from Joshua Clipperton of the CP at the Times Colonist,

The executive director of the NHL Alumni Association says he's "all-in" when it comes to finding out if cannabis will be able to one day replace opioid-based painkillers.

Speaking at an event earlier this week, Glenn Healy said he's spent the last 10 months investigating whether or not marijuana, which became legal in Canada on Oct. 17, can help former players.

But Healy cautioned the alumni association isn't there yet.

"Science has to prove it first," said the former goalie. "If science proves it, then I'll endorse it, but it's got to be science first. It can't be me first.

"We need science first, and if we get that first and it helps our players then we move on."

Painkillers, which can be highly addictive, are often prescribed for nagging injuries that might stretch into retirement, while it's no secret that some former players have suffered from neurological problems or mental health issues after their careers.

continued