A majority of NFL players surveyed believe the legalization of marijuana leaguewide would reduce the use of chemical painkillers.
ESPN.com’s NFL Nation surveyed 266 NFL players (1,696 are on NFL active rosters) on the topic of pain treatments in the NFL. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed players (61%) said the use of chemical, addictive painkillers would be reduced if marijuana was allowed instead. Legalized pot remains a contentious topic in the league, with multiple star players – Josh Gordon, Von Miller, Martavis Bryant – receiving suspensions for positive tests.
As Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com notes, marijuana has medicinal benefits and is legalized in 23 states, but it still remains banned by the NFL. ESPN’s survey showed an overwhelming majority (71%) of players believed marijuana should be legalized. 41 percent of those surveyed believed pot controlled pain more effectively than Toradol, a common painkiller anti-inflammatory.
The NFL has punished marijuana users due to strict laws. It’s not legal across the country. But as marijuana becomes legal in more states, the league should review its policy on the drug. Marijuana doesn’t have as crippling side effects as most painkillers. Faced with a choice, as surveyed, players would rather go the medicinal route than use injectable painkillers.
The league needs to listen to its players and allow exemptions on marijuana use. It can help players who are suffering. Football is a gruesome game, so blocking a potential helpful resource won’t stand much longer.
[ESPN]
