Student presentation examines marijuana’s history in sports and in the sports industry

Highligthing the diversity of issues covered when students in my Marijuana Law, Policy & Reform seminar “take over” the second half of the class through their presentations, the third presentation scheduled for the coming week will look at sports.  Specifically, this student will explore “history of marijuana in sports, both domestically and internationally, as well as the impact of marijuana legalization in the sports industry,” and here is how he describes his topic along with background readings:

The sports industry has frequently found itself in and around the conversations regarding marijuana use and regulation.  Particularly in the US, many prominent athletes over the years have been vocal advocates for the legalization of cannabis both medically and recreationally.  Not only have athletes made the news for their advocacy of cannabis legalization, but on multiple occasions, athletes have received negative publicity for their use of cannabis.  My paper and presentation, will discuss the history of marijuana in sports, both domestically and internationally, as well as the impact of marijuana legalization in the sports industry. 

The most important organization when it comes to marijuana use in sports is the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA).  WADA was created in 1999 and subsequently established the world anti-doping code in 2003.  As the name of the organization and code indicate, WADA was generally focused on those drugs that have performance enhancing effects, but also banned those substances that go against the “spirit of sport.”  Since the inception of the Code in 2003, the topic of cannabis as a banned substance has come under fire on multiple occasions.  In 2021, the inclusion of cannabis on the list drew wide-spread media attention and led WADA to conduct an extensive review of the substance.  Despite this, WADA maintained their position of having cannabis banned.

While WADA is a prominent voice in the sports world, and its code has been adopted by more than 660 organizations, is not applicable across all sports and leagues.  In particular, the leagues we are most accustomed to in the US (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA) do not abide by the WADA code.  Instead these organizations apply their own rules.  As such, they have been more open to adapting with the times and changing their restrictions on marijuana use. 

Background Reading:

WADA, Who We Are 

WADA, The Prohibited List

WADA, Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes for 2023 Prohibited List

Marijuana Moment, NCAA Panel Formally Recommends Removing Marijuana From Banned Substances List For College Athletes (Sept. 22, 2023)

Axios, Where it stands: Weed policies by U.S. sports league (Oct 20, 2021).