Can You Smoke Weed In The NFL?

Can You Smoke Weed In The NFL?

The National Football League (NFL) has been notoriously strict when it comes to players using marijuana. But with more states legalizing the drug for medicinal and recreational use, the league is facing pressure to change its policy.

Introduction

Since the National Football League (NFL) was established in 1920, it has been plagued by a number of issues, chief among them performance-enhancing drug use. In recent years, however, another problem has arisen: players using marijuana.

Marijuana is currently banned by the NFL, but that hasn’t stopped some players from using it. In fact, a recent report found that nearly one in eight NFL players tested positive for marijuana during the 2017 season. This is up from just over one in ten in 2016.

So what does this mean for the future of the NFL? It’s hard to say. Some fans and observers believe that marijuana should be legalized for all players, as it can help with pain management and recovery. Others believe that legalizing marijuana would send the wrong message to young people who look up to NFL players as role models.

Regardless of what happens in the future, it’s clear that marijuana use in the NFL is an issue that isn’t going away anytime soon.

The History of the NFL and Weed

The National Football League (NFL) has a long history with marijuana. Despite the league’s strict rules against the use of recreational drugs, many players have been caught using weed. In fact, a recent study found that nearly 70% of former NFL players surveyed believe that marijuana could be helpful for treating pain.

The NFL’s hardline stance on marijuana began to change in 2016, when former NFL player Gary Guess was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). After Guess’ death, the league began to reassess its stance on marijuana and other substances that could potentially be used to treat CTE and other degenerative brain diseases.

In 2017, the NFL formed a committee to study the potential use of marijuana for pain management. The committee includes prominent doctors and researchers from across the country. While the committee has not yet released any conclusions, it is widely believed that the NFL will eventually soften its stance on weed.

In the meantime, many players are still being suspended for violating the NFL’s drug policy. In 2017, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe became the first active player to be suspended for using weed. Monroe was later released by the Ravens and has since retired from football.

It remains to be seen how the NFL will handle weed in the future, but it is clear that the league’s attitudes towards marijuana are beginning to change.

The Current Policy on Weed in the NFL

The NFL has a strict policy when it comes to drugs and substance abuse. This policy applies to all players, staff, and anyone else associated with the league. The policy covers illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and performance-enhancing substances.

As for marijuana, the NFL’s policy is that players are not allowed to use it, regardless of whether it is for recreational or medicinal purposes. The league does not test for marijuana during the season, but players can be tested for it during the offseason. If a player tests positive for marijuana, they will be subject to a fine and potential suspension.

The NFL’s stance on marijuana is not popular with everyone. Some people feel that the league should allow players to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, as it can help with pain management. Others believe that the NFL should simply decriminalize marijuana use altogether. However, as of now, the league’s policy remains unchanged.

The Pros and Cons of Smoking Weed In the NFL

Many people believe that smoking weed is a personal choice and thus it should not be banned in the NFL. However, there are several reasons why smoking weed is not allowed in the NFL.

First and foremost, marijuana is still illegal in many states. The NFL has a strict code of conduct that players must adhere to, and one of the rules is that players cannot use illegal drugs. If the League were to allow players to smoke weed, it would be setting a precedent that it is okay to break the law.

Additionally, marijuana can be detrimental to a player’s health. The active ingredient in weed, THC, can stay in a person’s system for weeks or even months after smoking. This means that a player who smokes weed may not be able to pass a drug test even if they haven’t smoked for weeks or months.

Lastly, marijuana can impair a person’s judgment and reaction time. This is obviously not ideal for athletes who need to be able to think quickly and make split-second decisions on the field.

So while some people think that smoking weed should be allowed in the NFL, there are several good reasons why it is not currently permitted.

NFL Players Who Have Smoked Weed

###Michael Bennett
Michael Bennett is a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks, he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015. In an interview withmmqb.com in 2016, Bennett said that marijuana “doesn’t have any effect on me,” and that he thinks the NFL should allow players to use it.

###Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams is a former running back who played for the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2002 and was the NFL’s rushing leader that same year. In 2004, Williams was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and he later admitted to smoking weed. In an interview with Dan Le Batard on ESPN Radio in 2014, Williams said that marijuana “calmed [him] down” and helped him play better.

###Josh Gordon
Josh Gordon is a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013, despite being suspended for two games that season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. In 2014, Gordon was suspended for the entire season for violating the policy again. In an interview with GQ in 2015, Gordon said that he had smoked weed “probably every day” during his career up to that point.

Conclusion

The NFL has a strict policy against the use of marijuana, and players who test positive for the drug are subject to punishment. However, some players have been able to get around this rule by using medical marijuana, which is legal in many states. If you are considering using marijuana while playing in the NFL, it is important to consult with a lawyer to ensure that you are not breaking any rules.