Richmond Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has revealed he uses medicinal marijuana to help combat chronic back pain.
The 49-year-old has suffered back problems since a biking accident 10 years ago, with the three-time premiership coach finding it difficult to exercise ever since.
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But speaking to the Herald Sun, Hardwick explained how the doctor-prescribed drug has helped him battle back pain.
“I started taking medicinal cannabis about four months ago,” he said.
“It’s really made a difference for my pain and I’d recommend anybody dealing with chronic pain to talk about medicinal cannabis with their doctor.
“I had an accident riding a bike with my son about 10 years ago and ever since then have suffered chronic back pain
“I found it hard to exercise, and even sitting at my desk for long times was painful.”
According to News Corp, more than 240,000 medical marijuana prescriptions have been written in Australia since it was first approved in 2016. However, current AFL players are not permitted to use medical cannabis under World Anti-Doping Agency rules.
Meanwhile, Richmond has lost promising key defender Josh Gibcus to Covid-19 protocols,
turning to 197cm debutant Bigoa Nyuon to fill the void against Hawthorn on Saturday.
Premiership stars Dion Prestia and Nick Vlastuin (non-Covid illness) will return after missing last weekend’s victory over Collingwood.
Dashing backman Hugo Ralphsmith (broken ribs) will resume in the VFL after being sidelined for three games, while veteran Shane Edwards will be managed.
The athletic Gibcus has played all bar one match this season since being the No. 9 pick in last year’s draft and already looms as a major piece of the club’s future.
Tarrant was managed for Richmond’s Round 7 clash with West Coast and wasn’t selected for the Magpies match either, with Hardwick revealing post-match the ex-Kangaroo was battling a hip problem.
The 32-year-old isn’t on the Tigers’ official injury list and played at second-tier level last week, so it is unclear where he fits in the immediate plans after signing a two-year deal in October.
Kenyan-born Nyuon, who is one of eight siblings, has impressed in the VFL with his intercept marking and amassed 18 disposals, seven marks and six spoils last weekend.
— with Marc McGowan, NCA NewsWire
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