The NBA and NBPA have signed a new agreement to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances.

Words by Damian Nicholas

ALL THE SMOKE WITH MATT BARNES AND STEPHEN JACKSON

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have signed a new agreement to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances. This decision comes after similar moves by the NFL, NHL, and MLB, which recently adopted agreements to become more lenient on marijuana use.

Previously, the NBA policy for marijuana use included entering players into the NBA's treatment and counseling program for the first violation, A fine of $25,000 for players with a second violation, and a five-game suspension without pay for players with a third violation. With the new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA will refrain from testing players for cannabis use.

Former NBA players have spoken out in support of marijuana legalization. New York Knicks Player J.R Smith was suspended for five games without pay during his 2013 - 2014 season after he tested positive for marijuana. The league's policy offered players three chances to pass their drug test. Failure over three times would result in suspension without pay. J.R. Smith is just one of many players whose basketball career has been affected by the use of cannabis. Now, former players like J.R Smith, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, and Allen Iverson have come out in support of marijuana legalization.

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The collective bargaining agreement is a seven-year contract. The 676-page document lays out provisions for players with the most notable being the removal of cannabis from the banned substance list. Players will now be able to consume cannabis legally. Players can also invest in a cannabis company. The investment must be passive, and the player's ownership must be less than 50 percent of the business. Players may also promote or endorse any CBD brand, product, or service. The agreement also listed penalties for players convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or engaging in a felony involving the distribution of marijuana.


Although players can consume cannabis legally off-court, the use of cannabis remains barred from games or press conferences. If a player has a dependency or other related issues involving the use of cannabis, the team may refer the player to the Medical Director for mandatory evaluation.

Our advice to players is to contact a cannabis consulting firm before investing. A cannabis consulting firm may provide vital information, such as business analysis and marketing details for a brand you want to invest in.

Damian Nicholas covers cannabis legalization and legalization in New York. More about Damian Nicholas

Jul 28, 2023

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