NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference on Feb. 5, 2016, at the Moscone Center West in San Francisco, California, ahead of Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. (Mike Lawrie, Getty Images)

NFL commish: League’s marijuana ban ‘the correct policy, for now’

SAN FRANCISCO — Marijuana use in the NFL is still banned, and will remain so for the foreseeable future, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday ahead of Super Bowl 50.

Here are Goodell’s comments on marijuana, taken from a Q&A with reporters at his annual news conference addressing the state of the league:

Q: Given that medical marijuana or recreational marijuana is legal in many states, including Colorado, do you foresee any adjustment to that policy or any review of that part of league drug policy?

Goodell: “We always review our drug policy. That is something that our medical professionals do on a regular basis. We have had discussions with them in the past about that, not recently. They have opposed that. We are not restricted obviously by the state laws. It’s an NFL policy and we believe it’s the correct policy, for now, in the best interest of our players and the long-term health of our players. I don’t foresee a change in that clearly in the short term, but we’ll continue to be in touch with our medical personnel. If that changes, we’ll discuss it.”

Q: To be a bit more specific on the marijuana question, you said two years ago at the summit with Jack Welch that if there was more research done for medical marijuana for players, you would consider approving it. There has been a lot of research in the last couple years. Players like Jim McMahon and Kyle Turley have talked about how it has helped them. Where does the league stand on the issue of medical marijuana for players and ex-players?

Goodell: “I don’t distinguish between the medical marijuana and marijuana issue in the context of my previous answer. Our medical professionals look at that. That is exactly what we talked to them about. I would assume that it would be used in a medical circumstance or if it is even in recreational, our medical professionals look at it in both ways and determine whether they think it is in the best interest to do that. Yes, I agree there has been changes, but not significant enough changes that our medical personnel have changed their view. Until they do, then I don’t expect that we will change our view.”