Debate over marijuana use and athletic competition reignites

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Marijuana use and athletic competitors are the controversial mixture sparking debate throughout the nation as soon as once more.

This follows the banning of an Olympic hopeful after she used marijuana on the monitor and area trials in Oregon final month.

So, what is true and what’s flawed? Many say as instances change, so ought to guidelines for athletes. What makes issues more difficult is that totally different sports activities and totally different ranges of sports activities have totally different requirements.

“She misplaced her alternative to compete within the Olympics,” stated UFC fighter Ryan Corridor, talking about Sha’Carri Richardson.

Richardson, a monitor sprinter, was suspended for a month after testing constructive for the substance. Her absence from the Olympic Video games this summer season in Tokyo reignited the talk over using marijuana by athletes.

“I believe that’s madness,” Corridor stated.

UFC fighters are weighing in, particularly with latest developments of their sport. The Nevada Athletic Fee lately voted to take away the rule that will effective or droop fighters for testing constructive for marijuana.

Athletes who smoke pot say this can be a step ahead, however they may nonetheless keep clear for fights.

“I’m excited for after, however nothing adjustments there for me,” UFC fighter Sean O’Malley stated. “I’ll in all probability proceed to do two weeks out.”

Even those that don’t smoke welcomed the information.

“Are you injuring anybody and are you taking an unfair benefit? No? Then it’s not my concern what you’re as much as,” Corridor stated.

So, what does the science say? A 2018 study published within the Scientific Journal of Sport Drugs exhibits, “There is no such thing as a proof for hashish as a performance-enhancing drug.” However the U.S. Anti-Doping Company (USADA) websites a 2011 Sports Medicine paper printed by WADA, which states, “Hashish could be efficiency enhancing for some athletes and sports activities disciplines.”

“I hope that everyone will get on the identical web page,” stated Kortney Olson, founder and CEO of GRRRL Clothes.

Olson sponsors some UFC fighters. As a recovering addict, she says she wouldn’t drop athletes who use marijuana for well being causes.

“I might moderately see folks using issues like medical marijuana, versus Xanax or Valium, which has a approach increased dependancy proposition,” she stated.

Analysis into marijuana’s affect on athletic efficiency is ongoing, however there may be loads of proof that exhibits hashish helps with ache administration and restoration.