American football is one of the most violent sports in the entire world. It most definitely is the most violent sport that garners millions of rabid fans (myself very much included), and billions of dollars in annual revenue. The sport’s popularity has taken some hits in recent years through ravenous political-social debates and the acknowledgment that life in the NFL is reprehensibly damaging to the human brain and body. The NFL is looking to help the players with pain and damage management by making cannabis use acceptable under the newest NFL collective bargaining agreement, per Mike Florio of NBC Sports.
The NFL collective bargaining agreement is a contract between the players and the owners. This contract dictates everything from player salary to player rights when dealing with suspensions and other issues. The collective bargaining agreement ensures that owners can’t take advantage of the players and the players can’t take advantage of the owners.
Florio reports that NFL executives have come to the conclusion they have no good reason to keep cannabis from the players anymore. Recreational cannabis has taken our country by storm. Every day it’s more accepted that the dangers surrounding cannabis use that plagued previous decades are not only exaggerated but downright wrong. While there are no plans to dramatically change their cannabis policy, they’re considering softening it.
Several former NFL players have dedicated their lives to cannabis advocacy since their time in the league has ended. Eugene Monroe and Kyle Turley have been loud spoken proponents of cannabis use since their time in the league as ended. Their arguments center around replacing current pain management practices with cannabis-based practices. Opioid addiction runs rampant through the general and NFL populations. Cannabis can provide a safer and sometimes, more effective option.
Monroe advocates the NFL invest in cannabis and CBD research regarding CTE. Traumatic brain injuries are a direct result of life as an NFL player and cannabis could help with symptoms. Watch Vice Sports’ three-part series about Turley and his journey from NFL player to cannabis user and advocate.
Will The Latest NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement Allow Players To Use Cannabis In The Future?
