The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) ban on cannabis for athletes will be reviewed by an advisory group following recent controversies regarding its standing as a banned substance.
The news comes in the wake of Sha’Carri Richardson being unable to compete at Tokyo 2020 as a result of testing positive for it.
The American track and field athlete star was controversially removed from the Games after her positive test and the controversial nature of that ban has prompted a review of the law by WADA.
The scientific review will begin at some stage next year, WADA confirmed.
Cannabis will remain prohibited throughout the remainder of 2021 and 2022, it added.
Richardson’s trial results at the US Olympic Track & Field trials in June were not considered due to the athlete testing positive for a chemical found in cannabis during the event.
She was also handed a one-month suspension.
Despite her claims that she used cannabis to cope with her mother’s death, the 21-year-old, considered to be amongst the favourites at the Games’ 100m, was not allowed to compete in Tokyo.
Her suspension led to calls for a review of anti-doping rules, including by the US Anti-Doping Agency.