Is Marijuana illegal in professional boxing in 2024?

By Arslan Saleem March 08, 2024 17:12

Photo by Getty Images/iStockphoto

In 2024, the use of marijuana in professional boxing is a topic of significant interest and debate. The legality of marijuana use, both in and out of competition, raises questions regarding anti-doping regulations, athlete welfare, and the intersection of state and federal laws in various countries. Here's a comprehensive overview of the current status of marijuana in professional boxing, encompassing anti-doping regulations, changes to prohibited substances lists, and the evolving perspectives on cannabis use in the sport.

Anti-Doping Regulations and Professional Boxing

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List

The WADA Prohibited List is a critical reference point for understanding the substances and methods that are not permitted in and out of competition.
The Prohibited List for 2024 specifically identifies cannabis (THC) as a substance of abuse that is prohibited in competition and at all times.
The In-Competition Period, as defined in the WADA Code 2024, plays a crucial role in determining whether the presence of banned substances in an athlete's system constitutes an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

Implications for Boxers

Boxers must be mindful of the In-Competition Period and understand the consequences of having banned substances in their system during this period, irrespective of when the substance was ingested.
The 2024 Prohibited List outlines a group of illegal drugs, including cannabis (THC), which are frequently used outside of a sports enhancement context and are subject to specific regulations and sanctions when found in-competition.

Cannabis Use and Athlete Welfare

Changes to Sanction Length and Athlete Welfare

In cases where substances of abuse are found in-competition, there may be a substantial reduction in the length of sanction if their use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sports performance.
Furthermore, there is a focus on athlete welfare through a further reduction in the length of sanction if an approved treatment program is completed.

Legal Status and Debate Surrounding Marijuana Use

State and Federal Laws

The legal status of marijuana, both for medicinal and recreational use, varies between different states and countries, leading to complex interactions with anti-doping regulations.
While some state governments in the United States have passed laws removing restrictions on marijuana use for personal or medicinal reasons, there are ongoing debates between federal and state governments regarding the federal interference with state marijuana laws.

Marijuana and Professional Sports

Intersection of Marijuana Use and Professional Sports

The status of marijuana as a prohibited substance in professional sports, including boxing, is subject to the regulations set forth by anti-doping agencies such as WADA and USADA, regardless of the state laws where athletes reside 1.
The use of marijuana, particularly in the form of cannabis and cannabinoids, is illegal in many countries with severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and even the death penalty for possession, importation, and trafficking, even if only for personal use.

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for Marijuana

Consideration for TUE Application

Athletes seeking to use marijuana for therapeutic purposes can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) according to relevant WADA and USADA guidelines.
The application process for TUEs for cannabis or other FDA-approved cannabinoid medications involves meeting specific criteria outlined in the International Standard for TUEs.

Professional Boxing and Cannabis Advocacy

Evolving Perspectives

The debate around cannabis use in professional sports, including boxing, has gained attention from athletes and advocates, leading to discussions about the potential benefits of marijuana for pain management and overall athlete welfare.
Former professional athletes, including those from the NFL and NHL, have been vocal about the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about its place in professional sports.

In 2024, the use of marijuana in professional boxing is a complex and nuanced issue, influenced by anti-doping regulations, legal considerations, and evolving perspectives on cannabis use in sports. While the WADA Prohibited List explicitly identifies cannabis as a prohibited substance, there are ongoing discussions about athlete welfare, therapeutic use exemptions, and the intersection of state and federal laws in various countries. As the dialogue surrounding marijuana in professional sports continues, it remains a topic of considerable interest and debate within the boxing community.

The evolving landscape of marijuana use in professional boxing reflects the broader societal and regulatory shifts regarding cannabis, prompting ongoing discussions and considerations within the realm of anti-doping regulations and athlete welfare