The WNBA has removed cannabis from its list of banned substances

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has officially removed cannabis from its list of prohibited substances following a new collective bargaining agreement negotiated with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA).

The WNBA's policy on cannabis

Under the previous agreement, cannabis was classified as a “drug” by the league, exposing players to penalties ranging from mandatory treatment to fines and suspensions in the event of a repeat offense. The new collective bargaining agreement, finalized in May 2026, completely removes cannabis from the list of prohibited substances.

This decision brings the WNBA closer to the policy adopted by the NBA in 2023, when the men’s league also stopped classifying cannabis as a banned substance. It also reflects broader changes in legislation and attitudes toward cannabis in the United States, particularly in sports where the NFL, MLB and the UFC have relaxed their rules regarding cannabis.

However, the WNBA’s new rules do not completely eliminate testing. Players may still be subject to cannabis testing in certain situations, including if they participate in the league’s anti-doping program, if they are suspected of being under the influence during team or league activities, or if concerns about substance abuse are raised.

Failure to comply with a treatment program may result in financial penalties, while repeated violations of treatment requirements may lead to fines or suspensions.

Addition of psychedelics to the list of prohibited substances

Although the WNBA has softened its stance on cannabis, it has simultaneously expanded its list of banned substances to include several psychedelics.

Among the newly banned substances are psilocybin, psilocin, DMT (dimethyltryptamine), and ibogaine. The agreement also specifically prohibits synthetic cannabinoids, including delta-8-THC and its derivatives.

New business opportunities for female gamers

In addition to anti-doping tests, the agreement also introduces detailed rules governing players’ financial involvement in the cannabis industry.

WNBA players will now be allowed to hold shares in cannabis companies, provided that these investments remain passive. Players may not hold executive, governance, or management positions, and their ownership stake must remain below 50% of the company’s equity.

The companies in question must also comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Players can also actively promote, support, and invest in companies that sell CBD products.

Unlike investments in cannabis companies, commercial activities related to CBD are not subject to any ownership limits or passive investment requirements. Investors can therefore participate more directly in the commercial development of CBD brands.

However, restrictions remain in place when a CBD-based product is associated with a cannabis company. In such cases, partnerships must be approved by both the league and the players’ association. The WNBA also seeks to avoid any confusion between hemp-derived products and cannabis-derived products.