American sprinter Richardson's ban reignites debate on cannabis rules in sport

FILE PHOTO: Jun 19, 2021; Eugene, OR, USA; Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the women's 100m in 10.86 during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. [Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports]

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson's one-month ban on Friday after her positive test for cannabis has reignited the debate about the logic behind the drug's inclusion on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned list.

Richardson was among the favourites to win gold in the 100 metres at this year's Tokyo Olympics but her positive test for a banned substance, which the 21-year-old said she used to deal with the death of her mother, crushed those dreams.