The Tokyo Olympics are only days away and the news has been filled with headlines and updates about this much anticipated event. One of the larger headlines has been the shocking disqualification of American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. The 21-year-old athlete was expected to star at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, but was suspended and barred from competing in Tokyo after testing positive for marijuana. This news prompted many debates around doping rules, and led many to wonder about the specific Olympic regulations surrounding marijuana and CBD.
Over the past few years, marijuana has been decriminalized in most states in the US. Many athletes now openly use it for medicinal and recreational purposes- and the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL no longer suspend players for it. And yet, “all natural and synthetic cannabinoids,” including marijuana, remain prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, or WADA. WADA is the International Olympic Committee-affiliated body that regulates drug use in global sport. WADA deems THC a “substance of abuse” on its 2021 prohibited list. All cannabis-based products, except for CBD, are banned “in-competition.,” meaning that if THC is found in an athlete’s system on the day of an event, that athlete is subject to punishment.
CBD on the other hand, is very different. CBD was removed from WADA’s banned list in January 2018. .This means that the Tokyo Olympics will be the first in which participating athletes will be allowed to consume CBD. This is exciting news for many who use CBD for its anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties, among other effects.
Whether you are participating in the Olympics, or watching them from home, CBD can be a beneficial remedy and offer a variety of benefits. As always, if interested in learning more check out our website or contact a member of our knowledgeable staff