The number of NFL markets where citizens can legally smoke marijuana continues to grow and the NFLPA is pushing forward on a study which will look at the drug’s benefit as a pain management tool.
The NFL, however, is in no such rush to join thenm.
According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, neither the union nor the league thinks recent elections will spark any immediate changes to their joint drug policy (and yes I said joint and not mutually agreed to on purpose).
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said that a group of jointly appointed independent medical advisers is “constantly reviewing and relying on the most current research and scientific data” but that didn’t mean the policy was changing.
“We continue to follow the advice of leading experts on treatment, pain management and other symptoms associated with concussions and other injuries,” McCarthy said. “However, medical experts have not recommended making a change or revisiting our collectively-bargained policy and approach related to marijuana, and our position on its use remains consistent with federal law and workplace policies across the country. If these advisers determine a change would be in the best interest of our players, we would discuss it.”
It’s better than saying they’re on to Cincinnati, I guess, but the league’s position on this one has been steady. They’re relying on a “law of the land” argument to draw a firm line, at least until the time they’re collectively bargaining with the union again, and want something in exchange.