Dec 12, 2019

MLB to remove marijuana from list of abuse drugs, test for opioids, cocaine

Photo: Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Major League Baseball announced on Thursday plans to remove marijuana from its list of drugs of abuse, instead treating it the same as alcohol, ESPN reports.

But, but, but: The league will begin testing for opioids and cocaine, but only players who refuse to cooperate with treatment plans will be subject to disciplinary action. Testing was previously limited to performance enhancing drugs and prohibited stimulants.

Between the lines: Considerations for opioid testing began after Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died following the consumption of a mix of alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone, per ESPN.

Easing marijuana rules also had some notable motives: "Moves by some states to legalize marijuana use factored into the change," ESPN notes.

Go deeper: MLB's plan to overhaul its minor league system

Go deeper

Rebecca Falconer

1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

The latest: George Floyd protests nationwide

Police officers wearing riot gear push back demonstrators outside of the White House on Monday. Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AFP via Getty Images

Protests over the death of George Floyd and other police-related killings of black people continued for a seventh day across the U.S., with President Trump threatening on Monday to deploy the military if the unrest continues.

The latest: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told CNN on the president's quasi-offer: "Thank you but no thank you," and accused Trump of "calling out the American military for a photo opportunity."

Go deeper (1 min. read)

Dave Lawler

2 hours ago - World

The world watches America burn

Newspaper front pages via the Newseum

The world is watching the grief and anger, violence and pain in America's streets.

The big picture: The U.S. accounts for nearly one-third of the world's deaths from COVID-19. The killing of a black man, George Floyd, by police has sparked days of protest and nights of chaos in America's major cities.

Go deeper (2 min. read)

Alayna Treene, Alexi McCammond

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Trump walks to historic St. John's Church outside White House as protests rage

President Trump walked to the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church, located just steps away from the White House across Lafayette Park, on Monday night as protests linked to the murder of George Floyd raged across the capital and cities around the country.

What we're seeing: Military police and park rangers used physical force and tear gas on peaceful protestors to clear the area so that Trump could "pay respects" to the church that was damaged by a fire on Sunday.

Go deeper (1 min. read)