Phoenix Suns’ star forward, Kevin Durant, made headlines recently when he revealed that NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, could detect the aroma of cannabis on him during a meeting where Durant lobbied to end the league’s ban on the drug.

In an interview, the 34-year-old basketball icon nonchalantly remarked, “He smelled it when I walked in, so I didn’t really have to say much, you know what I’m saying?” This statement sheds light on the prevalence of cannabis use within the league, with Durant describing it as being as common as wine. Enhance your NBA viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

The NBA’s stance on cannabis has undergone a significant shift. The league and the National Basketball Players Association recently signed a new collective bargaining agreement that removed cannabis from the list of banned substances. This policy change received praise from various quarters, including rapper Snoop Dogg, who emphasized its potential health benefits, especially as an alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals.

Since the 2019-20 season, NBA players have not been subjected to random tests for cannabis. This change has given players more freedom regarding cannabis usage.

Durant was among those who personally met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver to advocate for the end of penalties related to cannabis use. Speaking about the meeting at a sports and business conference in Los Angeles, Durant expressed that Silver understood the direction the league was heading. The commissioner seemingly agreed with Durant’s perspective, indicating a growing acceptance of cannabis use in the NBA.

“It’s the NBA, man. Everybody does it, to be honest. It’s like wine at this point,” Durant asserted during the interview, further highlighting the normalization of cannabis consumption in the league.

Outside of his basketball career, Kevin Durant has invested in several cannabis-related companies, further signaling his interest and support for the industry. For him, enjoying the plant is a straightforward matter.

It’s worth noting that other major US sports leagues, such as Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, have also relaxed their cannabis policies in recent years, following the changing perceptions and attitudes towards the drug.

While cannabis is legal for recreational use in 23 US states, three US territories, and Washington DC, it remains illegal under federal law. This legal discrepancy presents a unique challenge, as states continue to adopt different stances on cannabis legislation.

As the NBA continues to embrace a more lenient approach towards cannabis, Kevin Durant’s outspoken advocacy and personal experience add a new dimension to the ongoing conversation surrounding the drug’s place in professional sports. While the league’s policy change represents progress, the broader legal landscape of cannabis in the United States remains complex and fluid. Get the latest updates from the NBA only on Nextbet Sports.