Recent research presented by Jacksonville State University master’s student Aquriya Muller suggests that marijuana can serve as an effective alternative for managing pain among NCAA athletes. The findings were part of a presentation that reviewed various studies on the use of cannabis for pain management in athletes.
Significantly, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) removed marijuana from its list of banned substances for Division I athletes last year. This change reflects the NCAA’s stance that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug and should be treated similarly to alcohol.
The research indicates that marijuana use can improve tissue oxygenation, reduce muscle spasms, and enhance overall pain management. Notably, for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, marijuana has shown benefits in alleviating symptoms like pain and stiffness, while also promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Muller’s presentation highlighted a case involving a Division I basketball player who utilized marijuana to address muscle spasms and pain, as well as to improve sleep quality. Her report encourages athletic trainers and healthcare providers to stay informed about new findings and to integrate both alternative and conventional treatments in their care strategies.
The report reviewed a total of 94 articles but excluded 90 of them for not meeting specific study criteria. While the findings show positive effects of cannabis, Muller emphasized the need for further research, as many studies had a lower level of evidence and were less reliable.
She pointed out that the effectiveness of marijuana varies among individual athletes, and there are limited concerns about behavioral health and performance. The report advocates for athletic trainers and healthcare providers to remain updated on evolving policies and evidence to offer tailored care for athletes.
The NCAA’s decision to remove marijuana from its banned list built on a 2022 change that increased the allowable THC threshold for college athletes, aligning NCAA rules with those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Historically, college athletes have faced testing during postseason play, where positive results could lead to a loss of eligibility for an entire season.
Josh Whitman, chair of NCAA’s Division I council, noted that the NCAA drug testing program aims to maintain the integrity of competition, emphasizing that cannabis products do not provide a competitive advantage. The focus is now on student-athlete health and well-being rather than punishment for cannabis use.
In September 2023, an NCAA committee formally recommended ending the cannabis ban, stating that the existing policy was ineffective. They affirmed that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug and supported a shift towards a harm-reduction strategy. The timing for any legislative discussions will be determined by the NCAA’s divisional governance structures, based on extensive studies and expert input.
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