CCES Reminds Athletes That Cannabis Remains Prohibited in Sport Despite Legalization

OTTAWA, ON - As we get closer to the legalization of cannabis in Canada, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) reminds athletes that cannabis will remain prohibited in sport, no matter its legal status in Canada.

 

Cannabinoids, including cannabis, hashish and marijuana, are classified as prohibited in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s 2018 Prohibited List, an international standard that is not affected by changes in Canadian law. Cannabis will be just one of many substances that are legal in Canada, yet prohibited in sport.

 

“When cannabis becomes legal in Canada athletes will have to remember that they are subject to the rules of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) and face the consequences of a doping violation if they test positive for cannabis in competition,” says Paul Melia, CCES President and CEO. “There are steps that athletes can take to reduce the risk of a doping violation, but the most effective approach is to avoid cannabis.”

 

The CCES offers several resources to help athletes and support personnel navigate cannabis legalization. The Cannabis in Sport Education Kit is available for coaches, administrators, teachers, and others to download. The kit contains materials to help leaders deliver the message about cannabis in sport to athletes and support personnel.

 

As per the CADP, which has been adopted by the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) and its Member Associations, all athletes competing at a CLA National Championship are subject to in-competition testing from the CCES. Furthermore, all athletes that have participated in Canadian national team tryouts, training camps, or competitions are potentially subject to both in-competition and out-of-competition testing from the CCES and WADA.

 

In order to be eligible to compete at a CLA National Championship, all athletes and team personnel members (e.g. coaches, trainers, managers, etc.) on the roster are required to complete the CCES True Sport Clean 101 online education course. Those competing at the national team level are also required to complete periodic anti-doping education courses as well.

 

Visit the CLA's Anti-Doping Policy and Education Program webpage for more information on how to check the status of your supplements and medications, or to apply for a medical exemption, which covers prescriptions for medical marijuana. 

 

As always, the CCES reminds athletes of the fundamental anti-doping principle of strict liability: The athlete is responsible for any substance found in their sample.

 

Contact