Former NBA player Matt Barnes recently spoke about cannabis use in the league on The Ringer’s podcast Winging it with Vince Carter. According to Barnes, half the league has gone through an NBA-mandated drug treatment program for cannabis use. This alarming statistic reveals the extent of cannabis use in the NBA, and begs the question: should the league reconsider its stance on cannabis use?
The NBA’s Cannabis Policy
The NBA has a strict anti-drug policy that bans the use of cannabis, among other drugs. Barnes himself went through the NBA’s drug program a few times after testing positive for cannabis. He admits to smoking weed throughout his entire 15-year career and used it for pain management and relaxation after games. However, he had to constantly beat drug tests and use Niacin, a form of vitamin B3, to flush his system. Barnes says that it was a full-time job using cannabis throughout his career, which speaks to the extent of the problem.
The Extent of Cannabis Use in the NBA
Barnes says that over 200-plus players were in the drug program, particularly for weed, which equates to half the NBA. This is an astonishingly high number that indicates how widespread cannabis use is in the league. The players who have gone through the drug program range from superstars to rookies, highlighting the fact that cannabis use is not limited to a certain demographic.
Barnes, like many other players, turned to cannabis because painkillers upset his stomach. He found cannabis to be an effective therapy, but had to go to great lengths to use it. His experience sheds light on the difficulties that NBA players face when using cannabis, and highlights the need for change.
The Need for Change
Barnes believes that the league should reconsider its stance on cannabis use. He predicts that the league will allow CBD use within the next year and within two to three years players will be allowed to be prescribed medical cannabis for sleep, focus, and pain. Barnes is not alone in his opinion, as other players have also spoken out about the benefits of cannabis use.
Cannabis is a natural therapy that can be used to manage pain, anxiety, and other conditions. The fact that half the league has gone through the drug program for cannabis use highlights the fact that many players turn to it for relief. Instead of penalizing players for using cannabis, the league should consider allowing its use for medical purposes.
