Kevin Durant’s ‘High’ Court Victory: How He Changed the NBA’s View on Marijuana

Posted on by Prathy Dey

Kevin Durant’s ‘High’ Court Victory: How He Changed the NBA’s View on Marijuana

Kevin Durant, the NBA superstar, played a pivotal role in influencing the NBA to remove marijuana from its banned substance list. His advocacy for the plant’s decriminalization was met with a surprisingly receptive response from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. During a Game Plan sports business conference in Los Angeles, Durant humorously recalled that Silver “smelled it” when they met, suggesting that the commissioner was already well aware of the changing perception of marijuana in society. As the stigma surrounding cannabis diminishes, Durant’s efforts have helped transform the NBA’s stance on marijuana use.

Kevin Durant’s Cannabis Investments and Advocacy

During a discussion with “Squawk Box” co-anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin, Durant opened up about his investments in several cannabis-related businesses through his company, Thirty Five Ventures. These investments include Dutchie, Canopy Rivers, and Weedmaps. Durant‘s support for these ventures demonstrates not only his business acumen but also his personal commitment to destigmatizing the use of cannabis.

Influencing the NBA: Taking Marijuana Off the Banned Substance List

Durant’s long-standing advocacy for removing marijuana from the NBA’s banned substance list finally bore fruit. As part of the NBA and NBA Players Association’s new collective bargaining agreement in April, the decision was made to remove marijuana from the list of banned substances. Durant’s passionate push for this change stemmed from his belief that the perception of marijuana had evolved worldwide, and its negative stigma was no longer warranted.

Understanding the Shift in Perception

Durant eloquently articulated his reasoning behind advocating for the removal of marijuana from the banned substance list. He observed that the stigma surrounding the plant had drastically changed, not only in the United States but also globally. This shift in perception is aligned with society’s growing acceptance of cannabis and its various uses. Durant stressed that marijuana does not adversely affect individuals and should be treated on par with other substances, such as wine, which are widely accepted.

Commissioner Adam Silver’s Agreement

During his conversation with Sorkin, Durant disclosed that Commissioner Adam Silver readily agreed with his perspective on removing marijuana from the banned substance list. The commissioner’s understanding and acknowledgment of the changing landscape regarding cannabis use further solidified Durant’s belief that the NBA was ready to embrace a more progressive stance on the matter.

The NBA’s Evolving View on Marijuana

The NBA’s decision to remove marijuana from its banned substance list reflects a broader societal shift in attitudes toward cannabis. As more states and countries legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, the NBA’s stance aligns with the growing acceptance of the plant’s benefits. Durant’s efforts and influence played a significant role in pushing the league to adopt this more progressive outlook.