MLB to Stop Testing Minor Leaguers for Marijuana at Spring Training 2020

Major League Baseball has plenty of problems when it comes to the minor leagues. From talk of contraction to painfully low salaries, the MLB simply must find a way to modernize improve its labor situation without blowing dozens of farm teams off the map.
Good news hasn't come on that front yet at the league's Winter Meetings. However, positive developments are coming regarding how the league tests players for marijuana -- starting at Spring Training 2020, minor leaguers will not be screened for cannabinoids.
The most popular question asked at these Winter Meetings was not: “Where is Cole going?” It has been from minor league players to their agents, asking: “When can I get high?”
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 12, 2019
The answer came today: At the start of spring training, MLB won’t test minor leaguers for marijuana. pic.twitter.com/d9pGwN6f68
Testing for marijuana has become tricky given its decriminalization and legality in several states across the country, as well as in Canada.
Instead of focusing on marijuana, the league is now focusing its attention on far more serious instances of drug abuse, including opioids.
BREAKING: Major League Baseball will start testing for opioids and cocaine. Only players who do not cooperate with their treatment plans will be subject to discipline.
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) December 12, 2019
Marijuana will also be removed from MLB's list of 'drugs of abuse'https://t.co/Sz5ROEBtx2
Opioids testing is particularly relevant after the tragic death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs this past season. This was likely an easy choice for the union to agree to in order to protect players and clean up the kind of drug abuse that takes place in the shadows.
No longer testing minor leaguers for marijuana and instead treating it the way the MLB treats alcohol allows those with medical and therapeutic needs to reap those benefits without fear of suspension, to say nothing of sanctioned recreational use in places in which it's legal.