NFL and Cannabis: Evolving Into the Next Season

The National Football League (NFL) recently announced a revised cannabis policy that marks a significant shift in how the league views THC use among its players. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, this move signals more than just a policy update—it represents a cultural pivot for one of the most influential sports leagues in the world.

At Fairwinds, we view this as a long-overdue yet commendable step toward a more balanced understanding of cannabis—especially in the realm of performance, recovery, and wellness.

A Brief History: The NFL and Cannabis

As a company rooted in medicinal cannabis science, we believe it’s essential to look at how this evolution fits into a larger story—one about stigma, science, and ultimately, progress.

Historically, the NFL has maintained a strict anti-cannabis stance. For decades, players faced harsh consequences for THC in their system—fines, suspensions, and reputational damage were not uncommon.

This approach persisted despite growing evidence that cannabinoids could aid in pain management, inflammation reduction, and recovery—critical concerns for athletes in such a physically demanding sport.

Still, the threshold for THC in players’ systems remained low, and financial penalties persisted.

The league’s approach has only recently begun to reflect the shifting legal and scientific landscape.

Timeline: Cannabis Policy Changes in the NFL

1989 – The league begins testing players for cannabis use as part of its broader substance abuse program.

1998 – Ricky Williams, former NFL running back, is fined and suspended multiple times for cannabis use, becoming one of the most high-profile cases in league history.

2014 – Amid growing public support for legalization, the NFL increases its THC testing threshold from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 35 ng/mL—but still maintains strict punishments.

2020 – A major breakthrough: the new collective bargaining agreement eliminates suspensions for positive cannabis tests. The NFL also limits testing to a two-week window during training camp.

2021–2023 – As more states legalize cannabis, the league begins funding joint studies with the NFL Players Association on pain management and alternative therapies—including cannabinoids.

DECEMBER 2024 – The league raises its THC threshold to 150 ng/mL (in line with Olympic standards) and reduces fines for violations by 50%, further softening its stance.

What’s Changed?

As of April 2024, the NFL and the players’ union have agreed to raise the THC threshold for drug tests from 35 nanograms per milliliter to 150 nanograms—a level more in line with Olympic standards and reflective of modern cannabis science.

Additionally, fines for positive THC tests have been reduced by 50%, and the penalty system now incorporates a tiered response. This allows for increased support, treatment referrals, and education rather than immediate financial or professional punishment.

In other words: the NFL is beginning to recognize cannabis as a complex wellness tool rather than a blanket liability.

Why This Matters—For the NFL, the Players, and Viewers

This change isn’t just a win for athletes. It’s a sign that even the most traditionally conservative institutions are beginning to understand the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. The same cannabinoids that may support a linebacker’s recovery or help manage game-day anxiety are the ones helping our customers navigate chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and menstrual/ menopause symptoms.

At Fairwinds, our formulations are designed for optimized wellness with carefully balanced cannabinoids, terpene profiles, and herbal adaptogens. We create products for people who want to feel better, not just high—although getting high isn’t a crime either.

Literally. In 24 states. Medically in 38, D.C. and 3 territories.

Either way, we applaud efforts that help move the conversation beyond outdated stigma.

The NFL’s policy shift reflects a larger truth: wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. And in 2024, the science is too advanced, and the needs too real, to ignore the benefits of cannabis any longer.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone simply trying to feel your best, you deserve thoughtful, evidence-based options for managing your health. We’re glad to see the NFL is starting to agree.

— The Fairwinds Team