The NBA made headlines when it announced that it would no longer be testing players for marijuana use during the 2020-21 season. As a result, many fans were quick to poke fun at NBA superstar Kevin Durant, known for his love of the herb. With the recent decision to permanently remove the ban on marijuana in the league, fans have taken to social media to make jokes at Durant’s expense once again.
Last night, the NBA and NBPA agreed on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, featuring various new provisions, one of which involves the permanent removal of bans on NBA players for using marijuana.
Sources: NBA players will no longer be prohibited for marijuana under the new seven-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. It's been removed from the anti-drug testing program, a process that began during 2019-20 season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2023
This decision comes after the league’s previous announcement that players would no longer be tested for marijuana during the 2020-21 season, in a bid to prioritize player welfare and mental health.
As marijuana becomes legal for medicinal and/or recreational purposes in many states across the USA, the NBA acknowledged its former policy of punishing players for using weed as outdated and unnecessary.
The move to stop marijuana testing marks a significant step forward for the league and its players, as research suggests that marijuana can provide various potential benefits for athletes, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and pain relief. Moreover, many players have long advocated for marijuana’s use as a safer and more natural alternative to prescription painkillers and other medications.
However, it’s worth noting that while the NBA will no longer test players for marijuana use, players will still be prohibited from using the drug during games and practices. Furthermore, players who test positive for other drugs, such as cocaine or performance-enhancing substances, will still face disciplinary action.
What did fans say about Kevin Durant?
Following this decision, NBA Twitter has seen much chatter, with some, including Kevin Durant and J.R. Smith, rejoicing the new marijuana provision.
One fan wrote, “KD is probably high right now.”
KD is probably high right now 😂 pic.twitter.com/xLV2RCPfne
— Ball Room Service🏀 (@ballroomservice) April 1, 2023
Kd and BI after seeing this pic.twitter.com/IUVHlc5jDY
— Ran Ⓜ️ (@ranthaadon) April 1, 2023
Another fan was uncertain about this decision, “Thats gotta be April fools right.”
That’s gotta be April Fools right
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 1, 2023
Some fans also targeted LeBron James.
Lebron during shoot around pic.twitter.com/tmY2qb2wEr
— ✮Baah✮ (@Mk_Baah) April 1, 2023
Some fans may criticize the NBA’s decision to lift the ban on marijuana. But the attitudes towards the drug are changing rapidly.
As more and more states legalize marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational use, it seems only natural that professional sports leagues would follow suit. While fans may continue to poke fun at Kevin Durant and his love for the herb, the NBA’s decision is a step towards prioritizing player welfare and embracing the evolving attitudes towards marijuana use.
