„The review of the NCAA`s approach to cannabis testing and management is consistent with members` feedback on how to better support and educate student-athletes in a society where views on public health and the culture of cannabis use are rapidly evolving,“ said Dr. Brian Hainline, NCAA Chief Medical Officer. „Marijuana is not considered a performance-enhancing substance, but it remains important for member schools to engage student-athletes in substance use prevention and to provide management and support as needed.“ Although cannabidiol (CBD) is allowed according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), all other cannabinoids are still banned in competition. It is important to note that CBD products may still contain prohibited cannabinoid components such as THC. Athletes subject to anti-doping rules are strictly responsible for any substance found in their blood or urine. Therefore, there are always risks for athletes when it comes to CBD products. College athletes will do almost anything to improve their game. The pressure is immense and people sometimes resort to dangerous drugs to gain an advantage. The NCAA is aware of this temptation and has passed regulations to prevent unfair advantages. Although the societal stigma surrounding CBD use has largely dissipated thanks to an influx of evidence-based research, the cannabinoid remains controversial in some circles, namely the sports community. Many athletes are constantly looking for substances that can shorten recovery times and promote wellness, but strict regulations in many areas of competition ultimately determine what they can and cannot use. „These adjustments to the NCAA`s drug testing program were approved after careful consideration and discussion of the recommendations of the Drug Testing Subcommittee, which has been meeting since last fall,“ said Dr. Stephanie Chu, Colorado Team Medical Officer and CSMAS Chair.
„The updated cannabis testing guidelines pave the way for student-athletes to participate in educational and management programs tailored to the needs of their campus.“ The legality of CBD depends largely on sport, league oversight, and active legislation. Therefore, we will examine the legality of CBD in a granular and categorical manner. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is an American organization that regulates and organizes many college sports in the United States and Canada. The NCAA is known for maintaining a strict attitude of non-tolerance towards cannabis use for its athletes and has historically imposed harsh penalties on athletes who test positive for cannabis use. Athletes have been using over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) for decades, but they may not be as safe as we thought. Ultra-distance athletes are generally advised, in particular, to avoid NSAIDs during long workouts and events due to the increased risk of kidney damage. But even if your workouts and events are short, long-term, or frequent, using NSAIDs can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. The many benefits of CBD are no exception for athletes. Especially when it comes to recovering from athletic performance. Some of these advantages are: One word: leisure. Great athletes and those we call „talented“ often have a superior ability to recover after tough workouts so they can go out again and push themselves again. At the time of writing, no testing threshold has been set for CBD and MLB athletes.
„I wanted a healthier, more natural option for pain management, sleeping pills, in-flight relaxation and overall recovery. I think there`s still a lot of stigma around the use of CBD and cannabis in football,“ Megan replied. „More education is needed for athletes to make an informed decision.“ Since CBD is a component of cannabis or hemp, one could assume that the NCAA considers CBD illegal. However, as of now, the organization`s guidelines leave CBD in a vague and potentially risky gray area, making it difficult for us to recommend CBD to college athletes. CBD is available as a „full spectrum“ or „isolate“.