NFL Will Not Change Drug Policy

By ESPN

The expansion of marijuana legalization across the United States during this week's elections will not spur any immediate changes in the NFL's joint drug policy with the NFL Players Association, spokesmen for both the league and the NFLPA said Wednesday.

The NFLPA, however, will continue its pre-election efforts to form a pain management committee that will, among other tasks, explore the use and effects of marijuana as a natural pain reliever.

The committee, said NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs George Atallah, "will look at all ailments facing our members with marijuana only one substance of a much bigger issue."

Marijuana is now legal in 28 states and Washington, D.C., for medicinal purposes. Seven states -- most recently California, which hosts four NFL teams -- will allow it for recreational use.

But it remains one of eight drugs banned under the NFL's policy and program on substances of abuse. A test result indicating 35 ng/mL or more of marijuana in the bloodstream results in a violation, leading to a graduated series of discipline that includes fines and suspensions.

In a recent poll conducted by ESPN's NFL Nation, nearly two thirds of active players surveyed said they believed that a relaxation of the NFL's marijuana policy would reduce the amount of chemical painkillers in use.

In a statement, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said that a group of jointly appointed independent medical advisers is "constantly reviewing and relying on the most current research and scientific data" but has found no impetus to change the current policy.

"We continue to follow the advice of leading experts on treatment, pain management and other symptoms associated with concussions and other injuries," McCarthy said. "However, medical experts have not recommended making a change or revisiting our collectively-bargained policy and approach related to marijuana, and our position on its use remains consistent with federal law and workplace policies across the country. If these advisers determine a change would be in the best interest of our players, we would discuss it."

Thursday, November 10 Schedule (Time Central)

Cleveland at Baltimore, 7:25 p.m.

Sunday, November 8  Schedule (All Times Central)

Green Bay at Tennessee, noon

Minnesota at Washington, noon

Chicago at Tampa  Bay, noon

Kansas City at Carolina, noon

Atlanta at Philadelphia, noon

Los  Angeles at New York Jets, noon

Denver at New Orleans, noon

Houston at Jacksonville, noon

Miami at San Diego, 3:05 p.m.

Dallas at Pittsburgh, 3:25 p.m.

San Francisco at Arizona, 3:25 p.m.

Seattle at New England, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, November 14 Schedule (Time Central)

Cincinnati at New York Giants, 7:30 p.m.