All-star basketball player Kevin Durant recently scored a historic victory for cannabis advocacy. Previous efforts by Durant had significant involvement in the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) decision to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances.
A new collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association union went into effect July 1, 2023. This agreement now allows players to consume cannabis outside of games without penalty.
The NBA has been relaxing its prohibition against cannabis since 2021 when the league decided to end random drug testing for the substance. Now, with the 2023 policy change, the league will also no longer punish players for cannabis use. Prior to the new agreement, players faced financial and professional repercussions for violating the NBA’s ban on cannabis consumption. First-time offenders who tested positive for the drug were obligated to enter the basketball league’s substance-use treatment and counseling program. A second offense came with a $25,000 fine, and a third violation would result in a five-game suspension period without pay.
Athletes will still be punished if they are high at games, practices, and other team functions. However, NBA players are no longer subject to testing or professional scrutiny for using cannabis products.
Kevin Duran is a forward for the Phoenix Suns and one of the top scorers in NBA history. He’s also a fierce cannabis advocate. Duranat personally lobbied and met with the NBA commissioner to end the league’s penalties for players who use cannabis.
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
Durant is a known investor in the cannabis e-commerce platform WeedMaps. As such, he has always been open about his enthusiasm for the plant and its medical benefits. In an interview with David Letterman last year, he stated that cannabis allows him to recover from the stress of being a professional athlete. “I think it’s far past time to address the stigmas around cannabis that still exist in the sports world as well as globally,” said Durant in 2021. Durant continues to use his influential position to propel progressive policies off-court and to further destigmatize cannabis use.
Cannabis can be a potential game-changer for addressing mental health and physical pain challenges that often accompany the pressures of competing in a high-stakes major sports league. The stress of navigating an intensely competitive environment, coupled with the physical demands of being a professional athlete, can take a toll on players’ mental well-being. It is also likely that young players new to the spotlight may additionally find themselves unprepared for and overwhelmed by the pressures of constant public scrutiny and immense career expectations.
Major sports organizations have recently begun acknowledging the potential health benefits of cannabis products. The NBA and other major sports leagues have taken a greater interest in understanding how these treatments contribute to athlete well-being. Therapeutic doses of cannabis in the form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) can alleviate symptoms and complications caused by anxiety, stress, injuries, and chronic pain. It may also assist with athletic recovery. So, with lower addiction potential and fewer side effects than many traditional medications, cannabis products can provide athletes helpful alternative options for pain management and mental healthcare.
In recent years, other major US sports leagues, including the National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB), have taken significant steps for cannabis advocacy and normalization. These organizations are reevaluating and relaxing various restrictions on cannabis use. Both the NHL and MLB no longer designate cannabis as a banned substance. Additionally, players who test positive for the substance will not face disciplinary action. The NFL allows its players to use cannabis during off-seasons but maintains prohibition of the substance during the season of play.
By adopting more lenient cannabis policies, these sports organizations demonstrate a progressive commitment to prioritizing the holistic health and well-being of their athletes. The leagues’ policy changes also draw increased public attention to the medicinal benefits and general safety of cannabis, overall contributing to evolving public attitudes about the broader conversation of normalizing, decriminalizing, and destigmatizing cannabis use.
With the arrival of 4/20 comes the promise of festivals, mass smoke sessions, and camaraderie with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. But, while cannabis may promote social gathering for some, others prefer to consume their cannabis in the way of the introvert – that is, completely alone. If you’re not exactly a social smoker and still want…
It’s become increasingly common to hear stories of those suffering from serotonin syndrome, but for some, the full scope and depth of this mysterious condition remain shrouded in mystery. Are psychedelic drugs and cannabis capable of triggering this serious medical issue? In this post, we’ll dive into what serotonin syndrome is, how you may be…
The legendary stoner holiday 4/20 is upon us, and so are the transits and astrological happenings associated with it. As spring and warm weather begin to roll in, spirits lift, and people spend more time outside under the sun—and, of course, the stars. Smoking under the night sky is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re a…
Hash is more than just a hot trend with ancient origins: it’s the future of medical cannabis consumption. Because this form of concentrate is deliberately engineered to preserve the natural terpenes and cannabinoid profile of the cannabis plant, dabbing hash is perhaps the most efficient way to seek the potential benefits of medical marijuana –…
Cannabis use is increasing all around the world. The American marijuana industry was worth about $57 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $444 billion by 2030, a staggering growth that reflects it as the fastest-growing industry anywhere in the world. Veriheal consistently stays abreast of current trends by conducting routine surveys among our…
Get your medical marijuana card today
Sign up in under 5 minutes
