A University of Auburn football recruit has been removed from the team’s roster because he takes cannabis-derived CBD oil to treat his epilepsy.
According to SBNation, C.J. Harris was a preferred walk-on defensive back at Auburn. He has a history of seizures, which doctors effectively treated with prescribed cannabis oil. Unfortunately, Harris is disqualified from playing because of an NCAA ban on CBD oil and all marijuana-derived products.
247Sports reported that Auburn rescinded its offer to Harris because the team’s medical staff was “concerned about the epilepsy and wanted to protect his well being in a full-contact sport that could lead to head trauma.”
While CBD is derived from marijuana, it does not include THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that causes the user to get high. The NCAA classifies all forms of marijuana as an illicit drug and does not have an exception for it.
Relief for Harris’ predicament could be in the works. A spokesman for the NCAA’s Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports told SBNation that the group has “discussed medical marijuana and CBD products at recent meetings.” The spokesman also said he expected the issue would be on the agenda when the group meets again in June.
