In a recent development, Uanderson Ferreira de Oliveira, a promising 23-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and living in the UAE has been handed a three-month suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This decision comes after de Oliveira tested positive for THC metabolites following his participation in the 2024 Pan International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The positive test, which occurred on March 24, 2024, revealed that de Oliveira’s sample contained levels of 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC) above the permitted threshold. Carboxy-THC is a metabolite of THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, marijuana, and hashish. Although the IBJJF is not officially aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, they engaged USADA to oversee the testing process, ensuring the competition met international anti-doping standards.
Under WADA regulations, THC is classified as a Specified Substance and is banned in competition. However, the 2021 revision of the Code introduced a special category for “Substances of Abuse,” which allows for reduced sanctions if it can be demonstrated that the substance was used outside of competition and was not intended to enhance performance.
De Oliveira’s case fell under this special provision, leading to a reduced suspension period of three months, beginning on April 17, 2024, the date when his provisional suspension was enacted. Additionally, all of his competitive results from March 24, 2024, have been invalidated, meaning he forfeits any medals, points, and prizes earned on that date. The IBJJF has accepted and implemented this sanction.
This case has reignited discussions within the sporting community about the treatment of cannabis-related violations. USADA has been vocal in advocating for a more balanced approach to marijuana regulations, arguing for clearer distinctions between in-competition use and recreational use outside of sports.
THC is prohibited during competition, meaning that if an athlete tests positive for THC or its metabolites (such as Carboxy-THC) during an event, it is considered a doping violation.
Beyond enforcement, USADA remains committed to educating athletes, coaches, and their support teams about anti-doping rules. They offer a range of resources, including a drug reference hotline, educational sessions, and comprehensive online tools to help athletes navigate the complexities of anti-doping regulations.
USADA continues to champion clean sport and protect the integrity of competition through rigorous testing, research initiatives, and outreach programs. They also provide multiple avenues for reporting doping violations, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining fair play in sports.
De Oliveira’s suspension serves as a reminder to all athletes of the importance of understanding and adhering to anti-doping regulations, as even substances used recreationally can have significant consequences when it comes to competition.
