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 "The old stereotypes are outdated," said Barnes in a special 4/20 edition of Cheddar's CannaBiz.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
Scott Rolen Elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame
The third baseman — a seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner — will be inducted to the hall at Cooperstown, New York in July with Fred McGriff, the first baseman and five-time All-Star elected in a separate process last month.
Load More