The NBA has long been a league at the forefront of cultural influence. From fashion tunnels to social justice leadership, its athletes have shaped far more than basketball. But one of the most intriguing cultural shifts happening today is how professional basketball is embracing cannabis. While the relationship between weed and the NBA used to be covert, stigmatized, or strictly forbidden, today’s stars are increasingly vocal about their use, advocacy, and even business ventures in the cannabis industry.
This isn’t just a headline trend. It’s a signal that the culture is changing. What used to be a suspension-worthy offense is now becoming normalized, even celebrated. So how did we get from secret smoke sessions to cannabis brand sponsorships? And which NBA players are leading the charge?
Let’s take a walk through the hazy history, major milestones, and rising momentum of cannabis in the world of pro hoops.
A League of Suspicion: The Old Stigma of Weed in the NBA
Before we celebrate today’s progress, it’s important to remember where things started. For decades, the NBA maintained a firm anti-cannabis stance. The league’s drug testing policies were strict, and even the suspicion of marijuana use could tarnish a player’s reputation. Weed was lumped in with performance-enhancing drugs, though the motivations for use were often entirely different.
Many players who smoked were not looking for an edge. They were looking for relief. The long travel schedules, physical pain, and high-pressure lifestyle of a professional athlete created conditions that naturally pushed players toward some form of self-medication. Yet, cannabis remained off-limits.
Players like Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace were often stereotyped as rebellious figures, in part due to whispers about their off-court habits. The media fed into this image, casting any cannabis use as reckless behavior rather than a health choice or personal freedom. Even as states began legalizing weed for medical or recreational use, the NBA stuck with its outdated rules.
The Shift Begins: Player Advocacy and Changing Laws
Around 2010, something shifted. The public perception of cannabis began to evolve thanks to increasing legalization, cultural acceptance, and medical research. Players were paying attention. So were fans.
Al Harrington, a former NBA forward who played for teams like the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks, became one of the first outspoken cannabis entrepreneurs. After retiring from the league, Harrington launched Viola, a cannabis brand named after his grandmother who used marijuana to ease her glaucoma symptoms. In interviews, Harrington revealed that many of his teammates smoked regularly, even during their careers, to manage pain and anxiety. He began advocating for policy change and helped shine a light on the hypocrisy of league-wide bans.
Another major figure was Matt Barnes. Known for his gritty playing style and no-nonsense attitude, Barnes openly discussed his cannabis use, saying he smoked before games throughout his career. His honesty resonated with both fans and fellow players. He later co-founded a cannabis lifestyle brand and podcast called All the Smoke, where weed conversations are part of the show’s DNA.
The Pandemic Policy Pivot: Testing Gets Paused
In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, the NBA temporarily suspended random drug testing for cannabis. While this change was framed as a logistical necessity rather than a philosophical pivot, it became a quiet turning point. The league never brought the policy back in full force.
Players noticed. So did cannabis advocates.
By 2023, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) reached a new collective bargaining agreement that officially removed cannabis from the list of banned substances. The policy shift was monumental. For the first time in history, NBA players could consume cannabis without fear of punishment. Even more surprisingly, they could invest in and promote cannabis companies — something no other major league had fully allowed.
High Achievers: NBA Stars in the Weed Business
With the door now open, many players have stepped confidently into the cannabis space. Here are a few of the most prominent NBA names who are either vocal advocates or full-fledged entrepreneurs in the industry.
Al Harrington (Viola)
As mentioned earlier, Harrington’s Viola is one of the most respected Black-owned cannabis brands in the country. He has been deeply involved in social equity efforts, aiming to help communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
Kevin Durant (Boardroom x Weedmaps)
Kevin Durant may be known for his jump shot and MVP accolades, but he’s also part of a new generation of athletes speaking openly about cannabis. Through his media company Boardroom, Durant has partnered with Weedmaps to de-stigmatize marijuana use among athletes and fans alike. He’s discussed how cannabis helps with his mental focus and recovery.
Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson (All the Smoke)
These former NBA champions have created a cultural platform where weed is part of the conversation. Whether discussing edibles, strains, or legal reform, Barnes and Jackson have made All the Smoke one of the most authentic sports shows on the air. Their endorsement of cannabis is constant, casual, and unapologetic.
J.R. Smith
Once known for late-night antics and clutch playoff moments, J.R. Smith has undergone a full reinvention since leaving the NBA. He went back to college, joined a golf team, and became a vocal cannabis supporter. He has said publicly that many athletes use weed for mental health, calling for more honesty and less judgment in how the topic is discussed.
Why Weed Works for Athletes
It’s worth asking: why are so many professional athletes turning to cannabis?
The answer lies in the unique physical and emotional challenges of elite sports. From a physical standpoint, basketball is grueling. Players are expected to run miles every night, absorb contact, and bounce back in 24 to 48 hours. Traditional pain relief often involves opioids, which come with serious risks of addiction and side effects. Cannabis, by contrast, offers an option with fewer downsides.
Then there’s the mental side. Performance anxiety, depression, insomnia, and burnout are common in high-level athletes. Cannabis, especially strains high in CBD or CBG, has shown promise in helping with relaxation, mood regulation, and sleep. This aligns with what many NBA players have described: weed helps them stay grounded.
Fans and the Fade: Cannabis Courtside Culture
The fans are catching on too. As public support for legalization grows, cannabis culture is becoming part of the game day experience. In states like New York and California, dispensaries often see a rush before big home games. Products like pre-rolls, gummies, and vapes are marketed for post-game chill sessions or halftime hits.
Some dispensaries even run promotions during basketball season, offering discounts tied to team wins or player stats. Whether through playlists, branding, or partnerships, weed and hoops are in sync like never before.
Will the NBA Endorse Weed Next?
With these policy changes in place, the next question is obvious. Will the NBA eventually endorse cannabis brands in the same way it does alcohol? Beer sponsorships are common across the league, and players appear in ads for spirits without controversy.
Cannabis still lingers in a legal gray area federally, which complicates things. However, as more states legalize and cannabis becomes a legitimate wellness category, brand collaborations may become the next frontier. Jerseys with discreet weed patches, team-themed strains, or even dispensary partnerships with stadiums are all possibilities.
The NBA, known for being progressive and image-conscious, will likely tread carefully. But the potential is massive. Athletes are now leading the conversation. That alone is a cultural shift worth watching.
Youth, Role Models, and Responsibility
It’s also important to talk about responsibility. NBA players are role models to millions of young fans. The conversation around cannabis in sports should be honest, but also thoughtful. Most players who advocate for weed do so with nuance. They are not promoting mindless consumption, but rather informed use, medical access, and legal reform.
The best public figures strike a balance between real talk and responsible messaging. That’s what many cannabis-positive players are doing now. They are not trying to glamorize weed. They’re just removing the shame.
What This Means for the Future of Sports
The NBA’s embrace of cannabis is a signal to other leagues. The NFL has already softened its stance. MLB allows players to use cannabis in states where it’s legal. Even the UFC has adjusted its drug testing rules.
As cannabis becomes a legitimate part of recovery, wellness, and entrepreneurship, expect more athletes, not just basketball players , to get involved. The cultural gate has opened, and there’s no closing it.
Whether you’re looking for a cannabis dispensary near me to prep for the game or simply curious about the future of sports medicine, it’s clear we’re living in a new era. One where athletes can be honest, brands can be bold, and weed is finally being seen for what it really is, part of the culture.
Final Thoughts
From secret smoke sessions to mainstream media deals, cannabis has gone from courtside taboo to cultural co-star in the NBA. Players are embracing it, fans are celebrating it, and the league is beginning to adjust. Weed in sports is no longer the punchline. It’s part of the conversation.
And if this is what 2025 looks like, just wait for what’s next.
