According to a recently released statement by the NBPA, the deal states that the NBA will no longer test or penalize players for using marijuana. If the team governors and players approve it, cannabis would be removed from the NBA's drug testing program.
The NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) and the NBA (National Basketball Association) have reached an impending agreement for the next two seasons.
According to a recently released statement by the NBPA, the deal states that the NBA will no longer test or penalize players for using marijuana. An NBPA spokesperson said the deal specifics would be available once the term sheet is finalized.
The league and the players' union still need to ratify the agreement. If the team governors and players approve it, cannabis would be removed from the NBA's drug testing program. However, it would continue its suspension of marijuana testing for this season.
In the last few years, the NBA Players Association has pushed for changes in the league's marijuana policy. After years of players facing fines and suspensions for marijuana use, the NBA announced in March 2020 that it would no longer test players for marijuana during the season.
This move was supported by the NBA Players Association, which has been advocating for changes in the league's marijuana policy.
One reason for the NBA's change of heart on marijuana could be the growing number of states legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use. In fact, as of 2023, 38 states have legalized marijuana.
The NBA's decision to no longer test players for marijuana during the season is a step in the right direction towards destigmatizing the drug and not punishing players for behavior that is legal in their home state.
Furthermore, many NBA players are interested in investing in the marijuana industry. In 2020, former player Al Harrington launched his own marijuana business, and current players such as Kevin Durant and Draymond Green have invested in marijuana businesses as well.
By allowing players to invest in the industry, the NBA is not only acknowledging the growing cultural acceptance of marijuana but also helping players financially benefit from it.
The NBA has a long history with marijuana. In the 2000s, several high-profile players, such as Carmelo Anthony and Zach Randolph, faced suspensions for marijuana usage.
However, the league's attitude toward marijuana seems to have changed in recent years. With the changing cultural and legal landscape surrounding marijuana, the NBA appears to adapt to the times.
This move towards destigmatizing the drug is supported by the growing number of states legalizing marijuana in some form. Additionally, the NBA's decision to allow players to invest in the marijuana industry acknowledges the cultural acceptance of the drug and helps players benefit financially.
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