MLB Removes Weed Ban For Minor League, Ends Marijuana Testing To Crack Down On Opioid Usage

The MLB has taken a huge step and ended its ban against marijuana by removing the drug from its prohibited substance list.

The new lift comes as a part of the MLB’s goal to crack down on opioid use in the league; thus, minors will no longer be tested for the drug, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Back in July, Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died from an accidental overdose on fentanyl, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.

The MLB already doesn’t test it’s ‘big leaguers’ for marijuana. However, the new rule is a big deal for the sport overall.

Before removal of the ban, if players tested positive to weed, minor leaguers would face a 25-game suspension after their first offense, 50-game suspension for their second and a 100-game suspension for their third and a permanent ban for their fourth.

Marijuana is the only recreational drug removed from its banned substance list as there are still dozens of substances on the list, including cocaine, LSD, and MDMA, to name a few.