitiv Performance's authentic story and scientific approach. What sets them apart is their innovative nano-technology that delivers effects in 5-15 minutes compared to traditional edibles' 45-60 minute onset time—a game-changer for athletes and active consumers.Their commitment to research through Harvard University partnerships demonstrates they're not just selling products—they're advancing the entire industry's understanding of cannabis therapeutics. We love that their products solve real problems, from their electrolyte solutions that provide superior rehydration to topical creams that penetrate deeper for chronic pain relief.For deal-seekers, Primitiv Performance represents premium quality backed by professional athletic experience and scientific research. Their vertically integrated operations from cultivation to retail ensure consistent quality and competitive pricing, while their THC-free formulations make their products accessible to a broader audience seeking wellness benefits without psychoactive effects. This is cannabis innovation at its finest.