NFL titan Tom Brady says the sport should ‘explore’ CBD as an alternative to opioid pain management

The New England Patriots star, who has won six Super Bowls – the most of any player in NFL history – was asked about former teammate Rob Gronkowski working with CBDMEDIC.

He told WEEI’s Greg Hill Show. “I think they should explore it and do what’s best for the players.

“I’ve kinda thought that about a lot of different things. I think there’s a lot that goes into those types of decisions that are all collectively bargained. We’ll see how it shakes out.”

Gronkowski, who announced his retirement from the NFL in March, claims CBD helped with the sporting injuries he sustained.

He told a press conference: “That is a big deal. You can just call me Mr Recovery. Yeah, you know you like that name.”

“I think they should explore it and do what’s best for the players” Tom Brady

The three-time Super Bowl champion said the cannabinoid is the “most safe alternative way that a player can deal with pain”.

Athletes, their teams, and sporting bodies are looking at CBD as a safe alternative to opioid pain relief.

Denver Broncos Super Bowl champion Terrell Davis is also advocating for the NFL to allow players to use CBD

Epidemic

America is currently in the grip of an opioid epidemic, and many victims claim their addiction began with a prescription for an injury.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently provided a report detailing the harrowing statistic that more than 130 people in the United States die every day after overdosing on opioids.

As of 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed cannabidiol (CBD) from its prohibited substances list after increasing awareness of the beneficial aspects.

The benefits include pain relief and a reduction in inflammation – both of which are necessities for athletes. CBD also provides the possibility of neuroprotective benefits for athletes prone to head and brain injuries.