Should professional athletes be allowed to intake Cannabis?
There is a lot of controversy over this topic. A lot of people are in favor of allowing the intake of Cannabis and a lot of people aren't. The international body for football is FIFA. FIFA also works with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). According to WADA protocols, "Weed is explicitly classified as a substance that players are not allowed to use". As a part of the protocols, players undergo testing for Cannabis. If they are found positive, they are subjected to punishment, which include suspensions and fines. This is also the same protocol during international play (World Cup, Copa America, CONCAF, etc.) In other regions in the world it is the same protocol, but not all regions.
Some regions are more lenient on regulations. For example, The NBA. For some time, the NBA was very against the use of Cannabis and was also on the prohibited list. A lot of players spoke up about the situation. They felt that it was time to ease up on the regulations to use Cannabis before games because of several reasons. Those reasons being it calms them, makes them in a better mood for the game. A lot of NBA players intake Cannabis before their games. According to NBA all-star Kevin Durant, " It's like wine at this point". As the years go on, the idea of Cannabis is becoming more relaxed and less regulated in certain areas. Should Europe follow the NBA's model and allow the use of Cannabis? Or should they continue their protocol and stability in their leagues?
https://cheapgoals.com/can-footballers-smoke-weed-explained/
This is a very interesting topic that I honestly have not thought about much. The NBA allowing weed is a great example to analyze when looking if Europe should follow in that direction. I think the only concern I could think about when allowing players to intake Cannabis is the affects it would have on their ability to play a sport. I believe instead of enhancing performance, weed would actually reduce performance. Because of this, I don't think there is much harm in allowing player to intake Cannabis. Certainly there should be some regulation with this to make sure players are not high during games or practices, but at the end of the day the use of weed would only put them at a disadvantage compared to other teams.
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting thing to say Kelsey. I do wonder also if it has negative effects during performance, but I've heard on some podcasts that some NBA players even intake Cannibis before games. It may affect each person differently.
DeleteI think that this is a very interesting topic to explore. Sporting leagues are usually very strict about drug use, which makes a lot of sense to me. Drug testing is a way to prevent players from taking substances that give them an advantage in the game. As Kelsey stated above, I am curious about if Cannabis actually leads to any changes in performance. If there is no correlation between athletic ability and Cannabis intake, then I do not think that FIFA needs to take such a firm stance on the drug. I believe that it could be treated in a similar manner to alcohol. If there are changes to one's performance, that would be an entirely different situation though. I also think a necessary consideration is the legality of Cannabis. While the effects on performance may be minimal, if the drug is illegal in a country, then athlete use could potentially be banned for that reason. As Cannabis is continuing to be legalized across the globe, it will be interesting to see how FIFA's stance evolves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Maddie's stance on this. Particularly, the consideration of the legality of Cannabis in specific countries. The recently evolving societal views on cannabis use and more research on its effects are important aspects to consider and have led to some countries legalizing cannabis for recreational use. I believe that the best policies for teams are those that are in line with cultural beliefs, and health and fairness considerations. Thus, perhaps FIFA should allow policies to be made by individual countries and teams. The downside to this, however, may be that policies will not be uniform across teams and might then give certain advantages or disadvantages to teams. This, though, may be the necessary step to take as I imagine people will continue to push for FIFA to take a looser approach toward regulations.
DeleteYou raise a good point Maddie regarding the legalization around the globe. It would be hard for the governing body of FIFA to allow certain policies when regarding cannibis use in one country and not the other. The other countries may feel like their at a disadvantage. If more and more countries do legalize it, it may be a question for the future.
DeleteI very much agree that it depends on the legality of cannabis in the country, but I don't agree that it depends on whether or not it hurts the player's athletic ability. Over consumption of alcohol can certainly hurt a player's athletic ability, but that is not considered when determining whether or not to allow player's to drink, and I think cannabis should be given the same treatment.
DeleteThe debate surrounding professional athletes using cannabis is multifaceted and involves considerations of health, performance, and existing protocols. In my opinion, Europe should consider adopting a more nuanced approach, like the NBA's model. Acknowledging the potential benefits of cannabis and aligning regulations with changing societal views could enhance athlete well-being without compromising the integrity of sports. Striking a balance between player autonomy, health considerations, and performance enhancement is essential for fostering a progressive and adaptable sports culture in Europe.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this A.Frick. I think the slow adoption to stick that balance is a benefit to all. I also think that it could be a team designs. Like passing the ruling down to the states instead of the federal government. Maybe if a teams office gets to decided we could further see the effects that the ruling is having on the league and team. The benefits could be seen but also some of the negative. We will have to wait and see the reactions of the players, staff, and fans involved in the future decision.
