As marijuana legalization gained momentum across the United States in 2024, the sporting world began catching up. From the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to the National Football League (NFL), major athletic organizations made notable adjustments to their cannabis policies, reflecting the shifting societal norms and legal landscape.
NFL Further Eases Penalties for THC Use
The NFL took a progressive step this month by reforming its marijuana-related rules once again. In collaboration with the NFL Players Association, the league announced a reduction in penalties for THC-related infractions.
- Increased THC Threshold: The allowable THC level in drug tests increased from 150 ng/ml to 350 ng/ml.
- Reduced Fines: First-time offenders will now face a $15,000 fine, down from a half-game salary penalty. Subsequent offenses will see fines of $20,000, with escalating penalties capped at a two-game pay deduction for the fourth violation.
- Missed Tests: Even fines for missed drug tests were significantly lowered under the new agreement.
This reform builds on the 2020 decision to stop suspending players for marijuana use, demonstrating the NFL’s evolving stance as legalization spreads across states.
NCAA Removes Marijuana from Banned Substances for Division I Athletes
In a groundbreaking move, the NCAA voted in June to eliminate marijuana from its list of banned substances for Division I athletes.
For years, cannabis use had been a contentious issue in college sports, with critics arguing that it wasn’t a performance enhancer and should be treated similarly to alcohol. The NCAA echoed these sentiments when adopting the policy change.
- Retroactive Changes: The reform not only applies moving forward but also retroactively, meaning athletes penalized for cannabis-related violations will have those penalties overturned.
- Alignment with Global Standards: The updated rules bring the NCAA closer to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, which increased THC thresholds for athletes back in 2022.
This decision represents a major shift, emphasizing health and fairness rather than punitive measures for student-athletes.
Nevada Protects Athletes from Marijuana Penalties
Nevada regulators formalized a policy in October to protect athletes who use marijuana legally under state law. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) amended its rules to ensure fighters wouldn’t face penalties for cannabis use or possession.
- Carve-Out for Cannabis: Despite WADA’s continued prohibition of marijuana, Nevada introduced an exception for cannabis, stating it won’t be treated as an anti-doping violation if used in accordance with state laws.
This decision has provided clarity and protection for athletes competing in Nevada, especially professional fighters who have historically faced THC-related sanctions.
USADA Criticizes International Marijuana Policies During Olympics
As the world’s attention turned to the Paris Olympics, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) reignited criticism of international marijuana bans. CEO Travis Tygart called the policies “unfair” and outdated, especially after the suspension of Sha’Carri Richardson in 2021 for THC use.
- Calls for Change: Tygart argued that the prohibition lacked scientific justification and failed to reflect broader societal acceptance of cannabis.
The comments highlight the ongoing tension between domestic reforms and international policies, where marijuana remains a controversial subject.
UFC Faces Cannabis Policy Conflict in California
Despite the UFC’s decision to remove marijuana from its modified banned substances list last year, fighters in California encountered a different reality. The league warned participants of a California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) rule that still penalizes cannabis use.
This discrepancy underscores the uneven progress in cannabis policy across states and sports organizations, leaving athletes navigating a patchwork of rules.
As marijuana legalization continues to shape public policy and perception, sports organizations face growing pressure to align their rules with societal norms. The changes in 2024 signal significant progress, though inconsistencies remain across leagues and jurisdictions.
