While marijuana.net does not typically engage in sports coverage, there have been interesting developments that have caused us to expand our horizons. Over the weekend we covered how medical marijuana can help patients enjoy delicious foods and be more active. Additionally, we would like to take this opportunity to describe very interesting recent changes in the NBA’s marijuana policy.
Two of America’s major sports organizations seemed destined to miss this season entirely due to labor disagreements. The NFL union and owners did agree to a CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) in time for a full season. There was intense pressure for these leagues to come to an agreement as America was not pleased with watching the battle between millionaire players and billionaire owners play out in the media. The NBA was not as quick to come to an agreement and fans were forced to miss many games from their favorite basketball teams. Once they did, the discussion quickly turned to guaranteed salaries and player movement. However, one key piece of information was not very publicized pertaining to the NBA agreement. The NBA has now become the first major professional sports organization in America to take a sensible approach toward reforming their marijuana policy.
The NBA will no longer be testing its players for marijuana use in the off-season. Marijuana use has far less side effects than steroids/HGH. Oddly enough, marijuana has been tested for in professional sports for far longer than steroids and human growth hormone. Sports associations have taken a harsh stance on marijuana over the past several decades with severe fines and suspensions rendered toward players who are caught with marijuana. One of basketballs most famous elder statesman, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, is famous for using marijuana to help him cope with nausea and migraines. He is still one of the most prominent faces of the NBA and easily one of the best players of all time. It was announced in November of 2009 that Kareem Abdul Jabbar had cancer (chronic myeloid leukemia), but fortunately this news was followed up by his admission in February of 2011 that his cancer was in remission. While we do not know for sure, it makes us wonder if the NBA great helped lead to a change in sentiment on marijuana for team owners and the usually iron fisted Commissioner David Stern.
We live in an age with instant updates and check ins on facebook , although many still do value their privacy. The NBA players feel that what they do on their own time should be a decision best left up to them. This is a major public industry that has dramatically altered their marijuana policy. Hopefully this victory for the players will gather momentum and reward patients and advocates as well.
Finally! I am all for testing against performance enhancing drugs, but really marijuana? Atleast the NBA is making progress, hopefully the other leagues will follow suite.
I don’t think marijuana should be test for at all in sports! They need some kind of pain relief that doesn’t require narcotics. I’d like to know what kind of treatment Mr. Jabbar went through to fight cancer and if that treatment involved marijuana.
This is good news for the NBA, but not sure how the fans will feel about this. I’m sure most of them medicate anyways…in my case, it usually enhances my ability!
I would think that it would help the players relax and not have to turn to alcohol which is a depressant!
Puff Puff pass Shak! Damn, don’t hog it like you do the basketball!
That right there just made my day. Thanks Puffaluffagus!
If steroids are illegal because they give players an unfair advantage, then perhaps marijuana could level the playing field. This was the old notion….new research has shown that marijuana use can strengthen the lungs ( read that here!). Maybe that’s why Michael phelps has such lung capacity.
That is a great point you make about Phelps, and his lung capacity. Too bad he didn’t stand up for his use of marijuana like other athletes have.
It’s about time! I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out that random sports players get tested more frequently than politicians. If the drugs dont alter their performance in the game then who really cares?
I’m with you strain master, there is really no reason to test for it unless the owner has a personal problem with it until it’s reclassified. People should be able to do what they want to themselves if it’s not harming them or others .
Wow, I only get online about once a week to check my email, and now marijuana.net. I have been a proud toker for years, and have finally found a spot to get all of my up to date marijuana news. How cool.
I still think they should get tested. Only because they get paid so much, that if something happens and they lose, who are they going to blame?
Can you imagine a bunch of players getting medicated and then playing sports? I have mixed feeling. I’m sure that most of the players are being endorsed and can not afford to mess up.
What they do on their own time is their business only! We all know the consequenses of our actions and our bodies will respond accordingly. I’m sure if pot hindered the athlete’s performance then he’ll take it upon himself to cut back or quit. Steriod are addictive because of the “extra power” you get. I believe marijuana would help your body relax enough to repair itself more efficiently during rest.
not a good idea
Wait, I thought Marijuana made you stoned, stupid, lazy and unhealthy… You mean that the world’s premier athletes, at the pinnacle of performance, use Marijuana?
Yeah and it really seems to be setting them back! Or at least the dumbass approach to marijuana laws have
Now “Melo” might be as Irie as me @ MSG!!! It’s about time!!!
Im sure the Vegas odd makers would like to know which players are medicated for a game. The reason for testing is too assure a level playing field,unless they all medicate,none should medicate
i agree. i’m one of those peeps. i would like to know.
ITs like with all the athletes, they are still getting to their superstardom, what’s the problem? They should all have to get cards like everyone else to be acceptable and set a good example for the progression of the industry
These guys are supposed to role models and unfortunately it’s not just for people 18 and over. It should be a don’t ask don’t tell thing and not be glamorized. I agree with you daytime, make them all register and get their immunity that way. But I guess each player is taking their own risk, if they have a card they’ll be better off, if not they may face problems.
my money is on the ones who dont medicate. i’m sure they all do, but once its public that who does what…then finger will point. maybe if they lose their endorsements, products will be cheaper for us to buy…only in a perfec world.
What they do in their life is none of anyones business, all or any people who need marijuana for relief should be able to medicate with out any precautions. Rich or poor. Famed or a nobody.
I totally agree with you Sun In Taurus!
I am surprise that they are not going to be testing. I do believe its a step in the right direction. Coming from a pharmacy tech point of view. The Marijuana meds that they might need for pain are less bad for you then the RX prescription.
i be angry if they mess with my moolah