Start Studying for Your Drug Test
If you are planning to run in this summer’s World Masters Athletics Championships, you should be aware that there will be dope testing.
While reporting on last summer’s National Masters Championships, as national and world records fell like rain, I started to wonder about the lack of doping controls.
I felt bad for the clean athletes who might be setting records. The lack of controls made me questions the results, and I know I’m not alone on this point.
Fortunately, this year’s World’s Masters Championships will have doping controls.
The doping regulations of WMA will be followed in Sacramento. All athletes must be aware that doping is not allowed and violators will be suspended from competition.
Unfortunately, most of us masters have not been subject to these controls and there is a real possibility for innocent mix-ups.
For example, in California it is legal to use cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation. However, anti-doping rules prohibit the use of cannabinoids in competition. (Because, this will, like, totally help you run a smoking fast steeple chase.)
If you are a medical marijuana user, (Which, according to my law enforcement friends, is pretty much everyone these days.) be sure to note that cannabinoids can take a few weeks to clear your system.
Additionally, some over the counter cold medications and prescription medications can result in a positive test.
If you are using medication to treat an illness, be sure to review the WMA’s website for procedures and required documentation.
Coincidentally, the US Anti-Doping Agency will be hosting a webinar for masters athletes on Sunday, June 19th. You can register here.