NCAA relaxes testing policies, penalties for marijuana use by student-athletes

Much like the MLB, NFL and NBA, the NCAA is relaxing its marijuana policies and will now recommend less harsh penalties. Currently, one failed drug test for marijuana is a half-year suspension. Now, players could continue with multiple failed tests based on multiple factors.

The NCAA’s Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports increased the THC threshold that has been established by the World Anti-Doping Agency, has raised the threshold for student-athletes from 35 to 150 nanograms per milliliter.

“Reconsidering the NCAA approach to cannabis testing and management is consistent with feedback from membership on how to better support and educate student-athletes in a society with rapidly evolving public health and cultural views regarding cannabis use,” said Dr. Brian Hainline, the NCAA’s chief medical officer. “Marijuana is not considered a performance- enhancing substance, but it remains important for member schools to engage student-athletes regarding substance use prevention and provide management and support when appropriate.”

Here is the proposed new penalty structure, per the NCAA.

• First positive test: No loss of eligibility if the school provides a management plan and education for the student-athlete.
• Second positive test: No loss of eligibility if the school provides additional management and education and confirms the student-athlete was compliant with the original management and education plan.  However, the student-athlete must be withheld from 25% of regular-season contests if they were not compliant with the original management and education plan.
• Third positive test: No loss of eligibility if the school provides additional management and education and confirms the student-athlete was compliant with the previous two treatment and education plans. However, the student-athlete must be withheld from 50% of regular-season contests if they were not compliant with the previous management and education plan.

“These adjustments to the NCAA drug testing program were approved after careful consideration and extensive discussion of the recommendations made by the Drug Testing Subcommittee, which has been meeting since last fall,” said Dr. Stephanie Chu, Colorado team physician and CSMAS chair. “The updated cannabis testing policies create a clear pathway for student-athletes to participate in education and management programs specific to their needs at the campus level.”