Is Marijuana illegal in the NFL in 2024?

By Jason Bolton March 08, 2024 09:07

In recent years, the National Football League (NFL) has undergone significant changes in its approach to marijuana use among players. From discussions on its potential benefits in pain management to the league's evolving policies, the role of marijuana in the NFL has sparked widespread debate. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status of marijuana in the NFL as of 2024, covering various aspects such as league policies, player perspectives, medical research, and the impact on the cannabis industry.

Evolution of NFL Policies on Marijuana

Historical Perspective

Historically, the NFL had stringent rules regarding marijuana use, with players facing suspensions for positive tests.
Former players like Ricky Williams and Rob Gronkowski openly advocated for the benefits of marijuana and its nonintoxicating compound, cannabidiol (CBD).

Recent Changes

In 2020, the NFL and the players union ratified a 10-year labor agreement, marking a significant shift in the league's stance on marijuana use.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, players who test positive for marijuana will no longer be suspended, and testing will be limited to the first two weeks of training camp.
There has been a fourfold increase in the threshold for the amount of THC needed to trigger a positive test.

Player Perspectives

Current and former NFL players have long pushed for looser restrictions on marijuana, citing its potential as a less addictive pain reliever than prescription medication.
According to former NFL player Travis Kelce, a significant percentage of NFL players may currently be using cannabis, estimating anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of the league's players.

Medical Research and Collaborations

The NFL's conditional embrace of cannabis is exemplified by its funding of medical research at the University of California San Diego and the University of Regina in Canada to investigate the effects of cannabinoids on pain management and neuroprotection from concussion.
Research indicates that cannabinoids could be an alternative to opioids for pain management, potentially impacting the pain management marker.

Impact on the Cannabis Industry

The NFL's evolving stance on cannabis presents opportunities for cannabinoid treatments in the pain management and concussion-injury markets.
The league's acknowledgment of cannabis as a potential legitimate medicine and its influence on a broad audience could benefit the cannabis industry.

The NFL's shifting policies on marijuana reflect a broader societal evolution in attitudes toward the plant. With the league's emphasis on medical research and collaborations, along with the potential impact on the cannabis industry, the status of marijuana in the NFL continues to be a topic of interest and relevance. As the league navigates the intersection of player welfare, medical science, and societal attitudes, the future of marijuana in the NFL remains a dynamic and evolving landscape.