Before jumping into my argument, I would like to personalize this topic by offering the story of Seantrel Henderson. Henderson suffers from Crohn’s disease and has been suspended multiple times for using marijuana to treat the symptoms of this vicious disease. Medical professionals describe the most common symptoms of the disease as diarrhea, cramping and pain in your abdomen, and weight loss.” (National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases,1). Henderson has faced a few surgeries that attempted to relieve him of the symptoms of the disease. In a tear jerking interview following Henderson’s first suspension, his agent Brian Fettner stated “Merciful or not, there is no medical exception that the NFL will accept. It doesn’t matter that Seantrel is battling Crohn’s disease, and has had his intestines outside his body,” (Boren). The NFL makes no exceptions for anyone regarding their marijuana policy. This policy demonstrates that the NFL puts its image above the wellbeing of its players. Boren’s analysis went on to summarize the situation between players and the NFL. She explains “Many NFL players are finding that marijuana offers a safer alternative to pain management than anti-inflammatory medication and are beginning to push for the NFL and the NFL Players Association to reconsider the substance abuse rules” (Boren). While this source has limited scope given that it only discusses the case of one player, it demonstrates the bigger picture regarding the way the NFL treats ‘violators’ of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. This is clarified by Fettner’s statements about how the league shows no mercy and makes no exceptions. 

For years, players in the National Football League (NFL) have been suffering from inadequate treatments from their sustained career injuries. Luckily, marijuana serves as a fantastic sedative to treat these injuries. Unfortunately for current NFL players, marijuana is strictly prohibited and players are subject to drug tests. Furthermore, players who are found in violation of the league’s marijuana policy face suspensions and fines. At the end of the day marijuana is not very different from the drugs that these players get subscribed as a substitute. In fact, in a lot of ways marijuana is one of the most effective pain-relievers and much easier and more flexible in terms of use. Based on the NFL’s player’s association and their views/beliefs on the use of medical marijuana, the positive effects that medical marijuana has on human health, and the use of marijuana today in other sports and around the country, I strongly believe that the NFL needs to reconsider their substance abuse policy. The main arguments surrounding this debate are about a few things. First, the efficacy of medical marijuana. Second, marijuana in comparison to other sedatives. Third, the implications on the image of the NFL changing its policy to a more friendly stance on players using marijuana for medical purposes.

The most substantial benefit of changing the substance abuse policy comes from the efficacy of medicinal marijuana. A recent study conducted at the University of Michigan found that “patients using medical marijuana to control chronic pain reported a 64 percent reduction in their use of more traditional prescription pain medications” (Gnagey). From this it is logical to infer that medical marijuana is more effective than other sedatives. This is beneficial because as patients stop using other ‘pain meds’ they are also able to eliminate the damaging side effects of those medications. An additional finding of the study is that patients “reported fewer side effects from their medications and a 45-percent improvement in quality of life since using cannabis to manage pain.” (Gnagey). It is important to understand that the improvement to quality of life is monumental because it demonstrates the intangible yet ever so important real world impact of medical marijuana. While the results of this study are largely in accordance with the general field of literature, the study has its limitations. Indeed, I must concede that the sample size of the study was relatively small with only 185 patients. However, the results of the study are still valid because of the magnitude of its findings. The dramatic effects that medical marijuana has on patient’s quality of life and dependence on other drugs is quite frankly stunning. Additionally, the study references the types of drugs (Vicodin and OxyContin) that medical marijuana allows patients to stop using, and they are some of the most addicting substances in the field of medicine (Gnagey). The statistics provided in the studies above allow us to make a comparison between marijuana and painkillers in a holistic way. This is beneficial because it adds credibility to my argument by displaying that it is grounded in fact. 

