Science Doesnât Support Idea That Marijuana Aids Athletesâ Performance
Contradictory data, contested claims and highly speculative research seem to be behind the Olympic ban on cannabinoids.
ShaâCarri Richardson at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials last month in Eugene, Ore.Credit.Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
July 9, 2021
When ShaâCarri Richardson was barred from the Olympics this month after testing positive for marijuana, it ignited an ongoing conversation about whether the drug should be classified as performance-enhancing for athletes. Does getting high really improve strength, speed, agility or other outcomes?
In Ms. Richardsonâs case, the answer doesnât matter, because marijuana is also prohibited, as enforcement organizations assert that it can harm athletes and that its use violates the spirit of the games. Her ban stands whether or not the drug is performance-enhancing.
Colorado
United-states
Canada
Nebraska
Canadian
Margaret-haney
Jon-wagner
Jeff-novitzky
Roger-pielke-jr
Shacarri-richardson
Jon-fitzgerald
Us-office-of-national-drug-control