The use of marijuana in the NBA has long been a controversial topic. While marijuana use is legal in some states, it remains banned by the NBA due to the league’s anti-drug policy.
However, there have been recent calls from players to lift the ban on weed, with the NBA reportedly agreeing to remove marijuana from the list of banned substances in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Well-Known NBA Stoners
While marijuana use is private for most players, some are open about their love for weed. Here are 5 of the biggest NBA stoners:
Kevin Durant
Durant made headlines in 2019 when he casually admitted to being high during an interview with David Letterman. He openly discussed the benefits marijuana provides him:
“It just clears my head a little bit. It’s like having a glass of wine.”
JR Smith
Few players are as openly enthusiastic about marijuana as the always-candid JR Smith.
He served multiple suspensions for positive weed tests during his career. Retired in 2020, these days Smith focuses his marijuana passion on the business side through partnerships with cannabis companies.
Al Harrington
A 16-year NBA veteran, Harrington has become one of the biggest cannabis entrepreneurs after retirement.
He owns Viola, a marijuana company valued at over $100 million.
Harrington revealed he had to convince former teammate Allen Iverson to smoke weed to get him to invest in Viola in 2018.
Allen Iverson
Early in his Hall of Fame career, Iverson was arrested for marijuana possession in 1997.
After swearing off weed, Iverson was persuaded by Harrington to try it again as part of their Viola business venture.
Thanks to Viola‘s success and his trust in Harrington, Iverson enjoys smoking once again.
LeBron James
LeBron hasn’t explicitly admitted to using marijuana regularly. But some clues give the impression he enjoys weed just like other NBA stars:
- In a 2009 book, LeBron admitted to using marijuana in high school
- He was photographed smoking what appeared to be a joint during the 2013 NBA finals
- In 2020, LeBron‘s son Bronny was caught on video smoking a blunt
Younger Stars Carrying the Marijuana Torch
In addition to proven veterans, some of the NBA’s rising talent has embraced advocacy for weed:
LaMelo Ball
A viral video showed the Hornets‘ young star appearing to smoke a blunt before Charlotte‘s 2021 play-in game.
LaMelo displayed no ill effects, posting 26 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds in the loss.
Josh Hart
In 2020, Josh Hart visited the office of Oregon Senator Ron Wyden with other players part of the National Basketball Players Association. Their goal was to advocate for the NFL and other sports to update marijuana policies as legalization grows nationwide.
What Changed in the NBA’s Marijuana Policy?
After years of negotiations, the NBA and NBAPA agreed on a new 7-year CBA removing all random testing and penalties for marijuana use. Going forward:
- Players will not face suspensions or fines for positive marijuana tests
- Testing will only occur for “reasonable cause” such as behavior indicating potential addiction/abuse
- Mandatory program for first-time positive tests focused on treatment and education rather than punishment
While not explicitly permitting marijuana use, this new agreement effectively ends the NBA’s prohibition without condoning use either. Players can consume cannabis products legally without repercussions from the league.
The Impact of Allowing Marijuana Use in the NBA
What changes can we expect from the NBA lifting its long-time ban on weed?
Potential Increase in Use
Without the deterrents of suspensions and fines, more players may incorporate marijuana for medical or recreational purposes:
- Pain management for nagging injuries
- Aid for anxiety/mental health
- Improved sleep to maximize recovery
- Alternative relaxation/social activity
However, it remains unclear if increased usage would impact on-court performance and player health long term.
Rise of Cannabis Businesses in NBA
Ending punitive marijuana testing also opens the door to more business opportunities.
Besides high-profile owners like Kevin Durant (Weedmaps) and Al Harrington (Viola), we could see even more cannabis companies tied to NBA personnel:
- Cultivation/growing facilities
- Dispensaries and vape lounges
- Edibles, beverages, and other cannabis products
The substantial wealth and influence of NBA players and owners could bring increased investment and interest to the developing legal marijuana economy.
Continued Stigma in Some Quarters
While marijuana perceptions are shifting rapidly, allowing weed in the NBA doesn’t suddenly eliminate all opposition:
- International basketball organizations maintain strict marijuana bans threatening eligibility for events like the Olympics and World Cup
- Youth basketball initiatives (e.g., Jr. NBA) unlikely to promote or discuss recreational marijuana use
- Remaining skepticism about long-term health impacts with more research needed
As such, the NBA will likely seek a pragmatic middle ground, neither explicitly permitting nor prohibiting marijuana moving forward.
Sources:
www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/5-nba-players-smoke-weed-featuring-kevin-durant-lebron-james
www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2023/04/01/64283eede2704e89b68b4585.html
