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NBA Is Now Weed Friendly!

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It’s nice to watch things change. Sometimes it feels like change takes too long, but at least it happens when it does. In a recent move toward greater understanding, the NBA announced its new weed friendly policy, which no longer penalizes players for using cannabis.

What’s the news with the NBA and weed

In the beginning of April, it was reported that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached between the NBA and Players Union. Details were not announced at that time for the upcoming seven-year deal, but a couple points were released by sources briefed on it. The agreement was not finalized at that time, as it had to be ratified by both the players and the team owners. Here are some included points:

  • Investment – players can invest in both NBA and WNBA teams. This can be done through a private equity firm. Players also can invest in gambling and cannabis companies, and promote them. Plus they can sign endorsement deals with sports betting companies so long as they are non-gambling enterprises.
  • Prize money – set to $500,000 per player for the In-Season championship team.
  • Eligibility – Players must be in 65 games for eligibility to awards like MVP.
  • Testing – Required for NBA Combine players if their team is selected.
  • Taxes – A second tax apron is to be instituted that gets rid of mid-level taxpayer exceptions for teams.
  • Salary – An increase in veteran extension limits which allows a 140% increases from 120%, in the first year of an extension.
  • And weed – Cannabis will no longer be tested for by the NBA, and players will not be penalized for use.

This news was met with a good response by the public. Unsurprisingly, Snoop Dog came out in support, saying on the ESPN show “Stephen A’s World”, that this is very positive in terms of the “medical side of it, the health benefits and how it could actually help ease the opioids and all the pills that they’ve been given and the injections.”


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He went on to say, “As long as it doesn’t enhance your skills to make you play better or to give you an advantage, you should be able to treat yourself and to heal yourself.” Snoop is a longtime supporter of cannabis in professional sports, as it gives a better option to harder drugs like opioids.

The agreement was officially ratified on April 26th. The new agreement’s policies start this July, and run through the 2030 playing season. If both the NBA and its players opt for it, it can be ended before this time.

Previous weed policy in the NBA

Like most other parts of life, due to complete prohibition for many decades, up until recently the NBA didn’t allow cannabis in any capacity. This changed in 2020, when the NBA instituted an at-the-time temporary policy to stop testing all players for cannabis, and to only test those who seem to have problematic use. The idea was to ignore what qualifies as casual use. This halt in random drug testing happened in time for the 2020-2021 season. The policy was then extended in following years.

Said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in 2020, “We decided that, given all the things that were happening in society, given all the pressures and stress that players were under, that we didn’t need to act as Big Brother right now. I think society’s views around marijuana has changed to a certain extent.”

In October 2022, this policy was extended for the third season straight. Under the policy, players are still tested when there is probable cause, but that’s it. This is in contrast to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which chose not to take cannabis off its list of banned substances, even despite a controversy involving US runner Sha’Carri Richardson, who was disqualified from the Olympics for a positive THC test in 2020.

The reasoning given by WADA? That cannabis “violates the spirit of sport.” These policies are only applicable, during a relevant season, and in 2013, the testing threshold was raised to 150 ng/mL from 15 for cannabis in urine. For 2023, weed remained in its place with WADA, but whereas a violation used to result in sometimes years of suspension, these suspensions are now shortened to sometimes as low as a month; especially if the athlete can show they used the cannabis product outside of – and unrelated to – the sporting event.

NBA just set policy to become more weed friendly
NBA just set policy to become more weed friendly

Originally, the NBA standard procedure for positive drug tests involved entering the player to treatment and counseling for the first infraction, which was mandatory. For a second infraction there was a fine of $25,000 as well as counseling (but with no subjection to in-patient or aftercare treatment). For the third, the player was put on a five game suspension without pay. After that, players were suspended without pay, with each new infraction adding five more games to the suspension time.

Back in 2015, Larry Sanders, the center for the Milwaukee Bucks, exemplified this policy. That year with his fourth infraction, he was suspended for 10 games without pay. His first suspension of five games came the previous season. Sanders’ violations were all related to medical cannabis use, which the athlete spoke of as a useful treatment.

