Cannabis Now Banned 'In-Competition'

FISA now considers cannabinoids to be banned substances for “in-competition” testing, with the rule coming into effect from 1st September 2001.

Cannabinoids are the substances found in the cannabis plant and its by-products include marijuana and hashish.

The new rule means that rowers can be tested in-competition for cannabinoids and can face disqualification from the regatta and a ban of up to three months, if found positive.

The decision was made to bring FISA in line with the IOC rules which consider cannabinoids as a banned substance for in-competition testing at the Olympic Games.

Before, a rower could only be penalised if testing positive for cannabinoids during the in competition testing at an Olympic Games. Under the new rules, he or she could be penalised for testing positive at any international regatta.

In other doping matters, the FISA Council decided that the use of local anaesthetics, glucocorticosteroids and/or beta-blockers must now be notified in advance of a competition.

This brings these substances in line with the current procedure for notifying the use of beta-2 agonists, medications for treating exercise induced asthma.

New forms for notification before regattas will be sent for 2002 competitions and one submission will be valid for the entire year.