The Only Grass Athletes Are Allowed Is On The Field

PRINCE GEORGE – Now that pot has been legalized in Canada as of October 17th, it’s important for university athletes competing in the country to be aware of how the legalization of cannabis affects them. 

Cannabis will continue to be one of many legal substances that appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List. So far there will be no change to the rules when it comes to student-athletes and pot. Any athlete caught breaking the rules can be suspended and have their names publically reported.

Director of Athletics and Recreation, Loralyn Murdoch says all UNBC athletes have been spoken to by their coaches to review the rules when it comes to marijuana. 

“The rules and regulations have not changed since it became legalized a few days ago. It is still on the prohibited list and now it’s up to us as athletic directors and coaches to make sure that student-athletes are completely aware. They have been very very clear on if someone tested positive for cannabis and they come back and they say ‘but it’s legal in Canada’, it’s not going to fly. It’s prohibited in sport, they can’t do it and if they’re caught there will be sanctions,” says Murdoch.