Editor's note: This article has been reviewed and updated for accuracy in 2026. News of professional athletes being caught for cannabis use is a recurring occurrence, with barely a month passing without such reports. This is despite the fact that cannabis is now fully legal in 23 out of the 50 states in the United States, and an additional 13 states are contemplating its legalization by 2024. That means within about a year, we could see as many as 36 out of 50 states have some type of legalized cannabis industry, yet the NFL is still holding out on testing players during the season and handing out penalties for those caught using this medicinal herb. Notable players who have been targeted by the NFL's cannabis policy include: Ricky Williams: Ricky Williams, a former NFL running back, openly discussed his use of marijuana and faced multiple suspensions during his career due to positive drug tests. Josh Gordon: Josh Gordon, a wide receiver, has had several suspensions throughout his career, with some related to violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy, including marijuana use. Martavis Bryant: Martavis Bryant, a former wide receiver, has also faced multiple suspensions, including those related to marijuana use. Randy Gregory: Randy Gregory, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has had multiple suspensions due to violations of the league's substance abuse policy, including marijuana use. <!-- /wp:list-i