DeleteVery well-said A. Frick. The NBA's model has got it down right. They've been very open with the idea of Cannibis and it makes the players happy and their organizations. Europe might have to follow the NBA and their model.
DeleteI agree with this point of view, but I do think it is a bit more nuanced than just adopting the same model as the NBA. I think taking into consideration the legality of cannabis across European countries is an important element in this conversation. I am not fully familiar with legalization policies in various European countries, but I do know the laws surrounding cannabis vary immensely from country to country, which would make this very hard to regulate.
DeleteThe debate on cannabis use in sports really highlights a significant cultural shift. As attitudes toward cannabis change globally and in some sports leagues' policies, it prompts a reconsideration of its place in professional sports. The key argument for relaxation as talked about by athletes like Kevin Durant, centers on its perceived benefits for mood and calmness before games. This situation calls for a discussion on balancing traditional sports ethics and the understanding of cannabis, weighing its potential impacts on athletes' performance and well-being. I think that after listening to how KD and other athletes talk about how good it is for their recovery and mental health when going through such a long and grueling season makes it so I think it should be allowed. Adam Silver was the first commissioner to begin to take the regulations against it away and I think others will follow in his footsteps soon.
ReplyDeleteI do think that Europe should follow NBA's protocol of allowing the legalization of cannabis. However, the big problem is cannabis isn't legal throughout much of Europe so I think thats the first step that will need to be taken. I think if cannabis starts to be legalized throughout Europe then it should be allowed for athletes. Many NBA athletes have voiced their opinion on the benefits of cannabis and I think it is important that they have. I think if cannabis is not misused by athletes it should be legal. I do think though there needs to be some set of rules with cannabis so it does not get out of hand.
DeleteGood intel Chase. Listening to the players and how they talk about the use of Cannibis for them is very interesting and insightful. It is also great to see that Adam Silver is caring about the players and wants to know what they want in the league and how it can make it a better experience for them and the game itself.
DeleteThe debate about cannabis in sports has been a long standing debate. As it is now becoming more legal in society, the push to legalize it in different sports leagues is only going to keep increasing. After listening to NBA and NFL players talk about all the benefits of cannabis, I think that it should be legal in all sports leagues. A lot of players use it already to ease their mental health and injuries after a tough season and legalizing it in season will only increase the output of players.
ReplyDelete- Dylan Yoss
DeleteYeah, the debate around cannabis in sports is pretty heated. The NBA players arguing that cannabis helps them chill and get in the right headspace for games, doesn't really seem to be that great of a reason for it to be allowed. Rather, I think it's more so completely determined by the culture. In the US attitudes are shifting, with some folks even comparing it to having a glass of wine. I think Europe's sports leagues have a decision to make. They could stick with the rules somewhat determined by their culture or take a leaf out of the NBA's book and relax a bit on cannabis. Personally, I think they should go for a more lenient approach as long as it doesn't negatively impact the game or the players' health.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying about it becoming more culturally accepted Jaden. It is seemingly the equivalent of drinking or smoking cigarettes. It is definitely much less prevalent and more taboo here in Europe. However, I absolutely think players should be allowed to utilize cannabis if they desire. It hasn't been shown to have a physical impact on performance in the ways that PEDs do so if a player uses it to calm anxiety I personally see that as a benefit to both them and the sport as a whole.
DeleteI think this is a tough topic in all aspects of society, not just sports. I understand the reasoning behind not allowing cannabis in sports because of the WADA involvement in FIFA. I am confused what they are prohibiting. Are they prohibiting the use of cannabis for players, even when they are not playing? Or is it just in games and practices? If it is banned for everything, even when players aren't playing or practicing, I think that is ridiculous. It really should not be affecting their game if there is no game to play!
ReplyDeleteHey Alex, They are prohibiting the use of cannabis even when they are not playing as well. It is very restrictive.
DeleteI think that the topic is super tough especially when considering the legality in Europe as a whole. Each country is different which means that it would take many many years to legalize cannabis. I think if this could happen then it would have to be a league decision or a EU decision so that there is equality with each team. I think that weed should be decriminalized and that athletes should not be punished for the use especially that it is proven that it does not help the performance of the player.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that the differences between the NBA and FIFA's stance on marijuana use has to do with the fact that FIFA is primarily Europe-based. Sports policies often change in accordance with societal norms, and therefore the NBA's shift towards a lenient stance on marijuana use reflects that attitudes towards cannabis use have become more positive in the U.S. in the past few years. This, however, might not necessarily be the case in Europe, and the attitude and education about cannabis and its benefits must be better understood in Europe for its sports leagues to consider changing regulations regarding it.
