A National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) committee has proposed a significant change to its drug policy, recommending the removal of marijuana from the list of banned substances. The Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports suggests that testing should primarily focus on performance-enhancing drugs, rather than cannabis.

The committee has advised pausing marijuana testing at NCAA events until a definitive decision is reached, which is anticipated this fall. This recommendation requires legislative action and approval from all three NCAA divisions to become official. The review of this policy was initiated at the request of Division II and III administrators.

This shift in approach comes amidst evolving public opinion and legislation regarding marijuana use across the United States. Earlier this year, the NCAA already raised the threshold for a positive THC test to 150 nanograms per millimeter, aligning with the World Anti-Doping Agency's standard. This is a substantial increase from the previous limit of 35 nanograms per millimeter.

The committee's stance on marijuana not being a performance-enhancing drug, established last December, further supports the move towards de-emphasizing penalties related to cannabis. Instead, the panel advocates for educational programs focused on the potential risks associated with marijuana use and harm reduction strategies.

While the NCAA may move away from punitive measures for marijuana use, the committee recommends that schools continue using test results to identify and address potentially problematic cannabis consumption among athletes.