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As another NFL season kicks off, it is impossible to ignore how much has shifted in the league’s relationship with cannabis over the past year. What was once treated as a hard line of punishment has begun to soften, reflecting both scientific progress and growing public acceptance. The NFL’s latest adjustments to its substance abuse policy—raising the THC threshold and rethinking penalties—mark progress, but they also raise questions about how far the league is truly willing to go in supporting player wellness.

In late December 2024, the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) raised the threshold for a positive THC test from 150 ng/ml to 350 ng/ml, giving athletes greater freedom to recover with cannabis during the offseason without fear of suspension. “We’re always interested in trying to improve our approach and our treatment for acute and chronic pain in NFL players,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer. The shift, while important, remains cautious—teams are notified of penalties without specifying substances, signaling a hesitancy to fully normalize cannabis within the league.

The past year also brought a change in how the league handles missed tests and opioid alternatives. Penalties for missed tests have been reduced and reset after periods of compliance, emphasizing rehabilitation over discipline. For a league long criticized for over-relying on prescription painkillers, these changes suggest the NFL is beginning to rethink its approach to player health. This progress stands in sharp contrast to 2016, when players like Seantrel Henderson saw their careers derailed by strict cannabis rules. Henderson, who used cannabis to manage Crohn’s Disease, was suspended for a treatment that improved his quality of life. “I was depressed, I was down, I was insecure about myself,” he recalled, describing the relief cannabis brought during his recovery. His story remains a stark reminder of the cost of outdated policies and the importance of creating space for athletes to choose safer alternatives.

Looking forward, the hope is that these reforms are not the final word but the beginning of a broader shift. Cannabis has become a multibillion-dollar industry, backed by research suggesting therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. For players, it is not just about avoiding fines or suspensions—it is about reclaiming their health and longevity. The NFL has taken steps toward that vision, but the real win will come when cannabis is embraced as a legitimate medical option year-round, not just tolerated under limited conditions.

As fans cheer the start of a new season, the spotlight on athlete wellness is brighter than ever. The NFL has advanced the conversation, but the ultimate goal—ensuring players have access to every tool for recovery and performance—remains ahead. The league has moved the ball down the field. Now, it’s time to finish the drive.