Did you know there are a few basketball players who smoke weed? Over the years, numerous reports of NBA stars receiving charges for marijuana possession have been reported.
Since the association no longer tests anyone for cannabis, players can now enjoy a blunt without being suspended.
Many athletes have come clean about their weed use ever since the legalization of marijuana in various US states. Some have gone on to become cannabis advocates, educating people on the benefits of using oil from CBD strain seeds (more details here).
But who are these NBA stars, and how has weed helped them?
Here we investigate some of the most famous basketball players who utilize marijuana for its various healing qualities.
Let’s get started.
9 Famous NBA Players Who Have Used Cannabis
It’s estimated that around 85% of the current players in the NBA enjoy smoking cannabis regularly. Below, we look at some of the biggest names in the sport and their relationship with this misunderstood plant.
LeBron James
When it comes to the greatest players of all time, it’s hard to compete with the achievements of LeBron James. This superstar has won two gold medals at the Olympics and led his team to four NBA championships. But does LeBron James smoke weed?
He admitted to using cannabis in a documentary about his life and explained how the herb assisted him. The star has since voiced his hopes for legalization and was seen using a cannabis vape during the 2013 Finals.
Zach Randolph
Before retiring from professional basketball, Zach Randolph found himself in hot water numerous times. Not only was he found smoking marijuana, but he was also involved in physical altercations and underage drinking.
In 2017, this athlete was arrested for cannabis possession and the intent to sell. Fortunately, the charges were dropped, and he received a fine for delaying the officer.
Randolph has always been open about weed and even told a reporter about his run-in with a dodgy dealer.
J.R. Smith
After retiring in 2020, J.R. Smith revealed that he often consumed marijuana while playing in the NBA. The news didn’t shock anyone as the former shooting guard was often seen with a blunt.
Evidence surfaced in 2012 when he was spotted by the paparazzi smoking weed while on holiday with Rihanna.
Many fans suspected Smith smoked before games. One event that left the crowd speechless was when he ran down the clock despite the score being tied.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is another NBA player that smokes weed. This incredible athlete has used his platform to discuss the potential benefits of weed. Durant said that he wishes to remove the stigma surrounding this herb in sports.
He’s currently a board member of Canopy Rivers, a company involved in acquisitions and investments in the marijuana market. This athlete has also joined forces with an e-commerce site offering medicinal and recreational buds.
Michael Beasley
One NBA athlete with a reputation for enjoying cannabis is Michael Beasley. Many pundits and fans believed he consumed weed before games throughout his career. Even sports writers, like David Khan, said he smoked too much marijuana.
Between 2008 and 2019, Beasley found himself at the center of a few drug-related incidents. It’s said that he and two other basketball players set off an alarm in a hotel while lighting up a joint.
Klay Thompson
Another NBA legend that has become an advocate for marijuana use in sports is Klay Thompson. During his career, he became known for posting lyrics of reggae songs on social media, leaving many fans speculating.
After being charged for drug possession in 2011, a reporter asked if he supported NBA players smoking marijuana.
Thompson replied that athletes should only consume weed for medicinal purposes, using marijuana for sleep and pain relief.
Lamar Odom
Not all athletes try to keep their love of cannabis a secret. Lamar Odom is famous for his close relationship with this herb and other substances, like cocaine and alcohol. There are even tons of photos online revealing the NBA star toking on a joint.
Odom faced many controversies over his career stemming from his drug use. Reports came out in 2001 suggesting that he lost his spot on the team because of consuming weed. He failed numerous drug tests and was believed to smoke before games.
Stephen Jackson
In 2018, Stephen Jackson told reporters that he ingested marijuana throughout his 14-year career. He has also retold many amusing stories of NBA players who smoke weed on a podcast with Matt Barnes.
Jackson claims he would smoke before a match to help with pre-game jitters. What’s more, his coach knew about his cannabis use and would give him a high-five after passing his drug tests.
Cliff Robinson
Another star that has smoked marijuana while playing basketball in the NBA is Cliff Robinson. He told reporters that he used weed to eliminate his anxiety and soothe muscle pain. Robinson even attributed his success in the sport to cannabis.
After retiring, he became an entrepreneur in the marijuana market, selling products under his brand, Uncle Cliffy. Robinson has also involved himself in the legalization of weed in the US, supporting bills and cannabis reforms.
An All-Natural Three-Pointer
It’s hard to refute the medicinal benefits of marijuana when there are so many basketball players who smoke weed. Some NBA stars report using cannabis to help with injury recovery, while others ingest it to remain calm and focused.
Do you think marijuana should be allowed in professional sports? Let your voice be heard by joining the legalization movement and start educating others on this incredible plant.
Check out our blogs for any updates on cannabis regulations in sports and how this herb can assist athletes.
Kyle Kushman is an American writer, educator, activist, and award-winning cannabis cultivator and breeder specializing in veganic cultivation. He is a representative of Homegrown Cannabis CO company, has been a contributor for over 20 years, and has taught courses in advanced horticulture at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California, and across the United States. Kushman also hosts a cannabis podcast called “The Grow Show with Kyle Kushman”.
