MLB deal with CBD maker
This new and exciting MLB deal with a popular CBD maker opens the door to cannabis-related marketing. Baseball could be a blueprint for sports orgs entering the CBD space.
Major League Baseball stated on June 21 that CBD is now an “approved category.” This means teams are now allowed to sell CBD sponsorships. But only if the brand has a verification that a product has no THC.
Chief Revenue Officer Noah Garden explains. “We told the clubs if you want to do a deal in the CBD category, it will require two things. One is NSF certification—and none of them are there yet, although around three to five [brands] are in process. The other is to get approval from the commissioner’s office. “It’s a good opportunity for us and the clubs.”
How much money are we talking
CBD could generate up to $4.9 billion worldwide in 2022, with a projection of reaching $47 billion by 2028.
MLB first made waves towards allowing cannabis consumption for athletes over two years ago. That it would be removing cannabis from its list of “abused drugs.” But they would still test for substances such as fentanyl and cocaine. The MLB sponsorship announcement opens the doors for brand patches on uniforms and televised commercials.
The league said it would monitor commercials for approval similarly to how it oversees sports-betting ads.
In this writer’s opinion, to date the most notable drug/baseball interaction is the throwing of a no hitter by Dock Ellis on LSD. I’m sure we have a way to go before it gets on the approved substances list. If you don’t know the story of Dock Ellis this should bring you up to speed:
MLB Deal with CBD Maker Background
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the hemp plant. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful for pain relief, muscle recovery, and anxiety reduction. While CBD is legal at the federal level in the United States, its use in professional sports is still largely prohibited.
The Potential Deal Unclear
Details about the potential MLB-CBD maker partnership are still scarce, and it’s not clear what form the partnership would take. However, if the deal goes through, it could have significant implications for MLB athletes.
Benefits of CBD for Athletes
Many athletes have turned to CBD products as a natural alternative to traditional painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. CBD is believed to have fewer side effects than these medications and may be less addictive. Additionally, CBD may help athletes with anxiety, stress, and sleep issues.
Implications for MLB Players
If MLB were to partner with a CBD maker, it could mean that players would have greater access to CBD products. However, it’s important to note that the league’s current drug policy prohibits the use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products. MLB players who test positive for THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) can face suspension and fines.
Public Perception and Reaction
The public reaction to a potential MLB-CBD maker partnership is unclear. While many people are supportive of the use of CBD for pain relief and other issues, others may be skeptical or opposed to the idea of a professional sports league partnering with a cannabis-related company.
Future of CBD Deal in Professional Sports
If MLB were to partner with a CBD maker, it could be a sign that other professional sports leagues may follow suit. The National Hockey League (NHL) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have already allowed their athletes to use CBD products, and other leagues could potentially do the same.
In 2019, the NHL announced that it would no longer punish players for testing positive for THC, and that it would permit the use of CBD products. This decision was largely seen as a response to the growing number of NHL players who were using CBD products for pain relief and other issues.
Similarly, the UFC has also permitted its fighters to use CBD products since 2018. The organization has even partnered with a CBD company to sponsor some of its events. UFC fighters are allowed to use CBD for recovery and pain management, although they are still prohibited from using THC.
The decision by the NHL and UFC to allow their athletes to use CBD products is a significant step towards greater acceptance of cannabis-related products in professional sports. It’s also a recognition of the potential benefits of CBD for athletes, particularly when it comes to pain relief and muscle recovery.
Conclusion
A potential MLB deal with a CBD maker could have significant implications for professional athletes and the use of CBD in sports. While it’s still unclear what the partnership would entail, it’s clear that the conversation around CBD and sports is only just beginning. As more research is conducted and attitudes towards cannabis continue to shift, it’s likely that we will see more athletes turning to CBD products as a natural and effective way to manage pain, inflammation, and other issues.
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