Former NFL wide receiver and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Calvin Johnson is a big supporter of cannabis and its uses.
In 2019, Johnson and his wife Brittney opened up a medical dispensary in Michigan under the brand name Primitiv. That same year, he was named to the board of directors for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association. He's also partnered up with Harvard to look into the medical benefits of cannabis for CTE.
While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Johnson gave his thoughts on how many current players use or have used cannabis before.
"Like when I played, I would have said that, you know, 60 percent of guys are either consuming or have used. Now, I would say that's probably closer to 80 percent, if not more. I mean, honestly, it should be 90 percent to have used, maybe not currently using, but have used, and using. I think that could be like 85 percent + currently.
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"I don't know if they test for it in baseball, but if all the other leagues continue to, you know, take it off their list, I think it'd just be the snowball effect and it'll happen hopefully with the next CBA. But to that point in talking to Roger Goodell, you know, we're waiting to get in the right position."
That's a lot of players that use cannabis in the NFL. In total, there are almost 1,700 players, including practice squad members. 80 percent of players would mean at least 1,300 players have used or are currently using it.
In 2021, the NFL and NFLPA agreed on a new policy to test players for marijuana once per year at the start of training camp. Things are headed in the right direction in fully allowing players in the NFL to smoke marijuana.
Randy Moss admitted to smoking weed while in the NFL
Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Randy Moss is one of many players who openly admitted to smoking weed while playing in the NFL.
Moss told HBO's Ryan Gumbel:
"I have used, you know, marijuana ... since I've been in the league. But as far as abusing it and, you know, letting it take control over me, I don't do that, no."
Moss also smoked marijuana before high school games as it was highlighted in his 30 for 30 film. He even got kicked out of Florida State for testing positive for marijuana.
As marijuana becomes legal in more states and worldwide, it's becoming more accepted with a better reputation. As per muscleandfitness.com, it helps with pain and inflammation in the muscles. It eases soreness, treats muscle spasms, improves sleep, and improves mental activity.
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