Claressa Shields’ marijuana suspension has sparked a fresh debate about cannabis use in professional boxing. The three-weight world champion recently tested positive for marijuana, leading to a suspension by the relevant athletic commission. But in a time when cannabis is legal in many places, should athletes still be penalised for using it?
Some argue that boxing needs to modernise its approach and stop banning marijuana, especially since it’s not considered a performance-enhancing drug. Others, myself included, believe the sport needs to take a strong stance on all banned substances to protect its integrity.
Let’s break down what happened, what the rules say, and whether boxing is handling this the right way.
What Led to Claressa Shields’ Suspension?
According to BoxingScene, Shields tested positive for marijuana in a pre-fight drug test, which resulted in an immediate suspension. This means she will be unable to compete for a period of time, which could impact her career and future fight plans.
Shields, a dominant force in women’s boxing, has never been afraid to speak her mind, and this situation is no different. Many fans and analysts are debating whether the punishment fits the crime, given that marijuana is legal in several places and doesn’t enhance a fighter’s performance.
Why Is Marijuana Still Banned in Boxing?
The key argument against marijuana in boxing comes down to regulations and safety. Organisations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and state athletic commissions still classify cannabis as a banned substance because:
- It may impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination—serious risks in a combat sport.
- Some believe it could mask pain, allowing fighters to push through injuries they would otherwise feel.
- There is still a lingering stigma around marijuana use, particularly in professional sports.
However, as reported by The Ring, critics argue that these reasons are outdated and that cannabis is no different from legal substances like alcohol. They believe that marijuana rules should be re-evaluated, with suspensions scrapped for fighters who test positive for weed but show no signs of in-ring impairment.
My View: Shields Deserves to Be Punished
I’ve heard a lot of people say boxing needs to move with the times and change its approach to marijuana. They argue that since it’s not a performance-enhancing drug, it shouldn’t be banned. If anything, some claim it can make fighters more sluggish rather than sharper in the ring.
But here’s where I disagree.
Whether you’re a male or female fighter, it doesn’t matter—boxers are role models. If young fans see their favourite fighters using marijuana, they may believe it’s acceptable. Boxing already has enough issues with drug cheats, poor judging, and controversial decisions without adding a relaxed stance on banned substances to the mix.
In my opinion, Claressa Shields’ marijuana suspension should be treated no differently than any other doping violation. A banned substance is a banned substance. If it were a performance-enhancing drug, people would be calling for her to be stripped of her titles. So why should marijuana be treated any differently? The sport needs to send a clear message: drugs of any form will not be tolerated in boxing.
How Other Sports Are Handling Marijuana Use
Shields isn’t the first athlete to be caught in this situation. Other sports have already begun softening their stance on marijuana:
- UFC no longer punishes fighters for positive cannabis tests unless they’re visibly impaired in competition, as reported by MMA Junkie.
- NBA & NFL have significantly reduced their penalties for marijuana use, per ESPN.
- Athletics & Olympic sports have seen debates about whether cannabis should even be tested for, as detailed by BBC Sport.
Boxing, however, remains strict on the issue, with fighters continuing to receive suspensions for marijuana use. The question is whether the sport should stick to tradition or evolve with the times.
Final Thoughts: Boxing Needs to Clean Up Its Image
Boxing already struggles to stay on the front page of newspapers for the right reasons. Between dodgy scorecards, failed drug tests, and controversial decisions, the sport needs to be more disciplined, not less.
I get the argument that marijuana isn’t performance-enhancing, but the fact is that rules are rules. If the sport doesn’t take violations seriously, it sets a dangerous precedent. Claressa Shields’ marijuana suspension should stand as a warning to all fighters—if you break the rules, there will be consequences.
But what do you think? Should boxing loosen up on marijuana bans, or should Shields’ suspension stand as a warning to all fighters?
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