The NFL and NCAA have begun to rethink their stance on cannabis as new research uncovers its potential benefits for athletes. As the NFL invests millions in cannabinoid studies, the NCAA moved one step further earlier this summer and removed cannabis from its banned substance list, potentially signaling a new era for cannabis in sports.
A Push for Research
In 2022, the National Football League (NFL) invested $1 million to explore the use of cannabinoids for athletes. This funding, which was overseen by the NFL’s Pain Management Committee, focused on pain management and concussion-related injuries. A key project that was also supported by this initiative was a clinical trial that sought to determine optimal CBD dosage. The trial also assessed CBD’s viability as an alternative treatment to opioids.
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina conducted a study that was funded by the NFL. This study, which was published in Sports Medicine, highlighted significant challenges caused by the ongoing federal cannabis prohibition. The restrictions in place, the researchers noted, have created a “knowledge gap” among healthcare providers, as many providers lack an understanding of its effects despite cannabis’s increasing availability.
The report argued that these research limitations have hindered the United States and Canada from leading in cannabinoid research. The researchers have called for an end to restrictive policies and over-regulation, which have caused scientific efforts to be stifled. They emphasized the need for a balanced approach to cannabis education, and have advocated for research on both its potential benefits and risks.
The 27-page report reviewed existing research on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in athletes. It acknowledged both the potential value and the risks of the use of cannabis. The authors have stressed the importance of evidence-based public health messaging, free from potential stigma or misinformation.
The report also noted that the recreational cannabis industry complicates public understanding of therapeutic use. Policymakers, the authors have argued, must encourage research to serve citizens and ensure safety. The study concluded by urging changes to complex research regulations that limit studies on real-world cannabis products.
The researchers identified limited study designs and interpretability as barriers to more thorough education. They have described the current cannabis policies in sports as “confusing and non-standardized.” The study has called for consistent guidelines and comprehensive education for athletes, medical staff, as well as policymakers.
NCAA Drops Cannabis from Banned List
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has made a groundbreaking move by removing cannabis from its list of substances that are banned for Division I players. The change reflects the growing understanding of cannabis’s potential benefits, particularly in recovery for athletes.
Josh Whitman, the chair of the NCAA Division I Council, stated that the NCAA’s drug testing program should focus on the integrity of the competition, not on punishing athletes for the use of cannabis. The NCAA’s decision aligns with the shifting consensus on cannabis’s therapeutic applications, which include everything from pain management to muscle recovery to anxiety reduction.
According to Realm of Caring.org, cannabis has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate certain types of pain. This makes it a potential alternative to traditional pain medication for injured athletes. Research also suggests that it can aid in muscle recovery and regeneration, help aid in sleep improvement, and help athletes who require treatment in the face of significant mental and emotional stress.
The NCAA’s decision to remove cannabis represents a step forward, especially as the integration of cannabis-based therapies into athletics programs advances. Their decision not only aligns with broader societal trends but also the science behind cannabis’s potential use as a treatment for athletes.
