ESPN Survey: 2/3 of NFL Players Say Cannabis Would Cut Painkiller Use

In a new ESPN survey released Wednesday, two-thirds of current NFL players say they believe their intake of chemical painkillers would be reduced if the league approved the use of medical cannabis.

Currently, cannabis is one of eight drugs banned under the NFL’s policy and program on substance abuse, despite being legal in 25 states and Washington, D.C., for medicinal purposes. Test results indicating 35 ng/mL or more of cannabis in the blood stream results in a violation, which can include fines and suspensions.

The survey was conducted by ESPN.com’s NFL Nation and ESPN The Magazine, which asked 226 players about the state of pain treatment in the league. According to ESPN, there are 1,696 players on active rosters and another 256 on practice squads.

It should be mentioned that former NFL players, including Chris Kluwe, have told Leafly that the NFL’s drug tests are fairly easy to beat.

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