The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, is reviewing the benefits of allowing players to prescribe to medical marijuana. Dr. Lester Grinspoon is 85-years-old and as an Harvard professor he has advocated the use of medical marijuana for some decades. Now, he is looking to urge the NFL commission to approve funding for research of its benefits, especially for their own players.
Currently, NFL restrictions are in place, restricting the use marijuana for their players, while in league season. Even if they reside within one of the 22 states where it is legal. Medical marijuana has proven to become a force in an industry where prescription drugs are tarnishing their own reputation. Within one commercial of prescriptions, such as Ambien, consumers wince at the long list of side-effects, wondering if something more exists. Millions of patients are finding pain relief within medical marijuana.
An Isreali doctor who has been working on the benefits of marijuana has discovered a recovery process, that may just condition the NFL to approve medicinal use. Research on lab mice showed a path of recovery for the rodents who suffered traumatic brain injuries, the doctor appeared on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Dr. Grinspoon agrees and states if the NFL dedicated funding and research, they too can say the benefits for their own players.
Some players, who requested to be unnamed stated they smoke marijuana, specifically for healing reasons. Marijuana has provided pain relief for patients who suffer from chronic pain, muscle spasms and even permits for better sleep. Dr. Laura Martin approved a study written for WebMD that displayed the positive effects of medical marijuana and pain relief.
Considering NFL players consistently are tackled and feel like they have been hit by a mack truck, pain relief is essential. Senior VP of law and policy for the NFL, Adolpho Birch, states the league would definitely be reviewing any relief factors for their players. Much too often players leave the league young, and physically damaged; may it be their back, knees or brain. Now Dr. Grinspoon is providing his backing for the NFL to push through the approval, stating it is a plant that is natural and one that cannot be patented, making it the best pain killer of choice.