The NCAA said Friday that it was taking steps to loosen its policy on marijuana for athletes.
Though marijuana testing will still take place, the threshold for its psychoactive ingredient, THC, is being raised from 35 to 150 nanograms per milliliter.
Further, athletes will not lose any eligibility for up to three positive tests.
The changes are effective immediately, and retroactive to drug tests taken in the fall 2021 semester.
“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,” NCAA chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline said in a statement. “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.”
–Field Level Media