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Cousins!

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is laying out some adjustments and it involves their THC policies amongst college athletes!

According to Blavity, the maximum cannabinoid threshold previously was 35 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) which was previously increased to 15 (ng/mL) back in 2019. Now, they’ve noticably increased their  THC threshold to 150 ng/mL. The change is said to go into effect immediately, and will apply to all drug tests administered during or after the fall 2021 semester.

Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports adjusts THC test threshold https://t.co/x5Z04kTmDN

— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) February 25, 2022

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“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,” says NCAA’s chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline.

He continues in saying, “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.” 

Besides the THC threshold changing, the penalty structure for student-athletes who test positive will now also face new changes. Under the recommendation from the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS), student-athletes with one positive test would receive “no loss of eligibility if the school provides a management plan and education for the student-athlete.” 

But if they tested positive for the second time, the student could be withheld for a quarter of the season if they disregarded their original “management plan.” The third positive test will result in half the season. If they are compliant with the treatment and education plans provided by the university, the student wouldn’t be subject to a loss of eligibility. 

“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,” physician and CSMAS Chair, Dr. Stephanie Chu, said. “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.” 

Cousins, do you guys think these regulations should still be required for athletes? 

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