Pubdate: Sun, 13 Mar 2016
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2016 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340

HOPKINS TO TEST MARIJUANA AS AID TO TREAT BRAIN INJURIES

(AP) - Ex-Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (who also spent time 
with the Eagles) calls himself "old school," including his use of 
marijuana both during and after his career. His self-medicating could 
be ahead of its time. Johns Hopkins researchers will test whether a 
compound found in hemp - and its cousin, cannabis - is as good at 
treating brain injuries as testimonials say. Some ex-players believe 
cannabidiol, or CBD, could aid millions who suffer brain injuries, 
including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease 
caused by repeated concussions and found in many ex-NFL players whose 
brains were autopsied. "I don't think any of us regret what we did," 
said Jake Plummer, who retired in 2007 after 10 seasons. "But there's 
no question it comes at a real cost."

Along with a handful of other retired players, Plummer appears in a 
public-service campaign, "When the Bright Lights Fade," sponsored by 
Realm of Caring, a nonprofit research organization, and CW 
Botanicals, a company specializing in hemp products. It was released 
Wednesday as part of National Brain Injury Awareness month with the 
goal of raising $100,000 to begin the Hopkins study.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom