Cannabinoids still prohibited in sporting competitions

08.04.2024

The use of cannabinoids in sporting competitions is still prohibited in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List. This regulation applies to sport in Germany regardless of the new law on the partial legalisation of cannabis (Cannabis Act, CanG) and non-synthetic Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on 1 April 2024.

The detection of cannabinoids as part of an in-competition test continues to constitute an anti-doping rule violation and is sanctioned in sport. Due to the long detectability of THC, it is recommended that competitive athletes generally refrain from using cannabis. Apart from this, cannabinoids are generally prohibited by some sports federations and sports due to the high safety risk or for ethical reasons.