Jim McMahon, former quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is known for marijuana use—both during his time as an NFL player and after his career ended. While McMahon may have been self-medicating with marijuana in a time when it was still taboo, Johns Hopkins researchers will soon test whether cannabidiol could help treat brain injuries. These injuries could include chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), “a degenerative disease caused by repeated concussions and found in many former NFL players whose brains have been autopsied.”
Numerous retired players, including Jake Plummer, appeared in a PSA called “When the Bright Lights Fade” discussing the potential benefits of using CBD. The PSA was sponsored by CW Botanicals (a dietary supplement company creating hemp products) and a non-profit organization called Realm of Caring. The goal of the announcement is to help raise the $100,000 needed to get the Johns Hopkins study off the ground.
Research into CBD oil’s effect on CTE (an many other conditions) is sparse due to state and federal regulations. As of yet, there is a lack of support from medical organizations backing the treatment of head injuries with CBD.
You can check out the PSA here.