MLB Removes Marijuana From Drugs of Abuse; Will Now Test for Opioids

MLB has become the first major American sports league to remove marijuana from its list of drugs abuse.

The league, in association with its players union, announced the changes to its Joint Drug Program on Thursday morning. The drug will still be tested for and could result in punishment similar to its alcohol and violence policies.

“Natural cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD, and Marijuana) will be removed from the Program’s list of Drugs of Abuse,” MLB said in its release. “Going forward, marijuana-related conduct will be treated the same as alcohol-related conduct under the Parties’ Joint Treatment Program for Alcohol-Related and Off-Field Violent Conduct, which provides mandatory evaluation, voluntary treatment and the possibility of discipline by a Player’s Club or the Commissioner’s Office in response to certain conduct involving Natural Cannabinoids.”