The NBA could authorize medical cannabis

Adam Silver, CEO of National Basketball Association (NBA), recently stated that the league was «open to the acceptance of cannabis for therapeutic use,» provided that its benefits are proven and that the use of medical marijuana be regulated. Authorizing medical cannabis would allow NBA players to treat their symptoms. chronic pain.

Currently, players are allowed to treat chronic pain with painkillers. However, the use of medical cannabis remains prohibited, even though it is legal in some American states. In an interview with Basketball Without Borders, an event that promotes the «basketball development and community outreach program that brings young basketball players together», Adam Silver said the NBA might change its stance on the issue.

Regulating medical cannabis for chronic pain

https://twitter.com/odaskal/status/897041528983625728

«It's something we'll look into. When it comes to medical cannabis, I'm interested in the science. In my opinion, medical cannabis should be regulated in the same way as other medicines are, to treat chronic pain. The question of medical cannabis needs to be debated with our players. Insofar as science has proven that the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes can be positive, we're open to it. Fortunately, injuries in the NBA aren't as high as in other sports, so there isn't necessarily a huge need,» he says.

On the other hand, Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors, the Californian basketball team, encouraged the NBA to use medical cannabis as a safe treatment for chronic pain. He explains that cannabis is a more effective and healthier analgesic than Vicodin, which can have undesirable side effects such as nausea and constipation.

Before ruling on the regulation of medical cannabis within the team, the players will have to weigh in on the subject as well as the NBA's Department of Justice.

Mehdi Bautier