NCAA Removes Cannabis From List Of Banned Substances During Championships

The NCAA will no longer test Division I athletes for cannabis during championships. The decision was made after a vote on June 25 by its Division I Council. The new rule is effective immediately, and student-athletes who previously tested positive for cannabis will no longer be penalized.

“The NCAA drug testing program is intended to focus on the integrity of competition, and cannabis products do not provide a competitive advantage,” Council Chair Josh Whitman, University of Illinois’ athletic director, said in a statement. “The council focuses on policies centered on student-athlete health and well-being rather than punishment for cannabis use.”

Before Tuesday’s announcement, the NCAA conducted random testing for cannabis ahead of championship events like the Football Championship Subdivision tournament. The organization, however, can still test for PEDs, stimulants, and narcotics.

The NCAA lowered punishments for positive cannabis tests in recent years. In 2015, the punishment was cut in half, reducing the penalty to six months instead of a one-year suspension, according to Complex. In 2022, the organization increased the threshold for the acceptable amount of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) in testing.

Another change accompanied the announcement. College football teams can now have all staffers on the field during the game. Until now, only the head coach and ten assistants.