In other professional sports…

Apart from the WADA, which has not removed cannabis from its banned substances list, other US professional sports associations have loosened policy on cannabis use. In the collective bargaining agreement prior to the 2020-2021 season of the NFL, the policy was updated to restrict use only during the playing season, with an allowance for use in the off season.

The agreement also increased the amount of weed in the system for a positive result, from 35ng to 150ng. And it ended the policy of suspending players, leaving only fines instead. Prior to that, 10 positive results meant a player was looking at a year-long suspension. Now, players are required to undergo testing one time at the beginning of a season; a vast improvement from previous policy which required that 10 players per team get tested weekly.

When it comes to the NHL, cannabis isn’t a banned substance. Not only are players not randomly tested for it; even if they do show to have substantially high levels in their system, they can still deny entry into the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program. If they choose to do the program, the NHL won’t know they did. This is the most progressive policy thus far in US professional sports.

For MLB, cannabis was removed from the banned substances list in 2019, and players can use it without an issue in the off season. Technically, they’re not tested directly for weed even in the official season, but can run into problems if they appear to be visually high. In MLB’s drug policy, cannabis is still considered a “drug of abuse.”

NBA no longer punishing cannabis use
NBA no longer punishing cannabis use

As a “drug of abuse,” if a player is tested for it and comes out positive, they must go to mandatory counseling. A second infraction leads to a suspension of up to 100 games. As a non-performance enhancing drug, MLB’s reasoning is that since it can affect both health and the career of the athlete, that its within MLB’s jurisdiction to protect players from it.

Lastly, the UFC, also updated policy recently. In January 2021, it was reported that the UFC would no longer penalize fighters for testing positive for weed. According to Jeff Novitzky, the Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC, “The bottom line is that in regard to marijuana, we care about what an athlete consumed the day of a fight, not days or weeks before a fight, which has often been the case.” He went on to say there is “poor scientific correlation to in-competition impairment” from high levels of THC.

Conclusion

With the NBA officially adopting this new weed friendly policy, professional sports in America are that much closer to full acceptance. Perhaps in the near future we’ll actually see a final dropping of these unnecessary restrictions. Even in places like the Olympics.

Welcome readers. Cool to have you with us at Cannadelics.com; a news source in the independent space, bringing you high quality reporting in the worlds of legal and illegal drugs. Head our way whenever possible to stay on top of the issues; and sign up to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, so you’re sure to get all the updates and offers, direct to your email.



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A Hiring Wave on the Horizon

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The U.S. cannabis industry is on the brink of a significant hiring wave in 2024, spurred by a 12% increase in legal sales in 2023, reaching $29 billion. This growth, alongside potential federal reclassification of cannabis, is expected to create up to 100,000 new jobs, particularly in the retail sector, where 93% of companies plan to expand their workforce. The Vangst 2024 Cannabis Salary Guide highlights an industry ready to bounce back from previous economic stagnation, with a strong emphasis on experience, adaptability, and cultural fit in prospective employees.

The cannabis sector is poised for a massive expansion in employment opportunities in 2024, following a year of economic challenges and layoffs. This optimistic forecast comes from Vangst’s latest industry salary guide, which anticipates a hiring boom driven by increased legal cannabis sales and the potential for federal rescheduling. The anticipated move to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III could significantly reduce tax burdens, increase company valuations, and attract more investors, according to Viridian Capital Advisors.

Retail cannabis companies are at the forefront of this hiring surge, with nearly all surveyed indicating plans to bolster their teams in response to growing demand and market expansion. The focus is not just on filling positions but on finding candidates who can navigate the evolving legal and market landscape, prioritize cultural fit, and possess strong communication skills over traditional qualifications.

Salaries in the cannabis industry have also seen an uptick, with top-end wages growing by 4.7%, outpacing the national non-cannabis average. However, the sector still trails behind others in offering comprehensive benefits packages, a gap that affects employee satisfaction and retention. The demand for health insurance and better work-life balance is clear among job seekers in the cannabis space.

Diversity and inclusion are gaining traction within cannabis company hiring practices, with a significant portion of companies implementing strategies to create a more inclusive workforce. The industry’s employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities highlights its diverse nature, but there remains room for improvement.

