Cannitrol – Cannabis Control Agent

Marijuana news from around the world

Keith Kizer

Marijuana and Sports News

sports

Sports are looking up.

In the past month the marijuana community has heard some great news from the world of sports.  And this news comes from around the world.  The National Basketball Association (USA) has decided to soften its approach to marijuana testing.  The Australian Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) has also decided to take a new look at what constitutes “performance enhancing drugs” as opposed to simply “banned substances” and all of this is causing the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to also review its rules.  Furthermore, UFC fighter Nick Diaz’s recent drug suspension and legal rebuttals are forcing the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the UFC to also address their stance on marijuana.  Also, Martin Mayhew, GM of the Detroit Lions, has also spoken of his views on marijuana usage by NFL players and draftees.  As these incidents move forward, the sports world is poised to make decisions that can and will have ripple effects outside of sports into the social and political fabric of the world.  Although nothing has been set in stone yet, the best part is that all these associations are taking the time to look at marijuana in a methodical and scientifically informed manner to reach a proper decision.  It appears that old prejudices and scare stories may be set aside with old arbitrary rulings.

The latest thunder from down under comes with quite a bang as the COMPPS has said that it believes marijuana should not be grouped with performance enhancers such as Human Growth Hormone and Anabolic steroids.  Under current WADA rules a substance is placed on the banned list if it meets the following criteria: “It’s proven to be performance enhancing, it goes against the spirit of the sport, or it’s dangerous to the health of athletes.”  Under those rules, anyone who tests positive for marijuana faces a two-year ban.  With COMPPS’ declaration it seems that things are going to relax a bit for Australian athletes.  Although, if any compete on an international level they are still subject to WADA rules.  However, WADA President John Fahey had this to say, “There are those who believe our current criteria needs to be amended and that will be given appropriate consideration through this review process…Specifically to cannabis, I can only say to those, particularly in the football codes who have expressed concern that we’re focusing on an area that really isn’t about cheating in sport, I urge them to put a request up to WADA, which will be given to our list committee, who will examine it…I won’t express a view I’ll simply say it will be thoroughly examined. There are some substances today that are banned in some sports, but not in others. That may well be an option they [the WADA banned-list committee] may wish to come to the board with in due course. But I won’t pre-empt that, I’ll let them decide without any influence from me.”  The sports world will have to wait a while for any final determination, as WADA’s new drug codes will not be released until November 2013.

American sports commissions are also moving in a positive direction.  When the NBA restructured its labor agreement they altered their drug testing policy.  As it now stands, players will only be tested for performance-enhancing drugs during the off-season.  Marijuana is no longer on that list.  Although illegal during the season, it means that players who use marijuana for pain or anxiety will get to medicate without fear of suspensions once that final buzzer has sounded.  Inside the NFL it seems that cannabis is causing quite a stir.  The Detroit Lions have made headlines as several of this year’s draft picks have been arrested for marijuana-related charges.  The Lions are not the only team whose players have had troubles in the recent past (The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals also made the news for their players). But it seems that the league is thinking less of this controversy as its toxicity has waned to the public eye.  The Lions’ GM Martin Mayhew recently spoke out about players’ off-field actions and concerns.  Although contracts will still have morality clauses, and players should think before breaking the law, it appears that league penalties may reduce in severity and clubs will have more flexibility in handling these affairs.

From the Ultimate Fighting Championship comes news concerning contender Nick Diaz.  After fighting at UFC 143 in February he tested positive for marijuana metabolites, the residual compounds indicative of marijuana use.  Nick has tested positive once before and this may lead to sterner reprimands for the second charge.  Nick is a California native and holds a medical marijuana card from the state.  However, the fight and test were conducted in Nevada, and under NSAC rules he is immediately suspended for 45 days pending a hearing.  At this time, the 45 day limit has expired and Nick is suing for violation of his due process rights, concerning his rights to make a living.  NSAC executive director Keith Kizer spoke about the suspension and an in-court statement that failing his drug test posed a “threat to public safety.” Kizer took the stance that marijuana is not on the NSAC approved substance list and therefore Nick is in violation.  His statement did seem to leave an opening for a debate on whether or not marijuana should continue to be on the banned substance list.  Diaz has stated that he medicates in order to control his ADHD which would impair his ability to focus on training, as well as for pain management.  And furthermore, he does not medicate in the week prior to his fights to keep his head clear and reflexes sharp.  This certainly seems unjust considering that professional ballplayers can get a shot of cortisone and take a few pain killers so they can pitch in an ALCS game, and not to be able to recall the game later.

The case for marijuana has never been stronger.  It’s presence abounds in state’s politics, as it jockeys for position in the national spotlight.  The horrors of the failed Drug War in Mexico make headlines every week.  And now it is taking over the spotlight in global sports.  Many have called for national talks concerning its legality. But Marijuana.net believes now is the right time for a worldwide reckoning concerning the future of humanity and the cannabis plant.  It offers so much to help mankind, and asks for so little in return; it only needs a plot of land, steady sunshine, and some water.  Hey ref, put down the red card.

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