Rob Gronkowski on CBD’s Potential

Rob Gronkowski on CBD's Potential

Rob Gronkowski CBD

Most people won’t experience the physical and mental pain that former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski endured throughout his nine-year NFL career. But many are getting acquainted with the natural compound he says is essential to his recovery: CBD.

The three-time Super Bowl champion has suffered multiple herniated discs, a handful of concussions, two forearm fractures, a torn MCL/ACL and several other injuries that finally culminated into his retirement on March 24, 2019.

Gronk’s decision to retire at 29 years old came as a shock to most, who believed he would rehab and return to the field as he had done previously.

Last Tuesday at a press conference in New York City, a sincere and heartfelt Gronkowski fought back tears when talking about what he was going through.

"I was not in a good place. Football was bringing me down, and I didn't like it. I was losing that joy in life... I could play right now if I wanted to play. I’m feeling good. Physically, I could do it. Mentally wise, desire-wise, it's not there..." – ESPN.com (August 27, 2019)

Gronk vocalized his truths about life after football while also shedding light on CBD, a product that he said was essential to his recovery. CBD, a natural and nonintoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp, has helped Gronk regain his physical health, he said.

"For the first time in more than a decade, I am pain-free," Gronkowski stated in front of reporters.

Although Gronkowski’s benefits from CBD are subjective, his story gives hope to other players looking for an alternative to prescription pain killers and opioids, which are traditionally handed out like candy by NFL medical staffs.

Given Gronk’s loveable personality and platform, he is the perfect advocate to battle the NFL’s policy regarding the use of CBD products without penalty. The NFL currently views CBD as it views marijuana – a positive test for marijuana will result in a fine or suspension.

While more concrete evidence is needed to persuade the NFL and FDA, millions are already finding comfort and relief thanks to CBD and Hemp Extract products. Topical rubs infused with CBD and menthol are encouraging recovery and alleviating aches and pains. Other products such as CBD Oil and CBD Edibles are show promise in relieving mental stress and promoting positive wellbeing.

CBD, or Hemp Extract, has gained popularity over the past few years due to the acclaimed benefits from its users. More and more people are branching out to try CBD-infused products because of its therapeutic potential and limited risk of adverse side effects. CBD products can be bought and sold throughout the U.S. as long as they are derived from Industrial Hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC. Before any claims can be made about the benefits of CBD, additional research and evidence is needed. Until then, it’s up to the prospective CBD consumer to do their research and find out what is reliable and works for them.

In other major sports, CBD has emerged on the PGA Tour as golfers Bubba Watson, Lucas Glover and Charlie Hoffman have CBD sponsorships. All of them have praised CBD, claiming they receive better sleep and recovery. The PGA is allowing players to use and partner with CBD brands but warn about using supplements that are not FDA-approved. The NHL is another league making strides to allow CBD as an alternative to traditional pain killers. Cannabis products are presently legal in 28 of the 31 NHL cities and players will not be punished for using CBD. The NFL, NBA and MLB have yet to change their stance against CBD, let alone understand its use.

If battered NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski is finding relief through CBD products, the future looks promising for the natural compound and its potential to benefit others on and off the field.