Medical marijuana is football’s latest candidate for MVP. Recent findings backed by the National Football League (NFL) point to the increasing acceptance of therapeutic cannabis in the world of sports, but also underscore the impediments created by federal prohibition.

The research, conducted by scholars from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina in Canada, was published on August 21 in the journal Sports Medicine, with partial funding from the NFL’s Pain Management Committee.

The study asserts that the ban of marijuana at the federal level has thwarted deeper exploration into the pros and cons of therapeutic marijuana for athletes.

While interest in cannabis is growing among athletes, and sports organizations are easing their restrictions, this scientific review notes a persistent “knowledge gap,” i.e. the chasm between the increasing thirst for information and the actual understanding clinicians have about cannabis and its effects.

“Thanks to prohibition, we’ve ended up with a generation of healthcare providers who know as much about cannabis as a fish knows about climbing trees,” the report humorously states. “This lack of knowledge needs to be filled. Excessive regulations have robbed Canada and the United States of an opportunity to take the lead in cannabinoid research.”

In a 2022 move that raised eyebrows and expectations, the NFL committed $1 million to investigate how cannabis compounds could play a role in pain management and concussion protection. The funds also fueled a clinical trial examining weed to determine the ideal dosage and its potential as an alternative to opioids.

This shift signifies a move away from the rigid stance of outright prohibition, a change that the study’s authors argue is long overdue.

“Education has always been a powerful tool for harm reduction,” the paper asserts. “While there’s no shortage of information highlighting the dangers of cannabis, equal effort should be put into understanding and communicating its potential benefits.”

The 27-page document primarily reviews existing research on therapeutic cannabinoids (CBDs), suggesting there’s potential for them to offer health benefits but also acknowledging possible risks. The authors call for a nuanced discussion on the role of CBDs in athletic wellness.

“Misinformation, stigma, and roadblocks to research continue to muddy the waters regarding the therapeutic use of cannabinoids,” the authors write. “Overemphasizing negative aspects contradicts the growing number of people who report positive outcomes from cannabis use and erodes trust in health policymakers.”

Over the past several years, as an increasing number of states legalize cannabis, the use of marijuana for medical reasons has become considerably more popular in the U.S. (see chart).

Interestingly, the NFL-funded report on marijuana in sports points out that confusion is not solely due to regulatory hurdles. The booming recreational cannabis market, with its focus on profits, often hijacks the conversation, complicating public understanding of cannabinoid therapies.

“Let’s face it: the cash cow of recreational cannabis steals the spotlight, making it harder for the medicinal benefits to get a word in edgewise,” the authors argue. They advocate for a greater push towards evidence-based research to truly serve the public and ensure safety, though they acknowledge that dismantling the maze of current research restrictions will be no easy feat.

One major barrier to advancing education, the review highlights, is the limited availability of comprehensive research. Many existing human studies are criticized for being restricted in design and difficult to interpret.

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