Understanding Boston’s Cannabis Laws for Tourists
September 9, 2024Boston is a flourishing city full of exciting and interesting things to do, see, eat, and learn. That’s why many tourists make the city their...
Historically, sports have included marijuana products among their banned substances, and regular testing has been conducted not only for performance-enhancing drugs, but for cannabis as well.
However, given the recent surge in legalization over the last few years alongside a concerted push for reform by players within the NBA itself, the testing policy has been amended. Other sports have also made changes in recent years, with some (such as the NFL and the MLB) permitting marijuana use during a player’s off time but not during active seasons.
The NBA’s change to its cannabis approach has not been fully ratified yet. Still, for those interested in the sport and players with a passion for the marijuana hobby, the move is good news. Here is an overview of how things are changing and what those changes mean for the sport going forward.
Previously, the NBA enforced a strict testing policy for a variety of substances, which included cannabis. Players were expected to pass unannounced drug screenings regularly. If the player was found to have cannabis in their system, their first offense would require attending a treatment and counseling program to remediate their approach toward marijuana.
If they were guilty of a second offense, they could face a fine of up to $25,000. The third violation saw players suspended without pay for five games. These approaches to marijuana use significantly impacted numerous players’ incomes and careers. Things began to change with the COVID pandemic.
As drug testing focused on what it deemed to be most important for the sport—performance-enhancing drugs, growth hormones, and easily abused drugs, such as cocaine—the NBA shifted away from marijuana testing. Now, this practice is set to become standard with the elimination of penalties surrounding cannabis use both during the season and in the offseason.
The NBA’s prospective new cannabis testing policy is good news for players, with some figures alleging that up to 85% of participants enjoy marijuana already. However, those who have fallen victim to the previous policy regulations are still feeling the effects today.
Dion Waiters consumed a THC edible during a flight with his team. As a result, he suffered a brief panic attack. The incident was correlated with his cannabis consumption, and he was suspended without pay for the following ten games in the season.
Other players that have been suspended for at least five games for their cannabis use include Al Jefferson (Charlotte Hornets), J. R. Smith (NY Knicks), J. J. Hickmon (Denver Nuggets), Terrel Harris (Portland Trail Blazers), and Maurice Taylor (Sacramento Kings), among numerous others.
The new policy under consideration by the NBA has not yet been put into place, but it is expected to pass with amendments to the cannabis testing policy, making recent changes permanent. Two main changes are anticipated to be included once the league and players’ association have ratified the document:
The changes made by the NBA are an important step to expand the reach of marijuana and reduce the difficulties that professional sports teams face when their free time overlaps with their jobs. The team at Pure Oasis is proud to play a small part in helping our community stay up to date on what’s happening in the world of cannabis, both through the information we share and the high-quality products we offer. Stop by one of Pure Oasis’ dispensaries to take a look at the new and exciting things we have in store.
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