CBD: The 2021 Tokyo Olympics Regulations

As the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo inch closer, there has been much talk about many areas of the event, one of which is the use of cannabidiol by those who are going to compete in the games. Let’s take a quick look at the rules of using hemp oil/CBD during the Olympics for the athletes as well as the fans. 

The World Anti-Doping Agency

Since the inception of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 1999, substances such as cannabinoids have been added to the annual list of banned substances. But, since 2017, these rules have been modified, and now hemp oil/CBD has been legalized during the Olympic games, but only for selected athletes. 

That being said, THC, which is a compound associated with psychoactive effects is still banned for obvious reasons. After all, you don’t want Olympic athletes using a hallucinogenic during the games. WADA stated in a release that the decision for removing hemp oil/CBD from the banned substances list for athletes during the Olympics was a decision that was made because of the available scientific research. 

In order for a substance to be included in WADA’s list of banned substances it must fall under two of three categories; If the substance has the potential to enhance an athlete’s performance, if it violates the spirit of the sport, or if the substance poses a health risk for the athletes. 

According to WADA, the latest scientific research that’s been carried out on hemp oil/CBD shows that it helps the performance of the athletes by improving their focus, alleviating anxiety and increasing muscle endurance. Since the legalization of hemp oil/CBD in the US, there has been a sea change in the attitudes of people regarding hemp oil/CBD. That being said, the new regulations will make it possible for athletes to use hemp oil/CBD to relieve inflammation during their training. 

This is good news for those athletes and spectators who were waiting on WADA’s decision regarding hemp and cannabidiol. Especially after a 2015 study on Olympic athletes found that out of the 300,000 athletes that were tested from around the world, only 4% tested positive for cannabinoids. 

It’ll be interesting to see how some countries react to the recent changes in hemp oil/CBD regulations made by WADA. It’s without a doubt that the decision is going to impact those countries where CBD and hemp is still considered a banned substance, such as China and South Africa.

The next Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo from July 24 to August 9, 2020.