KannaLife Sciences Creating Cannabis Treatment for NFL Players

I recently wrote about Marvin Washington, retired NFL defensive player and spokesman for KannaLife Sciences, a company that seeks to create plant-based medications. Now, KannaLife is moving forward on a derivation of CBD for NFL players. What sets KannaLife Sciences apart from the vast majority of potrepreneurs is that they hold an “exclusive license from the federal government to commercialize a medical marijuana patent currently held by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).”

The patent to which they are referring was filed rather subtly in 2005. It is titled “Cannabinoids as Antioxidants and Neuroprotectants.” NIH scientists found that some compounds in cannabis (specifically CBD) had value as a neuroprotectant. The NIH theorized that such a compound could be useful “in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke or trauma, or the treatment of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.”

Naturally, this seems like a great approach with NFL players (current and retired) who are/were at a heightened risk of “ischemic insult” (that’s a fancy way of saying getting the shit kicked out of your head repeatedly). Several years ago, there was a rash of retired player suicides. These former players were largely suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

CTE is a degenerative disease that stems from repeated concussions/head trauma. CTE has a myriad of symptoms, not the least of which is cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are like migraines on steroids and very often lead to suicides, as the victims feel there is nothing else to be done and they cannot go on with the pain. Tragically, the link between CTE and NFL players only became apparent after the suicides of many players. One player left a note saying that he wanted scientists to look at his brain after he was dead, and he shot himself in the heart, so as not to damage his brain so it could be studied.

It’s a real problem. To date, some 4,500 retired players have filed suit against the NFL claiming they downplayed or even outright covered up the connection for years. KannaLife, by using this patent license, hopes to develop a medication that will protect against head trauma and, possibly, help to heal the brain after trauma is sustained. Given the snail-pace of government procedure, a final prototype of any drug is likely years away, but it’s nice to see something happening.

Considering the growing scientific backing and wide-spread approval of medical and recreational cannabis, might we see the NFL loosen its stance on cannabis? Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated that the league will follow the science, but that could simply be lip service.

My question for the league remains unchanged: why not lead the pack here and stop punishing players for using cannabis? It holds no true performance-enhancing properties, is less damaging to the body than alcohol, may contribute to curbing domestic violence and might possibly be protecting the players from severe problems.

Not to mention (pay attention, Roger), it could save the NFL billions in medical bills and lawsuit payouts. NFL, I urge you, once again, please join this century. I promise you that more fans would like to see an end to player suicides than would give a shit if a player smokes a doob after practice.