The NFL wants to study cannabis for pain management

The National Football League (NFL) has decided to investigate how the cannabis could be an alternative to pain medications, as well as the impact of cannabis on athletic performance.

More specifically, the proposed study will examine «the potential therapeutic role of medications and non-pharmacological interventions that are considered complementary to the routine management of post-surgical orthopedic pain in NFL players,» and in particular as an alternative to opioids.

Without conducting its own study, the NFL has issued a call for contributions to scientists, who have until March 31 to submit information.

Changes to the NFL

The NFL has made some changes as part of its drug testing policy last year, by now treating all drugs the same, without considering cannabis as a possible alternative remedy. The NFL now wants to take a more proactive approach, recognizing when a substance is used to treat pain and recommending treatment and rehabilitation for users instead of punishing them.

Last year, the NFL held informational sessions on the CBD.

«CBD is a promising compound, but its use in the United States currently exceeds the level of research,» the committee said. «Most of the hype surrounding CBD is based on the results of animal studies.»

Other sports leagues in the United States have already taken steps to remove cannabis from the list of strictly prohibited substances. The Major League Baseball (MLB) no longer classifies cannabis as a banned substance, which may ultimately be used outside of competition. The The NBA no longer conducts drug tests by chance during the COVID pandemic, and said that she didn't see a problem ...with her occasional cannabis use and that she wanted to help people with substance abuse problems.