Last updated : November 11, 2024
A 2013 Gallup poll revealed that 58% of Americans favor the legalization of marijuana, and two states, Colorado and Washington, have taken the lead by allowing recreational use of the drug. As other states consider following their example, research into the medicinal benefits is expected to be a critical factor in their decisions.
One of medicinal marijuana’s positive selling points has been its pain-relieving properties, as evidenced by its relative acceptance in the treatment of patient discomfort resulting from cancer and AIDS-related chemotherapy, and more recently, its effects in the treatment of head injuries (especially concussions) and general body pain. Since concussions have become a major health issue in impact sports (baseball, basketball, football), the question of whether medicinal marijuana would benefit injured, recovering athletes has arisen.
It’s certainly just a remarkable coincidence that the two NFL teams that competed in the most recent Super Bowl (Denver and Seattle) happen to be based in the two largest cities of the states of Colorado and Washington, respectively, but Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, has already publicly stated a desire that the league support further research into whether or not marijuana can help recovering players. The league already finds itself involved in high-profile lawsuits regarding concussions and the long-term effects of prescribed painkillers, and adding the marijuana issue into the equation may not demand high priority, at least until more extensive research is conducted.
Apparently however, there’s no shortage of current NFL players who’ve already discovered the benefits of marijuana in helping them to deal with not only head-related injuries, but also various sprains, breaks and most of the other injuries that go hand-in-hand with the violent sport. There aren’t any specific numbers as to how many current players partake of marijuana for medicinal purposes, but informal polling reveals that it’s more widespread than suspected. Ryan Clark, a defensive back with the Washington Redskins, doesn’t risk putting an estimated number on the issue, but does say, “I know a lot of guys who don’t regularly smoke marijuana who would use it during the season.” Former NFL player Marcellus Wiley states that he estimates half of the players used marijuana when he retired in 2006, adding that marijuana seemed to help players cope with both the pain and anxiety they are faced with regularly.
The league’s substance-abuse policy is already under attack following the season-long suspension of Cleveland receiver Josh Gordon for multiple violations. Detractors point to the “slap on the wrist” two-game suspension handed down to Baltimore RB Ray Rice for a domestic violence incident as evidence of the unfairness of the two policies.
Whether or not all of these issues will be resolved in a timely manner and to the reasonable satisfaction of all parties involved and affected remains to be seen. As the most lucrative and popular American sport, the NFL certainly has a vested interest in taking the lead on these important issues. The league took a revolutionary step with its support and encouragement in the Michael Sam issue; will it be as pro-active and/or forward-looking with the marijuana question?
