The NBA has eliminated cannabis testing for players and is considering allowing them to invest in NBA and WNBA teams, as well as promote and/or invest in sports betting and cannabis companies. Until now, NBA players have been prohibited from participating in cannabis sponsorships or business ventures.
While some personalities are optimistic about the NBA's new rules, others are openly against them.
Former Athletes Are Optimistic
Several former NBA players are already supporting the legalization of cannabis, with many advocating for its use and opening their own cannabis shops or creating their own cannabis brands.
Some notable examples include Al Harrington, who co-founded Viola Brands in Los Angeles; Kevin Durant, who partnered with Weedmaps to help remove the stigma around marijuana use among athletes; and Chris Webber, who founded Webber Wellness and collaborated with Jason Wild of JW Asset Management to establish a $100 million cannabis impact fund.
Other former athletes such as Mike Tyson, are also involved in the cannabis industry. Former boxing champion Mike Tyson is encouraging basketball players to use his marijuana products following the NBA's new cannabis testing policy.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Mike Tyson commented on the NBA's new cannabis testing policy and recommended his own brand of marijuana to basketball players, calling it the "best in the world."
He also expressed optimism about the future of the cannabis industry, stating that he looks forward to it becoming a common superfood available in stores and gas stations worldwide.
Critiques From Mexico’s President
However, the NBA’s announcement has not been endorsed by all. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took to Twitter to respond to the NBA and aired other grievances about the United States.
“They threaten to invade, they sell high-powered weapons (...) they do nothing for their young people, they suffer —unfortunately— from the terrible and deadly fentanyl pandemic, but they do not address the causes. They are not concerned with well-being, only money, nor do they strengthen moral, cultural, and spiritual values," Lopez Obrador tweeted. "Nor do they limit drug use, on the contrary, they encourage it even in sports. It's sad and decadent.”
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Photo by Jorge Aguilar on Unsplash.
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