Even in the midst of a pandemic, the news that Sha’Carri Richardson would not be able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics because she tested positive for marijuana has become a major story. Richardson gained a “legion of supporters” after she won the 100-meter race in Oregon despite failing a drug test.
However, her victory was later overturned and she was banned from competing for a month.
The terms of her ban theoretically permitted her to compete in the Olympics relay event, but she was left from the team when USA Track and Field announced its roster. Many other athletes, celebrities, and politicians have begun to question the rule as a result of this narrative, and the criticism and backlash have been significant.
How do Today’s Young People Feel About Richardson’s Suspension?
our on-demand survey platform, was used today to inquire about Sha’Carri, the legalisation of marijuana for sports, and the Olympic Games. Regarding Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension, their opinions are unequivocal:
Sixty-three percent of those between the ages of 16 and 34 believe Richardson should not have been banned for testing positive for marijuana, while only 25% hold this view. The public has spoken out against Richardson’s prohibition, and it’s not only politicians and famous people.
A Let Sha’Carri Run! petition on MoveOn has nearly reached its target of 600,000 signatures, with supporters calling for the school to “reinstate Richardson” and opponents citing a “outdated and unfairly enforced law regarding marijuana” as the reason for their opposition.
Richardson told TODAY host Savannah Guthrie that she smoked marijuana to deal with the tragic death of her mother, and she pleaded with the viewers, “Don’t condemn me, because I am human… The difference in our times is purely due to the fact that I am a faster runner.
And young adults of Generation Z and Millennials view stress as a legitimate medical indication for cannabis use: In a survey of cannabis consumers between the ages of 18 and 36, we discovered that the majority (55%) of users cite the drug’s stress-relieving effects as their primary reason for consuming it.
Only 12% of young people have heard of Sha’Carri Richardson, therefore we asked their opinion on whether or not athletes should be banned for marijuana use.
Last Words
Seventy-two percent of those between the ages of 16 and 34 disagreed that athletes should be banned for this reason, while only 28 percent agreed.
Young consumers, especially Millennials, have been driving the cannabis industry forward in recent years, as seen by the report “Cannabis Infusion”, which indicated that 48% of young people believe marijuana should be legalised for medicinal and recreational use.
Since members of these generations have generally accepted marijuana use before the general public, it stands to reason that they disagree with a ban on its use by Olympic competitors.
