The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has sanctioned boxing athlete Shannon Drake for three months after a positive test for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui tested Mr Drake during the South Island Golden Gloves boxing competition on 1 June 2025. Mr Drake admitted recreational use of cannabis, and the Commission accepted that the use was out-of-competition and unrelated to sporting performance.
THC 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 Drake incurred a three-month sanction, which ended on 30 October 2025. He is now eligible to return to sport.
Commission CE Rebecca Rolls acknowledged the practical approach to sanctioning under the Substances of Abuse category, but said it was a reminder to athletes that cannabis is still banned in sport.
“We support this practical approach to sanctioning. However, we hope this stands as a reminder that athletes can and do receive anti-doping sanctions for using banned substances, including recreational drugs like cannabis.”
The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has sanctioned boxing athlete Shannon Drake for three months after a positive test for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui tested Mr Drake during the South Island Golden Gloves boxing competition on 1 June 2025. Mr Drake admitted recreational use of cannabis, and the Commission accepted that the use was out-of-competition and unrelated to sporting performance.
THC 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 Drake incurred a three-month sanction, which ended on 30 October 2025. He is now eligible to return to sport.
Commission CE Rebecca Rolls acknowledged the practical approach to sanctioning under the Substances of Abuse category, but said it was a reminder to athletes that cannabis is still banned in sport.
“We support this practical approach to sanctioning. However, we hope this stands as a reminder that athletes can and do receive anti-doping sanctions for using banned substances, including recreational drugs like cannabis.”
