Kevin Durant continues to be a prominent proponent of the acceptance of marijuana in the NBA.
The Nets star, currently absent for the season rehabilitation after torn Achilles tendon, has been advocating for the removal of recreational drugs from the NBA’s list of banned substances for some time. While appearing in a recent episode of “All the smoke” on Showtime, Durant developed his stance on the grass.
“It’s one of those plants whose taste is acquired. If you like it, You like this. If you don’t, you won’t even be able to get it back. That shouldn’t even be a discussion these days,” Durant said. “It’s like marijuana is marijuana. It doesn’t harm anyone. It can only help, improve and do good things. I feel like this shouldn’t even be a major topic anymore.
Marijuana and its different forms are one of the more than 200 substances banned by the NBA.
Having previously teamed up with a cannabis venture capital firm and partnered with Snoop Dogg to back a marijuana startup called “Dutchie,” this isn’t the first time Durant has shown support for the plant.
Durant, a 10-time NBA All-Star, believes the biggest problem is the way weed is stigmatized in today’s society. He made a point of comparing it to socially accepted substances like caffeine and alcohol.
“Everyone on my team drinks coffee every day. Take caffeine every day. Or the guys go out for wine after games or have a quick drink here and there. Marijuana should be in that tone,” the 31-year-old said. “Why are we talking about this? This shouldn’t even be a conversation now. So I hope we can overcome that and the stigma around it and know that it just makes people have a good time, makes people hungry, brings people together – this plant brings us all together.
MLB removed cannabis from its list of banned substances in December and the NHL does not punish players who test positive. Most recently, Heat guard Dion Waiters was suspended 10 games after consume weed gum then having a panic attack on the team plane.
Other NBA players suspended for marijuana use include Thabo Sefolosha, Nerlens Noel, Larry Sanders and JR Smith. However, Durant believes the stigma surrounding pot use is bigger than basketball.
“We’re starting to get people out of jail on marijuana charges. That’s the next step,” Durant said. “And keep going.” But it’s a plant that was put here for a reason, and that’s to bring us together. Let’s hope this happens (removing marijuana from the list of banned substances), especially in the NBA.
