Nearly two-thirds of NFL players in an ESPN survey say they feel the use of chemical painkillers would be reduced if the league approved marijuana for the same use.
Marijuana is legal in 23 states for medicinal purposes but remains one of eight drugs banned under the NFL's policy and program on substances of abuse. A test result indicating 35 ng/mL or more of marijuana in the blood stream results in a violation, leading to a graduated series of discipline that includes fines and suspensions.
ESPN.com's NFL Nation and ESPN The Magazine surveyed 226 players, asking them questions on the state of pain treatment in the league.