Ravens' Monroe: It's time for NFL to research possible benefits of marijuana

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is the first NFL player to speak publicly in favor of the league reconsidering its stance on marijuana in light of its possible health benefits, according to CNN's Nadia Kounang.

Medical marijuana is used by many as a painkiller, among other uses, but is banned by the NFL.

By playing football, "your job automatically gives you the symptom of chronic pain," Monroe said. "You're hitting each other as hard as possible every single day in practice. Your body is in pain a lot of time."

Despite NFL rules, it's believed that many players use marijuana as an alternative to other painkillers, such as addictive opioids like oxycodone.

"All over our country people are addicted, and that's happening in our locker rooms," Monroe said.

Asked earlier this year if the NFL will reconsider its policy on medical marijuana, commissioner Roger Goodell said there have been no scientific discoveries significant enough to spur a change.

Monroe says he agrees that more research is needed, but suggested he's optimistic about what will be discovered.

"The NFL will need to have legitimate information before they remove marijuana from the banned substance list and ultimately not hurt their product in the field," Monroe said. "But there's opportunity in that space also, for the NFL to get involved and maybe lead efforts."