National Football League

Report: Marijuana still banned in NFL

Published Nov. 7, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

NFL players who like to smoke marijuana should contain their excitement. Colorado and Washington on Tuesday may have become the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use, but the news does nothing to change the NFL’s substance abuse policy, which considers the drug to still be illegal, according to USA TODAY Sports.

“The NFL’s policy is collectively bargained and will continue to apply in the same manner it has for decades,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the news outlet Wednesday morning. “Marijuana remains prohibited under the NFL substance abuse program.”

Aiello’s statement comes on the heels of Colorado voters approving Amendment 64 and Washington voters approving Initiative 502.

Amendment 64 allows adults in Colorado over age 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, and allows people to privately grow up to six marijuana plants. Initiative 502 creates a system of state-licensed marijuana growers, processors and stores in which adults can buy up to an ounce of pot.

The voters have spoken, but envelope-pushing NFL players traveling to the two states must tame their excitement unless they’re looking for trouble.

“The Colorado and Washington laws will have no impact on the operation of the policy,” Aiello reportedly said, meaning those caught violating the policy are still subject to a suspension.