There’s a big change coming to professional basketball. The National Basketball Association (NBA) will allow players to consume cannabis without any fines or penalties. During the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, it was announced that the NBA would no longer test for cannabis during player drug tests.
“Since day one, the goal of the NBPA in this negotiation was to protect our players, enrich their lives on and off the court, and establish a framework that recognizes our players as true partners with the governors in both the NBA and the business world at large!” said National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) executive director Tamika Tremagilo said on Twitter.
Press Release regarding NBA and NBPA reaching a tentative deal on new collective bargaining agreement.
Current Rules
The current rules around cannabis testing have players enter a cannabis program sponsored by the league if they are caught testing positive for cannabis. Failure to comply with the program will result in a $5,000 fine. Testing for cannabis was suspended in 2021 as a COVID-19 safety measure. The suspension is still in place as of this writing.
NBA Players Involved with Cannabis Businesses
Included in the new CBA is the ability for players to invest in cannabis companies. Players like Carmelo Anthony and John Wall have invested in companies such as LEUNE. Former NBA player Al Harrington launched Viola, a cannabis company that is in multiple states including Colorado and California. The company sells products such as pre-rolls and concentrates. In 2021, Hall of Famer Allen Iverson collaborated with Viola to launch the Iverson Collection, his own endorsed line of cannabis products.
How many players smoke?
According to Harrington, around 85% of NBA players consume cannabis but many are afraid to come forward because of the stigma surrounding the plant. One player that has been open about his use is two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant. In an interview with David Letterman, the Suns forward admitted to being high during the interview. He discusses his partnership with Weedmaps, and how he’s helping change the narrative around cannabis and athletes.
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