Before forming an opinion about medical marijuana, it is important to understand the reasons behind the use of it. In a recent study published in the National Academy Press, Alison Mack wrote “The cannabis plant (marijuana) . . . [has] therapeutic benefits and could ease the suffering of millions of persons with various illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, chronic pain, and other maladies.” (Mack, 4). This summarization of the benefits of medical marijuana demonstrates the purposes of it. In addition to generally understanding medical marijuana I also think it is important to understand the ways that the law sees the use of it. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana (Robinson). This sprang into action a push to legalize medical marijuana elsewhere. Since then, 22 states have followed suit and many more are expected to in the following years. In fact, 60 percent of NFL teams currently play in states that allow the use of medical marijuana (Benes). However, in a lot of people’s opinions it is hypocritical of the NFL to forbid players from accessing a medicine (marijuana) that is legal in the states in which they reside. The NFL’s policy should at the very least adapt to the law of the land and allow players living in states where medical marijuana is legal to use it. 

To fully understand the debate surrounding the NFL’s policy, it’s paramount to understand the NFL’s perspective. Medical marijuana is not legal in all states. Thus, the NFL doesn’t have the jurisdiction to support the use of medical marijuana because that would simultaneously force them to encourage some of their players breaking the law. Logically, the NFL would face some bad press from some of the less progressive outlets around the nation. Luckily, a change in the policy is currently widely supported by the fans and the players. A recent article published by CNN explained that given the risk of concussions and other injuries, most players are in support of a rule change that would allow players to use medical marijuana (Kounang). Moreover, keeping the players happy would inevitably benefit the NFL. Currently, players are speaking out against the NFL’s policy which has a damaging effect on the NFL’s image. However, a change in their substance abuse policy would make that go away and put an end to the bad press. Additionally, to an extent players are employees of the NFL and because the switch to medical marijuana would be better for players, it would in turn benefit the NFL. 

The next big reason that the NFL should change its substance abuse policy to allow for the use of medical marijuana is that it is safer for the players. Using data from 1999 (the first-time medical marijuana became legal) until 2010, researchers attributed a yearly 25 percent drop in opioid related overdose fatalities (Barry). While this study is not specific to NFL players, it does speak to the safety of (medical) marijuana as opposed to other opioids (such as Vicodin and OxyContin). Given this information it is a much better option for the players than painkillers because it (medical marijuana) keeps them safe and performs better by most standards. In the interest of better isolating for the factor of medical marijuana in the investigation of reduced opioid deaths, a National Bureau of Economic Research study compared opioid deaths in states that have medical marijuana and ones that don’t. The study concluded that “States permitting medical marijuana dispensaries experience relative decrease in both opioid addictions and opioid overdose deaths compared to states that do not.” (The New York Times). This study demonstrates the fact that patients substitute addictive and dangerous substances for the use of medical marijuana. Furthermore, based on the two studies above (NY Times & Barry) it is more than safe to assume that the factor in falling opioid deaths is the legalization of medical marijuana. Unfortunately, NFL players were not privileged with the ability to move on from perilous painkillers. In fact, it’s had some devastating effects on the NFL. Amongst the 52 percent of the league that uses opioids, 71 percent reported misuse (Jenkins). The misuse stems from the addictive nature of the opioids that players with severe injuries are forced into taking. By eliminating the most viable substitute, the NFL practically puts addictive substances in the hands of their ‘employees’. 

In addition to the NFL’s policy eliminating the best substitute to opioids, they also don’t sufficiently take care of their players. In a recent Washington Post, editorial, Sally Jenkins wrote about the ways that the NFL mistreats their players regarding keeping them safe (Jenkins). She noted that the health of the player is determined by the importance of the game (Jenkins). This t shows the true colors of the NFL. It is clear that the NFL is a profit machine and has less interest in safety than they do revenue. While I still love football and often attend games, buy jerseys, and watch on TV, there is a lingering feeling that the NFL is not treating their players all too well. A reform to the NFL’s interests could go a long way. While the Washington Post can at times be biased, Jenkins work holds credibility based on the depth of her research and the emotion invoked by the passion of her words. From this article we can extrapolate the motives behind some of the people who protest the NFL’s policy and point out the hypocrisy in their motivations. 

