A few months after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (that took place in 2021), WADA is reviewing its ban of cannabis at the Olympics. The World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision follows the controversy surrounding U.S. athlete Sha’Carri Richardson’s ban from the 2021 games. This marks a monumental moment for Olympic history, and sports history in general. It seems that these organizations are understanding cannabis’ positive effect on the athletes themselves, and not their actual performance.
This year’s Olympic events were marked by unprecedented times and controversy. The organization was dealing with hosting athletes from around the world in the middle of a global pandemic. Furthermore, the topic of cannabis use among athletes became a common focus. This is primarily due to Sha’Carri Richardson’s ban by WADA after she failed a drug test for cannabis. Richardson ultimately understands the reason behind her ban, but explained that she decided to smoke cannabis to help deal with the recent loss of her mother. In a letter to U.S. Representatives, WADA stated they couldn’t overturn the ruling even though they sympathized “with the circumstances” of the track star’s case.
Image via @austris_a on Unsplash
WADA Seeks Reform After 2021 Cannabis Controversy
With this in mind, WADA is now looking to reconsider their ban on cannabis. WADA President Witold Bańka told Swimming World Magazine: “These will help further strengthen the global anti-doping program and the protection of clean sport. In particular, the decisions made by the committee in relation to compliance, the 2022 Prohibited List and in a number of science-related areas will prove to be important for the continued success of the system and for the good of athletes around the world.”
This decision to reconsider the Olympic ban on cannabis follows a decision from 4 years ago. In 2017, WADA decided to remove CBD from their list of banned substances. In addition, they added the synthetic cannabinoid “Spice” to the list of banned substances.
However, WADA’s 14-member committee is revisiting cannabis to decide whether or not to remove it from the banned substances list. This decision will change the landscape of professional athletics for years to come. Further, WADA’s review will without a doubt be a win for cannabis activists around the world.
More Cannabis and Music Content
RESPECT MY REGION, HOUSE OF CULTIVAR, AND FOUNTAINHEAD SEEDS LAUNCH “7 DAYS A WEEK”
9 RAPPERS FROM DETROIT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS YEAR
BERNER, CEO OF COOKIES INTERVIEW: THE MAN BEHIND THE BIGGEST WEED BRAND IN THE WORLD
BIDEN PARDONS THOUSANDS FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, CALLS FOR REVIEW OF CANNABIS SCHEDULING
7 TIPS FOR MARKETING CANNABIS AND CBD ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM
MOORE KISMET OPENS UP ABOUT THEIR SECRET DOUBLE LIFE AS AN EDM SUPERSTAR
