The NCAA Division I Council has voted to remove the use of cannabis products from the prohibited drug category for championship and football playoff participation.
The move is among measures approved by the board Tuesday, including allowing college football teams to have the entire staff, not just the head coach and 10 assistants, coach athletes on the field.
All sanctions currently being served by student-athletes who have previously tested positive for cannabinoids will be removed.
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement that cannabis products “do not provide a competitive advantage.”
“The council is focused on policies centered on the health and well-being of student-athletes rather than punishing cannabis use,” he continued.
As for additional coaches working on the field, positions such as analysts and quality control officers were only allowed to work off the field during film and strategy sessions.
“NCAA members continue their efforts to modernize support for student-athletes, and removing restrictions on skill instruction in football will provide these student-athletes with increased resources to reach their greatest potential on the field ” Whitman said.
NBC Chicago
