An advisory committee to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) will consider whether cannabis should remain a prohibited drug, following American track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson’s failure to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for it.
Wada stated on Tuesday that the scientific evaluation will begin next year. Cannabis is presently illegal in competition and will remain so until 2022, according to the statement.
The [executive committee] supported the decision of the List Expert Advisory Group to begin a scientific assessment of the status of cannabis in 2022, following requests from a number of stakeholders, according to a Wada statement.
“Cannabis is illegal in competition right now, and it will be until 2022.”
Richardson was disqualified from the US Olympic Track & Field trials in June after testing positive for a substance common in cannabis. A one-month suspension was also imposed on her.
The 21-year-old, who was once considered a strong contender in the 100 meters, has admitted to using cannabis to deal with her mother’s death.
The ban generated outpourings of support and requests for anti-doping regulations to be reviewed, particularly by the US Anti-Doping Agency.
