USADA announced today that Lauren Mulwitz, of Marina del Rey, Calif., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 6-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Mulwitz, 35, tested positive for Carboxy-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a metabolite of marijuana and/or hashish, above the decision limit of 180 ng/mL, as a result of a sample collected on June 7, 2015 at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix held in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Carboxy-THC is a substance in the class of Cannabinoids, which are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (“UCI”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances, and therefore the presence of those substances in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction.
Mulwitz accepted a six-month period of ineligibility, which began on July 9, 2015, the date she accepted a provisional suspension. Based on Mulwitz’s successful completion of a USADA anti-doping educational tutorial, her period of ineligibility was reduced by three months and is now scheduled to expire on October 9, 2015.
As a result of the doping violation, Mulwitz has been disqualified from her competitive results achieved at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix on June 7, the date her sample was collected including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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