Cannabis and the Olympics: Challenging the Highest Level of Competition

Cannabis and the Olympics: The Highest Level of Competition

The use of cannabis or marijuana in the Olympics has been a topic of debate for decades. As policies evolve and public opinion shifts, understanding the history and implications of cannabis use among athletes is crucial. In many American professional, collegiate and amateur sports organizations, there is a long history of ruined dreams and careers disrupted because of cannabis prohibition policies. The major North American professional sports leagues: MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL and the NCAA have changed policies to conform with public opinion and the changing legal landscape involving marijuana as highlighted by the DEA’s intent to reschedule marijuana. Meanwhile the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has maintained a strict marijuana prohibition policy. Given that opening ceremonies for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are a few days away, it's a great time to  explore the historical Olympic policies on cannabis, notable controversies, the potential impact of cannabis on athletic performance, and the future of cannabis and CBD use in the Olympics.

Historical Olympic Policies on Cannabis and CBD

Timeline of Notable Policy Changes

1968: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) first began testing athletes for performance-enhancing drugs. Cannabis was not initially included.

1984: Cannabis was added to the banned substances list by the IOC due to its potential for abuse and the belief that it could enhance performance.

2004: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established, and cannabis was included in their list of prohibited substances.

2018: WADA removed CBD from the prohibited list, acknowledging its non-psychoactive nature and potential therapeutic benefits.

2024: WADA's latest prohibited list continues to ban THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) for in-competition use, while CBD remains allowed. 

Pearls:

1. The inclusion of cannabis in the banned substances list was more about its potential for abuse rather than definitive evidence of performance enhancement.

2. CBD, unlike THC, does not produce a high and has been recognized for its therapeutic potential in treating pain and inflammation.

Notable Controversies Involving Marijuana Enforcement

Several high-profile athletes have faced sanctions for cannabis use, sparking debate over the fairness and relevance of such policies.

Michael Phelps: In 2009, a photograph of Phelps using a bong surfaced, leading to a three-month suspension by USA Swimming. Although not an in-competition offense, it damaged his public image.

Sha'Carri Richardson: In 2021, Richardson was suspended for one month after testing positive for THC. She admitted to using cannabis to cope with her mother's death, reigniting the debate over the necessity of cannabis bans in sports.  The suspension cost her a place at the Tokyo Olympics, impacting her career and earnings potential, and highlighting broader issues of social justice and racial disparities in marijuana policy enforcement.

Pearls:

1. Athletes like Michael Phelps and Sha'Carri Richardson highlight the personal struggles that can lead to cannabis use, raising questions about the harshness of penalties.

2. Richardson's case brought significant attention to the mental health of athletes and the potential role of cannabis in managing stress and trauma.

Cannabis as a Performance Enhancer vs. Performance Decreaser

The debate over whether cannabis enhances or decreases athletic performance is ongoing, with studies providing mixed results.

Performance Enhancer: Some argue that cannabis, especially cannabidiol (CBD)  can enhance performance by reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, promoting sleep and potentially improving focus and recovery.

Performance Decreaser: Others contend that cannabis impairs coordination, reaction time, and cognitive function, which can negatively impact performance.

Studies and Scientific Data

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology found that while cannabis might reduce anxiety and pain, its impact on physical performance is minimal and can be detrimental in sports requiring high levels of coordination and concentration.

Sports That May Benefit from Cannabis Use

Sports such as archery and shooting, where relaxation and steady nerves are crucial, might see theoretical benefits from cannabis use. The calming effects of CBD could help athletes maintain focus and control, while its pain relieving effects can be useful in athlete recovery during the olympics. 

Sports That May Be Harmed by Cannabis Use

Sports requiring quick reaction times and high levels of physical coordination, such as gymnastics, sprinting, and swimming, could be negatively impacted by cannabis use due to its potential to impair motor skills and cognitive function.

Pearls:

1. The potential benefits of cannabis for athletes may be more related to recovery and pain management rather than direct performance enhancement.

2. Emerging research is exploring the use of CBD for its anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for athlete recovery.

Athletes' Public Positions on Cannabis Policies

Several athletes have taken public stances on cannabis policies, advocating for change and greater acceptance.

Megan Rapinoe: The soccer star has openly supported the use of CBD for recovery and has partnered with CBD companies to promote its benefits.

Nate Diaz: The UFC fighter made headlines when he first started smoking CBD during a press conference, advocating for its use to aid recovery.

Ross Rebagliati: The Canadian snowboarder won a gold medal in 1998, only to test positive for THC and face temporary disqualification. He has since become an advocate for cannabis use and its benefits.

Ricky Williams: The former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner has been a vocal advocate for cannabis, crediting it with helping manage his social anxiety and physical pain. He faced multiple suspensions during his career but has since founded his own cannabis company to promote its benefits.

Al Harrington: The former NBA player has openly discussed his use of cannabis for pain management and founded a cannabis company named Viola, aimed at providing opportunities and education within the cannabis industry, particularly for communities of color.

Pearls:

1. High-profile athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Nate Diaz use their platforms to influence public opinion and policy on cannabis.

2. The acceptance of CBD in sports is growing, with more athletes and organizations recognizing its potential benefits for recovery and pain management.

Current and Future Olympic Policies on Marijuana and CBD

Current Policies

As previously mentioned, THC remains on the WADA prohibited list for in-competition use, while CBD is allowed. Athletes must navigate these regulations carefully to avoid sanctions.

Future Policies

The future may see a relaxation of cannabis policies as research continues to shed light on its effects. Some experts predict that WADA may eventually remove THC from the banned list, especially as public opinion and legal landscapes evolve.

Pearls:

1. The distinction between THC and CBD in current policies reflects an understanding of their different effects and potential uses.

2. Future policy changes will likely be influenced by ongoing research and the evolving legal status of cannabis worldwide.

Wrapping It All Up

DUe to the rapidly evolving public opinion and policies involving marijuana and CBD, the world of sports has been trying to make up for lost ground very quickly. Unfortunately, the International Olympics Committees’ (IOC) historically draconian  policies have been slow to follow the examples of other leagues. Recent changes, particularly regarding CBD, reflect a slightly more nuanced understanding but still maintain THC bans that can be very harmful to the personal and professional aspirations of Olympic athletes. The debate over cannabis as a performance enhancer or decreaser remains unresolved, with scientific data supporting both perspectives. As athletes continue to shape public opinion, future policies will likely adapt to new research and societal shifts.

As always if you’re going to start incorporating CBD or marijuana into your life, make sure to seek advice from your healthcare provider. Always make sure you only buy from tested and trusted sources and please contact us with any questions you may have. Enjoy The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad! 🥳