Should marijuana and cannabinoids still be banned for use in sports?

Marijuana and cannabinoids (a group of compounds found in Marijuana) have long been considered performance-enhancing substances in sports.  The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regards the use of marijuana and cannabinoids “In-Competition”[1] by athletes as a serious offense.  Athletes subject to the World Anti-Doping Code who intentionally use marijuana and cannabinoids without prior approval of its use under a medically necessitated therapeutic use exemption face a 4-year ban.[2] 

However, given the recent spate of legalization of marijuana in a number of countries, the question has to be asked: should this position be reviewed and should marijuana still be banned for use in sports.  

This article examines WADA’s current position on marijuana and cannabinoids in more depth.  It also looks at the positions taken by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and their evolving attitudes on the topic in light of shifting pubic consensus.    

Specifically, it looks at:

• WADA’s and USADA’s position on Marijuana and Cannabinoids;
• The recent trend towards legalization of marijuana in democratic countries and WADA & USADA’s response;
• The NCAA’s more progressive approach;
• Author’s comment.