NFL willing to work with NFLPA on research about marijuana use for pain management

The National Football League has historically taken a tough stance on substance use. But now, the league says it is interested in working with the NFLPA to study the potential impact of marijuana for pain management, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post.

Under the current policy, any NFL player who tests positive for marijuana will be entered into the league’s intervention program. They’ll have to undergo random tests, and a failed test will result in an automatic suspension. A missed test counts as a failed test, which is why Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell served a three-game suspension at the start of the 2016 season.

Multiple missed tests will get a player suspended for a full year. That is where Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory finds himself this season. Another failed test could get Gregory banned from the NFL altogether. Just ask Josh Gordon.

The policy is built around the expectation that players are using marijuana recreationally, and commissioner Roger Goodell has shared some archaic and incorrect perspectives about the possibility of addiction to marijuana, too. So the league’s interest in studying the role marijuana could play in pain management for players is a step in the right direction.

“We look forward to working with the Players Association on all issues involving the health and safety of our players,” Joe Lockhart, the NFL’s executive vice president of communications, said via Maske.

SB Nation reached out to the NFLPA for comment, but the association did not immediately respond.

DeMaurice Smith, the president of the players’ association, told the Washington Post in January that the union was working toward a proposal for a “less punitive” approach from the NFL.

“I do think that issues of addressing it more in a treatment and less punitive measure is appropriate,” Smith said. “I think it’s important to look at whether there are addiction issues. And I think it’s important to not simply assume recreation is the reason it’s being used.”

Even Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones thinks the league should soften its views on marijuana use. Jones might have had Rolando McClain, Demarcus Lawrence, and Gregory available to play last season if the rules were relaxed.

The trauma NFL players’ bodies endure on game days has been compared to being involved in a car accident every single week. There’s no question that chronic pain is an issue in the NFL. The responsible course of action is for the league and the players’ association to work together to explore every possible solution, including marijuana.