ANTI-DOPING LAWS IN ATHLETICS

Abstract

Anti-doping policies have been implemented for competitors in Olympic games and athletes of all different sports. The core values of these rules are implemented to ensure health, fair play, and solidarity in the athletic community. The World Anti-Doping Agency works alongside the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to produce an updated list every January of substances that are considered illegal in sports which fall under its authority. Some examples of these drugs are anabolic agents, hormone modulators, and all forms of marijuana. With drugs such as cannabinoids slowly becoming legal in more states for recreational use, this can create confusion between athletes who may live in these places. Although marijuana may not be internationally a criminalizing drug, this does not mean that it will be excluded from the list of banned substances. How will the World Anti-Doping Agency handle drugs that are becoming legal?