In an attempt to “deter performance-enhancing drug use and to protect the health and safety of the student-athlete”, The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Legislative Council proposed a penalty reduction for players who test positive for marijuana.

Currently, the minimum penalty for a positive test for any NCAA banned drug is the loss of one year of eligibility and competition. The proposal suggests cutting that penalty in half and offers half-season suspension instead.  A second positive test will, however, will result in the loss of a full season of competition.

“Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug and therefore should not have the same penalty structure as well documented performance-enhancing drugs,” said the NCAA, the non-profit association that regulates athletes from 1,281 institutions, conferences and organizations in the United States and Canada.

The Board of Directors must still ratify the Council’s proposal.

Read Full Proposal On: ncaa