Cannabis Ban To Record-Breaking Comeback: Sha'Carri Richardson Eyes Paris 2024, WADA Updates Weed-Testing Standards

Sha'Carri Richardson, the 23-year-old sprinter known for electrifying performances, ran 100 meters in 10.57 seconds at the recent Miramar Invitational, a blazing time that easily won her the event.

Richardson, who was banned from competing at the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for cannabis in 2021, only got faster these past two years. At the time of the ban at the US Olympic Track & Field Trials, her one-month suspension essentially wiped out the results of her 10.86-second 100-meter dash, which she broke on Saturday at Miramar.

Victoria Hernandez of USA Today noted that Richardson's recent race has ranked her as the "third-fastest 100-meter finish in all-time conditions."

Richardson's outstanding time is closing in on two legends: Elaine Thompson-Herah who clocked 10.54 in 2021 and Florence Griffith-Joyner, who continues to hold the world record for running 100 meters in 10.49 seconds. Richardson's victory reaffirms her status among the top 10 fastest women in history.

Changes In WADA Cannabis Testing

Richardson’s cannabis suspension in her home state of Oregon where marijuana is legal, sparked an outpouring of support among the cannabis industry and all sectors of society, including several members of Congress as well as a promise from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to review its drug testing policies.

WADA, which oversees drug testing for the Olympics and other events, has indeed made some changes in its testing policy for cannabis. 

According to Play True magazine, during a May 11 meeting, WADA's executive committee voted to increase the threshold for marijuana testing. The previous limit of 15 ng/mL was raised to a higher threshold of 150 ng/mL. 

Any tests conducted by WADA that do not trigger a result at or above 150 ng/mL will not be considered a positive test for THC.

Paris 2024 Olympics