The MLB is trying to crack down on opiod use in the league and while negotiating changes to the drug agreement with the MLB Player’s Association, the MLB has agreed to stop testing the minor leagues for weed and remove marijuana from the list of banned susbstances.
Players on the 40-man roster are currently not tested for marijuana but all other minor leaguers are and several players have been suspended each year for marijuana use.
Under the current agreement, players are suspended for 25 games for their first offense, 50 games for second, 100 games for third, and then banned for life after a fourth positive test.
In the new agreement, players who test positive for opiods would be put into a treatment program rather than suspended.
No agreement has been finalized yet, but MLBPA chief Tony Clark said he is optimistic that an agreement can be in place before the end of the year.
Mick Lite served for 12 years in the military and is now an entrepreneur and photographer. Has worked as the official scorer and social media manager for the River City Rascals, Statistician for the Missouri Monsters and St. Louis Attack arena football teams, and as the Team Photographer and social media consultant for the St. Charles Chill, SLU Hockey, St. Louis Slam, and Gateway Grizzlies.
