A new presentation from Jacksonville State University reviewing research on student athletes’ use of cannabis finds that marijuana “has demonstrated positive findings as an alternative for pain management among NCAA athletes.”
Notably, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) last year removed marijuana from its list of substances banned for Division I athletes, emphasizing that cannabis is not a performance enhancing drug and that it should be treated the same way as alcohol.
“Evidence indicates that marijuana use among athletes can improve oxygenation of tissues, reduce muscle spasm, and enhance pain management,” the new research paper says. It further found that “marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to recovery and post-exercise treatment.”
Last year’s NCAA vote to remove marijuana as a banned substance built on a 2022 change that increased the allowable THC threshold for college athletes, a change meant to align NCAA’s rules with those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Historically, college athletes have been subject to testing during postseason play. Positive tests could mean an entire season of lost eligibility. Officials have said the changes are intended to focus more on problematic use than penalizing players for a single mistake.
