While proposing to manage punishments for positive tests differently moving ahead, the National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA THC Testing process is loosening its rules for college athletes.
The NCAA made the news on Friday, February 25, 2022, noting its plan would affect the upcoming season. In the announcement, the organization noted it revised its guidelines to reflect a more progressive view on marijuana as established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The new rule would allow for an increased level of THC in allowable limits from 35 to 150 nanograms per milliliter.
NCAA suggests changes to THC and pot testing penalties
While NCAA THC testing, through the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, has removed unnecessary barriers to participation in and around college sports, NCAA has determined that the updated proscribed doping limits do not put student-athletes at risk.
To be clear, any use of marijuana is prohibited per current rules on NCAA THC testing.
Nevertheless, Dr. Brian Hainlin, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA, urged member institutions to help athletes struggling with substance abuse. And he recommends introducing prevention and management programs that support them to avoid disciplinary actions in the future.
Regarding modifications to penalties, the NCAA is issuing a new approach for THC positive testing suggesting modified punishments in the future. Each association division can determine how to implement these new changes through new legislation.
According to the proposed changes, if the institution provides a “management plan and education,” a first-time positive test for THC will not result in a ban from competitive games.
A similar recommendation for a second violation would apply as well. However, an automatic suspension of 25% of the regular season will be enforced if the player does not comply with the school’s management plan.
Any third or subsequent offense at the NCAA by a student who demonstrates that he/she complied with the prior treatment and school programs will not lose their eligibility to compete based on the THC testing. But, these players must sit out 50% of the regular season contests if they do not participate in a formal school plan.
Dr. Stephanie Chu’s statement
In the ruling, the NCAA chairwoman of the safeguards committee, Dr. Stephanie Chu, said that they decided to change the rules for marijuana after careful deliberation and long discourse by the drug testing subcommittee.
She elaborated, saying that the revised NCAA THC testing guidelines would create an environment where the young athletes would have better opportunities to engage in education and management programs tailored to their campus life.
While acknowledging the possibility of amending drug policies and THC testing in future, NCAA said it would continue to follow WADA’s lead on marijuana. When reconsidering these rules, the committee is willing to consult experts and submit reform ideas for scrutiny before making changes.
With this in mind, WADA stands committed to obligating sportsmen and women to comply with anti-doping laws, although they are saying they’re ready to reassess the cannabis policy in the near future.
