Orpik high on business prospects

VANCOUVER— Washington Capitals defenceman Brooks Orpik thinks that if it were five years ago, he would have shaken his head and walked the other way at the discussion of legal cannabis use. He would have paid no attention to it, most likely not giving it a second thought in analyzing methods for healing and pain.

But five weeks ago, Orpik found himself investing money in Aurora Cannabis, a producer and distributor of the plant based in Edmonton. And the 38-year-old’s outlook has changed.

On Wednesday, Canada fully decriminalized recreational cannabis, becoming the largest country in the world to do so. Marijuana is also now legal in12 other NHL cities, including seven in Canada.

With the laws changing in other countries and more in the United States, the stigma behind the use of marijuana among NHL players is evolving as well.

“I think definitely the league and society as a whole are looking at it in a much different light,” Orpik said.

The NHL’s stance on cannabis use is the most lenient of all professional North American sports leagues. The NHL does test for marijuana, but even if a significantly high amount of the drug is found in the testing, it does not suspend players. Instead, NHLers are referred to a behavioural heath program doctor.

Meanwhile, the NFL and the NBA can suspend players after multiple cannabis infractions and the MLB can issue fines. Marijuana is also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The NHL recently sent teams a memo meant to educate players and team officials on pot legalization and safety. Even with the legalization in Canada, there has been no substantive change to the league’s policy.

“They were worried about guys misinterpreting the law, you know,” Orpik said of the memo. “I think they were nervous about guys bringing it across the border because it’s still illegal and the big CBD oil without the THC in it is getting big, especially among athletes for pain management and sleep and stuff.”