Another common counter argument is that marijuana is an addictive substance and that players shouldn’t use it. The addictive nature of opioids is far worse than that of marijuana. Furthermore, even if marijuana is more addictive, that is the less important metric for which drug is preferable. The magnitude of the side effects and the mortality from opioids far outweighs any possible argument about addictiveness. In 2011 a documentary was made that shined a light on opioids in the NFL (King, 187). The documentary’s main character, Dan Johnson (former tight end for the Miami Dolphins) struggles with drug addiction and the film eventually ends in a tragic fatality (King, 187). This story resonates with all football lovers given the great tragedy that it was to the community. However, a full six years after the documentary (and decades since his death), little action has been taken to stop other players from falling down the same path as Johnson. In the same year as the documentary was made (2011), The Miami Times wrote an article about Johnson. Author, Kyle Munzenrieder wrote, “During his seven-year career with the Miami Dolphins in the '80s tight end Dan Johnson became known as the King of Pain for being able to bounce back from numerous injuries and broken bones, but following two back surgeries he became the King of Pain Pills.” (Munzenrieder). In an interview with ESPN, Johnson explained that he was taking “1000 Vicodin a month” (Munzenrieder). Johnson went on to say that "People go, 'That's impossible. That's crazy.' No, it's exactly what I was taking. I mean, believe me, I'd love to be off medications. That's my worry every day, to make sure I have medication." (Munzenrieder). These words demonstrate the trap that he was in, if he wanted to continue to play he had to throw his long-term health in the gutter in the interest of appearing healthy enough to step on the field. To summarize, opioids are far worse in terms of addictiveness, side-effects, and mortality than marijuana. Thus, the NFL is being hypocritical by allowing one pain reliever and not the other. Even more unreasonably, they are allowing the one that is far worse for the players. 

Dr. Kevin Hill director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse at Mclean Hospital explains the implications that medical marijuana have on patient treatment. Dr. Hill wrote about a specific patient of his who tried almost every method to alleviate his back pain (Hill). The patient tried many pain relief methods such as steroid injections, infusions, and pain meds (Hill). However, his back pain showed little to no signs of improvement until he was prescribed marijuana (Hill). This demonstrates that in some instances, medical marijuana is the most effective and at times the only effective treatment method. Given the enduring injuries caused by years of professional football, players suffer similar back injuries and could benefit from access to treatment methods that are proven to work. Some of the most common injuries in the NFL include concussions, knee injuries, ankle sprains, etc. and luckily, all the symptoms are treatable with medical marijuana. There are nearly endless benefits to both the NFL and the players in terms of a change in the policy. Amongst these benefits is higher performing players because they have better resources to take care of their body. Higher performing players is in the best interest of the NFL because it would raise the level of play and logically make them more money and draw in more fans. 

To conclude my argument, I’d like to summarize the reasons that this would positively affect both the NFL and the players. I strongly believe that the NFL should change its substance abuse policy for four main reasons. First, it distinctly works as a sedative and relieves pain in ways that other drugs have failed to do. Second, it is less addictive than the opioids that NFL players are forced into using as a substitute to marijuana. Third, it is far less fatal than almost any substitute for pain relief. Fourth, and finally, the NFL’s image would be far better if they made the rule change. This would happen in two ways. First, players would view the NFL more favorably and likely speak positively about the rule change as opposed to the status quo where they protest the NFL’s rules. And second, many of the fans that are in support of the rule change would see this action as progressive. Moreover, on a moral level, the NFL would be massively benefiting the quality of life of its players by allowing them to use arguably the most effective method of pain relief on the market. Additionally, why should the NFL restrict the rights of players who live in states that allow for the use of medical marijuana. After analyzing all stakeholder’s, changing the policy would be an advantageous decision for everyone involved. 
