Perspective Argues Cannabis Should Be Removed From the World Anti-Doping List

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.

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.

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 This perspective adds to the growing scientific consensus that the ban is based on outdated moral reasoning rather than evidence of athletic advantage or unique health risk.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 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.

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.