NCAA Division I Council voted to remove cannabinoids from the banned drug class for NCAA championships and postseason football, effective immediately.
Driving the news: This decision marks a major change to a rule that previously had significant consequences, affecting high-profile athletes.
- The NCAA emphasized that the focus of the drug testing program is on the integrity of competition, and cannabinoids do not provide a competitive advantage.
- The change in the NCAA’s policy on cannabinoids reflects the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization across the United States.
The backstory: Previous cases, such as the suspension of Michigan basketball star Mitch McGary in 2014, highlighted the strict penalties for marijuana use in NCAA events.
- Over the years, the NCAA has adjusted its policies regarding marijuana, including reducing penalties and raising the THC threshold.
- The NBA removed marijuana from its drug-testing program in 2023, aligning with the trend of shifting attitudes towards marijuana in sports.
- While the NCAA will no longer penalize athletes for cannabinoids during championships, schools will retain their individual drug testing policies.
