Miami Hurricanes alum Mike James becoming medicinal marijuana pioneer

"“The prevalence of current opioid use among those players was 7%, according to that study: about three times the rate of use among the general population. The study included 644 retired players who answered questions in a telephone survey about their opioid use.”"

The NFL, by many of those that are close to the problems of the players’ addictions to painkillers, has said that the league often turns a blind eye to the problem. Sheilla Dingus who runs the website Advocacy for Fairness in Sports believes the league is posturing by not allowing the players to use marijuana as a painkiller.

"“It’s all leverage, no other reason why they would make it this hard for guys to get relief. That and possibly connections or investments with Big Pharma.”"

Dingus also discussed why she thought James has become such a big advocate for marijuana use instead of opioids.

"“I think James’ perspective is he doesn’t want to wind up like some of the guys who came before him with organ damage from the drugs, addiction issues, and not giving his body time to heal and “feel”."

The NFL currently prohibits players from using marijuana as a painkiller. James was not the first Miami Hurricanes former player to file for an exemption. Former Hurricanes offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson has admitted to using pot as a way to help him with symptoms of Crohn’s disease.