In a recent announcement, the USADA revealed that Uanderson Ferreira de Oliveira, a 23-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been suspended for three months due to a violation. De Oliveira, who tested positive for THC metabolites, was found in violation after competing at the 2024 Pan International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The positive test occurred on March 24, 2024, when a sample collected from de Oliveira showed levels of 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC), a metabolite of THC, above the acceptable limit. THC is the primary psychoactive component found in cannabis, marijuana, and hashish. While the IBJJF is not a signatory to the WADA Code, USADA was brought in by the IBJJF to handle testing for the event, ensuring that it adhered to the strict standards set by the WADA.
Cannabinoids, including THC, are classified as Specified Substances under the WADA Code and are prohibited in competition. However, under the 2021 Code, THC falls under a special category, which allows for a reduced sanction if it can be proven that the metabolite was used out of competition and not related to enhancing athletic performance.
De Oliveira qualified for this reduced sanction, resulting in a three-month suspension that began on April 17, 2024, the day his provisional suspension was enforced. Additionally, all competitive results from March 24, 2024, have been disqualified, including any medals, points, and prizes. The IBJJF has agreed to impose this sanction.
USADA has been vocal about the need to reassess how marijuana use is treated under regulations. They advocate for a more balanced approach that distinguishes between in-competition use and other instances, continuing to work with WADA on this matter.
