The National Basketball Association (NBA) has not been testing players for marijuana use since April 2023. Some questioned the move, while others praised it, including rapper, cannabis entrepreneur and advocate Snoop Dogg.
Former NBA player Jason Williams, who played from 1998 to 2011, said even if marijuana had been legal during his playing days, he wouldn’t have used it before games.
Williams admitted he experimented with cannabis during his years in court. However, he didn't believe it made him a better player. Marijuana enhanced his creativity and imagination on the court, Williams said.
“I don’t think anyone should probably smoke before a game, Williams told Basketball Network. "For some people, it might help them, and I’m sure it does, but for me, smoking before a game wouldn’t be a good idea.”
Comparing marijuana to alcohol, Williams, who is nicknamed “White Chocolate,” argued alcohol is “way worse for an athlete.” He said marijuana use was less harmful compared to the risks associated with alcohol.
“After a game or whatnot, you go home and smoke one. It ain’t like you’re going to go out to the club, drinking a beer, speeding, or doing DUI things like that,” Williams said. “If anybody thinks that marijuana is a performance-enhancing drug, they’ve never smoked it.”
Read Also: NBA’s Historic Agreement Lifts Marijuana Ban, Allows Players To Invest In Companies
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NBA Players Venturing Into Cannabis
Some NBA players have even ventured into the marijuana industry, launching and operating their own cannabis businesses.
NBA Hall of Famer and sports legend-turned-cannabis entrepreneur Isiah Thomas has made his dreams come to life.
The ex-Detroit Piston is CEO and chairman of One World Products Inc. (OTC:OWPC), the largest Black-controlled, licensed hemp and cannabis producer in Colombia. One of his missions is to produce hemp cars.
According to last year's agreement with Stellantis, one of the largest automakers worldwide and owner of Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot and other portfolio brands, OWP agreed to develop and supply hemp-based bioplastic components for cars’ interiors and exteriors.
Meanwhile, two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom has teamed up with CBD dispensary Higher Life CBD in 2022 becoming a co-owner of the company.
Other NBA players who opted for the same move include Gary Payton and Carmelo Anthony, to name a few.
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