Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Randy Gregory has filed a lawsuit against the NFL and his former team, the Denver Broncos, after receiving fines totaling $532,500 for consuming THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana.
Gregory, who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, argues that he used Dronabinol, a synthetic cannabis, under medical recommendation to treat his social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite requesting a workplace accommodation from the NFL and the Broncos to use this substance outside of working hours, both entities denied his request, citing the federal prohibition of THC.
The lawsuit, filed under Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act, claims that Gregory has been unfairly penalized for his medicinal use of THC. “Mr. Gregory has paid $532,500 in fines to the NFL for consuming THC to treat his disabilities. Regardless of a positive test, Mr. Gregory is expected to play games, attend practices, press sessions, and fulfill his work responsibilities,” the lawsuit states, emphasizing that both the NFL and the Broncos have benefited from his continued employment despite the imposed sanctions.
Although the NFL no longer suspends players for marijuana use, it remains a prohibited substance, and players testing positive are subject to fines. Gregory, 32, was selected in the second round of the 2015 Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, where he played until 2021. He then joined the Broncos in 2022 and was later transferred to the San Francisco 49ers. Last April, he signed with the Buccaneers for the 2024 season.
Gregory’s substance use issues date back to his time with the Cowboys. He was suspended for 14 games during the 2016 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and for the same reason, he missed the entire 2017 season, two games in 2018, and the entire 2019 season due to multiple infractions.
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between NFL policies and players’ medical needs in a context where medicinal marijuana use remains a contentious issue.
