MUMBAI: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2018 list of prohibited substances, with a number of minor changes which includes the dropping of alcohol from the list.
The list, which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 24 September 2017, comes into force on 1 January 2018 and designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in and out-of-competition.
Alcohol, which was previously banned in four sports, has been removed from the prohibited list. The four sports are air sports, automobile, archery and powerboating and WADA has said that the four International Federations have been informed in order to give them time to amend their rules and put protocols in place.
National Anti-Doping Organisations will no longer be obliged to conduct tests for alcohol but are able to assist governing bodies when considered appropriate. Cannabidiol has also been removed from the prohibited list, unless it contains THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. The substance bemitil has been added to the WADA monitoring list in and out-of-competition, while the opioid pain killer hydrocodone will be monitored in-competition, says insidethegames.biz.
WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said, "Updated annually, the list is released three months ahead of taking effect so that all stakeholders - in particular athletes and their entourage - have sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the document and its modifications. "It is vital that all athletes and entourage take the necessary time to consult the list; and that, they contact their respective anti-doping organisations if they have any doubts as to the status of a substance or method."
The revision of the list began with an initial meeting in January this year and the process included the WADA’s list expert group gathering information and circulating a draft amongst stakeholders, as well as taking submissions into consideration.
A review was then carried out by WADA’s Health, Medical and Research Committee, who then made a recommendation to the Executive Board.
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