The hockey league has teamed up with Canopy Growth on cannabis research
Glenn Healy, a former NHL goaltender and current executive director of the NHL Alumni Association, has been one of the driving forces behind the exploration of the use of medical cannabis to help treat professional sports players when they get injured. The goal is to determine the possible benefits associated with using medical cannabis to treat players that have suffered a concussion, and the association has partnered with cannabis giant, Canopy Growth to conduct studies and publish their findings.
“NHL alumni gave everything they had during their careers, but the physical consequences after they hang up their skates can be devastating for both players and their loved ones for the rest of their lives,” said Healy in a press release. “This study offers alumni the promise of help and hope, and we are excited to participate in what could become a true game-changer in allowing these professional athletes to finish strong.”
Canopy Growth and the NHL Alumni Association called the deal “a transformative clinical research initiative in partnership,” and a milestone in medical marijuana research in sports. Canopy will make use of the Alumni Association’s membership pool to conduct a study about cannabis as an alternative to opioids. Opioid use among former pro athletes is known to be a serious problem. The results of the study, which began in 2019, of 100 former players who live in Canada, are not yet known.
The high number of traumatic brain injuries and concussions, as well as broken bones, are an everyday occurrence during the NHL season. Results from the study could open the flood gates in the legality of the use of medical cannabis to treat injuries in the future. Medical cannabis is certain to be accepted by players who would be able to treat their pain and injuries in a safe manner, and without the dangers associated with addiction.