Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who’s never shy when it comes to talking about politics, discussed the topic of marijuana and pro sports on The Warriors Insider podcast on Friday. It led to an admission that sparked lots of reaction on social media.

At the beginning of the marijuana discussion (starts around the 16:28 mark), Kerr said that he doesn’t use the drug because it didn’t agree with him. Then, toward the end, he said he has tried using it to treat his chronic pain in the past. The coach said:

“I guess maybe I can even get in some trouble for this, but I’ve actually tried it twice during the last year and a half, when I’ve been going through this chronic pain that I’ve been dealing with.

“A lot of research, a lot of advice from people, and I have no idea if maybe I would have failed a drug test. I don’t even know if I’m subject to a drug test or any laws from the NBA, but I tried it and it didn’t help it all. But it was worth it because I’m searching for answers on pain. I’ve tried painkillers and drugs of other kinds as well, and those have been worse. It’s tricky.”

Kerr had to sit out for a chunk of the beginning of last season after having back surgery in the offseason. Aside from talking about his own usage, Kerr explained why he believes pro athletes shouldn’t be punished for using marijuana to alleviate pain when they’re “prescribed Vicodin like it’s Vitamin C, like it’s no big deal.”

“I know enough, especially the last couple years having gone through my own bout with chronic pain. I know enough about this stuff. Vicodin is not good for you — it’s not. It’s way worse for you than pot, especially if you’re looking for a painkiller, and you’re talking about medicinal marijuana and different strains and what they’re able to do with it as a pain reliever.

“I think it’s only a matter of time before the NBA, the NFL and Major League Baseball realize that. And I would hope, especially for these NFL guys, who are basically involved in a car wreck every Sunday – and maybe four days later, the following Thursday, which is another insane thing the NFL does – but I would hope that league will come to its senses and institute a different sort of program where they can help these guys get healthier rather than getting hooked on these painkillers.”

Listen to the full podcast here.

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