Pubdate: Mon, 16 May 2016
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Copyright: 2016 Lexington Herald-Leader
Contact: http://www.kentucky.com/369/
Website: http://www.kentucky.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240
Author: Teresa Welsh

NFL PLAYER FIGHTS FOR THE RIGHT TO SMOKE POT

Baltimore Ravens player Eugene Monroe wants to be able to smoke
pot.

The offensive tackle is waging a campaign to get the National Football
League to drop its ban on players using marijuana. He argues that
chronic pain associated with the sport has driven many players to use
strong prescription painkillers to which they have then become addicted.

"I've sustained many injuries in my career, most of which were paired
with a prescription opioid. As a football player, I know that I signed
up to play one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet;
and yes, I love this game," Moore said on his website. "However, we
aren't warned that the inherent physicality of the game could coincide
with life-threatening treatment options."

A study conducted in 2010 of 644 retired NFL players found that 52
percent had used opioids during their careers, with 71 percent saying
they had "misused" the drugs.

The league drug tests players each year to ensure they are complying
with the NFL's substance abuse policy. Players found to be using
marijuana or other drugs must enter the league's intervention plan,
which punishes violators with game suspensions and can involve
substance abuse treatment plans.

The abuse of prescription drugs and opioids are also prohibited by NFL
policy.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said there is not yet enough medical
evidence that marijuana is a safer remedy for the bumps, bruises and
broken bones than traditional prescription medicine.

"Yes, I agree there have been changes, but not significant enough
changes that our medical personnel have changed their view," Goodell
said in February. "Until they do, then I don't expect that we will
change our view."

The Ravens have not officially endorsed Monroe's plan, and coach John
Harbaugh said "he does not speak for the organization."

Monroe said he doesn't use marijuana, but has created a website to
promote his advocacy on the topic. According to Realm of Caring, a
Colorado organization that studies and advocates for medical marijuana
use, Monroe donated $10,000 towards their campaign to fund research
with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to examine "the
impact of cannabinoid therapies on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
(CTE) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D