As marijuana use in the United States continues to become increasingly accepted, many people have wondered if NBA players can also partake in its use. With marijuana now being legal in some states and decriminalized or medically legalized in others, it begs the question of whether or not NBA players are allowed to smoke weed. This article will explore this topic and discuss the potential consequences that come with cannabis consumption for professional basketball players.
Can NBA Players Smoke Weed?
The National Basketball Association is a lot more open minded when it comes to marijuana than any other league in the US. For the last 3 seasons, players stopped being randomly selected to get tested for marijuana use. The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver claims that the mental wellness of the players is their priority and if one of the athletes wants to smoke weed recreationally, they can do so.
“Some guys are smoking pot in the same way some guys would take a drink…if they want to smoke pot, whatever, it’s legal in a lot of states. We have no issue with that.” – Adam Silver
Random testing for marijuana was suspended in March 2020, when games were canceled due to Coronavirus. Instead, the league will focus on detecting drugs of abuse such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and opiates, as well as performance enhancing products of any kind.
NBA Drug Testing Policies
Despite the increasing legalization of marijuana in many states across the US, its use by NBA players is still prohibited by the league’s Anti-Drug Program. While Commissioner Adam Silver has softened his stance on NBA marijuana use, it remains a banned substance as stated in the NBA drug policy. It should be noted that this includes cannabidiol (CBD), which is one of over 100 chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant and is used for medicinal purposes. However, due to how weed testing is conducted, some NBA players may still partake in smoking cannabis without facing penalties from the league.
Now, the league focuses on identifying a variety of drugs of abuse and performance enhancers. These are prohibited under the league’s Anti-Drug Program and include anabolic steroids, stimulants (amphetamines), growth hormones, and other banned drugs such as cocaine, opiates, PCP, MDMA/ecstasy, barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
There is also additional testing for beta blockers which can be used to reduce anxiety or treat hypertension. Furthermore, any player found guilty of using these substances will face disciplinary action from the league.
NBA Drug Policy Violations
When a player tests positive for a substance prohibited by the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program, they will face disciplinary action from the league. For drugs of abuse such as cocaine, opiates, PCP, MDMA/ecstasy, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, players are subject to a minimum two-year suspension and may be permanently banned from playing professional basketball. In addition to these substances, performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids or stimulants (amphetamines) can also result in suspensions of up to 25 games for first time offenders.
Players found guilty of using substances prohibited by the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program can be permanently banned from playing professional basketball. However, under the agreement between the league and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), those players who have been banned due to substance abuse are eligible for reinstatement after two years
NBA Anti-Drug Program
The NBA’s Anti-Drug Program is designed to keep the league and its players free from drugs of abuse, as well as performance enhancing drugs. Under this program, a total of 225 substances are prohibited and subject to testing. Players are tested at least twice during the season, with additional drug tests conducted randomly throughout the year.
Those found guilty of using any prohibited substance face disciplinary action from the league which can range from suspensions to fines up to permanent bans. The goal of this program is to ensure that players remain healthy and drug-free while playing professional basketball in order for them to reach their full potential on the court.
Players who are facing problems involving the use of a Drug of Abuse may voluntarily enter the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program. This allows players to receive confidential counseling, treatment and aftercare services in order to help them overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
As part of this program, players must agree to additional random drug testing and monitoring by the league as well as comply with all regulations set forth by the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program. For those players who successfully complete their treatment program, they may be eligible for reinstatement back into the NBA which can allow them to continue playing professional basketball at an elite level.
If a player gets a positive test result during the NBA Anti-Drug Program, they will face disciplinary action from the league. This could include fines, suspensions and potential permanent bans depending on the severity of the offense. In addition, any player who has been banned due to substance abuse are ineligible for reinstatement until two years after their suspension has been completed.
Furthermore, players found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids or stimulants (amphetamines) can also result in suspensions of up to 25 games for first time offenders. As such, it is important that all players comply with the regulations set forth by this program in order to maintain a drug-free lifestyle and remain eligible for playing professional basketball at an elite level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program remains in place to ensure that players remain healthy and drug-free while playing professional basketball. While Commissioner Adam Silver has softened his stance on marijuana use by NBA players, it is still considered a banned substance under this program.
As such, any player found guilty of using substances prohibited by the league can face disciplinary action from fines to suspensions or even permanent bans, depending on the severity of their offense. Therefore, it is important for all players to comply with these regulations set forth by the NBA in order for them to continue competing at an elite level and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
What percentage of NBA players smoke weed?
Harrington revealed that a staggering 85% of NBA players smoke or use cannabis, though few are open about it due to the social stigma associated with the drug. Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the players that Harrington is referring to. Recently, Durant entered a partnership with Weedmaps, an online marketplace for cannabis consumers and businesses. Upon announcing the partnership, Durant spoke out about the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding the use of marijuana.
What happens if you test positive for drugs in the NBA?
If a player is found to have used, possessed, or distributed a drug of abuse, or tests positive for one, they will be either suspended or dismissed and disqualified from the NBA.
