Cannabis use amongst NFL players has been a hot topic for well over a decade.

Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans spoke out in 2017 about using marijuana during the first two seasons of his career (2005 and 2006) before quitting due to a positive test.

After retiring from the league, Herremans resumed using marijuana for aches and pains and believes it to be an effective treatment.

Todd Herremans on Marijuana use in the NFL

“The relief after smoking cannabis is fairly immediate, and the psychoactive part only sticks around for an hour or so. I’m not a scientist or a doctor; I am a football player that can only go off personal experiences.

Having said that, in my experiences, after the “high” feeling fades, there are still a number of cannabinoids in the body going to work on a number of different issues for days after, including pain, stress, anxiety, sleep, etc., all known effects from playing in the NFL.

For those who aren’t too keen on smoking, there are plenty of other safe ways to ingest cannabis these days.“

Alternative Options: CBD and Delta-8 THC Gummies

As far as the other safe ways to ingest cannabis, that’s where THC Gummies come into play — and delta-8 THC could eventually be the way to consume it legally.

Hemp and cannabis plants contain trace levels of the chemical Delta-9 THC. It resembles marijuana, or delta-9 THC, as most people are familiar with.

However, delta-9 THC has a lesser psychoactive potency than its more well-known and well-liked counterpart, making it less likely to result in the “high” that is frequently connected to marijuana use. Delta 8 delicacies, which include gummies, chocolates, and cookies laced with the substance, are becoming more and more well-liked these days.

But what advantages do delta-9 edibles offer?

As a safe substitute for marijuana, delta-8 THC has gained popularity in the US in recent years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published an interpretation rule in 2019, permitting the use of hemp derivatives, including delta-8 THC, as long as the plants from which they are derived have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.

As a result, several items containing delta-8 THC are now being sold in the US, including a large number of edibles. Since edibles can be integrated into any food or beverage product, consumers can consume Delta 8 discreetly and manageably.

Delta-8 also doesn’t get you nearly as high. Some users may feel a moderate euphoria or “high,” although it usually isn’t as strong as what one gets from delta-9-THC. However, compared to the more potent effects of delta-9-THC, delta-8 edibles offer a distinctive experience that some people might enjoy.

If athletes were to use delta-8, it’s possible that consuming the edibles could result in a positive drug test for THC. It is closely related to Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana. As a result, it can be found on a drug test and result in a positive outcome.

Although more research would need to be done to test the therapeutic benefits, delta-8 could be the way for Herremans to get his wish and have medical marijuana accessible to NFL players.

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