So check this out, in 2020, the NFL changed the parameters of their drug-testing policy to penalize all drugs equally rather than targeting cannabis itself. This move has caused a ripple effect in their approach to cannabis in general. They are now exploring the idea of using cannabis as a possible alternative pain management option. 

The world is slowly coming around.

The NFL’s official statement says that their goal is “to identify investigators who have the current capability to carry out studies aimed at supplementing the NFL-NFLPA Pain Management Committee’s (‘PMC’) knowledge about pain management and athletic performance in NFL players.”

Informational forums on CBD were held last year so the NFL-NFLPA committee could learn more about the science behind medicinal cannabis.

Their areas of interest are:

• * The potential of cannabis as an alternative to opiates 
• * How effective/helpful cannabis could be with post-surgical pain management
• * Whether using CBD or THC-containing cannabis would have any impact on the athletes’ performance

After years of penalizing players for cannabis use, the NFL is starting to take a more proactive approach, acknowledging that there are instances when a substance is being used to genuinely and naturally treat pain. This new point of view of theirs allows them to be ready to learn more about how the specifics of CBD and even THC-containing cannabis could have a positive impact on athletes and their health. 

Footnote:
NFL-NFLPA Pain Management Committee Issue Request for Information to Researchers on Pain Management Alternatives to Opioids
Joint Pain Management Committee