Why it matters: The NCAA, which governs intercollegiate athletics in the U.S., is proposing changes to its drug policy for cannabis. The organization plans to remove cannabis from its drug-testing policy as it does not consider it a performance-enhancing drug and believes that testing should focus on substances that impact competitive outcomes.
What they are saying: The NCAA Division I leaders have decided that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug and that the organization’s drug testing policy should focus on other substances. The Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) has recommended the removal of cannabinoids from the NCAA’s banned drug list, emphasizing a harm reduction approach and the importance of treatment and education strategies over penalties.
The big picture: The NCAA’s proposed changes reflect a shift in attitudes towards cannabis. The organization acknowledges that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug and that efforts should focus on harm reduction rather than penalizing student-athletes who use cannabis. The recommendation comes after a summit on cannabinoids in college athletics and a survey showing a high prevalence of cannabis use among college athletes in states where it is legal.
What to watch: The proposed changes to the NCAA’s drug policy for cannabis need to be approved by Divisions I, II, and III. A formal vote is expected in June to implement the policy change for Division I colleges. It will be interesting to see if other divisions follow suit and adopt similar changes to their drug policies regarding cannabis.
My take: The NCAA’s decision to remove cannabis from its drug-testing policy is a positive step towards aligning drug policies with scientific evidence and a harm reduction approach. Focusing on substances that impact competitive outcomes and prioritizing treatment and education strategies over penalties can better support student-athletes’ overall well-being. It will be important to monitor how other divisions respond and whether this shift in policy leads to further changes in the future.
