The unmistakable smell of cannabis has returned to the US Open tennis tournament at Flushing Meadows, prompting reactions from players competing on courts ranging from the main stadium to practice facilities.
The odor has been particularly noticeable across multiple venues at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, from Court 17 to the outer park courts. Players competing in matches have commented on the persistent presence of marijuana smoke during the tournament.
New York legalized adult-use cannabis sales in 2021, with licensed retail operations launching in late 2022. The state's public consumption laws remain complex—smoking marijuana is prohibited in most public spaces where tobacco smoking is banned, but enforcement varies widely across New York City venues and events.
The Venue Challenge
The US Open presents unique challenges for consumption enforcement. The tournament draws over 700,000 attendees during its two-week run, with crowds gathering in outdoor areas between courts. Unlike enclosed stadiums, the open-air layout of the tennis center makes it difficult to identify and address individual smokers.
This isn't the first year cannabis has made its presence known at the tournament. Players and officials have noted the smell in previous years, particularly as New York's cannabis market has expanded. The state now has over 150 licensed dispensaries operating across New York, with more opening monthly.
Tournament organizers face a balancing act. While the USTA maintains policies against smoking in most areas of the facility, the sheer size of the grounds and the volume of attendees make comprehensive enforcement challenging. Security personnel focus primarily on safety concerns rather than tracking down every instance of cannabis use.
Industry Context
The situation at the US Open reflects broader questions about cannabis consumption at major sporting and entertainment events. As legalization expands—24 states now permit adult-use sales—venues are grappling with how to address public consumption.
Some professional sports leagues have relaxed their stance on cannabis. The NBA and MLB removed marijuana from banned substances lists for minor league players. The NFL allows therapeutic use in some cases. But consumption at live events remains a gray area, particularly in outdoor venues.
New York's cannabis market generated over $150 million in sales during its first year of legal retail operations. The state projects tax revenue of $1.25 billion annually once the market matures. But public consumption rules remain a sticking point—smoking is technically prohibited in parks, sidewalks, and most outdoor gathering spaces where tobacco is banned.
What Players Are Saying
Tennis professionals have acknowledged the smell but reactions vary. Some players have commented on the odor between matches, while others have largely dismissed it as part of playing in New York. The USTA has not issued new public statements addressing cannabis specifically at this year's tournament.
The tournament continues through its final rounds, with the men's and women's singles finals scheduled for the coming weekend. Whether cannabis consumption at the event will prompt any policy changes from organizers remains unclear.
This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.
