In an era where cannabis is slowly being embraced by both the public and professional sports leagues, the NFL has made another crucial step toward reforming its substance abuse policy. On Wednesday, the league and its players’ union announced an important adjustment to the policy that increases the threshold for a positive THC test and modifies disciplinary measures surrounding missed tests. These changes mark the latest in a series of moves that highlight the growing acceptance of cannabis as both a treatment and recovery tool for elite athletes.

As part of the agreement, the NFL has increased the threshold for a positive THC test from 150 ng/ml (nanograms per millilitre) to 350 ng/ml. This change is significant, as it allows players more freedom to utilize cannabis during the offseason without the fear of failing a drug test. In the past, a positive test for THC could result in disciplinary action ranging from fines to suspension, but now teams will only be notified about the penalty and not the specific substance involved.

The new policy also includes key adjustments to how missed tests are handled. Previously, a second missed test could result in a one-game fine, but now that fine has been reduced to a flat $45,000. Additionally, the number of missed tests will reset to zero if players go a designated period without any further violations. For those players currently facing discipline for missed tests, they will now be considered as having no missed tests.

While THC has become a focus in recent years, the new guidelines also clarify the language around improper use of prescription drugs and introduce measures for dealing with fentanyl. Although a positive test for fentanyl will not result in discipline, failure to attend a mandatory meeting regarding fentanyl will incur a $15,000 fine.

“We’re always interested in trying to improve our approach and our treatment for acute and chronic pain in NFL players, and we always want to make sure that our players are receiving the most up-to-date medical consensus around any of these treatments,” said Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer

Despite these progressive changes, the question remains: is the NFL doing enough to support its players and fully embrace cannabis as a legitimate treatment option? For many advocates, the league’s recent policy shifts are a step in the right direction, but more must be done.

With cannabis now a multibillion-dollar industry and growing public acceptance of its benefits, the NFL’s moves have been encouraging but are still seen by some as cautious. Many athletes continue to fight for more comprehensive reforms, advocating for cannabis to be fully legalized year-round and to further research into its therapeutic properties.

The movement toward cannabis in athletics is part of a larger cultural shift, one where players are beginning to demand better treatment options and more comprehensive healthcare solutions. As more athletes join this movement, the narrative around cannabis in sports is shifting—away from stigma and towards acceptance, education, and scientific research.