Three months ago, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called marijuana addictive and unhealthy for players long term. His stance seems to be softening.
On the heels of news that the NFL has offered to collaborate with the NFLPA to study the potential benefits of marijuana in managing pain for the league’s players, Goodell on Thursday called marijuana “a medical issue” that merits further research.
The league currently bans marijuana in its collectively bargained substance-abuse policy and has taken a strong stance against its use by players. However, in a recent letter to the NFLPA, the NFL offered to work with the players in cannabis research.
According to The Washington Post, the NFL’s letter to the union outlined multiple areas for potential research, including pain management for both acute and chronic conditions.
credit:profootballtalk.nbcsports.com