A new summary document confirms that NBA players are not allowed to promote marijuana companies as part of a new collective agreement. This is contrary to earlier reports about the deal between the NBA and the union . The league will eliminate the requirement for players to submit to drug tests when it comes THC. However, they can passively invest into the industry.
The document states that players are not allowed to promote marijuana companies, even though they “may” promote a company which makes CBD-containing products.
Players are unlikely to endorse marijuana products or Kevin Durant’s own brand of cannabis-infused products anytime soon.
The “Key Deal Points”, a memo summarizing the CBA that is still in draft form, confirms that other details reported previously are accurate. SFGATE was the first to report on this document earlier Wednesday.
The CBA, which is due to come into effect July 1, allows players to invest in CBD companies with no restrictions. They can also “hold a passive non-controlling stake in a company making products that contain marijuana.”
The league’s policy has undergone a significant change with the elimination of the marijuana drug test requirements.
The deal point paper states that marijuana will be removed off the Prohibited Substances List.
It clarifies, however, that “a team that has reason for believing that one of their players is under the influences of marijuana while engaging in NBA or other team-related activities or has a dependence issue involving cannabis, may refer the patient to a treatment facility.”
Players are allowed to use marijuana off-court, but not at team events or games.
The document states that “The NBA or teams can impose reasonable punishment on players who are intoxicated while participating in team activities or breaking the law.”
This reform codifies the League’s decision of temporarily suspending cannabis testing during the last three seasons.
Snoop Dogg , a marijuana icon and NBA commentator, recently commented on the policy changes. He praised the league for its efforts to allow players the use of cannabis for medical reasons, including as an alternative opioid.
Michele Roberts had previously predicted a change in policy to be implemented soon. She was the former head of the National Basketball Players Association and also joined the board at the leading cannabis company Cresco Laboratories.
The online marijuana marketplace Weedmaps announced a partnership with NBA star Kevin Durant in 2021. This multi-year agreement is aimed at destigmatizing cannabis, and highlighting the plant’s value for “athlete recovery and wellness.”
As more states legalize marijuana, a growing number of professional sports leagues are taking steps to reform their marijuana policies.
Nevada’s sports regulators voted recently to submit a proposed regulatory amendement to the governor which would protect athletes against being punished for using or possessing cannabis as per state law.
The Chicago Cubs became the first Major League Baseball team in the world to partner with a CBD-based company. This follows the league’s partnership last year with a popular CBD brand.
MLB stands out from other professional sports leagues for being more responsive to changing marijuana policies. In a memo from 2020, the league clarified that athletes will not be penalized for using marijuana when they’re not working. However, they cannot be sponsored personally by a cannabis company or have investments in the sector.
UFC announced that in 2021 they will no longer punish fighters for positive marijuana tests.
Separately student athletes who are members of the NCAA will no longer lose their eligibility for play if they test positive for marijuana , under new rules that were recommended last year by a major committee.
As part of the collective bargaining agreement, the National Football League (NFL’s) policy on drug testing has already been demonstrably changed in 2020.
Below, you can read the main points in the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement:
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The article NBA Clarifies that Players Will Not Be Able to Promote Marijuana Brands But League Will Allow Active Investments and End Testing first appeared on Marijuana moment.
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