USC Athletics announced a new partnership with Cookies, a popular CBD/cannabis and wellness company, earlier this month, making the Trojans the first school to partner with a cannabis company in NCAA history.
“California is our home state, and for Cookies to be involved with a premier athletic program at the oldest private college in the state of California is incredibly exciting for us. We are honored and excited to be a sponsor and Trojans supporter alongside other globally recognized brands. Fight on!” Gilbert “Berner” Milam Jr., co-founder and CEO of Cookies, said in a statement.
SF Gate reported that the Trojans have partnered with the brand’s CBD and wellness brand rather than its marijuana business. However, promotions will feature the Cookies logo, which has become synonymous with the brand’s marijuana division.
Cookies branding will also appear on the teams’ social media accounts, during exclusive promotional events and tailgate experiences, and on some USC merchandise.
Historically, the NCAA has prohibited the advertisement of “marijuana” in college sports sponsorships. But earlier this summer, the organization voted to remove cannabinoids and its psychoactive THC component from the banned substances list, according to Sports Illustrated.
It’s unclear what USC Athletics’ partnership with Cookies now means for collegiate sports. Still, Jim Andrews, an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and sports marketing expert, told Sf Gate that he absolutely expects more cannabis companies to be advertising college sports.
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