NFL And NBA Will Punish Players For Smoking Marijuana, Even In States Where It's Now Legal

If professional athletes are dying to play for franchises in Denver or Seattle, they may want to rethink their desire.

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Prescription drugs kill between about 100,000 people in the world each year, but marijuana, medical or not, has caused absolutely zero deaths. Weed, pot, ganja, or whatever you want to call it, cannabis has actually been a favorable treatment in the treatment of about 200 different medical conditions. Here are 10 ways marijuana can improve your health, which also act as legitimate reasons as to why legalization should be a serious debate.

The day after marijuana legalization bills passed in Washington and Colorado, NBA and NFL officials are warning players that just because it's legal in the state doesn't mean its okay within the framework of each league's collective bargaining agreement.

"The NFL's policy is collectively bargained and will continue to apply in the same manner it has for decades," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told USA TODAY. "Marijuana remains prohibited under the NFL substance abuse program."

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Similarly, the NBA is warning players that nothing has changed in terms of its approach to marijuana use. “Marijuana is a prohibited substance under our collectively bargained anti-drug program," NBA spokesman Mike Bass told USA TODAY.

Under Colorado's Amendment 64, citizens over the age of 21 can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in their home. In Washington, Initiative 502 creates state-licensed marijuana growers and stores where patrons can legally buy up to one ounce of the drug.

Even while it may be legal for players to possess the leafy substance in those states, using it is where they'll run afoul with the leagues and their respective CBA's.

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(Photo: Flickr / melloveschallah)

Prescription drugs kill between about 100,000 people in the world each year, but marijuana, medical or not, has caused absolutely zero deaths. Weed, pot, ganja, or whatever you want to call it, cannabis has actually been a favorable treatment in the treatment of about 200 different medical conditions. Here are 10 ways marijuana can improve your health, which also act as legitimate reasons as to why legalization should be a serious debate.