3 on 3 basketball league, Big3 will become the first sports league to allow cannabinoid treatment for pain management
Per CBS Sportsooo
The BIG3 will announce it will legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) on Wednesday, league co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz told CBS Sports. This will make the BIG3 the first United States-based professional sports league to allow CBD.Â
“This is a no-brainer decision,” Kwatinetz said. “This is a medical decision. It is a medical and a humane decision. To not allow athletes to use CBD and instead to force them to use opioids is irresponsible and perhaps even disgusting. It reflects an attitude of not caring about player health.”
Kwatinetz repeatedly referenced the opioid crisis, saying that CBD is a less dangerous alternative when it comes to pain management. He said the league, which was co-founded by Ice Cube, has been discussing this decision for “at least six months.” The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances for 2018.
“All the players we talked to have been either supportive or use it,” Kwatinetz said. “Not everyone uses it or wants to use it, but they are supportive of the right to use it. It’s a safe medicine that addresses pain.”
The second BIG3 season began last week in Houston. The legalization of CBD in the league is effective immediately.