DeleteHey Ben, I think it first would have to be a EU decision regarding decriminalization and then FIFA can work with their governing body on the situation.
DeleteI strongly believe that with the growth of cannabis legalization across the continent of Europe that sports leagues should begin easing up restrictions on cannabis and start allowing their players to consume cannabis without punishment. This is more of a personal freedom argument than anything else, and I believe that with the legalization of cannabis in certain countries, the sports leagues should legalize the use of it for their players as they should be afforded the same personal freedoms as any other citizen. I’m curious as to whether you see any other potential complications and would be interested to hear what those may be!
ReplyDeleteI am interesting in gaining a better gauge of why marijuana use is so strictly prohibited by FIFA. From my understanding, cannabis was an iffy topic for a while because there was not enough research on how the drug affects people, however, it is not commonly believed that it has many benefits without having significant downsides. It helps with pain management, chronic health issues, stress and mental health, which are many problems athletes face. I therefore think that unless there is specific evidence of cannabis use hindering players' health or giving them an unfair performance advantage, players should be allowed to use the substance.
DeleteHey Kiara, When it comes to the use of Cannibis and why it's so prohibited is because FIFA is working with so many countries. Not all the countries allow the use of it. You bring up some great points regarding health benefits.
DeleteI love this debate. I am personal supporter of cannabis, I definitely think athletes should be able to recreationally use it. First of all, it really is not comparable to any of the other hard drugs out there. Also, it does not enhance the way you play at all, unless your argument is that it calms you down then I guess so. I feel like smoking weed is a very personal choice that should be left up to the athlete to decide on, it doesn't make them any better so why should they not be allowed to. I barely even consider it a drug, why should they be allowed to use nicotine then? Whole argument is a bit silly to me.
ReplyDelete-Kirk Gialleonardo
Hey Kirk, glad you like this debate. You bring up some great points on the topic. It is a very personal choice and talking about nicotine and Cannibis going hand n hand is very interesting and would be a good debate.
DeleteI think that Europe should definitely switch up there rules to the NBA. With weed becoming a legal drug in most of the world it is looked upon as the same as alcohol to mot people, and since alcohol is legal then it would make sense for weed to be. Also it is not like its an enhancing drug like steroids are so it wouldn't make sense why its banned.
ReplyDelete-Tyler Eyester
Zach Lichtman - Your blog was very intruiging. I think that Europe should for sure change their rules and regulations surrounding canibis to look more like the NBA rules. There are a lot of reasons that the NBA has the system it has, and these reasons would also connect to soccer in Europe. The players advocate for the canibis helping with mental health and pain in the sport. The rules have also changed because of societal changes and this should also be adopted by Europe. There would need to be major regulations and an easy transition to allow canibis for the players. This change would be major for Europe, but there are many changes that Europe is making to look similar to American leagues, so this can be another change that could be benefitial.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kevin Durant. America has really been shifting towards ending the stigma on cannabis, and I've noticed that in Europe that is simply not the case. I don't think that allowing players to use cannabis would significantly impact the sport at all, and would benefit the players a lot more than it would hurt the game. The only thing is, weed has not been legalized in a lot of places in Europe yet. So I think that in order for the rules to be consistent, that weed should be allowed in leagues of countries that have it legalized, or at least decriminalized. If not, then fans might begin to wonder why the players are allowed to use it but they aren't.
ReplyDeleteI feel like players should be allowed to use cannabis as it is not seen as a performance enhancing drug and it has started becoming more legal in many states within the US. Although it is still a sensitive topic, it doesn't add any benefits to a players performance and can also be used for health benefits. It will be interesting to see how different league change or alter their rules for or against the use of cannabis.
ReplyDelete(Samantha Talt) I think that players should be allowed to use cannabis. Cannabis is not a drug that affects or enhances players' performance, and if anything, it would have negative effects on their performance, but that is a personal decision. I do think that in terms of this decision, all leagues should be consistent with their rulings. I think it's really difficult to make this decision, though, only because all countries have different laws in place, so it wouldn't be fair to hold different rulings for different teams.
ReplyDelete