Eugene Monroe, offensive tackle for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, donated $80,000 to researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania.
In March 2016, the two organizations launched the “When the Bright Lights Fade” public service announcement and fundraising campaign to help endow a series of pilot research studies that examine the impact of cannabinoid therapies on current and former NFL players.
Eugene is a seven-year NFL veteran who, due to NFL policies, cannot use cannabinoid products and is instead prescribed opioids to manage his chronic pain from sports-related injuries. He recognizes the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for pain management and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and fully supports this research that could help professional and amateur athletes as well as anyone suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Eugene hopes that his actions will influence the NFL in changing their policy on cannabis and recognize it as a viable treatment option.
Thanks to Eugene, Jake Plummer and Nate Jackson, , and the , are now planning two separate studies; one that will follow current players through a season and evaluate substance use of all types, injuries, recoveries, and other health-related issues. The other will be an in-depth survey of former players that will evaluate health and quality of life.
With Eugene’s generous donation, the initial research studies are now funded, however the “When the Bright Lights Fade” campaign will continue to raise funds for additional, large-scale studies that will further explore how compounds within the cannabis plant can benefit athletes who are at risk for traumatic brain injury. Help continue to fund this groundbreaking study here.
Dedicated to better understanding how CBD therapy works, Eugene flew to Colorado in late April to visit the CW Botanicals lab where he met with some of the families who permanently relocated to CO to gain access to Charlotte’s Web™ hemp extract. Read about this amazing day here.
Due to the NFL’s strict anti-cannabis policies, it’s difficult for current players to speak in support of the plant and its potential therapeutic uses. Despite the risks, on March 9th Eugene became the first active NFL player to call on the NFL to remove marijuana from the banned substances list; fund medical marijuana research, especially as it relates to CTE; and to urge the NFL to stop overprescribing opioids.
“When the Bright Lights Fade” has raised over $100,000 thanks to the current and former athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, UFC and boxing, who generously donated merchandise and once in a lifetime fan experiences.
About Eugene Monroe
A four-year letterman and three-year starter at the University of Virginia, Eugene was a Unanimous All-ACC selection, voted top blocker in the conference and was regarded as the most dominating offensive lineman in college football. Drafted eighth overall by the Jaguars in the 2009 NFL draft, Eugene started 13 of 15 games at left tackle for Jacksonville in his first year, missing two contests due to injury. Monroe’s value and domination on the field were confirmed yet again when the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens orchestrated a trade to acquire the star left tackle in October 2013. Eugene has enjoyed great success in his time as a Raven, consistently grading as one of the best pass blockers in the NFL. On March 9, 2016, Eugene became the first active NFL player to advocate for the use of cannabinoids to treat chronic pain and sports-related injuries. For more information visit www.EugeneMonroe.com.
About Realm of Caring
Realm of Caring, a registered 501c3 non-profit, is an educational resource for patients, physicians, scientists, and governments committed to educating the public about medicinal cannabinoid therapies, increasing legal access for patients across the country, and advancing cannabis research. For more information, please visit www.theroc.us.
About CW Botanicals
Denver-based CW Botanicals, creators and manufacturers of Charlotte’s Web hemp extract, is a leader in the hemp industry, developing world-renowned hemp genetics and working tirelessly with various states, countries and committees to provide a better quality of life for those affected by disorders and diseases. For more information, please visit www.cwbotanicals.com.