The NFL will study the use of cannabis to treat pain in its players

The issue has been on the table since for a while in the NFL. As a violent sport, American football relies heavily on painkillers—most often opioid-based—to treat pain. Between players’ struggles with dependence or even addiction, and the penalties imposed on those who dare to use cannabis instead of opioids, the NFL has so far never shown any inclination to reform its rules.

From Many players have taken their positions on this issue—not only in American football but also in basketball—and called for changes to the law. The problem has become even more complicated since some U.S. states have legalized the medical use of cannabis, while the various sports leagues do not allow it.

According to the WaPo, the NFL has reached out to representatives of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to request collaboration on research into cannabis and pain management. The NFLPA is already working on its own independent study of medical cannabis as an alternative to opioid-based painkillers, with the goal of easing restrictions on cannabis use by NFL players.

A change in cannabis regulations could take place by 2020, when the current agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA expires. Players are currently tested regularly and face financial and administrative penalties if they test positive. The THC threshold in blood or urine was raised in 2014 from 15 ng/mL to 35 ng/mL. By comparison, a test for cannabis and driving In France, the cutoff is 1 ng/mL.