NFL players have been advocating for marijuana to be medically prescribed for well over a decade now. On Monday, Baltimore Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe wrote an essay regarding medical marijuana as a safer option for players than the opioids they are prescribed.

"The NFL relies heavily on opioids to get players back on the field as soon as possible, but studies have shown medical marijuana to be a much better solution," Monroe wrote in an essay titled "Getting off the T Train," on The Players Tribune on Monday.

Retired players have voiced their opinions on the dangers of using opioids while playing and the tougher struggle after they are retired. According to ESPN's Outside the Lines, retired NFL players misuse opioid pain medications at a rate more than four times that of the general population.

Dan Johnson, former Miami Dolphin's and NFL tight end became addicted to pain killers and nearly committed suicide.

"[Medical marijuana] is safer, less addictive and can even reduce opioid dependence," Monroe wrote."How can a league so casual about the use of addictive opioids take such a hard line on a drug that might provide a safer alternative?"

If the NFL wants to restore even a little of their reputation with the players and the NFLPA, taking Marijuana off the banned list could be the start. With the recent report of the NFL covering up information regarding CTE, it's only right that player health be taken more seriously and if this helps, who knows how it might change the landscape of sports in general.

"I'm not asking the NFL to prescribe players cannabis," Monroe wrote. "I'm calling on the league to remove its testing protocols for cannabis. It just makes sense."

 

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