Several NFL-sponsored research studies have been funded to examine CBD’s pain-relieving and other potential benefits. The NFL-NFLPA Joint Pain Management Committee (PMC) awarded $1 million to two groups of medical researchers in 2021 to investigate how cannabinoids aid in pain relief and neuroprotection following a concussion in professional football players.
The first study investigates how cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a combination of the two improve pain and rehabilitation following sports injuries in professional athletes. The study’s leaders are doctor Thomas Marcotte and Mark Wallace of the University of California, San Diego. We anticipate publishing the study’s findings in 2024. This is a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study.
The second study investigates how CBD helps elite football players prevent concussions by protecting their brains. Dr. David Wish leads this project at the University of Toronto. We anticipate publishing the study’s findings in 2025. This is a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study.
In addition to the two studies above, the NFL and the NFLPA have expressed an increasing interest in cannabidiol’s (CBD) potential benefits for inflammation, pain, and sleep among NFL players.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant
As a result, the NFL-NFLPA Pain Management Committee (PMC) has authorized additional minor studies on the usage of CBD in these areas. We are currently awaiting the results of these studies, which the NFL and NFLPA are interested in.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, may provide treatment for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness. However, due to cannabis’ stigma and a lack of studies on its safety and effectiveness, CBD’s use in professional sports has been limited.
The NFL-NFLPA PMC has taken a critical step toward understanding the potential benefits of CBD for NFL players by deciding to fund research into its use. The researchers believe that the findings may shed insight into how well CBD works to treat inflammation, sleep difficulties, and discomfort, as well as the best ways to deliver the substance.
CBD is a safe and effective alternative to traditional sleep aids and pharmaceuticals
The National Football League’s stance on players’ cannabis and CBD use may change dramatically based on the findings of these studies. The National Football League has a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis use; players who test positive face sanctions and suspension.
Nonetheless, if research demonstrates that CBD is a safe and effective alternative to traditional sleep aids and pharmaceuticals, the league’s stance on cannabis use may shift for the better.
The NFL-NFLPA PMC has funded research on cannabidiol (CBD), which is good news for the players’ health. This research may lead to more progressive policies for cannabis use in professional sports, as well as information about the potential benefits of CBD for pain relief, inflammation, and sleep.
The NFL’s investment in CBD research may pave the way for a new and improved technique for treating players’ pain and other health issues.
