As the conversation around cannabis legalization gains momentum, new research is turning the spotlight on an unexpected group: college athletes. A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting suggests that marijuana may offer real benefits for managing pain among NCAA athletes—those competing at the highest level of collegiate sports in the United States.
In a field long dominated by traditional pharmaceuticals and restrictive substance policies, the idea that cannabis could serve as a viable alternative is gaining scientific credibility. The findings hint at a potential shift in how athletic pain and recovery are approached, especially in light of the opioid crisis and growing awareness of mental health challenges in sports.
The Study: Pain Relief, Anxiety Reduction, and Better Sleep
Researchers surveyed over 1,000 current and former NCAA athletes, asking about their experiences with cannabis. More than 40% of participants reported using marijuana at some point, with many citing it as helpful for managing musculoskeletal pain—common among athletes who frequently endure intense training, injuries, and high physical stress.
Beyond physical pain, athletes described improvements in sleep and reductions in anxiety—two crucial components of recovery and performance. Those who used cannabis said it helped them unwind, sleep better, and cope with the mental pressures of competitive sports.
“This isn’t about getting high,” said lead researcher Dr. Michael R. Karns. “It’s about restoring quality of life and supporting the body’s recovery process.”
NCAA Rules Lag Behind Scientific Evidence
Currently, the NCAA still classifies cannabis as a banned substance, aligning with federal regulations. Athletes who test positive risk suspension or disqualification, even in states where marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use.
But the landscape is changing fast. With more states legalizing cannabis and sports leagues—like the NBA and MLB—beginning to ease restrictions, pressure is mounting on the NCAA to revisit its stance. The study’s findings could add fuel to that fire.
While the NCAA has initiated discussions about drug policy reform, its current rules don’t reflect the growing scientific and public consensus around marijuana’s potential benefits. This disconnect, researchers argue, may be doing more harm than good.
A Safer Alternative to Opioids?
The implications of the study extend beyond sports policy. In the broader context of pain management, cannabis may offer a less addictive, lower-risk alternative to opioids, which are still widely prescribed for athletic injuries.
Unlike opioids, marijuana carries a significantly lower risk of overdose and physical dependence. The athletes surveyed reported few side effects and no noticeable decline in performance, making cannabis a potentially safer option for long-term use.
Medical experts emphasize the need for more controlled studies but say the preliminary data is promising. “If cannabis can replace even a fraction of opioid prescriptions, especially for young, healthy individuals, that’s a win for public health,” said Karns.
Time for Policy to Catch Up with Science?
As the lines between medicine, mental health, and performance continue to blur in modern athletics, researchers argue it’s time for governing bodies like the NCAA to catch up. With nearly half of surveyed athletes already turning to marijuana—often in defiance of current rules—the data points to a disconnect between policy and lived experience.
For now, marijuana remains off-limits in collegiate sports. But with growing evidence and shifting public attitudes, the question may no longer be if cannabis has a place in athlete care—but when institutions will adapt.
Related Research Shows Broader Cannabis Impact
This isn’t the first time cannabis research has challenged long-held assumptions. A recent study on driving habits found that while cannabis users may engage differently behind the wheel, their behavior is often more nuanced than stereotypes suggest. Another study on lifestyle patterns disputes the “lazy stoner” image, showing that cannabis users tend to be more physically active—though they may also consume more alcohol and tobacco. As these studies accumulate, they point toward a complex and evolving portrait of cannabis use that defies outdated clichés and calls for policy grounded in evidence.
