Social media users are sharing their thoughts on the NCAA's new policy on cannabis use.
On Tuesday (June 25), the NCAA announced that cannabis products will no longer be banned for Division I athletes in championships and postseason participation in football.
The Division l council said it would treat marijuana like alcohol, removing the substance from its banned drug class effective immediately.
Any ongoing penalties for athletes who tested positive for cannabis will be discontinued, the NCAA added.
“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, said in a statement. “The council’s focus is on policies centered on student-athlete health and well-being rather than punishment for cannabis use.”
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), co-founder of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, praised the NCAA's move to lift the ban.
“Slowly, surely, America is coming to its senses after 50 years of the failed war drugs. It is only fitting that the NCAA remove cannabis from its list of banned substances as Sha’Carri Richardson qualifies for the 2024 Olympics — an accomplishment she earned for years ago but was wrongly taken away. Common sense is finally prevailing,” Blumenauer said in a statement.
The internet was quick to react to the decision.
"Finally, it's not like its going to give an advantage or anything," one social media user wrote.
"At this point the United States should just legalize cannabis everywhere," another said.
"Justice for Sha'carri," a third commented.
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