Legalizing cannabis : the impacts on sports’ athletes and sports’ associations

Abstract

The study of this paper is aimed towards evaluating the legalization of cannabis and the impacts on the sports’ athletes along with sports’ associations. The legislation of the cannabis-based on the countries that have already legalized recreational cannabis is identified; significant implications on sports regime ranges from anti-doping policy to well-being and safety of athletes. Consequently, there has been significant discussion on the legislation of cannabis and its influence on athletes’ performance. Nevertheless, the recent debates involve athletes increase concern over different sports communities about the usage of cannabis. Diverse studies have highlighted that cannabis is a risk to the health of athletes and in violation of the spirit of sport. In-depth information about cannabis in the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) and NADO Malta is defined as the status of cannabis will not change with the recreational legalization. On a broad-spectrum, the public opinion is divided in the recreational legalization of cannabis, though in decriminalization reform the vast majorities were in favour. As cannabis is illegal, there is still much stigma surrounding its use. However, the changes linked to legalization may change the public perception and thus, increase accessibility and social tolerance, though it would be irresponsible to illustrate to the public that something illegal is acceptable. In conclusion, this study focuses on the prominence of education and awareness; these are the keys to success in regulation before the legalization of cannabis, as drugs are the biggest threat to sports, thus, will have implications to sports’ athletes and sports’ associations.