Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jul 2016
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2016 The Buffalo News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/GXIzebQL
Website: http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Jerry Sullivan

NFL'S LOGIC IS MIXED UP ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Veteran offensive tackle Eugene Monroe retired from the NFL last week 
at 29. Like many ex-players, he left the game early because of 
concerns about concussions and his overall health.

In May, Monroe became the first player to publicly ask the NFL to 
stop listing cannabis as a banned substance and allow players to use 
medical marijuana to treat chronic pain. He believes it would limit 
the use of addictive opioids to relieve pain.

In June, the Ravens released Monroe. Several teams were interested, 
but Monroe quit while his faculties were intact. He'll continue to 
speak out on the issue. Maybe he'll persuade the NFL to stop 
suspending players for a drug that's less harmful than the alcohol it 
pushes for profit.

Half of the states have legalized medical marijuana. Some players are 
using a cannabis extract that experts say aids in physical recovery 
and might counteract the effects of concussions.

If the NFL cared about its players, it would heed progressive 
research on marijuana, instead of clinging to archaic notions about 
the evil weed.
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