{"id":196,"date":"2024-05-08T18:18:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T18:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southbeachmmjdelivery.com\/?p=196"},"modified":"2025-03-04T01:15:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T01:15:23","slug":"nfl-football-in-florida-and-the-growing-relationship-with-medicinal-cannabis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southbeachmmjdelivery.com\/nfl-football-in-florida-and-the-growing-relationship-with-medicinal-cannabis\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Football in Florida and the Growing Relationship with Medicinal Cannabis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The state of Florida is well-known for its NFL teams<\/strong>\u2014the Miami Dolphins<\/strong>, Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong>, and Jacksonville Jaguars<\/strong>\u2014all of which have passionate fan bases and contribute greatly to the sports culture of the state. However, a topic that is gradually gaining traction in the NFL and sports world at large is the connection between professional football players and medicinal cannabis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the rise of medical cannabis usage across the U.S., Florida’s adoption of cannabis for medical purposes has opened a conversation about whether professional athletes, especially those in high-contact sports like the NFL, should be permitted to use cannabis to help manage chronic pain<\/strong>, injuries<\/strong>, and even mental health<\/strong> conditions like anxiety<\/strong> or depression<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NFL Players and Cannabis Use: A Complex Relationship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The NFL has long had strict policies against cannabis use, largely due to its status as a Schedule I substance<\/strong> under federal law. Players caught using cannabis could face suspension and fines, leading many athletes to turn to prescription painkillers<\/strong> like opioids to manage the pain and injuries that come with the sport. However, as attitudes toward cannabis<\/strong> change nationwide, the conversation around its potential benefits for NFL players has gained momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Florida<\/strong>, where medical cannabis is legal, some athletes are advocating for cannabis to be recognized as a legitimate treatment<\/strong> for the chronic conditions and injuries that football players endure. This is particularly relevant in a state like Florida, which is home to multiple NFL teams<\/strong> and a growing number of registered medical cannabis patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/strong>: Florida Department of Health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why NFL Players Are Pushing for Cannabis Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For NFL players, the physical toll of the game is intense. Football is a high-impact sport that often results in concussions<\/strong>, muscle tears<\/strong>, joint injuries<\/strong>, and long-term health conditions like chronic pain<\/strong> and arthritis<\/strong>. While the NFL has historically encouraged players to use opioids<\/strong> and other prescription painkillers, many players have voiced concerns about the addictive<\/strong> nature of these drugs and their long-term side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis, particularly CBD<\/strong> and THC<\/strong>, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory<\/strong> and pain-relieving properties<\/strong>. Medical cannabis is increasingly being viewed as a safer alternative<\/strong> to opioids, with fewer risks of addiction and overdose. Florida, with its large number of retirees and high-demand medical cannabis market, has become a focal point for discussions about cannabis and sports injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU)<\/strong>, the number of patients using cannabis for pain relief has steadily risen since the state legalized medical marijuana in 2016. For NFL players, the benefits of medical cannabis could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n