NCAA Loosens Cannabis Regulations And Policies

Student-athletes often have to face some strict rules and policies. However, it seems as though the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is softening its rules on marijuana by updating its regulations surrounding the plant. 

New reports say the NCAA just increased its testing threshold for marijuana and also reduced the severity of consequences when an athlete tests positive for cannabis. The announcement went out on Friday, and as per the NCAA, it said the updated terms still abide by the legal THC levels set by the World Anti-Doping Agency. 

The NCAA’s chief medical officer, Dr. Brian Hainline, wrote in a statement that “Marijuana is not considered a performance-enhancing substance.” However, he explained the NCAA still feels it’s “important for member schools to engage student-athletes regarding substance use prevention and provide management and support when appropriate.”

According to The Athletic, the NCAA raised the threshold from 35 to 150 nanograms per milliliter. Furthermore, if a member (school) within the NCAA offers a management plan and education for athletes who test positive, these students will still be eligible to play.  

The 2021-22 NCAA Division 1 Manuel states that prior to the new guidelines, student-athletes who tested positive for cannabis would not be eligible to play for 50% of the regular season and wouldn’t be allowed to participate until the suspension is over and the student-athlete tests negative. 

But that just changed with the new guidelines. Reports from The Athletic show the complete list of changes and updates made by the NCAA regarding cannabis use, including the following:

• First positive test: Individuals are still eligible to play if their school offers a management plan and education for the student-athlete.
• Second positive test: Individuals are still eligible to play if their school offers a management plan and education for the student-athlete. However, the student-athlete will not be permitted to participate in 25% of the regular season contests if they do not comply with the original management and education plan.
• Third positive test: Individuals are still eligible to play if their school offers a management plan and education, and the student-athlete has complied with the previous two treatment and education plans. However, the student-athlete will not be permitted to participate in 50% of the regular season contests if they do not comply with the original management and education plan.

Although the NCAA just released its updated list of regulations for cannabis use, schools still have the power to create their own policies. But executives from the NCAA felt that loosening regulations around cannabis was a needed start to help athletes make the most of modern medicine.