NFL is associated with many field injuries
NFL football players should be allowed to use medicinal marijuana. There are many cases of injury associated with football (Joy, Watson and Benson 45). This is based on the fact that since football was started for the first time in the late 1860s, it has come to be known as one of the risky games on earth. Every year, the NFL league has been having many cases of players who have been injured (National Football League 7-9).
Undeniably, some of these injuries are life and career-threatening. These days, serious injuries such as concussions have become rampant in the NFL league. In this case, medicinal marijuana could basically be a drug to aid ease the pain of these players (Campos-Outcalt, Hamilton and Rosales 4-6). Evidently, in week 10 of the 2013 season in the NFL league, more than nine NFL players were nursing injuries coupled with a concussion. At least four of those players had already been left out or sidelined due to injuries (Breslow par. 1). The previous year was no exception as more than ten players suffered from several head injuries.
These are mainly major injuries; it must be realized that many players usually pick injuries or pain in nearly every game they play, including training. This in itself leaves players worn out. Therefore, medical marijuana is meant to cure things such as lack of enthusiasm, lack of fear towards opponents and restores confidence amongst players. Those who sustain injuries will also be willing to continue playing other than going for months just to recover from chronic pain.
Supported by science
Basing on a retrogressive study on medical marijuana by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1999, most findings show a possible therapeutic value for medical marijuana, majorly for conditions such as alleviating pain, control of vomiting and nausea, as well as stimulation of appetite. The study also established that there was considerable agreement amongst scholars on the scientific proof regarding the potential uses of medical marijuana (Compassionate Care 1).
As an alternative for patients, a large percentage of oncologists recommend medical marijuana. In the 1990s, even before any state in the United States had thought of legalizing medical marijuana, studies showed that about forty-four percent of oncologists had already recommended medical marijuana to a number of their patients with positive results. In another study by Joy, Watson, and Benson (4-7), scientific data show the possible remedial value of medical marijuana, primarily for pain relief.
Many people have shown reservations with the decision to legalize medical marijuana that because youngsters usually look onto this player as their role models, they are also likely to take it should they legalize it. It must be understood that medicines are taken in a controlled manner, not in the field, and may not even be in the open. This unfounded fear must be overcome to overcome the pain NFL players endure. Another thing is that most of the critics of medical marijuana think that it will solely be smoked (Joy, Watson and Benson 5-6). However, it must be realized that some of these players are usually in excruciating pain to the point that some may have lost consciousness. Therefore, there could be other ways of administering the medication extraneously.
The best medication and lacks side effects
Medical Marijuana has no side effects. When it comes to chronic back pain patients, medical marijuana has always been the treatment of choice (Joy, Watson, and Benson). In addition, traditional treatment therapies such as naproxen sodium can be useful but can easily result in side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, ulcers, and even bleeding of gastric glands (Breslow 6-8).
In this case, prescription medications such as Vicodin can be efficient at relieving pain but are also associated with many unpleasant side effects. Furthermore, opiates are highly addictive, making it a concern to sick people who suffer from chronic pain and require speedy relief. This is usually a concern that makes sick people opt for medical marijuana, as it is effective in treating severe back pain.
Evidently, in the mid-1970s, medical researchers started testing the effectiveness of THC in patients suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer and established that it was very efficient in relieving pain without toxic effects or significant negative impacts. Studies that followed also showed similar findings: that medical marijuana not just safely but also effectively contains severe pain leaving no negative impacts on the patient (Campos-Outcalt, Hamilton and Rosales 27).
It does not leave patients with symptoms such as nausea, stomach aches, ulcers, and addiction problems that are associated with medications (Campos-Outcalt, Hamilton and Rosales 34). In fact, the only side effects or rather impacts of medical marijuana, such as enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep, are supported by patients as are considered important and beneficial to have a life that is of good quality, particularly for those suffering from severe pain.
Works Cited
Breslow, Jason. Concussion Watch: NFL Head Injuries in Week 10. 2013. Web.
Campos-Outcalt, Doug, Patricia Hamilton and Cecilia Rosales. Medical Marijuana for the Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Evidence Review. 2012. Web.
Compassionate Care. Medical Marijuana: What does the Research. 2010. Web.
Joy, Janet, Stanley Watson and John Benson. Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. 2010. Web.
National Football League. National Football League Policy And Program For Substances Of Abuse. 2010. Web.