Stern calls for NBA changes of marijuana rules

In this Oct. 23, 2013, file photo, NBA Commissioner David Stern smiles during a news conference after an NBA board of governors meeting in New York. The recently retired Stern was elected Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and will be enshrined with the class of 2014. AP

NEW YORK — Former NBA Commissioner David Stern believes medicinal marijuana use should be allowed, but the league says it won’t allow players to use it for recreational use.

Stern was interviewed by ex-NBA player Al Harrington for the website Uninterrupted’s documentary “Concept of Cannabis.” Stern said he thought there was “universal agreement that marijuana for medical purposes should be completely legal.”

Adam Silver, who replaced Stern as commissioner in 2014, has said he is interested in studying more about the safety of medicinal marijuana. But Stern, who spent 30 years as commissioner, seemed ready to go a step further in his interview.

“I think we have to change the Collective Bargaining Agreement and let you do what is legal in your state,” he said. “If marijuana is now in the process of being legalized, I think you should be allowed to do what’s legal in your state.”

Marijuana is listed as a prohibited substance on the league’s anti-drug program, and players can be fined or suspended for multiple positive tests.

“While Commissioner Silver has said that we are interested in better understanding the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana, our position remains unchanged regarding the use by current NBA players of marijuana for recreational purposes,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.