NCAA increases THC test threshold, recommends lighter penalties
The NCAA's Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports has increased the threshold for positive THC tests to better align with the World Anti-Doping Agency's standards, the association announced Friday.
The NCAA raised the threshold for its athletes from 35 nanograms per milliliter to 150. The new standard is effective immediately and applies to all drug tests taken since fall 2021.
"Reconsidering the NCAA approach to cannabis testing and management is consistent with feedback from membership on how to better support and educate student-athletes in a society with rapidly evolving public health and cultural views regarding cannabis use," NCAA chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline said in a statement.
It's the third time in five years that CSMAS has raised the threshold for THC use. The cut-off was raised from five to 15 nanograms per milliliter in 2017, then to 35 in 2019.
Additionally, the NCAA has recommended that its divisions adopt lighter penalty structures for THC use. Notably, athletes who test positive beyond the new threshold for THC would maintain their NCAA eligibility if they comply with a school-run "management plan and education."
For a subsequent positive test, the athlete would still maintain their eligibility by agreeing to comply with a second management plan and education program. The athlete would only face a suspension of 25% of their regular-season games if they failed to comply with the initial management and education plan.
Athletes that submit to a management plan would also maintain their eligibility after a third test. However, if the athlete doesn't comply with either the first or second plan, they would be subject to a suspension encompassing 50% of their regular-season games.
Each NCAA division will need to approve the new recommendations separately.
"Marijuana is not considered a performance-enhancing substance," Hainline added, "but it remains important for member schools to engage student-athletes regarding substance use prevention and provide management and support when appropriate."