By TORI ADDISON
Staff Writer
In case you missed the joke of week, the two teams who represent states that have legalized marijuana were playing in a “Super Bowl”, good one right?
While Colorado and Washington may be among the few states to support the benefits of medicinal, as well as recreational marijuana, the rest of the country is yet to take action on legalizing the substance. With the use of marijuana as a healing agent becoming increasingly popular in the medical world, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently decided to voice his opinion on the matter.
Surprisingly enough, Goodell actually supports the use of medicinal marijuana, but only under certain circumstances. If proven successful, the NFL would consider allowing players to use the drug to treat concussions, as well as other head injuries. Goodell is not the only one advocating for medicinal marijuana use within the NFL, as Seahawks’ head coach Pete Carroll voiced his support for the substance soon after the suggestion emerged. Carroll sees no shame in the idea and implied that the NFL should be focused on keeping up with the constant evolution of medicine. Both Goodell and Carroll also took the time to point out that as of right now medical experts are not pointing towards marijuana as an effective tool in aiding head injuries, but if any developments are found, the NFL will reconsider their decision on banning player’s use of the drug.
One of the hardest aspects of removing marijuana from the NFL’s banned substance list would be working around state laws that are against its. Even though states such as Colorado have legalized both medicinal and recreational use, other states such as New York have not. The balance between punishments for players who live in states that have legalized the drug compared to those that have not could start to produce major controversy as more states work towards legalization.
As of right now, the NFL’s already strict policy of random drug testing has its drawbacks for players who test positive. It is not uncommon for players to face harsh suspensions for drug use, such as Denver’s Von Miller and Seattle’s Walter Thurmond who lost serious playing time during the regular season due to failed drug tests. As the commissioner, how do you handle players who chose to consume marijuana while residing in states that have legalized its use?
Technically, NFL players are subjected to drug testing as part of the contract of their employment and by breaking protocol they are aware that they will be punished. But, what about those players that opt to use marijuana as a pain reliever as opposed to the addictive pain killers that are given to them from team doctors? Former running back Ricky Williams is a prime example as he stated that he would rather aid his social anxiety with marijuana as opposed to the prescriptive meds given to him by his doctor. His preference to cannabis would eventually lead him to retire from the league due to repeated failed drug tests and lengthy suspensions. In some aspects, it is unfair to punish players who look for a medical solution that will not only help them, but also produce calmer side effects than prescriptive pain killers. If the NFL decides to allow medicinal marijuana to be used to treat head injuries, they are going to face even more issues with players who argue its use effective in aiding other injuries and personal disorders.
I mean, it is not like marijuana is a performance-enhancing drug that gives players an edge over competitors. Players who chose to self-medicate with marijuana should not be punished if they are doing so in the privacy of their own home. Fans pour serious money into supporting their team and it is completely unfair that they have to miss out on watching players because of failed drug tests. I understand that the players are supposed to be role models, but the NFL does not exactly do a great job of creating a child-friendly environment for viewers. Last time I checked, more players have humiliated themselves publically while under the influence of alcohol than any other drug. Not to mention, you cannot watch ten minutes of a football game without seeing a commercial promoting alcohol consumption, which is not the best message to be sending to underage viewers.
With the growing legalization of marijuana as a medicinal and recreational substance, it is going to become harder for the NFL to pursue their control over player’s drug use. The NFL needs to seriously consider the effects of marijuana as a healing agent as it has begun to open new doors in the medical world and could potentially create a breakthrough in the treatment of concussions and other head injuries.
