The Debate about Cannabis Intensifies in the NBA: Several Stars Call for Medicinal Use

The United States is one of the most advanced countries in terms of cannabis legalisation. States such as Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska accept its recreational use, and 24 states also permit medical use. However, in 2011 the National Basketball Association defined it as a “banned substance”. As a result of this measure, players that need it and who have a prescription to medicate using cannabis, are subject to disciplinary measures. 

Many of them have said that enough is enough. They believe that the time has come to bear in mind their situation and point of view that sanctions should be forgotten about when the important thing is health. A few weeks ago, the former player Clifford Robinson became one of the main defenders of cannabis as a medical alternative for professional athletes. He knows that many of them are subject to physical and mental stress, and “CBD in oils or topical medications is great for them”, he has stated. For him at least, it has always been useful, while other pharmaceutical chemicals only caused problems and addiction. 

It will not be until 2017 that this matter can be officially discussed in a collective negotiation process with the NBA. However, for that to happen, Robinson says that more athletes should now join the debate. He knows that the important thing is that others who consume it responsibly talk about it. “Until that happens, it will be an uphill struggle".

Other players, like Kevin Durant, also spoke out about the issue; however the majority prefer to remain anonymous due to the possible consequences at work. “How can you tell a guy with a prescription that he cannot use it? You should be allowed to consume your medicine”, said one of them. Another believes that, even if the NBA does not make it public, it should allow its players to medicate with cannabis if necessary. These sportspeople know that things will not change overnight, but now is the time to try. The time has come for the institution to adapt to the times and meet the needs of its players.