Why it matters: NBA player Kevin Durant has revealed that he personally lobbied for the removal of the league’s ban on marijuana. This has led to a new collective bargaining agreement that no longer screens players for marijuana and allows them to invest in cannabis companies.
What they are saying: Durant explained that he called NBA commissioner Adam Silver to advocate for removing marijuana from the banned substances list. He argued that the stigma around marijuana had diminished and that it does not have negative effects.
The big picture: The NBA and its players’ union have reached a new agreement that removes marijuana from the Prohibited Substances List. Players are now allowed to invest in cannabis companies and can use products containing only CBD. The agreement also enables players to refer teammates to evaluation and treatment programs if they have a dependency issue.
What to watch: It will be interesting to see how the removal of the marijuana ban affects NBA players and the perception of marijuana use in the league. This change may prompt other sports leagues to reconsider their policies on marijuana.
My take: Durant’s lobbying efforts and the subsequent agreement between the NBA and its players’ union mark a significant shift in the league’s approach to marijuana. This aligns with changing societal attitudes towards cannabis, and it acknowledges that marijuana use can be considered similar to alcohol consumption. It is a progressive move that recognizes the individual’s freedom to make choices regarding their own bodies.
