USADA announced today that Riley Stohr, of Saranac Lake, N.Y., an athlete in the sport of luge, has accepted a six-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Stohr, 21, 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 urine sample collected on March 18, 2017, at the Springs National Seeding Races 1 & 2 in Lake Placid, N.Y. Carboxy-THC is a Specified Substance in the class of Cannabinoids and prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Luge Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Cannabinoids are deemed Specified Substances, meaning that a resulting sanction can be reduced depending on an athlete’s degree of fault. In this case, USADA accepted Stohr’s explanation that his use of the prohibited substance occurred out-of-competition, which qualified him for a reduced sanction under the Code.
Stohr accepted a six-month period of ineligibility that began on March 18, 2017, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Stohr has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to March 18, 2017, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Athletes are advised that the use of a substance or medication out-of-competition, that is prohibited only in-competition, may result in an anti-doping rule violation if the prohibited substance is still present in their body when tested at a competition. USADA cannot predict the clearance time for any substance for any particular individual. If an athlete needs to therapeutically use a substance prohibited in-competition and they are nearing a competition, they are strongly encouraged to contact USADA to learn if they need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
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, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global 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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