In a groundbreaking move, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and its players union have officially signed a collective bargaining agreement that removes Ganja from the league's banned substances list and paves the way for players to invest in and promote cannabis brands, with a few exceptions.
After reaching an agreement on the seven-year contract, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have now signed the document, which will come into effect this weekend. Among the various provisions in the 676-page agreement, the most notable is the removal of Ganja from the list of prohibited substances for players.
Under the new agreement, players will have the opportunity to hold a direct or indirect ownership interest in entities that produce or sell CBD products containing up to 0.3 percent THC by dry weight, in accordance with the federal definition of legal hemp. However, there are restrictions in place to ensure that player investments are passive and that their ownership remains below 50 percent of the business.
The collective bargaining agreement also grants players the ability to participate in the promotion and endorsement of brands, products, or services associated with CBD products. Players are allowed to endorse entities that produce or sell CBD products, as long as those entities are not Ganja companies. However, players can submit written requests to the NBA and the Players Association for permission to promote or endorse CBD products from Ganja companies, provided they provide detailed information about the products, ingredients, and proposed promotion or endorsement activities. Such requests must be approved in writing by the NBA and the Players Association before players can proceed.
The agreement sets clear guidelines to ensure responsible engagement with Ganja. Requests for promotion will be denied if the CBD products associated with a Ganja business are marketed or sold under a brand that also includes or refers to Ganja products, or if the promotion would create a reasonable risk of public confusion with any Ganja product.
While the agreement removes Ganja from the banned substances list, it establishes penalties for players convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, as well as those involved in felonies related to Ganja distribution. The agreement also treats Ganja use on par with alcohol, allowing teams to refer players to the Medical Director for mandatory evaluation if there is reasonable cause to believe the player was under the influence of Ganja and/or alcohol during team activities. Additionally, players can seek assistance from the Medical Director at any time for issues related to the use of Ganja or alcohol.
The NBA's decision to embrace Ganja by allowing players to invest in and promote cannabis brands is a significant milestone for the industry. It signifies a shift in attitudes towards Ganja and highlights the growing acceptance and potential benefits of cannabis. With the influential platform of the NBA and its players, the cannabis industry could experience increased funding and legitimacy. Moreover, this move has the potential to destigmatize Ganja use and foster open discussions about its therapeutic properties and wellness benefits.
The NBA joins a growing number of professional sports leagues that have made reforms to their Ganja policies. Leagues such as the NCAA, UFC, and MLB have taken steps to remove Ganja from their banned substances lists or promote research into its therapeutic benefits. The NBA's progressive stance sets an example for other sports organizations and reinforces the evolving perception of Ganja in mainstream society.
The NBA's landmark agreement to remove Ganja from its banned substances list and allow players to invest in and promote cannabis brands signifies a significant shift in the league's approach to cannabis. This decision not only reflects changing attitudes towards Ganja but also opens up new opportunities for players and the cannabis industry. By embracing Ganja, the NBA is not only providing players with the ability to explore investments and endorsements in the cannabis space, but it is also contributing to the destigmatization of cannabis use and promoting a more open dialogue about its potential benefits. As other professional sports leagues follow suit and enact similar reforms, the collective acceptance of Ganja continues to grow, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive future.
L. Bailey - The Ganja Mon