In a week in which we say a new report on CTE, heard an NFL rookie brag about how he wants to “die on the field” and a NFL veteran refute that statement with passion, the NFL might finally be on a course to exploring new ways to keep players healthy and sane.
Per Bleacher Report
The NFL has reportedly reached out to the NFL Players Association with an offer to work together in order to research the effects of marijuana in pain management.
According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the NFLPA is already conducting a study on the matter, and it has yet to respond to the NFL.
When asked to comment on the matter, NFL Executive Vice President of Communications Joe Lockhart said the following, per Maske: “We look forward to working with the Players Association on all issues involving the health and safety of our players.”
Marijuana has been heralded by some as a preferred option for pain relief among NFL players than opiates due to the possible perils of opiate addiction.
Among those who have publicly supported marijuana use among NFL players are former offensive linemen Eugene Monroe and Kyle Turley.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a different stance, as he said on ESPN’s Mike & Mike (h/t Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith) in April that marijuana is addictive:
“I think you still have to look at a lot of aspects of marijuana use. Is it something that can be negative to the health of our players? Listen, you’re ingesting smoke, so that’s not usually a very positive thing that people would say. It does have addictive nature. There are a lot of compounds in marijuana that may not be healthy for the players long-term. All of those things have to be considered. And it’s not as simple as someone just wants to feel better after a game. We really want to help our players in that circumstance but I want to make sure that the negative consequences aren’t something that is something that we’ll be held accountable for some years down the road.”
If the NFL and NFLPA eventually come to terms on allowing marijuana use as a pain management tool, it will require sweeping changes from a disciplinary perspective.
As things currently stand, players are tested for marijuana and can be suspended for using it.
We had the chance to speak with Treyous Jarrell, former NCAA player who is an activist for student and pro-athletes to be able to obtain MMJ for pain and injury relief. Check out our interview with him here