Why It Matters: This hiring wave marks a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry, signaling a shift towards recovery and growth after a period of stagnation. It underscores the industry’s resilience and its potential to contribute significantly to the economy through job creation and increased sales.

Potential Implications: The anticipated hiring boom in the cannabis industry could lead to wider acceptance and normalization of cannabis use, further influencing policy changes and societal attitudes. Additionally, the focus on diversity and inclusion could set a precedent for other sectors, promoting a more inclusive workforce across industries.

Source: Green Market Report



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86% of Californians Support Legal Cannabis Markets

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A recent survey conducted by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and FM3 Research reveals that a significant majority of Californians, 86%, believe it’s important to purchase cannabis from legal markets. The survey also indicates growing support for Proposition 64 and highlights the need for consumer education on legal cannabis procurement.

California, a pioneer in legalizing medical cannabis in 1996 and later adult-use cannabis in 2016, has developed into the world’s largest cannabis market. The DCC’s Real California Cannabis Campaign, aimed at guiding consumers to licensed dispensaries, commissioned FM3 Research to survey over 1,000 California adults to gauge their attitudes towards the state’s cannabis market. Key findings include:

  • 62% view Proposition 64 positively, suggesting increased support for cannabis reform.
  • 86% of respondents stress the importance of buying cannabis from legal sources.
  • 72% feel consumers should ensure they’re purchasing from licensed retailers.
  • Despite the legal market’s size, illegal sales remain prevalent, with two-thirds of cannabis sales in 2022 coming from the illicit market.
  • The California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) reported significant seizures in 2023, including over $312 million in illegal cannabis and 119 firearms, showcasing efforts to combat illegal operations.
  • The survey uncovered education gaps, with 85% of respondents in areas where retail cannabis is banned either misinformed or unaware of local cannabis laws.
  • Opinions on identifying licensed retailers were divided, with 44% finding it easy and 42% finding it challenging.

Why It Matters: This survey underscores the growing acceptance of legal cannabis markets among Californians and the critical role of consumer education in supporting legal operations. It highlights the ongoing battle against illicit sales and the importance of regulatory efforts to ensure a safe, legal cannabis market.

Potential Implications: The findings could influence future cannabis policies in California, emphasizing the need for public education campaigns and stricter enforcement against illegal operations. It also suggests a potential shift in consumer behavior towards supporting legal cannabis sources, which could further legitimize and stabilize the legal market.

Source: High Times



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Menthol Cigarette Ban Could Save Lives in the Black Community

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A study simulating the public health impact of a US menthol cigarette ban reveals significant potential benefits for the non-Hispanic black population. Implementing the ban could lead to a substantial decrease in smoking rates, resulting in approximately 255,895 premature deaths averted and 4.0 million life years gained over a 40-year period.

The US FDA‘s (Food and Drug Administration) proposal to ban menthol cigarettes has sparked a critical analysis of its potential public health effects, especially among the non-Hispanic black (NHB) population, who have higher rates of menthol cigarette use. A simulation study applied the Menthol Smoking and Vaping Model to the NHB population, comparing a status quo scenario with a menthol ban scenario from 2021 to 2060.

The findings suggest that the ban could lead to a 35.7% reduction in overall smoking by 2026 and a 25.3% reduction by 2060, compared to the status quo. This reduction in smoking rates is projected to avert approximately 255,895 premature deaths and gain 4.0 million life years over the 40-year period, highlighting the ban’s potential to significantly reduce smoking-associated health impacts and disparities within the NHB population.

Why It Matters: The study underscores the importance of implementing a menthol cigarette ban to address health disparities and improve public health outcomes, particularly among the non-Hispanic black population. By significantly reducing smoking rates, the ban could lead to considerable health gains and contribute to narrowing the health disparity gap.

Potential Implications: The findings support the FDA’s proposal for a menthol cigarette ban, suggesting it could be a crucial step toward reducing health disparities and improving public health. This study may influence policy decisions and encourage further research on the impact of tobacco product regulation on different population groups.

Source: NY Times

More stats: Current smoking has declined from 20.9% (nearly 21 of every 100 adults) in 2005 to 11.5% (nearly 12 of every 100 adults) in 2021. More data is the “Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States” report by the CDC.



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