Miami Hurricanes alum Mike James becoming medicinal marijuana pioneer

"“Mike’s case is such a perfect example of why cannabis needs to be made available because he’s really not a candidate for opioids…So this is a safe alternative for him.”"

James is championing the use of marijuana as an alternative to opioids had proudly taken on the role of “medicinal marijuana advocate…I’m not ashamed of it” 

The use of marijuana by players has been an ongoing battle between the NFL and the players association. The President of the NFL Players Association DeMaurice Smith spoke to Dr. Gupta about James’ battle.

"“Our job is to find the best medical science to support your therapeutic use exemption…what I would say to him (James)  and every NFL player: Our job is to figure out, how do we build the best medical support for the best treatment for you?”"

After his initial reluctance, James realized that using marijuana medicinally was not as hard on his body nor as addictive for him as the opioids had been. He said “my pain subsided” in reference to what using marijuana medicinally did for him.

Howard discussed the impact the opioids have had on the NFL.

"“A study published in the journal, Drug and Alcohol Dependence in 2011, found that more than half — 52% — of former NFL players reported using opioids during their career, and 71% of those players reported misusing opioids."