Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe was released Wednesday, several months after he had publicly called on the N.F.L. to let players use medical marijuana to treat injuries.

Though retired N.F.L. players have advocated for the use of medical marijuana, Monroe is one of the few active players who have taken that stance. Medical marijuana, he said, is safer and healthier than prescription painkillers, which can be addictive.

Monroe, who is now a free agent, said he would continue to call on the league to loosen its stance, regardless of whether he continues to play in the N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said only that the league’s advisers continue to evaluate the issue.

In a statement, Monroe acknowledged that he had been hampered by injuries. Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported that the Ravens had tried to trade Monroe to the Giants but that the talks had fallen through.

Still, Monroe questioned whether his advocacy might have also played a role in his release. [Read more at The New York Times]