Tae Hayes, a New York Jets cornerback, was arrested and charged with possession of a minor amount of cannabis over the weekend. Hayes was briefly detained in an Alabama jail between Saturday night and Sunday morning before being released on a $300 bond.
The New York Jets initially replied to the incident by saying, “We are aware of the situation, and we will refrain from further comment as it is a pending legal matter.” However, Jets club reporter Ethan Greenberg claimed on Monday afternoon that “the Jets have released CB Tae Hayes.” There was no explanation that followed.
The Penalty
Hays faces a charge of second-degree marijuana possession, which is a misdemeanor in Alabama, according to AL.com. The crime has a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $6,000 fine, though first-time offenders often receive lighter terms such as probation.
Shifting Sands: The NFL’s Cannabis Policy
The NFL’s position to cannabis use and possession has shifted dramatically. Starting in 2021, the league will allow players to take a single cannabis test before training camp. Since then, testing positive has resulted in a decreased punishment. In 2023, the NFL and its players’ union approved two research grants totaling over $500,000 to investigate the therapeutic advantages of cannabis. One of them is particularly interested in CBD as an alternative to opioids for pain relief and concussion treatment.
Early discoveries in this research have identified the benefits of CBD as an anti-inflammatory, emphasizing the unique benefits cannabis use provides for physically demanding sports such as football.
Cannabis scheduling appears to be just around the corner. Do you want to know what this means for the future of the industry? The 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, taking place in Chicago from October 8 to 9, will provide direct access to top executives, investors, and legislators. Follow this link to purchase your tickets before they become more expensive.
Cannabis Advocacy And Entrepreneurship in the NFL
NFL players use cannabis for a variety of reasons, the majority of which are related to their health and well-being.
Changes in mindset among the league have been slow. They are more likely to be affected by football-related cannabis advocacy and enterprise. Players and former players advocate for cannabis as a natural treatment for diseases that affect both active and retired athletes. These illnesses include chronic pain, PTSD, and depression. Some of these ailments are treated with opioids, which are addictive and have a variety of negative effects.
