On January 10, 2024, the NCAA shared a “Governance Update”, introducing a proposal pushed forward by the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee that would remove cannabinoids from the list of substances included in drug testing at NCAA championships.
“Cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug, and we determined that the drug testing conducted at NCAA championships should focus on substances that impact competitive outcomes…” Adding “To be clear, this does not mean that NCAA members condone or promote use of cannabinoids. However, rather than focus on testing and subsequently penalizing student-athletes who use cannabis, NCAA efforts should focus on a harm reduction strategy, similar to substances like alcohol.”
Pat Chun, Athletics Director at Washington State and chair of the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee
“If adopted in June, the proposal would apply retroactively to any penalty associated with a previous positive test.” The latest move marks a shift in policy being echoed nationwide with professional sports leagues adopting new rules to permit cannabis use.
Professional Sports Leagues Adopting Cannabis
The UFC
In 2021, the Nevada State Athletic Commission declared cannabis was not a performance-enhancing drug, officially legalizing it for MMA athletes. On Thursday, December 28, 2023, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced the removal of cannabis from the banned substance list effective December 31st, 2023.
Ultimate Disc
In May 2022, Ultimate Disc made history around the world as the first professional sport to feature a cannabis logo on their team uniforms. Schwazze; a vertically integrated and multi-state operating cannabis company announced that its Starbuds became the official sponsor for the Colorado Summit Professional Ultimate Disc Team.
MLB
In June 2022, the MLB shifted their stance on cannabis, welcoming CBD sponsorship into professional baseball. The provisions included that any partnerships are to be certified by the NSF, a global health and safety organization to ensure that products do not contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in Cannabis.
NFL
In 2021, the NFL loosened their stance on cannabis consumption during the off-season providing for infused off-seasons. The new guidelines allow players to consume Delta 9 THC-Carboxylic Acid during the off-season from April 20 to Aug 09. Pushing for progress off the field, in June 2021, the NFL made headlines by pledging 1 Million dollars to cannabis research and on Feb 1st the NFL officially announced the recipients. Out of 106 proposals submitted, two teams from the University of San Diego and the University of Regina out of Canada were selected by the NFL and the NFL Players Association’s Joint Pain Management Committee to investigate the effects of cannabinoids on pain management and neuroprotection from concussion in elite football players.
PGA
Finding the green, in 2018, the PGA aligned its policy with the World Anti Doping Agency, removing CBD from its prohibitied list, allowing it to be used by PGA tour players.
NWSL
In 2020, the NWSL, the world’s premier women’s soccer league officially announced provisions for athletes to use cannabinoids like CBD for pain management.
NBA
The NBA agreed to a green-inclusive future in the latest CBA. Starting the 2023’24 NBA season, the National Basketball Association will not penalize players for cannabis consumption in the new seven-year collective bargaining agreement, removing it entirely from the anti-drug testing program.
Today athletes around the world are using their platforms to advocate for cannabis, education and integration. Learn about their movements today.
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