Division I Council Votes to Remove Cannabinoids from the Banned Drug Class

The Division I Council voted earlier this week to remove cannabinoids from the banned drug class for championships and postseason participation in football, effective immediately.

“The NCAA drug testing program is intended to focus on integrity of competition, and cannabis products do not provide a competitive advantage,” Josh Whitman, chair of the council and athletics director at Illinois, said. “The council’s focus is on policies centered on student-athlete health and well-being rather than punishment for cannabis use.”=

Any penalties currently being served by student-athletes who previously tested positive for cannabinoids will be discontinued.