NCAA Removes Cannabis From List Of Banned Substances During Championships

The NCAA will no longer test Division I athletes for cannabis during championships. It was decided after a vote on June 25 by its Division I Council. The new rule is effective immediately. Penalties currently being served by student-athletes who previously tested positive for cannabis will be discontinued.

“The NCAA drug testing program is intended to focus on 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’s focus is 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 are now allowed to have all staffers present on the field during the game. Until now, only the head coach and 10 assistants.