Nearly every major sports league in the United States has rules against the use of cannabis, but athletes can safely use THC-free RSHO-XTM without risking a violation.
Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s Real Scientific Hemp Oil-XTM (RSHO-X)TM cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil is an ideal option for athletes looking to safely incorporate cannabinoids into their regimen without violating the rules of their league or association. Completely free of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the well-known compound in marijuana that gets users high, RSHO-XTM fits leagues’ restrictions on cannabis use.
Major athletic leagues and associations with marijuana restrictions test for the presence of THC or the primary metabolite of THC, carboxy-THC. For an athlete to test positive, he or she must have consumed a cannabis product containing high levels of THC, which after sessions of heavy consumption can stay in the body for up to 21 days.
Here’s a look at how the major sports leagues in the U.S. treat marijuana use by their players:
National Football League (NFL)
Players in the National Football League (NFL) undergo urine tests once in the offseason from mid-April to mid-August. A positive test is considered when 35 nanograms or more of extracted THC is found per milliliter of urine. After the first violation, players must enter an intervention program. On subsequent violations, players are punished with game suspensions that range from two to 10 games. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has urged the league for new cannabis policies, and as of recently league officials appear to be open to changing the regulations.
Major League Baseball (MLB)
Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program prohibits the use of marijuana, and sets a high threshold of 50 nanograms THC per milliliter. Players are only tested if the league or union officials have reasonable cause. Players do not face game suspensions for positive marijuana tests, but failure to comply with the treatment program is met with suspensions and fines.
National Basketball Association (NBA) & Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has one of the strictest marijuana testing regimens, as players are subject to four random screenings throughout the season. The league has set the high threshold of 15 nanograms per milliliter of THC. After the first infraction, players are required to complete a substance-abuse program. After a second positive test, players are subject to a maximum $25,000 fine. A third violation is punishable by a five-game ban.
Players in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) can be randomly tested up to three times throughout the season. Like the NBA, the league has set a marijuana metabolites high threshold of 15 nanograms per milliliter.
National Hockey League (NHL)
While players in the National Hockey League (NHL) undergo limited drug testing, the league does not include marijuana on its list of banned substances. The league screens for marijuana and THC, but only so that anonymous stats on use can be presented to its player association’s Performance Enhancing Substances Program Committee.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
Major League Soccer (MLG) follows the same threshold limit guideline for positive THC tests as WADA, which is set at 150 nanograms per milliliter. The league has not established a set number of tests, and all screens are unannounced.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has among the strictest marijuana testing regimen in all of sports. College athletes that test positive for THC metabolites at 15 nanograms per millimeter are considered in violation. While the association has not established a uniform policy on marijuana violations, its drug policy states “marijuana use… can result in suspension.”
Because standard marijuana urine testing employed by these major leagues and associations analyzes metabolites of THC, athletes who consume CBD hemp oil instead of marijuana have very little risk of testing positive. CBD hemp oil is derived from high-CBD, low-THC hemp.
Some studies, however, have shown that eating hemp foods and consuming hemp oils can, in rare cases, cause a positive result in urine and blood tests. Anyone who is concerned about having a positive drug test should avoid consuming CBD oil, or first talk with their healthcare, employer, or drug screening company.
For those looking to avoid even trace levels of THC, RSHO-XTM is a CBD supplement that is THC free. Most hemp oils contain trace levels of THC, far less than the amount needed for intoxication. First-of-its-kind zero-THC RSHO-XTM undergoes a proprietary filtration process that eliminates all cannabinoids but for CBD.
To try RSHO-XTM for yourself, visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. online store today.
