Professional and minor league baseball players alike have taken to using marijuana. It is also popular with fans of the game who are watching at home or at the stadium.
Drug Testing
In Major League Baseball, random testing isn’t really a thing. In fact, it is pretty rare that a baseball player gets tested for marijuana. This sort of test is only done if there is probable cause. The threshold with testing is 50 ng per millimeter of THC.
A baseball player could (in theory) be subject to a fine of up to $35,000 and referral to a substance abuse treatment plan.
In reality, it is incredibly unlikely that any major league baseball player would ever get in trouble for using marijuana. Minor league players, however, are subject to random testing. It is far more plausible for a minor league player to get into trouble for this.
When it comes to drug testing in baseball, steroids and other drugs are a much bigger deal than marijuana.
A big part of the reason that most baseball players aren’t penalized for marijuana is the player’s union. It has a long history of opposing punishment for using cannabis. A vast majority of fans don’t support this either. The growing support for marijuana legalization has also contributes to this quite a bit.
Why do Baseball Players Use Marijuana?
A number of major league baseball players have openly admitted using marijuana for multiple reasons. It is an effective way to physical and mental stress of being a professional athlete.
Reduced Pain
There are certain injuries associated with this game that can cause players a lot of pain. Using marijuana on a regular basis can greatly reduce this discomfort. The less pain or discomfort a player experiences, the easier it is for them to stay on top of their game. Marijuana can mean the difference between a player doing their best and losing out on an entire season due to injuries.
It Becomes Ritual
Another reason that a baseball player might use marijuana is because it is just part of their ritual. A lot of professional athletes are highly superstitious. If they used it once and had a great game, they might keep doing it in hopes of repeating their success.
Improved Focus
There are certain strains of marijuana that also help with improving focus, which can be beneficial to baseball players. The more focused they are, the easier it is for them to perform well on the field.
Using Marijuana When Watching Baseball
There are some people who enjoy using marijuana while they are watching baseball or just before they go to a game.
Some of the reasons people use marijuana for this include:
- Makes it more enjoyable: A lot of people find that using marijuana enhances their overall enjoyment of the game.
- Greater appreciation of the game: Certain strains of marijuana might help you to appreciate the strategies the players use. Sometimes all it takes is a few hits to really see the game that is happening within the game.
- Baseball is a simple game: You should have no trouble keeping up with what is happening during a baseball game when using marijuana. The rules are very simple and everything is quite predictable.
Final Thoughts
Many professional and minor league baseball players use marijuana, even if they don’t come out and admit it. With an increasing number of places in the U.S. legalizing marijuana, there are more athletes openly admitting their usage. It can be a highly effective way for these athletes to reduce the physical and mental rigors of the game.
