The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has sanctioned basketball athlete Tukaha Cooper for one month after a positive test for Cannabinoids/Carboxy-THC (cannabis).
The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui tested Mr Cooper at a National Basketball League event in Wellington on 20 July 2025. Mr Cooper later admitted recreational use of cannabis, and the Commission accepted that the use was out-of-competition and unrelated to sporting performance.
Cannabis is banned under the Substances of Abuse category in the Sports Anti-Doping Rules, which acknowledge that some substances are used outside of sport. Under this category, athletes may receive a reduced ban where the substance was used out-of-competition and unrelated to sport. Mr Cooper incurred a one-month sanction, backdated to 24 October 2025, on the condition that he complete a treatment plan for substance abuse. The athlete has completed the treatment programme and is now eligible to return to sport.
Commission Chief Executive Rebecca Rolls said the approach under the Substances of Abuse category reflects a balance between supporting athlete health and maintaining the integrity of competition. She noted that while the pathway is supportive, cannabis is still banned in sport.
"Rules under the Substances of Abuse category are designed to help athletes return to sport after addressing substance use. It’s practical and athlete focused, while reinforcing the importance of integrity and supporting athlete health.
“At the same time, we do want to remind athletes that these rules exist to keep sport clean, safe and fair for everyone. Using any banned substance, including cannabis, can lead to an anti-doping sanction, time away from sport and your sanction being made public.”
Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Belinda Edwards echoed this, and emphasised the organisation’s commitment to safe and doping-free sporting environments:
"Basketball New Zealand is committed to supporting our athletes and maintaining the integrity of our sport. While this was an out-of-competition matter, cannabis remains a banned substance under the Sports Anti-Doping Rules. We encourage athletes to make informed choices and reach out for help when needed. Our recently appointed High Performance Wellbeing Advisor is here to provide guidance and support, reflecting our focus on athlete welfare. We want basketball to remain a clean, fair, and safe environment for everyone involved."
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