It’s been almost a year since NFL players saw an end to suspensions for positive drug test. Now, the NFL’s Pain Management Committee (PMC) is requesting information from scientists about cannabis and CBD as potential alternatives to opioids for pain and chronic pain management. PMC is not asking to fund any research program or wants to endorse any program. They are simply seeking information and encouraging scientists and researchers to submit their reports.

Research

Some possible areas of investigation or research to submit to PMC include:

1. The potential therapeutic role of medications and non-pharmacological interventions that are considered to be alternatives to opioids in routine pain management of NFL players. Medications may include, but are not limited to, cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (“CBD”).
2. The impact of cannabis or cannabinoids on athletic performance in NFL players.
3. The potential therapeutic role of medications and non-pharmacological interventions that are considered adjunctive to routine post-surgical orthopedic pain management in NFL football players.

Many players are on board with this decision. They are citing the hype around CBD’s therapeutic effects consumers have reported as well as research done on animals. Plus, there are now 33 different states as well as DC that offer a medical marijuana program. Of those 33 states, 11 and DC have legalized recreational use of marijuana as well. 

Back in January , the PMC released a statement to players who had been expressing concern over marijuana and CBD usage. They addressed concerns as more and more questions came up surrounding cannabis as a whole. Additionally, questions came about on what each cannabinoid does to a person. 

Cannabinoids are compounds within the cannabis plant that create different effects in people. Most commonly researched are Delta 9 THC, commonly referred to as just THC, and CBD. THC has psychoactive properties to it and is what creates the euphoric high consumers feel when they take it. The NFL wants to make sure that it’s players are safe as well as taken care of.

Future

This isn’t the first time that a sporting organization has taken action to create better cannabis rules and regulations. At the end of 2019, the MLB removed marijuana as a banned substance. Owners say players can’t be endorsed by cannabis companies. They also cannot play while under the influence. Then the end of 2020 saw the NBA looking at permanently banning random drug testing for marijuana. This ban began temporarily at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the NBA wants to support helping players with addiction or dependency issues rather than punish them. The NFL seems to be taking the same stance. 

For those who wish to submit their research studies, head over to the Pain Management Committee’s NFL page for more information submission and research requirements. Each facility has until March 31, 2020 to submit up to three separate research studies for consideration.

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