NBA stops testing cannabis use

The North American Basketball League (NBA) will not test the use of cannabis by its athletes, after the return to competition after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is not yet a final decision for future seasons, at least in this league's return behind closed doors, players will not be tested for cannabis use.

The league and players' association have maintained a joint anti-drug policy program since the 80s. In addition to doping, players were also banned from using methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, opiates and cannabis. However, this return has brought a different policy, where testing for recreational drug use is not part of medical procedures.

This is a somewhat surprising decision, as this season Malik Monk, Tyreke Evans and Dion Waiters all received suspensions and fines for cannabis use. This league decision could mark a change in the future of anti-drug policies, where cannabis will no longer be part of the banned substances.

The news comes at the same time that Michele Roberts, executive director of the North American Basketball League Players' Association, joined the board of directors of medical cannabis company Chicago Cresco Labs.

However, the close relationship between the NBA and the cannabis market is not surprising. Former athlete Al Harrington owns one of the fastest growing cannabis companies in recent years in the recreational and medical market. It is also worth noting that in 2016, Jay Williams, a former league player, stated that “75 to 80% of league players use cannabis in their daily life”.

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