The recreational use of marijuana was officially legalized this past summer in Oregon making it available to purchase and grow if a person is of the age of 21.For student athletes however, the use of marijuana is still banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Since the legalization of the drug, many have wondered if the school’s athletic drug policy has changed. The athletic department encourages student athletes to discuss and declare anything they put into their bodies other than food.
All student athletes are notified of the various illegal substances and things to be aware of when they sign the NCAA rules agreement.
Also all student athletes may be subject to a random drug test screening through their careers.
Their substance usage, whether it be protein supplements to Flinstone gummy vitamins should be discussed with the athletic training staff beforehand for reinsurance that the athletes will not lose eligibility if tested.
“Our policy regarding the use of marijuana reflects the NCAA rules, which prohibits the use of any street drug including marijuana,” Associate Athletic Director Lauren Esbensen said.
Although the state law has changed, it seems that Pacific’s athletic policy involving the use of marijuana will remain the same. With this being said, more and more people have wondered about the use of a medical marijuana card in the NCAA and whether that would affect eligibility.
This question has been posed by the athletic administration and is still awaiting an answer from the NCAA.
Following the legalization of marijuana, the question of how the drug impacts an athlete’s productivity and performanc has been brought to the athletic realm’s attention.
“I think it can make you lazy and careless,” an anonymous athlete said.
“You don’t care about your diet or how much work you put in, which is costly to your teammates come game time,” this same athlete responded.
Others believe it is more of a risk to one’s health during a game because of a lack of stamina.
“I believe it can affect the endurance of an athlete, which is crucial,” another anonymous athlete said, “but when it comes down to it if someone is lazy they are going to be lazy.”
The views on marijuana use among athletes is mixed but the University’s stand on the issue remains unchanged and will remain as such until further notice. There is an open line of communication between the athletic administration and the athletes if they have any questions or concerns with this topic.
Leave a Reply