Growing Acceptance of Marijuana Use in Sports, Despite Ongoing Federal Prohibition
A new study funded by the National Football League (NFL) highlights the increasing acceptance of therapeutic cannabis use in sports, but also underscores the obstacles to researching its benefits and risks due to federal prohibition. The study, published in the journal Sports Medicine, was conducted by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina in Canada.
The study found that despite growing interest among athletes and recent changes to cannabis policies by major sports leagues and governing bodies, there is still a “knowledge gap” between the demand for education and what clinicians know about marijuana’s effects. The authors of the study argue that this gap needs to be addressed, citing the lack of understanding among healthcare providers about a substance that is increasingly available for both therapeutic and recreational use.
The NFL, along with other sports leagues, has taken steps to reduce penalties for marijuana use, with some leagues even allowing players to invest in cannabis companies. However, the study notes that there is still a need for education and awareness about the benefits and potential risks of cannabis use in athletes.
The study’s authors also highlight the challenges of conducting research on cannabis due to federal prohibition, which limits the availability of funding and hinders the ability to study real-world products. They argue that policymakers must encourage evidence-based research to better serve athletes and keep them safe, but that this will require untangling the complex web of research regulations.
The study’s findings are consistent with recent changes to cannabis policies in various sports leagues. For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) removed marijuana from its banned substances list in 2022, and Major League Baseball (MLB) took marijuana off its list in 2019. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) also recently voted to remove marijuana from its banned substances list for Division I players.
Despite these changes, there is still controversy surrounding cannabis use in sports. Some argue that cannabis use can lead to on-field injuries and poor job performance, while others argue that it can be a safe and effective way to manage pain and other symptoms.
Overall, the study highlights the need for further research and education on cannabis use in sports, as well as the need to address the obstacles to conducting this research due to federal prohibition.
