Athlete Advisory: Updated Prohibited List for 2020

WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, just published their 2020 prohibited list and it now includes information specifically about the use of CBD in as well as other cannabinoids.

Here’s the link to the full WADA prohibited list https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2020_english_prohibited_list_0.pdf

And for easy access a direct link to the WADA Cannabinoid specifications.

https://www.wada-ama.org/en/questions-answers/cannabinoid

Key takeaways

. Under the S8 Cannabinoids category, WADA clarified that:⁠

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• All natural (cannabis, marijuana, and hashish) and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited in-competition.⁠
• Natural and synthetic THC are prohibited in-competition.⁠
• All synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC are prohibited in-competition.⁠
• While cannabidiol (CBD) is not prohibited, athletes should be extremely cautious because it’s nearly impossible to obtain a pure CBD extract or oil from the cannabis plant. Anyone who buys a CBD oil, extract, or other CBD product should assume that it is a mixture of CBD and other prohibited cannabinoids.⁠

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What does this mean for you?

The WADA prohibited list is used globally across all sports, by organizations who perform drug testing and by employees who can be spot tested at any time. If you undergo drug testing for your profession and use CBD products then take note of these new guidelines that specifically separate CBD from the other cannabinoids.

Why is CBD not prohibited when all other cannabinoids are? 

The answer is simple. Finally the taboo is lifting and they see the use of CBD is rapidly growing but shrouded with confusion, especially in the world of sports. So much research has been done to prove that pure CBD is non psychoactive, WADA have decided to recognise this and update the list.

It’s wise to be cautious though. It is incredibly hard to extract CBD so that no traces of other cannabinoids are found, in particular THC and THCV. The only way to be sure of this is by using CBD isolate which is illegal to sell as a food supplement in the UK. 

IMPACT oils are batch tested to ensure they have under 0.005% THC (the legal limit in the UK is 0.2% and in the USA 0.3%) and THCV. It’s as pure as you can get for Full Spectrum extract. However, in some cases it’s possible that THC will show up in trace amounts, especially if you are using a very high dose on a daily basis. 

If in doubt, always discuss any potential issues with the authority that tests you so you know their stand on CBD.

The updated prohibited list goes into effect on January 1st, 2020.