NBA
Durant: Everyone’s smoking, weed is almost like wine now
The NBA’s new collective agreement has removed marijuana from its list of prohibited substances, with KD being one of its major advocates.
The use of marijuana among NBA players has been a prevalent issue throughout the league’s history. Many current and former players have openly admitted to using the drug regularly. Among active players, Kevin Durant is a prominent figure who advocates for drug use. When marijuana was taken off the banned substances list, there were speculations that KD was involved in pushing for this change. The Suns’ star confirmed that he had spoken to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to support the process.
“I actually called [Adam Silver] and advocated for him to take marijuana off the banned substances list. I felt like it was becoming a thing around the country and around the world. The stigma behind it wasn’t as negative as it was before. It doesn’t affect you in a negative way. He agreed... I just enjoy the plant, it’s simple as that.”
Durant confessed that he attended his appointment with Silver while under the influence, and the Commissioner was able to detect the scent.
“He smelt it when I walked in, so I didn’t really have to say much. He understood where this was going. I mean, It’s the NBA, everybody does it. It’s like wine at this point.”
According to Durant, using marijuana is a safe practice and can be compared to drinking wine. It is unfair to stigmatize marijuana and prohibit players from using it, especially since NBA players are allowed to consume alcohol and take prescription painkillers that can be addictive. Many players have openly supported the legalization of marijuana in sports. In recent years, NBA players have been open about their use of marijuana. Former players such as Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson have discussed their use of marijuana during their careers, and numerous NBA stars, including Alex Caruso and Klay Thompson, have been arrested for possession.
Last season, Durant was again injured for a long time, and in 47 games of the league season, he recorded an average of 29.1 points.