The NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association made an announcement on Tuesday. Cannabis products will no longer be classified as banned drugs for Division I athletes participating in championships. Instead, the NCAA will treat marijuana similarly to alcohol, marking a significant shift in its drug policy.
The Division I Council revealed its decision to remove cannabis products from the banned drug category. For championships and postseason participation in football will take effect immediately.
The NCAA drug testing program. Is only to focus on the integrity of competition. Cannabis products do not provide a competitive advantage, said Josh Whitman, Chair of the Council.
Student-Athlete health and well-being is and will always be our focus. Rather than punishment and penalties for cannabis use.
Throughout the year, the NCAA conducts a drug-testing program that targets steroids, peptide hormones, and masking agents. During championships, the program also includes testing for narcotics, stimulants, and “recreational drugs,” according to the NCAA’s website. Other substances on the banned list include stimulants, narcotics, and peptide hormones.
The issue of cannabis use among athletes gained significant attention. After Professional runner Sha’Carri Richardson was excluded from the USA Olympics team in 2021. Following a positive test for marijuana. Richardson has since secured a place on the team for the 2024 Summer Olympics after winning the U.S. trials over the weekend.
Advocates for policy change began pushing for revisions shortly after Richardson missed the 2021 team. Despite these efforts, cannabinoids, except for cannabidiol (CBD), remain prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), co-founder of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, praised the NCAA’s decision in a statement. “Slowly, surely, America is coming to its senses after 50 years of the failed war on drugs. It is only fitting that the NCAA remove cannabis from its list of banned substances. As Sha’Carri Richardson qualifies for the 2024 Olympics. An accomplishment earned four years ago. But was wrongly taken away. Common sense is finally prevailing. This decision reflects a positive shift toward sensible drug policy.” he said.
