Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
A recent study co-funded by ESPN and the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 52 percent of retired football players had used prescription pain drugs (opioids) during their professional careers. Of those, 63 percent admitted they received the painkillers from coaches, trainers, fellow teammates and other sources.
Ironically, the NFL has a policy on substance abuse, which prohibits the illegal use of drugs. So on one hand the NFL is telling players they can't use illegal drugs, but with their other hand the league turns a blind eye to its coaches, team physicians and trainers handing out prescription painkillers like candy. Obviously, there is something terribly wrong with this picture.
And while states across our nation are recognizing and legalizing the use of medical cannabis programs to ease people's pain and suffering, the NFL lists cannabis as an illegal drug in its Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. Players are subject to suspensions with a second positive test.
Many retired professional football players, who are suffering excruciating pain, are touting the benefits of cannabis in easing their pain.
Eugene Monroe, former offensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens, was the first NFL player to openly advocate the use of cannabis to treat chronic pain and sports-related injuries. In an August interview in Rolling Stone magazine, Monroe advocated for more research to treat chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain condition found in the brains of professional football players.
"You look at the fact that our government has a patent on marijuana and says that they've found that it can be anti-inflammatory and it can also protect the brain, that it can be neuroprotective. Those are signs that point toward more research. If the NFL is truly committed to research in this space, they can look no further than the U.S. government for the initial direction of that research," Monroe told the magazine.
Tara Nesbit, wife of Jamar Nesbit, a former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman, recently started a Facebook page for a discussion group of current and retired NFL players wives as a support system for the many issues we face as spouses of former and current NFL players. Among the many issues families face, the health of our loved ones remains a common topic of discussion. To read more go here.
In an open letter to the NFL on Nov. 11, 2016, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation in Washington, D.C., urged the league to reconsider its policy on medical marijuana use. The letter stated, in part: "Pain is just one condition where cannabis shows tremendous promise. A recent clinical trial in Israel found that cannabis produced significant benefits in 10 of 11 patients with Crohn's disease, with 45 percent going into complete remission."
Several former and current NFL players also signed the letter. They included Eugene Monroe, Derrick Morgan, Eben Britton, Nate Jackson, Lance Johnstone, Jim McMahon, Jake Plummer, Kyle Turley and Ricky Williams.
So if these professional athletes and physicians from around the world can huddle and see a positive play for the use of medical marijuana in easing chronic pain, why can't the NFL get off the sidelines and get in the game?
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NFL powers should heed the science on cannabis - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper
Author: Kema Ogden
Contact: Staff List - Las Vegas Sun News
Photo Credit: Paul Nisely
Website: Las Vegas Sun Newspaper - Southern Nevada News, Sports, Politics, Entertainment & Opinions -
Ironically, the NFL has a policy on substance abuse, which prohibits the illegal use of drugs. So on one hand the NFL is telling players they can't use illegal drugs, but with their other hand the league turns a blind eye to its coaches, team physicians and trainers handing out prescription painkillers like candy. Obviously, there is something terribly wrong with this picture.
And while states across our nation are recognizing and legalizing the use of medical cannabis programs to ease people's pain and suffering, the NFL lists cannabis as an illegal drug in its Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. Players are subject to suspensions with a second positive test.
Many retired professional football players, who are suffering excruciating pain, are touting the benefits of cannabis in easing their pain.
Eugene Monroe, former offensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens, was the first NFL player to openly advocate the use of cannabis to treat chronic pain and sports-related injuries. In an August interview in Rolling Stone magazine, Monroe advocated for more research to treat chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain condition found in the brains of professional football players.
"You look at the fact that our government has a patent on marijuana and says that they've found that it can be anti-inflammatory and it can also protect the brain, that it can be neuroprotective. Those are signs that point toward more research. If the NFL is truly committed to research in this space, they can look no further than the U.S. government for the initial direction of that research," Monroe told the magazine.
Tara Nesbit, wife of Jamar Nesbit, a former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman, recently started a Facebook page for a discussion group of current and retired NFL players wives as a support system for the many issues we face as spouses of former and current NFL players. Among the many issues families face, the health of our loved ones remains a common topic of discussion. To read more go here.
In an open letter to the NFL on Nov. 11, 2016, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation in Washington, D.C., urged the league to reconsider its policy on medical marijuana use. The letter stated, in part: "Pain is just one condition where cannabis shows tremendous promise. A recent clinical trial in Israel found that cannabis produced significant benefits in 10 of 11 patients with Crohn's disease, with 45 percent going into complete remission."
Several former and current NFL players also signed the letter. They included Eugene Monroe, Derrick Morgan, Eben Britton, Nate Jackson, Lance Johnstone, Jim McMahon, Jake Plummer, Kyle Turley and Ricky Williams.
So if these professional athletes and physicians from around the world can huddle and see a positive play for the use of medical marijuana in easing chronic pain, why can't the NFL get off the sidelines and get in the game?
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NFL powers should heed the science on cannabis - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper
Author: Kema Ogden
Contact: Staff List - Las Vegas Sun News
Photo Credit: Paul Nisely
Website: Las Vegas Sun Newspaper - Southern Nevada News, Sports, Politics, Entertainment & Opinions -
