A review of the evidence argues cannabis does not enhance athletic performance, its health risks for athletes are overestimated, and its continued prohibition relies primarily on subjective "spirit of sport" criteria rather than science.
Athletes, sports organizations, and policymakers interested in cannabis and doping policy
Cannabis is ergolytic, not ergogenic
What the researchers found
Cannabis is neither ergogenic (performance-enhancing) nor proven dangerous enough to warrant classification as doping after 20 years of research. CBD is already exempted. The WADA criteria require two of three conditions: performance enhancement, health risk, or violation of the "spirit of sport." The author argues cannabis fails to meet the scientific criteria and is maintained on the list primarily through the subjective moral criterion.
Why it matters
Athletes face career-ending consequences for cannabis use despite lack of evidence it enhances performance. This perspective adds to the growing scientific consensus that the ban is based on outdated moral reasoning rather than evidence of athletic advantage or unique health risk.
The numbers in context
WADA requires 2 of 3 criteria to be met; CBD already exempted from banned list; 20+ years of research reviewed; cannabis classified as ergolytic (performance-worsening) rather than ergogenic
How the study worked
Narrative perspective reviewing WADA doping criteria and available evidence on cannabis, athletic performance, and health risks in athletes. Examines the three WADA criteria (performance enhancement, health risk, spirit of sport) against published research.
What this study cannot tell us
Perspective piece rather than systematic review, which may selectively present evidence. The "spirit of sport" criterion is inherently subjective and was designed to capture behaviors beyond pure performance enhancement. Athletes in different sports may face different risk profiles.
How to read the evidence
Evidence-based perspective from published literature, but not a systematic review and presents a specific advocacy position
When this study was published
2023 study
The bigger picture
The cannabis-as-doping classification affects athletes worldwide and has disproportionately impacted certain populations. As cannabis legalization spreads, the disconnect between civil legality and sporting prohibition grows harder to justify on scientific grounds.
Questions still open
- Will WADA eventually remove cannabis from its prohibited list? Would removal lead to increased cannabis use among athletes? How should athletic organizations handle cannabis in jurisdictions where it is legal?
Common questions
Does cannabis improve athletic performance?
Why is cannabis still banned in sports?
Read the original research
Cannabis Is Not Doping.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(6), 949-954
Citation
Aguiar, Aderbal Silva. (2023). Cannabis Is Not Doping.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(6), 949-954. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2023.0012
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