Titans LB Derrick Morgan joins call for NFL cannabis research

Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan has joined former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe in calling for the NFL to look into cannabis as an alternative to opioids for treating pain and inflammation.

Morgan spoke about his involvement in the "When the Bright Lights Fade" campaign to Yahoo's Katie Couric in a video interview.

The campaign, based in Colorado and funded largely by Monroe, seeks to promote research into cannabidiol (frequently referred to as CBD) -- a compound found in cannabis said to have health benefits, but without the psychotropic agents found in recreational marijuana. In addition to physical ailments, they want to research whether it can help offset symptoms from CTE.

"After researching, finding out more and more about it, I realized this is something guys should know about. You don't have to take it, but you should at least know about it if it's going to help you protect your brain and protect your body," Morgan says in the interview.

More from Morgan, per The Denver Post:

Morgan and Monroe both say they haven't taken CBD, for fear of testing positive for a banned substance.

The league hasn't budged from its stance, but did hold a conference call with Monroe earlier this month that he said "was progress."

Monroe was released by the Ravens earlier this month, with the team alluding to his campaigning in its statement announcing the move.