Changes to NFL Drug Policy Prove to be a Touchdown for Cannabis

In a remarkable show of common sense and good judgment, the NFL has changed its drug policy to be less strict on cannabis and tougher on HGH (Human Growth Hormone). This makes a lot of sense, as many players live or end up playing in states where cannabis is legal, or have medical cards because of the injuries they have sustained while playing, while HGH gives players an unfair advantage and can have long-term negative side effects.

Players have been struggling against the no-tolerance cannabis policy for a while, especially in light of recent legalization. Many players utilize cannabis not only for relaxation or recreation, but also to help with the pain from training and injuries. Another recent issue in the NFL community has been the use of HGH to bulk up while playing. HGH is meant to be used by patients with AIDS or HIV or children with growth disorders who need the boost, and using it on a healthy or active immune system can be dangerous. By regulating both of these things, the new rule in effect kills two birds with one stone. It also touches on a few other issues, like D.U.I. suspension and rules for how these measures and factors can be tested.

According to NFLPA President Eric Winston, “This is a historic moment for our players and our league. We have collectively bargained drug policies that will keep the game clean and safe, but also provide our players with an unprecedented level of fairness and transparency. Players should be proud of their union for standing up for what was best for the game.”

Under this new policy, a cannabis-positive test must show at 35 ng/ml instead of 15. This allows players to medicate on their time off or when they are injured; they just can’t show up to play under the influence. Based on this policy, players who have been suspended in the past months for having negligible amounts of THC in their systems will be back on the league. Hopefully this will usher in a safer, healthier and more up-to-date policy for the NFL.