Watch Video(Image source: USA Today)
*BY BRIAN BONDUS*
Remember the photo of Michael Phelps hitting a bong that surfaced a few years ago? (Via YouTube / VivalaECW)
Perhaps the photo wouldn’t get as much negative attention if it were posted today. That’s because the agency that controls Olympians’ drug use is loosening the standards for marijuana.
The World Anti-Doping Agency sets the drug code for more than 600 sporting organizations worldwide. It increased the allowed amount of THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana, by 10 times in May. The change is now garnering a lot of attention.
According to ABC, the new rule requires testing athletes in the hours and days before a competition instead of weeks and months. ABC quotes a London professor who thinks any testing is unnecessary.
*“There’s no evidence cannabis is ever performance enhancing in sport, and since its use is legal in a number of countries, there’s no reason for it to be banned by WADA. I can’t think of any sport in which it would be an advantage.”*
The International Olympic Committee banned drugs such as marijuana and cocaine because it says they violate the spirit of the sport — plus, the substances are illegal in some countries such as the U.S.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency continues to defend the rule. In USA Today, the agency explains a performance-enhancing drug doesn’t just mean stronger and faster; it can affect other parameters such as confidence and pain tolerance.
*“You wouldn**’**t want a bobsledder driving down an icy track while impaired.”*
Under the old rules, 1998 Olympic gold medal winner Ross Rebagliati almost lost his medal after testing positive for 17 nanograms of THC, just barely more than the allowed amount. (Via YouTube / Rebagliati)
But he didn’t — and now talks publicly about marijuana use. (Via YouTube / TheRush OnShawTV)
Last year about four out of roughly 3,000 athletes in the U.S. Anti-Doping pool tested positive for marijuana. This new rule went into effect in mid-May. Reported by Newsy 22 hours ago.
