{"id":28798,"date":"2023-08-16T08:00:29","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T12:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=28798"},"modified":"2023-08-10T16:57:54","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T20:57:54","slug":"nfl-invests-in-cbd-research-for-player-pain-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/nfl-invests-in-cbd-research-for-player-pain-management\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Invests in CBD Research for Player Pain Management"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an unprecedented move that embraces the evolving landscape of sports health and wellness, the <\/span>National Football League (NFL)<\/span><\/a> has recently made a significant investment in <\/span>cannabidiol (CBD)<\/span><\/a> research, aiming to explore its potential as a pain treatment alternative<\/a> for players suffering from concussions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This initiative reflects the NFL’s commitment to the well-being of its athletes. It brings to light the critical role CBD could play in managing players’ pain while potentially sidestepping the harmful effects of opioids. With the NFL delving deeper into CBD research, let\u2019s take a closer look at the significance of this endeavor, its impact on the players, and the possible future of pain management in professional sports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The NFL and the Players Union Announce a Joint Statement<\/h2>\n

The <\/span>historic announcement <\/span><\/a>came in June 2023, as the NFL and its player’s union, the NFLPA<\/a>,\u00a0 jointly revealed their commitment to back further independent CBD research. A $526,525 pledge from the union and the league will support two major studies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The NFL’s commitment to exploring the therapeutic potential of CBD and other alternatives is underscored by a statement from the league’s Chief Medical Officer, Allen Sills. In a <\/span>recent press release<\/span><\/a>, he remarked:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are always seeking new knowledge, techniques, and tools to ensure that NFL athletes are treated with the best possible care. We are proud to lead the way on investigating how the use of CBD and other alternative measures could positively impact pain management for players. As within the broader scope of player health and safety, we want to ensure every treatment at our disposal clears the appropriate medical standard for wider use.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

His comments affirm the league’s dedication to both player welfare and the pursuit of innovative treatments that are medically sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

What the Two Funded CBD Research Studies Hope to Learn<\/h2>\n

The goal is straightforward: determining whether CBD could be a feasible alternative to opioids for managing pain in players who’ve sustained concussions. One of the funded studies will be spearheaded by the <\/span>American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN)<\/span><\/a>. It aims to examine the promising effects of CBD and <\/span>non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS)<\/span><\/a> for treating post-concussion headache pain. <\/span><\/p>\n

This innovative research would put nVNS and CBD against current standards of pain management. These ventures into CBD research and the nVNS world could shift the narrative on concussion treatment, offering alternatives that might prove less harmful than opioid-based approaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Charting the NFL’s Evolutionary Journey Toward Embracing CBD Research<\/h2>\n

In recent years, the NFL has steadily ramped up its commitment to CBD research and cannabinoids as an alternative to opioid painkillers<\/a>. In 2020 the NFL changed its drug testing policy,<\/a> which was a significant development. In response to a collective bargaining agreement, the policy was revised to state that players would no longer face suspensions due to THC-positive drug test results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2022, a <\/span>$1 million funding plan<\/span><\/a> for CBD research was previewed by the commissioner of the NFL and the league’s players union, which was also well received. These steps reflect a progressive shift in the NFL’s stance<\/a> toward CBD and its potential benefits for player health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is the Tide Finally Turning? Changing Attitudes in Other Pro Sports<\/h2>\n

The NFL’s progressive stance on CBD research is not just a characteristic of the NFL. Other prominent sports leagues are also altering their views on the subject, mirroring a broader shift in society’s view of cannabis. Among them are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n