Further to numerous studies demonstrating cannabis’ neuroprotective capabilities, as cannabinoids help preserve brain matter in stroke and traumatic brain injury, now a prominent NFL player is calling for the use of CBD in contact sports. Something that perhaps the AFL too should consider to speed up recovery from concussions among its players.
DeAndre Hopkins advocates use of cannabidiol in NFL
Originally posted on SNIPdaily | By Matt Fitzgerald | Last updated 7/3/18
Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins spoke out recently about the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and how the NFL could help its players by allowing them to take it.
“I only think it would help if they do,” said Hopkins, per TMZ Sports. “You look at all the problems with heads. I don’t think it would hurt for us to try something else and see what can help players.”
TMZ Sports has more of Hopkins’ comments on the video below, where he mentions how Canadian hockey players have seen benefits from using the substance:
Hopkins must be aware of at least some of the benefits of CBD. As the TMZ report states, Ice Cube is allowing players to use the substance in the BIG3 basketball league he co-founded.
According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, CBD improved brain and liver function in mice. The Huffington Post reports multiple studies show cannabinoids “help preserve brain matter in stroke and traumatic brain injury.”
Concussions are obviously a hot-button issue in football, particularly at the highest level. Numerous former NFL players have been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease. March 2016 marked the first time the league acknowledged a link between CTE and football.
Of the 1,113 claims of neurocognitive impairment made under the massive concussion lawsuit filed against the NFL by ex-players, only six have received payouts, per The Washington Post.
Athletes continue to get bigger, stronger and faster, so the risk of traumatic head injuries in the NFL seems as high as ever, although rules adjustments designed to make the game safer have been implemented.
Whatever risks are marginally decreased by player safety precautions, if there’s a potential medical solution to help the cause, such as CBD, Hopkins is all for it.
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