Earlier this summer, Big3 basketball became the first professional sports league to allow its players to use cannabidiol (CBD). This represents another step toward nullifying federal hemp prohibtion in practice and effect.
CBD is derived from cannabis, but since itโs generally processed from industrial hemp, it does not contain high levels of THC โ the active ingredient in marijuana that makes people high. It’s proven effective in treating a number of medical conditions, including seizures, pain, inflammationย and anxiety.
In June, Big3 announced it would allow its athletes to use CBD for pain management and recovery.
โDespite many states around the country making efforts to decriminalize or legalize cannabis, both medicinally and recreationally, professional athletes who could benefit medicinally are prevented from doing so by league outdated mandates,” the league said in a statement.ย โMore than a dozen countries, including Canada and Israel, have approved CBD-based medications for both professional athletes and consumers … In the U.S., the shift is beginning to happen as the medication is not only used for pain management, but preferred over the powerfully addictive opioids and pain-relief drugs that are often the only other option.โโ
You can buy CBD products over the counter in many states, there is a possibility to buy cbd oil near me. As a result, people mistakenly believe CBD is legal. In fact, many mainstream articles claim it is โlegal in all 50 states.โ But the federal government begs to differ. In fact, the DEA considers CBD a schedule 1 drug, and as such, generally illegal across the country.
A drug called Epidiolexย approved by the FDA June 27, 2018, to treat seizures in a rare form of epilepsy is the only CBD product federally-legal, and then only with a prescription.
People in the cannabis industry who argue that CBD is legal over the counterย rely on the โhemp amendmentโ in the 2014 farm bill. But the law only legalized hemp production for limited purposes. It โallows State Agriculture Departments, colleges and universities to grow hemp, defined as the non-drug oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis, for academic orย agricultural research purposes, but it applies only to states where industrial hemp farming is already legal under state law.โ
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Drug Enforcement Agency released a โstatement of principlesโ to guide interpretation of the hemp section in the Farm Bill. It states, โThe growth and cultivation of industrial hemp may only take place in accordance with an agricultural pilot program to study the growth, cultivation, or marketing of industrial hemp established by a State department of agriculture or State agency responsible for agriculture in a State where the production of industrial hemp is otherwise legal under State law.โ
In short, the current federal law authorizes farming of hemp โ by research institutions, or within state pilot programs โ forย research only. Farming forย commercial purposesย by individuals and businesses remains prohibited.
The definition of โcommercialโ remains murky and hasย created significant confusion.
The statement of principles also asserted that industrial hemp programs are limited to fiber and seed. It didnโt mention CBD oil or other edible hempย products. The DEA has interpreted that to mean they remain illegal. According to the DEA, CBD cannot be sold under any circumstances.
An Indiana TV stationย interviewed DEA spokesman Rusty Payne.
โItโs not legal. Itโs just not.โ
Payne says cannabis plants are considered aย Schedule I controlled substance, and medicinal oils derived from cannabis plants are illegal according to two federal laws: theย Controlled Substance Actย and theย Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. He said confusion surrounding theย Agricultural Act of 2014ย (better known as the โFarm Billโ) is frequently cited as legal justification by those who want to manufacture, sell or use CBD oil. The DEA believes the Farm Bill permits only CBD research โ not CBD marketing and sales.
โAnybody whoโs in violation [of the federal laws] always runs that risk of arrest and prosecution,โ he said.
Nevertheless, people across the country are selling, buying and using CBD, and nullifying the federal law in practice and effect. The Big3’s decision to allow players to use CBD takes another step toward mainstreaming it and further undermines federal prohibition efforts.
Other sports leagues may follow suit. According to a report in Forbes, pro hockey might be next in line. The NHL has traditionally been lenient on cannabis use.
“Hockey has never necessarily been willing to openly condone cannabis use, though, until last month. National Hockey League Playersโ Association (NHLPA) executive director Don Fehrsย saidย itโs ‘possible that the NHL and NHLPA could come to an informal understanding about marijuana usage among players in the League in the future.'”
This demonstrates an important truth. When people begin to recognize the benefits of a substance and markets begin to develop, nobody cares much what the federal government says.
Image used under a Creative Commons 2.0 Generic license via https://vaping360.com/best-cbd-oils/
- One Step is a Step Too Far - February 28, 2026
- Freedom Isn’t Granted: It’s Exercised and Defended - February 18, 2026
- Who’s in Charge? The Founders on Sovereignty - February 4, 2026