Of course, the NFL is about as likely to legalize marijuana -- even in states where it’s already legal -- as it is to hang flags from players’ waists. But before we completely dismiss Jackson’s proposal as a fully baked delusion, keep in mind that in the coming years millions of dollars will be pouring into research into both the medicinal benefits of marijuana and the question of how to make football less dangerous. Already, there are studies that have shown that, in addition to numbing pain, pot might also help protect the brain from injury. An ingredient in marijuana apparently may neutralize the neurotransmitters that are released after severe head injuries and that cause cell degradation. This is from a 2002 study in a scientific journal called Trends in Molecular Medicine: Cannabinoid receptor agonists inhibit glutamatergic synaptic transmission and reduce the production of tumour necrosis factor- and reactive oxygen intermediates, which are factors in causing neuronal damage. The formation of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is strongly enhanced after brain injury, and there is evidence that these compounds reduce the secondary damage incurred. Some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, which do not bind to the cannabinoid receptors, have also been shown to be neuroprotective, possibly through their direct effect on the excitatory glutamate system and/or as antioxidants. Get it? Neither do I, really. I am sure about one thing, though: Playing professional football is a lot more hazardous to your health than smoking marijuana. In a story for the website Deadspin, Jackson described the aftermath of a near-decapitation at the hands of linebacker Willie McGinest:
Posted on: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 15:39:57 +0000
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