Cannaus
  • Home
  • State News
    • ACT
    • QLD
    • NSW
    • NT
    • SA
    • TAS
    • VIC
    • WA
  • Topics
    • Business
    • CBD
    • Government
    • Hemp
    • International
    • Legalisation
    • Medicinal Cannabis
    • Offences
    • Research
    • Misc
  • Cannabis Companies
No Result
View All Result
Cannaus

World Anti-Doping Agency to review whether cannabis should remain banned for athletes

4 years ago
in International
0
Athlete getting ready to perform on a cannabis background

Athlete getting ready to perform on a cannabis background

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Back in June, American athlete Sha’Carri Richardson was slapped with a one-month ban after she tested positive for THC (one of cannabis’s psychoactive components). 

Starting on June 28th, the ban prevented Richardson from competing in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. This was a massive blow to the USA’s Olympic team, as Richardson was a strong contender for a gold medal in the women’s 100m sprint. Earlier this year, Richardson actually ran the 6th fastest time in history. But because she used cannabis to cope with the death of her biological mother, she was left out of the race. 

Athletes cannot use cannabis because the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) considers it a “banned substance”. To be banned, a substance must either enhance an athletes performance, pose a risk to their health or “violate the spirit of the sport”. 

However, people have long campaigned WADA to unban cannabis because it simply doesn’t meet the criteria. As David McDuff (sports psychiatrist, professor at the University of Maryland and member of the International Olympic Committee’s Mental Health Workgroup) puts it:

I think the consensus, in the absence of clear-cut information, is that cannabis is more likely to be viewed as performance-detracting rather than performance-enhancing,

Now it seems that the WADA is listening. On Tuesday (September 14th), WADA announced that it will conduct a scientific review to determine if cannabis should remain banned. While WADA didn’t mention Richardson in their announcement, her case likely influenced their decision alongside other similar high profile cases.

The review will begin next year and could pave the way for athletes to use cannabis both recreationally and medically. Interestingly, cannabis has shown some promise as a treatment for chronic pain in athletes and may also help with joint health and muscle relaxation. 

Until WADA’s review is finished, cannabis will remain a banned substance – including in the 2022 winter games in Beijing.

Tags: MiscResearch
Share6Tweet4
Karie Cornell

Karie Cornell

Based in Victoria, Karie's passionate about pro-cannabis legislation in Australia. She joined Cannaus to share and bring awareness to the latest cannabis news across Australia.

Related Posts

Thailand flag over a cannabis flower
International

Thailand to become first Southeast Asian country to decriminalise cannabis

January 21, 2022
Cannabis plant under a light
International

New study finds whole-plant cannabis can reduce seizures in children by 86%

December 17, 2021
Malta flag
International

Malta votes to legalise cannabis possession in historic move

December 15, 2021
Worlds largest cannabis brownie
International

US company bakes “World’s Largest Cannabis Brownie” at 385kg

December 10, 2021
Jamaican flag
International

Jamaican government launches campaign to correct anti-cannabis stigma

December 9, 2021
Cannabis and person working on laptop
International

Cannabis capitalism: research shows cannabis legalisation increases employment

December 8, 2021
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Weekly Cannabis News

Get the latest Australian cannabis news straight to your inbox every week.

Enter your email address
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Disclaimer
Cannaus does not recommend that anyone uses cannabis for medical or adult use purposes unless consulted by a medical professional. Cannabis is a drug and may have negative side effects. Please consult with your doctor to find out if cannabis is right for you.

  • Home
  • State News
    • ACT
    • QLD
    • NSW
    • NT
    • SA
    • TAS
    • VIC
    • WA
  • Topics
    • Business
    • CBD
    • Government
    • Hemp
    • International
    • Legalisation
    • Medicinal Cannabis
    • Offences
    • Research
    • Misc
  • Cannabis Companies
No Result
View All Result
Weekly Cannabis News

Get the latest Australian cannabis news straight to your inbox every week.

Enter your email address

Thanks, I’m not interested

wpDiscuz