In a new memo, the MLB tells players don’t show up high, don’t deal marijuana, and don’t invest in the cannabis industry
This offseason, Major League Baseball made a significant step forward with marijuana reform. The league removed marijuana from its banned substance list, after the tragic death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who overdosed on prescription opioids. Allowing the use of marijuana by players was in a part to manage the growing problem of opioid addiction in the league.
The caveat: Don’t dare show up to baseball parks and stadiums high on marijuana, wrote deputy commissioner Dan Halem in a league-wide memo. Furthermore, the MLB reserves the right to punish players for violating laws related to marijuana, including possession and distribution, as well as driving while under the influence.
According to ESPN, the memo states that players who “appear under the influence of marijuana or any other cannabinoid during any of the Club’s games, practices, workouts, meetings or otherwise during the course and within the scope of their employment” will experience a “mandatory evaluation,” possibly resulting in a treatment program. You’ve been warned, batters and outfielders: Don’t take too much CBD before the game, or risk punishment.
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The MLB also wants to emphasize it will not advocate for players to use marijuana as part of medical treatment. “Club medical personnel are prohibited from prescribing, dispensing or recommending the use of marijuana or any other cannabinoid,” the memo reads.
Most interesting, though, is that the MLB is banning players from investing in the cannabis industry. According to ESPN’s sources, there are players who have expressed interested in doing so. But the league has denied that right to players, though the MLB told players this may change in the future.
“Until such guidance is issued, any such investments or commercial arrangements are still considered to be prohibited in accordance with current practices,” the memo reads.
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Here’s what the league should’ve included in its memo: Players can, however, use marijuana as a medicine, but we won’t inform them about the science behind it or offer any guidance.
What a mixed bag delivered to players, especially as the MLB is trying to combat its opioid problem. It remains unclear what authority the MLB has in prohibiting players from investing in marijuana. How strictly this rule will be enforced, or what penalty players will receive for breaking it, is a bridge the league appears comfortable once it’s been crossed.
