The NFL announced Monday it will provide $1 million for researchers to study effect of cannabis on managing pain from concussions.
Two teams of medical researchers at the University of California-San Diego and the University of Regina will share the funding for the study.
The grant marks another significant change in the NFL’s stance on marijuana: The league relaxed discipline for marijuana use and drug testing in April 2021.
The grant results from an initial request for research studies by the NFL-NFLPA Joint Pain Management Committee.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement passed in 2020 included a clause saying the league would not test players for marijuana during the offseason and testing would resume in August.
“We want to ensure that our players are receiving care that reflects the most up-to-date medical consensus,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer. “We are grateful that we have the opportunity to fund these scientifically sound studies on the use of cannabinoids that may lead to the discovery of data-based evidence that could impact the pain management of our players.”
The physician conducting the study at the University of Regina said further research will support his claim that cannabis helps regulate the effects of concussions on players.
“Our research will work to show that cannabinoids can be used as an alternative to opioids for pain management. Ultimately, this study has the potential to change not only the lives of current and former NFL players, but also the lives of anyone who may suffer from a concussion,” said Dr. Patrick Neary.
• Peter Santo can be reached at psanto@washingtontimes.com.
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