In Texas, the fight to legalize medical cannabis can only be won through legislative advocacy, rather than through a direct petition by citizens.

In Texas, the fight to legalize medical cannabis can only be won through legislative advocacy, rather than through a direct petition by citizens.

Americans are in pain. Over 2.5 million people in the US are addicted to opioids, the US Department of Health and Human Services reports. About 80 die daily from opioid overdoses. It’s gotten so bad that even conservative state legislators want to legalize medical marijuana, arguing it’s a safer, less addictive pain killer.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Hours after his wife pleaded guilty to misdemeanor pot-possession charges connected with two pounds of the drug found at their house, Utah’s Democratic candidate for governor pushed Tuesday for the legalization of medical marijuana.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Hours after his wife pleaded guilty to misdemeanor pot-possession charges connected with two pounds of the drug found at their house, Utah’s Democratic candidate for governor pushed Tuesday for the legalization of medical marijuana.

Professional and retired mainstream athletes are already using forms of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for acute and long-term pain management.

There has been emerging evidence that cannabis reduces pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, and inflammation in humans.

Some clinical studies suggest that the plant may have medical value, especially for difficult-to-treat pain conditions.

If the Cowboys owner gets his way, we could see fewer player suspensions.

In the United States, 25 states have legalized medical marijuana, including 19 that let patients with a prescription buy pot from dispensaries. Proponents argue that expanding the availability of medical marijuana reduces opioid abuse and overdose deaths because it gives people an alternative for pain relief.

The most common reason that people seek out medical marijuana is for chronic pain.

Franco Harris is joining to movement for medical marijuana. While the Steelers legend is in good physical and mental health after a lengthy football career, he openly approves marijuana use for the days he doesn't feel so great and has become a strong advocate for current players to use the plant for medicine.

Kyle Turley believes marijuana counters the effects of CTE and he wants the NFL to allow players to use it.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell faces increasing demands to embrace cannabis as a solution to two crises that threaten to derail the $13 billion-a-year league: painkiller abuse and concussions.

Members of Congress have taken note as well, questioning whether medical marijuana could be a solution to an over-prescribing crisis involving veterans nationwide.

Members of Congress have taken note as well, questioning whether medical marijuana could be a solution to an over-prescribing crisis involving veterans nationwide.

INDIANA -- A former Marine says access to medical marijuana means life or death for many veterans across Indiana.

INDIANA -- A former Marine says access to medical marijuana means life or death for many veterans across Indiana.

The NFL continues an authoritarian stance on marijuana use while team doctors still dole out powerful and addictive painkillers.

States that implemented medical marijuana laws experienced an especially notable drop in painkiller prescriptions.

The suggestion is that rather than using powerful painkillers, people are instead turning to legal pot.

A new review suggests cannabis may help mental health disorders.

On Friday, Kerr became the latest high-profile sports figure to advocate for the use of marijuana as a way to deal with chronic pain.

In states where it is legal to use medical marijuana to manage chronic pain and other conditions, the annual number of deaths from prescription drug overdose is 25 percent lower than in states where medical marijuana remains illegal, new research suggests.

Changes in the country's attitude toward marijuana use may be taking effect in football.

The state's tightly controlled program has seen high costs and low enrollment. Pain patients might turn the tide.

The state's tightly controlled program has seen high costs and low enrollment. Pain patients might turn the tide.

Can marijuana help solve the opioid epidemic?

Research shows people with chronic pain or mental health issues prefer taking cannabis over prescription opioid medications to treat symptoms.

A majority of NFL players feel that use of chemical painkillers would be reduced if the league allowed a therapeutic use exemption for marijuana use.

The photo is the first salvo in Lee’s new mission: He’s become a foot soldier in the grassroots crusade to get medical marijuana legalized in Missouri.

The photo is the first salvo in Lee’s new mission: He’s become a foot soldier in the grassroots crusade to get medical marijuana legalized in Missouri.

Firefighter and former Marine hopes to convince lawmakers to legalize medicinal use in Indiana.

Firefighter and former Marine hopes to convince lawmakers to legalize medicinal use in Indiana.

It was his experience with medical cannabis that got Stephen Mandile up in arms about providing better for Massachusetts veterans.

The program offers veterans an alternative to addictive pharmaceutical drugs.