The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) will review the status of its cannabis ban for athletes after U.S. track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson missed out on this summer’s Tokyo Games.
“Following receipt of requests from a number of stakeholders, the [executive committee] endorsed the decision of the List Expert Advisory Group to initiate in 2022 a scientific review of the status of cannabis,” a Wada statement read. “Cannabis is currently prohibited in competition and will continue to be in 2022.”
Richardson tested positive for marijuana, a banned substance, and was given a 30-day ban. She would have been eligible before the start of the relays on Aug. 5 and could have won a medal as part of the 4×100 relay team.
The runner said she used marijuana to cope with the recent loss of her biological mother. Richardson then apologized to the nation in a televised interview.
“We all have our different struggles,” she said. “But to put on a face, to have to go in front of the world and put on a face and hide my pain, like, who are you? Who am I to tell you how to cope when you’re dealing with a pain or you’re dealing with a struggle you’ve never experienced before?”
The public was mostly supportive. But rules are rules.
“First and foremost, we are incredibly sympathetic toward Sha’Carri Richardson’s extenuating circumstances and strongly applaud her accountability — and will offer her our continued support both on and off the track,” a statement from officials at USATF said at the time.
“While USATF fully agrees that the merit of the World Anti-Doping Agency rules related to THC should be reevaluated, it would be detrimental to the integrity of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field if USATF amended its policies following competition, only weeks before the Olympic Games,” USATF adds.
Marijuana is already legal in several states across the country, including Richardson’s state of Texas. People question why marijuana is even a banned substance as it has not been proven to enhance performance.
