The former NBA star Matt Barnes is on a mission. He wants his former teammates and other professional athletes to be able to use marijuana without fear of punishment or the stigma traditionally associated with cannabis. "The old stereotypes are outdated," said Barnes in a special 4/20 edition of Cheddar's CannaBiz. "We all know doing it throughout our careers how it helped us and the benefits it gave us." Barnes, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in his final season in the league in 2017, is the executive producer of a new Bleacher Report series called "BR x 420"about marijuana in pro sports. It includes interviews with more than a dozen former NBA and NFL players talking about their support for more tolerant cannabis rules, and smoking up. "The fact that they are speaking on it is huge," said Barnes. "We just hope to continue to grow the momentum." The NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with their players' unions that include provisions for drug testing and punishments for cannabis use. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/playing-high-the-role-of-cannabis-in-sports).

Share:
More In Sports
Baseball Players Are Staying Mindful on the Diamond With Barefoot Walks in the Grass
Shoes off and dropped near the visitor’s dugout in San Francisco, Christian Walker begins his barefoot stroll through the perfectly manicured grass and makes his way into right field, where he plops down for a much-needed dose of Vitamin D on a sunny, summer Bay Area day. It's a welcome chance for a good stretch and fresh air following a cross-country flight from Washington.
Load More