The MLB made a big move this week, announcing on Thursday changes to its drug use and testing policies that now make marijuana okay in the world of baseball.
Major League Baseball has removed marijuana from its “drugs of abuse” and has announced mandatory tests for cocaine and opioids. The policy will be effective starting in 2020 during spring training.
For players who test positive for prohibited substances such as fentanyl and LSD, they will be evaluated and prescribed a treatment plan.
According to MLB officials, changes to the policy were agreed to by the Players Association and were made to protect athletes from lethal and addictive substances.
Association and were made to protect athletes from lethal and addictive substances.
“The opioid epidemic in our country is an issue of significant concern to Major League Baseball,” explained league Chief Legal Officer Dan Halem. “It is our hope that this agreement – which is based on principles of prevention, treatment, awareness and education – will help protect the health and safety of our Players.”
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy praised the policy change.
“Millions of Americans struggle with substance misuse and need help,” said ONDCP Director Jim Carroll in MLB’s press release. “We applaud the efforts of both Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to prioritize treatment over punishment.”
