The NFL might not be handing out joint passes yet, but it's definitely loosening the reins on marijuana use among players. With major updates to its substance abuse policy, the league is taking a big step toward a more progressive stance on weed. Gone are the days when a puff could cost players a fortune or their spot on the field. These changes don't just tweak the rules—they reflect a cultural shift in how the league views cannabis.
The NFL has significantly raised the limit for THC concentration in a player's system from 150 ng/ml to 350 ng/ml. This adjustment makes it harder for players to test positive unless their marijuana usage is unusually high. For perspective, experts suggest that regular marijuana use over the course of a week might just surpass the new threshold. This means players have more leeway without risking penalties, aligning the league's policies with changing social attitudes and scientific findings.
Under the revamped policy, financial penalties for positive THC tests have dropped sharply. Previously, players faced severe fines tied to their salaries. Here's how the penalties now stack up:
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