The World Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees drug testing in the Olympics and other sports, is likely to keep cannabis on its list of prohibited substances despite growing pressure to remove its ban on the drug. As more and more U.S. states legalize cannabis products, and many athletes promote its use for medical and recreational purposes, debate within the agency has grown over whether to suspend athletes who test positive from the competition. This was highlighted in 2021 after American springer Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for pot and was not allowed to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. As the debate continues, the agency’s advisory group has recommended keeping the ban in place, noting that the drug still meets the criteria for inclusion because it could have a negative impact on performance. WADA has also concluded that marijuana meets other criteria because of its potential health risks (such as affecting an athlete’s balance) during competition, enhancing performance, and “violating the spirit of sport.” Increasingly, many pro athletes say they use cannabis products and have spoken out about the purported benefits of both medical and recreational marijuana. They also contend that if it is legal in many U.S. states, it should also be allowed in international sports competitions. But with a growing body of evidence highlighting the potential risks of cannabis use, especially products with high levels of psychoactive THC, we urge caution when considering removing it from the list of banned substances for professional athletes who always strive to perform at the highest level.
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