WADA Refuses to Bow to U.S. Pressure: Cannabis Remains a Banned Substance
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) plans to keep cannabis on its list of banned substances for 2023, despite a strong campaign to legalize it in sports following the controversy involving American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. Richardson was disqualified just before the Tokyo Olympics, which caused confusion among some U.S. fans. Despite pressure from Americans claiming that recreational drugs do not provide a competitive advantage, cannabis will not be fully removed from the Prohibited List for the coming year, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Every fall, WADA leadership determines the list of banned substances for the following year—a more significant event than it may seem. For example, meldonium was quietly added to the list in the past, causing major issues for Russian athletes.
Ongoing Debate Over Cannabis in Sports
Drugs are widely recognized as harmful, but cannabis has become the subject of heated debate worldwide. In some countries, possession can lead to lengthy prison sentences, while in others, it is legalized for medical use. Its impact on athletic performance is also disputed. Before the Tokyo Olympics, Richardson was disqualified after winning the 100-meter national trials due to a positive marijuana test. The sprinter explained she used cannabis to calm her nerves following a family tragedy. As a result, she received a short suspension and missed her chance at Olympic gold. Since then, her performance has noticeably declined, and she did not qualify for the World Championships held in the U.S.
In America, Richardson’s punishment sparked significant debate, as marijuana use is legal in many states, including for recreational purposes. She even received support from then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who called Richardson an “inspiring young woman,” though she avoided commenting directly on the drug use. Supporters of the ban argue that marijuana can impair coordination, potentially leading to serious injuries—not only for users but also for other athletes competing alongside them. On the other hand, alcohol can have similar effects but is not on WADA’s Prohibited List.
Some Countries Support Removing Cannabinoids from the List
According to the Wall Street Journal, WADA’s Prohibited List Expert Advisory Group supported keeping the ban, stating that, based on current scientific evidence, cannabis meets the criteria for inclusion. WADA leadership rarely disagrees with its advisory group and typically approves the list. The new list is set to be published on October 1.
For a substance to be included, it must meet at least two of three criteria: 1) potential to enhance or improve athletic performance; 2) actual or potential health risk to the athlete; 3) violation of the spirit of sport. In the case of drugs like cannabis, most WADA members believe criteria 2 and 3 are met.
The U.S. has allies in its push to remove cannabinoids from the list, such as the Netherlands. The Dutch National Anti-Doping Agency notes that “cannabinoids are more likely to have a negative effect on athletic performance.”
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) also oversees anti-doping policy in mixed martial arts and the UFC, where marijuana is not banned unless it enhances performance. In Richardson’s case, the substance did not improve her performance, according to USADA head Travis Tygart, who wrote to U.S. lawmakers after the incident, urging them to help change WADA’s stance.
In other words, Americans are not necessarily seeking to remove cannabinoids from the list entirely; rather, they want to reduce penalties for use when there is no impact on performance. However, contrary to popular belief, WADA does not simply follow U.S. demands and has no plans to change its rules. WADA President Witold Bańka stated that the agency’s policy “does not tend to change based on specific athlete suspensions.”
Drug-Related Suspensions Are Rare but Notable in Russia
Currently, using hashish or marijuana results in a three-month suspension, which can be reduced to one month if the athlete completes a treatment program. Richardson completed such a program. Before 2021, athletes faced suspensions of two to four years, so the rules have already been significantly relaxed.
In reality, drug-related suspensions make up a very small portion of athlete bans but often attract the most attention. Of the dozens of athletes suspended by RUSADA, only three were punished for S8 (cannabinoids): taekwondo athlete Dmitry Zakrepin, archer Chingis Rinchino, and blind judo athlete Abdula Kuramagomedov. However, many more well-known athletes have been caught using drugs. Among them are Zenit and Russian national basketball player Dmitry Kulagin, Russian volleyball player Pavel Moroz (who received an 18-month suspension in 2018), and footballer Alexander Rychkov, who played for France’s Lens in 1996. Rychkov claimed marijuana ended up in his system as a prank by a friend who put it in a celebratory cake. He received a two-month suspension as a result. Another ongoing suspension, lasting until June 2023, involves hockey player Evgeny Kuznetsov, who tested positive for cocaine at an IIHF event.
The most recent high-profile case involves Russian national basketball team player Nina Glonti, who plays for Moscow’s MBA club. The 25-year-old forward tested positive for cocaine and was suspended for three months. Her suspension was only announced after it had already ended.