High Hopes for Players: The NBA’s Plan to Accept Cannabis Use
The NBA and National Basketball Platers Association (NBPA) just reached a tentative deal that allows players to consume cannabis (weed, marijuana, pot).
Finally, NBA players can listen to the plea to, “smoke weed everyday” from Dr. Dre’s, “The Next Episode.” Of course, there are still rules that apply.
Dr. Dre (left) and Snoop Dogg (right) performing a modified version of “The Next Episode” in the Pepsi Halftime Show during Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
This new Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to be a seven-year deal and has many details to it. But for some players, the biggest change is their acceptance of cannabis.
Previously, the NBA has taken many measures to punish players if caught with cannabis in their system through random drug tests.
Malik Beasley #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers soars high up for a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2023 Play-In Tournament on April 11th, 2023. Beasley was suspended from 12 games in the 2020-2021 season after being arrested for possession of cannabis. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
If a player is caught once, they are enrolled into a treatment and counselling session. Caught twice – they must pay a $25,000 fine.
Players who push past the two previous warnings will receive a five-game suspension without pay. After this, the same punishment will occur with an additional five-game suspension.
While this may seem extreme as cannabis is fully legal in 22 states and has mixed legality in all but six, professional sports have only lately been catching up.
Soldiers in Mexico stand in a field of cannabis plants. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)
In the deal, the NBA says players will no-longer receive penalties for using cannabis, but cannot be under the influence of it during games or practices.
Players will also be able to promote and invest in cannabis companies.
Someone preparing a joint (cannabis cigaratte). (Photo by Hannes P Albert/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Gaining the ability to invest in cannabis provides financial potential for players in a growing market. However, some may be concerned on how it effects athletic performance.
According to multiple studies, there is no evidence that cannabis can be used as a performance-enhancing drug. This means that it will not make players stronger, faster, or bigger.
Although, cannabis use does have the potential to facilitate post-exercise recovery and chronic pain. These effects could allowing for a greater level of play for players who are naturally held back.
An analysis of cannabis extract in a laboratory. (Photo by Wera Rodsawang/Getty Images)
These effects sound great, but we are yet to fully understand cannabis. Often, studies done on cannabis are hard present as fact for people.
This error occurs because tests are mostly done on animals or on people through loopholes due to cannabis still being considered a “Schedule I drug.”
Schedule I drugs are considered to have no accepted medical use and high potentials for abuse, and the list includes like heroin and ecstasy. While cannabis does not properly fall under that category, it is hard to change the laws around it.
A view of a cannabis leaf on a sound block below a gavel next to the American Flag. (Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images)
While still needing to be ratified, this new deal expands the opportunity of the players. Hopefully this decision allows players to recover faster from their routines and stay in better shape.
This change is a true reflection of how the NBA strives to stay modern and listen to its community.
