Sportfacts.org recently conducted a survey on 1,355 self-proclaimed NFL fans all around the U.S. on their thoughts regarding cannabis use in the league.
According to that poll, 66 percent said that they think it is okay for current NFL players to use cannabis, 25 percent said no, and 9 percent were unsure.
When asked whether the football league should permit the present players to use cannabis with a doctor’s prescription for pain management, 82 percent said yes, 10 percent said that they shouldn’t while the eight percent said that they were unsure.
Many studies have shown and proven that cannabis is a potent and natural answer for pain management. There is also an increase in people turning to marijuana instead of the prescribed drugs for pain treatment.
Some of the painkillers and opioids often recommended by pharmacists and medical professionals to the players were proven to be addictive with some even considered deadly. Former athletes came out and said that they use cannabis to recuperate from their physically intensive days in the league.
With retired players claiming that cannabis helps them in their post-professional life, many are asking if the current league players, especially in the NFL, one of the most physically extensive sports can take them as well.
As of this time, the National Football League does not have a fixed plan when it comes to players’ pain management. But there are plenty of past football players who disclosed that addictive opiate painkillers were handed out easily to them during their time in the league.
Despite the easy access to opioids, an interview with Martellus Bennet said that most of the current NFL players are using cannabis. Bennet explained that most of the active players in the league use it not to get high but as an alternative to the drugs and opioids prescribed to them.
“There are times of the year where your body just hurts so bad,” Bennett said. “You don’t want to be popping pills all the time. There are anti-inflammatory drugs you take so long that they start to eat at your liver, kidneys and things like that. A human made that. God made weed.”
So why is marijuana still not allowed in inside NFL?
Experts believe that the federal categorization of cannabis is one of the primary reason. As of the moment, cannabis is considered a Schedule I substance and the possession and consumption of it is illegal federally.
They say that if NFL takes a public stand in favor of cannabis use within their organization they will probably be in conflict with the federal government.
But the professional American football league is not totally helpless. They have several options that will significantly benefit the well-being of their players. Making the drug tests less harsh and reducing the penalties for cannabis possession and use are only some of the recourse NFL can take.
More than the possible dispute with the federal government, analysts of the professional football organization said that the NFL is more worried about what the viewing public might think if their current players are using cannabis.
The league has hardly been able to have a joint and open stance on any issues because of the backlash they receive from their diverse audiences and organizations that sponsor the league.
With no clear indication that the league will open their doors for cannabis use for their players, NFL players have no choice but to take the dangerous and addictive opioids for their pain.
- How Commercial Cannabis Growers Can Benefit from Using a Software - May 17, 2019
- Understanding CBD Interactions and Why CBD and Your Brain Can Be Best Friends - January 4, 2019
- The Difference Between Using THC and CBD - December 19, 2018
