“There were many times where you’re just sitting in meetings and you’re in agony, and you can’t really be focused because you’re in pain,” Gronkowski said.

One of the NFL’s biggest stars may return to the league if he’s allowed to use CBD.

The Boston Herald reports former New England Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski would consider stepping out of retirement if players could use cannabidiol to recover from injuries.

“I don’t want to be banned from playing the sport I love because I’m using a product that anyone can buy right off the shelf at their local pharmacy,” he said.

“I’m not really sure why it’s banned.”

Gronkowski’s plea for CBD comes after he and CBDMEDIC made a deal with Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place. The football icon is just one of a number of stars getting into the business and advocating for fewer restrictions on cannabis in the sport.

Gronkowski said he’s only advocating for CBD, not THC, but says other players are on the right path. “I also want to have the option to get back into the game, and if I’m banned next year I can’t,” he said.

He also discussed how CBD can benefit players while they recover from the high-impact sport that took a toll on his body.

“There were many times where you’re just sitting in meetings and you’re in agony, and you can’t really be focused because you’re in pain,” Gronkowski said.

“I’m not saying you put this on and you’re going to be healed, that it’s a miracle. But you can apply this and it’ll help manage the pain, and then you can get treatment and it’ll be a lot less stressful to the body.”

• Email: bhristova@postmedia.com | Twitter: bobbyhristova

Want to keep up to date on what’s happening in the world of cannabis? Subscribe to the Cannabis Post newsletter for weekly insights into the industry, what insiders will be talking about and content from across the Postmedia Network.