NBA Players Can Now Use Marijuana Without Consequences Under New 2023 CBA
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have reached a historic agreement on a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will allow players to use marijuana without any testing or punishment. This is a major shift in the league’s policy on drug use and a sign of changing attitudes towards cannabis in society and sports.
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have reached a historic agreement on a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will allow players to use marijuana without any testing or punishment. This is a major shift in the league’s policy on drug use and a sign of changing attitudes towards cannabis in society and sports.
Highlights of the New 2023 CBA Agreement
The new CBA, which was finalized on Friday April 1, includes several other changes that will affect the league’s finances, schedule, and competitiveness. Some of the highlights are:
- An in-season tournament that will reward the winning team with an average of $500,000 per player on the roster .
- A second tax apron that will eliminate a team’s mid-level exception when they hit the threshold, creating more limitations on the highest spending teams.
- A 20 percent increase in veteran extension limits and a third two-way contract via cap exception, giving more opportunities for trades and free agency for mid and smaller team payrolls.
- A 65-game minimum to be considered for postseason awards, reducing the incentive for players to rest or load manage.
However, one of the most notable and progressive changes is the removal of marijuana from the anti-drug testing program. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, NBA players will no longer be prohibited for marijuana use under the new CBA. This means that players will not be subject to random tests or penalties for using cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes.
This is a significant departure from the previous CBA, which still banned marijuana use but only tested players with probable cause. The league stopped conducting random tests for marijuana in March 2020 when the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and extended the policy for the 2021-22 campaign. However, marijuana remained on the list of banned substances and players could still face fines or suspensions if they were caught using it.
The NBA’s decision to ditch marijuana testing entirely reflects a growing trend among professional sports leagues to adopt a more lenient and sensible approach towards cannabis use by athletes. The NFL and the UFC have also eased their rules on marijuana use in recent years, recognizing its potential benefits for pain management and recovery. Moreover, as more states in the US legalize marijuana for recreational or medical use, it becomes harder for sports leagues to justify their prohibition based on federal law or public perception.
The NBA’s new CBA is expected to be ratified by both sides soon and will take effect from the 2023-24 season. It will run through the 2029-30 season with a mutual opt-out after the sixth year. The new CBA is a testament to the strong partnership between the NBA and the NBPA and their willingness to adapt to the changing times and needs of their players and fans.
How do you feel about marijuana use being 100% allowed under the new 2023 CBA agreement?
