NFL Denies Running Back’s Request to Use Marijuana as a Painkiller

In order to help treat his pain, Mike James asked the NFL for a TUE (therapeutic-use exemption) that would allow him to use marijuana without violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Unfortunately for the free agent running back, his request was denied.

James began using marijuana after he developed a dependence on the opioids he’d been prescribed and found that pot was a great painkiller as well as a safer alternative.

Despite the ruling, James and his attorney, Brian Muraresku are having ongoing talks with NFL officials about finding a resolution to the situation.

“Mike’s desire is to get back onto a team and continue his career,” Muraresku told NJ.com. “If this decision stands as is, it is a career-ending decision for Mike. I’m very optimistic that these conversations are going to result in some kind of solution.”

Regardless of what happens, James will continue to advocate for marijuana so that players in the future might be able to reap its benefits. He will be one of the keynote speakers at the New Jersey Cannabis Symposium on Wednesday.

Meet your guide

Evan Bleier

Evan is a senior editor with InsideHook who earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and has called Brooklyn home since 2006. A fan of Boston sports, Nashville hot chicken and Kentucky bourbon, Evan has had his work published in publications including “Maxim,” Bleacher Report and “The Daily Mail.”