NBA players push for authorization of medical cannabis

The union representing professional basketball players in the United States believes they should be allowed to use medical cannabis without facing disciplinary action from the NBA.

«My own view is that there is substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness and the value it would have for us, particularly in pain management,» said Michele Roberts, executive director of the National Basketball Players Association (NPBA) in an interview with SB Nation. «We’re in talks with the league to see where we can take this.»

However, federal resistance to legalizing cannabis could slow down the NBA's decision.

«The obvious future is that cannabis will likely be decriminalized across the country in the short term,» she said. «It’s a banned substance in our league for now. If we go down that path, we have to protect our players from—and these are my words—a crazy attorney general who says he’ll prosecute violations of the cannabis law and doesn’t give a damn about state laws. In other words, I don’t want my guys getting arrested at airports for possession of a cannabinoid »by federal agents."

Last year, former NBA Commissioner David Stern, had publicly endorsed the elimination of penalties for players who use cannabis.

«I have now reached a point where I personally believe it should be removed from the list of banned substances,» he said.

The current NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, has, for his part, in favor of the use of medical cannabis within the league.

In another interview, Michele Roberts explains that «there’s been a lot of buzz since the start of the year about medical cannabis» and that «many players want to know what it’s all about, so we’ll be having discussions about it.».

She also reveals that the NPBA is conducting its own independent research into the medical uses of cannabis, such as for treating sports-related injuries.

«We don’t have the same pain management issues as in American football. Their injuries are much more serious. But we have pain issues too.»

«I go to the meetings, and I’m used to it now, but eight of the guys show up with ice on their knees. I couldn’t stand it for more than 12 seconds. But they need it just to walk. Knee joint issues. Running from one end of the court to the other. The cardiovascular nature of the game. Jumping. Pain is a topic in sports. It’s about allowing people to use what science suggests is effective.»

Michele Roberts did not, however, specify how far along the discussions were.