“When we change our policy we have to be really careful because we’re clearly sending a message to young people,”
With the recent NFL commitment to studying cannabis as a possible pain management treatment for players, the NBA are now going to be looking into the matter as well including is the plant could be used in recovery and possibly preventing traumatic brain injuries for professional athletes.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver wouldn’t comment on when he thought such a change in drug policies might happen, although he did say that it’s something he’s been speaking to the NBA Players Association (NBAPA) about. During a recent interview with Yahoo Sport.
Any changes to the NBA’s cannabis policy would first have to come through the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association. And when it comes to players, Silver said he’s not so sure that everyone is on board.
“When I’ve talked to players about it, I think they have mixed feelings,” said Silver.
“I think it’s not as much about what guys do in” the off-season, Instead, players are concerned that if their teammates get on the court high they might not play the best and could be letting the team down.
“It certainly isn’t a performance-enhancing drug if you put it that way,” said Silver.
When it comes to potential medical uses for cannabis, that’s something he’s willing to explore as well.
“It has medicinal qualities—those are the things we should be looking at. In terms of pain relief, of course.”
“When we change our policy we have to be really careful because we’re clearly sending a message to young people,” Silver said. “Just like with alcohol, you have to teach young people how to use a substance appropriately and responsibly so it doesn’t overwhelm your life. It’s a complicated issue.”
So, while no commitments to updating the league’s marijuana policies have been stated, he does seem open to the prospect if the NBAPA brings the issue to their collective bargaining negotiations.
It is increasingly possible that the NFL will update their drug policies in the coming year and if that happens it could provide the groundwork for other major sports leagues to make their own cannabis reforms happen.
Source Fresh Toast
Image – Free Photos
