The NBA will reportedly not test players for marijuana this season.
According to reports, The NBA wants to limit the amount of unnecessary contacts with players, who already undergo extensive protocols that come with trying to complete the season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now a player has to test positive three times to earn a suspension.
Their decision to not test players for marijuana comes at a time where more and more states have grown increasingly lenient about punishing people for weed.
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Last month, New Jersey and Arizona residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana, while South Dakota became the first state to approve medical and recreational use at the same time.
According to ESPN, there are only six states where one of the four major sports teams play that hasn’t legalized marijuana in one form or another: Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
While the league appears to be aligning itself with a perspective towards marijuana use that’s shared with many people across the United States, NBA commissioner Adam Silver remains cautious about altering their stance over how it would be interpreted by their young fans.
“When we change our policy we have to be really careful because we’re clearly sending a message to young people,” Silver previously said.
“Just like with alcohol, you have to teach young people how to use a substance appropriately and responsibly so it doesn’t overwhelm your life.”
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