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Pot, weed, grass, hash .... Whatever you call it, cannabis is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances. Cannabis has been prohibited since 2004 because its use presents health risks and violates the spirit of sport. Yet more athletes are testing positive for cannabis than for any other prohibited substance. In 2004/05, 80% of anti-doping rule violations were for cannabis alone or in combination with another drug. Avoid becoming a statistic: Get informed about cannabis. If you are an athlete subject to doping control, it's best to avoid direct or significant second hand exposure before, during and after the season. Why? It's very difficult to know how much THC is being taken in, and it clears from the body v e r y s l o w l y - even a month or more. and, The penalties can be severe Depending on the circumstances, a first time positive test for pot can range from a reprimand to a two-year period of ineligibility from all sports in the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any records or stats earned during a competition where you tested positive will be stricken from the records. And, you personally will forfeit any victory you achieved. If your team wins the championship game your name won't appear on the roster or team list for that game. Is it worth it? Testing positive a second time? You will be sidelined for anywhere between one and four years. A third positive test would put you on the sidelines for between eight years and life. Your name will not be reported to the media in the case of a reprimand - in all other cases, it will be disclosed. Your school or sport association will likely take a positive test seriously - even the first time. You may find yourself suspended from the school or team itself (or lose residency at university or college). Down the road, having a positive test in your background may even limit your career choices.
What would you think of a teammate or opponent whose .... Being high on pot hurts athletic performance - and can be dangerous.
... and that of your team and sport. Whether you are aware of it or not, others look up to you as an athlete. Being a competitive athlete carries a responsibility to bring out the true spirit of sport.
Research on health risks has found three areas of particular concern to young athletes. First, effects on lungs are similar to tobacco smoke. Smoking pot can lead to immediate and long-term breathing problems; long-term use increases risk of mouth and throat cancer. Second, cognitive problems (attention, memory) can occur after short-term use and can affect intellectual performance. After long-term use, these problems can remain for long periods after stopping. Third, recent research shows cannabis use is linked to mental health problems. Regular, ongoing use by youth is a risk factor for later depression. Young people vulnerable to schizophrenia (e.g., family history) are advised to avoid cannabis use. Risks increase with heavier and longer-term use, but immediate problems - like panic attacks and accidents- can happen from using too much pot at a time or by combining it with alcohol or other drugs.
Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence subject to a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment of up to 6 months. * how cannabis use can affect your athletic performance or health, check Health Canada's DrugWise * other possible consequences of testing positive for cannabis use, talk to your coach, trainer or Some other things to consider... * It's expensive * how you can contribute to the True Spirit of Sport, visit: http://www.truesportpur.ca/ * dependency on cannabis or other drugs, contact your local addiction centre. |
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> 5 Reasons you might want to consider so you don't get sidelined
It's a Prohibited In-Competition Substance
It Hurts Athletic 
It may tarnish your image
It's Not Harmless
It's still against the law