The relationship between professional sports and legal cannabis has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. What was once a taboo subject, shrouded in secrecy and punished with suspensions, is now an open conversation driving policy change and business innovation. The NBA, in particular, has been at the forefront of this evolution. The league’s latest collective bargaining agreement, which removed marijuana from its list of banned substances, is a significant milestone that reflects a broader societal acceptance.
This change didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was propelled by the courage and advocacy of players who were willing to speak their truth. From managing the physical toll of an 82-game season to coping with anxiety and championing social equity, these athletes have reshaped the narrative. Here are 10 basketball players who have been open about their use of cannabis, THCa flower, or THC edibles, advocating for its benefits and even building empires within the industry.
1. Kevin Durant
One of the league’s most prolific scorers is also one of its most vocal cannabis advocates. Kevin Durant has been refreshingly candid about his use, famously telling David Letterman in an interview, “I’m actually high right now.” For Durant, cannabis is akin to a glass of wine—a way to decompress and clear distractions. He played a pivotal role in destigmatizing use within the league, personally lobbying Commissioner Adam Silver to stop penalizing players for testing 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 16-year NBA career, Al Harrington transitioned 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 glaucoma symptoms through the plant. Harrington is a powerful voice for medical cannabis and social equity. He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs in a space where they have historically been disenfranchised, using his platform to push for a more inclusive and equitable industry.
3. Matt Barnes
Known for his gritty playing style, Matt Barnes has been equally bold in his post-playing career. He has openly admitted to smoking cannabis before games to manage pain and anxiety, stating it helped him function at a high level. As co-host of the popular “All the Smoke” podcast, Barnes frequently discusses cannabis use with fellow athletes, helping to break down barriers and normalize the conversation. He has also taken on an executive role as the Chief Collaborations Officer for Chris Webber’s cannabis brand.
4. Stephen Jackson
Matt Barnes’ co-host on “All the Smoke,” Stephen Jackson, has been just as outspoken. The former NBA champion has stated he smoked his “whole career,” using cannabis as a way to come down and relax after the intense physical and mental exertion of games. Jackson has long been an advocate for the NBA to remove marijuana from its banned substance list, arguing against the stigma and highlighting its role in player wellness compared to more harmful painkillers.
5. Chris Webber
Hall of Famer Chris Webber has made a massive splash 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 goal goes beyond business; it’s about social justice and empowering communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. He is leveraging his influence to level the playing field and create generational wealth for people of color in the burgeoning industry.
6. Carmelo Anthony
Another future Hall of Famer entering the space is Carmelo Anthony with his brand, STAYME7O. For Anthony, cannabis is a tool for wellness, helping with focus and managing ADHD. He has approached the industry with intention, launching a creative agency, Grand National, and partnering with nonprofits like the Last Prisoner Project to support criminal justice reform. His venture is rooted in authenticity and a commitment to social equity, ensuring his community has 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 of turning to cannabis to cope with PTSD, depression, and anxiety following 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 Robinson, affectionately 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. Post-retirement, he embraced the nickname “Uncle Spliffy” and launched a cannabis business of the same name in Oregon. Robinson was a pioneer who sought to dispel the myth that athletes and cannabis are incompatible, fighting the stigma long before it became a mainstream conversation.
9. Larry Sanders
Larry Sanders‘ NBA career was cut short in part due to his conflicts with the league’s anti-drug policy. After multiple suspensions for marijuana use, he walked away from the game, choosing his mental health and personal beliefs over conforming to the league’s rules at the time. Sanders was a vocal defender of the medical benefits of cannabis, arguing it was a far better alternative to addictive prescription pharmaceuticals for managing the stress and pain of being a professional athlete.
10. J.R. Smith
Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith has been candid about the role of cannabis in the league, famously revealing that players were “blowing it down” in the NBA bubble to cope with the isolation. He has lobbied for legalization alongside Al Harrington and recently launched his own cannabis beverage. 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 a representation of a larger movement. Through their honesty, advocacy, and business ventures, they have played a crucial role in changing the perception of cannabis in professional sports, proving that one 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.
