The NCAA is considering removing marijuana from its list of banned substances, focusing only on performance-enhancing drugs. This decision raises serious concerns about the well-being of student-athletes, particularly given the evolving landscape of high-potency marijuana products.
This shift in policy ignores substantial medical and scientific evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of high-potency marijuana, especially on young, developing brains. Modern marijuana products, such as vapes and edibles, are significantly more potent than those of previous generations, posing greater risks to physical and mental health.
Studies have linked marijuana use to various negative outcomes, including addiction, decreased IQ and motor skills, and mental health problems like psychosis, depression, and anxiety. The NCAA’s potential policy change could exacerbate these risks by implicitly condoning marijuana use and potentially increasing its prevalence among student-athletes.
Furthermore, marijuana use disorder is increasingly common among college-aged individuals. Despite claims of non-addictiveness, millions of young adults experience marijuana use disorder, a number likely to increase with full legalization. This poses a significant health concern and contradicts the narrative promoted by the marijuana industry.
The risks extend beyond individual users, as driving under the influence of marijuana is a growing problem. The NCAA's potential policy change could inadvertently normalize and encourage such behavior, putting student-athletes and others at risk. The World Anti-Doping Agency's continued prohibition of cannabinoids further underscores the concerns surrounding marijuana use in competitive sports.
The NCAA should prioritize the health and well-being of its student-athletes and reconsider this potentially harmful policy change. Promoting a clean and healthy lifestyle, rather than succumbing to commercial pressures, is crucial for the future success of college athletics.
