The relationship between professional sports and legal cannabis has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. What was once a taboo topic, shrouded in secrecy and punishable by suspensions, is now an open conversation that drives policy change and business innovation. The NBA in particular has played a pioneering role in this evolution. The league’s latest collective bargaining agreementremoving marijuana from the list of prohibited substances is an important milestone that reflects broader social acceptance.
This change did not occur in a vacuum; it was powered by the courage and advocacy of players willing to speak their truth. From managing the physical toll of an 82-game season to dealing with fear and championing social equality, these athletes have reshaped the narrative. Here are 10 basketball players who have been open about their cannabis use: THCa floweror THC ediblesadvocating its benefits and even building empires within the industry.
1. Kevin Durant
One of the league’s most prolific scorers is also one of the most outspoken cannabis advocates. Kevin Durant has been refreshingly candid about his use, telling David Letterman in an interview, “I’m actually high right now.” For Durant, cannabis is like a glass of wine: a way to decompress and clear distractions. He was instrumental in destigmatizing the use within the league, personally lobbying commissioner Adam Silver to stop punishing players who tested positive for marijuana. Durant has also entered the business side through a partnership with Weedmaps, further cementing his position as a leader in normalizing cannabis culture in sports.
2. Al Harrington
After a sixteen-year NBA career Al Harrington moved from the hardwood to the cannabis industry with a mission. He founded Viola, a premium cannabis brand named after his grandmother, who found relief from the symptoms of glaucoma through the plant. Harrington is a strong voice for medical cannabis and social equality. He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs in a space where they have historically been disenfranchised, and uses his platform to push for a more inclusive and equitable industry.
3. Matt Barnes
Known for his raw playing style, Matt Barnes has been just as brutal in his post-playing career. He has openly admitted to smoking cannabis before the match to manage pain and anxiety, stating that it helped him function at a high level. As co-host of the popular “All the Smoke” podcast, Barnes regularly discusses cannabis use with fellow athletes, helping to break down barriers and normalize the conversation. He has also taken on an executive role as Chief Collaborations Officer for Chris Webber’s cannabis brand.
4.Stephen Jackson
Matt Barnes’ co-host of ‘All the Smoke’ Stefan Jacksonhas been just as candid. The former NBA champion has stated that he has smoked his “entire career” and used cannabis as a way to unwind and relax after the intense physical and mental exertion of games. Jackson has long been an advocate for the NBA to remove marijuana from the list of banned substances, arguing against the stigma and highlighting its role in player well-being compared to more harmful painkillers.
5. Chris Webber
Hall of Famer Chris Webber has made a huge impression in the cannabis world. He launched ‘Players Only,’ a luxury cannabis and lifestyle brand, and partnered to create a $100 million private equity fund dedicated to investing in minority cannabis entrepreneurs. Webber’s purpose goes beyond just doing business; it’s about social justice and empowering communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. He uses his influence to level the playing field and create generational wealth for people of color in the fast-growing industry.
6. Carmelo Anthony
Another future Hall of Famer entering the space is Carmelo Anthony with its brand STAYME7O. For Anthony, cannabis is a tool for wellness, helping with focus and managing ADHD. He has taken a deliberate approach to the sector, founding a creative agency, Grand National, and working with nonprofits like the Last Prisoner Project to support criminal justice reform. His business is rooted in authenticity and a commitment to social equity, giving his community a seat at the table.
7.Paul Pierce
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce launched his own cannabis brand ‘Truth’, a nod to his iconic nickname. Pierce has shared his personal story about turning to cannabis to deal with PTSD, depression and anxiety after a traumatic stabbing incident in 2000. He found it to be a more effective and safer alternative to the pills prescribed by team doctors. His foray into the business includes a line of vape products, and he continues to advocate for the plant’s healing properties.
8. Clifford Robinson
The late Clifford Robinsonaffectionately known as “Uncle Cliffy,” was an early and courageous advocate for cannabis in the NBA. Despite facing suspensions during his 18-year career, he was open about using marijuana to manage pain and anxiety. After retiring, he embraced the nickname “Uncle Spliffy” and launched a cannabis company of the same name in Oregon. Robinson was a pioneer in debunking the myth that athletes and cannabis are incompatible, combating the stigma long before it became a mainstream conversation.
9.Larry Sanders
Larry Sanders“The NBA career was cut short in part because of his conflicts with the league’s anti-drug policy. After multiple suspensions for marijuana use, he left the game, choosing his mental health and personal beliefs over complying with the league’s rules at the time. Sanders has been an outspoken defender of the medical benefits of cannabis, arguing that it is a far better alternative to addictive prescription drugs for managing the stress and pain that comes with being a professional athlete.
10. J.R. Smith
Two-time NBA champion JR Smith has been outspoken about cannabis’s role in the league, famously revealing that players were “blasting it down” in the NBA bubble to cope with isolation. He has lobbied for legalization alongside Al Harrington and recently launched his own cannabis drink. Smith’s openness has helped shine a light on the widespread use of cannabis among players for relaxation and functionality.
These ten athletes are just one representation of a larger movement. Through their honesty, advocacy and business ventures, they have played a pivotal role in changing the perception of cannabis in professional sports, proving that someone can be an elite athlete and a cannabis user. Their efforts have paved the way for a more progressive and understanding future for the next generation of players.
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