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When Claressa Shields, the undisputed champion in three weight classes and two time Olympic gold medalist, tested positive for cannabis after her February 2nd victory over heavyweight Danielle Perkins in Michigan, the results were as unexpected as they were unjust. What should have been a moment of celebration for one of the most accomplished boxers in the world instead ignited a storm of controversy, highlighting an urgent and much-needed conversation about cannabis regulation in sports.

For Shields, this suspension could tarnish her spotless reputation as an athlete committed to clean competition. The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission issued the suspension, following a mouth-swab test that found a trace amount of cannabis metabolite in her system. Despite Shields’ insistence on social media that she had never used cannabis and presenting an independent urine test showing no traces of the substance, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs moved forward with the suspension, declaring her positive test as a “threat to the integrity of professional boxing.”

The conversation surrounding this case isn’t just about one athlete. It’s about the outdated regulations governing the use of cannabis in sports—regulations that are clearly out of step with societal shifts, wellness practices, and the broader sports community.

Shields’ Suspension: A Deeper Issue

In a state where cannabis is fully legal for both recreational and medicinal use, Shields’ case underscores a glaring disconnect between state law and the rules that govern professional combat sports. Michigan voters legalized cannabis for medical use in 2008 and for recreational use in 2018, however, the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission still treats cannabis use as a violation of the state’s athletic regulations, regardless of the amount detected. The suspension is based on a test result showing 3.4 nanograms per milliliter of cannabis metabolite in Shields’ system—well below the threshold established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which permits up to 150 ng/ml for cannabis metabolites.

Michigan has become a cautionary tale of how progressive social policies can clash with outmoded systems. On the one hand, the state leads the way in cannabis reform, offering expungement for cannabis-related convictions and allowing its legal use for adults over 21. On the other hand, Michigan’s laws governing combat sports remain rooted in a rigid era, where any trace of cannabis is seen as a punishable offense.

Other organizations, like the NCAA and WADA, have already adapted to changing societal views on cannabis use. The NCAA has lifted penalties for cannabis use, and WADA, which governs international sports, has raised its threshold for cannabis metabolites. Many U.S. states, including other boxing commissions, have moved away from harsh punishments for cannabis use, recognizing that it is not a substance that enhances performance in the ring.

The Athlete’s Fight for Fairness

For Claressa Shields, this battle is bigger than boxing. It’s about justice for athletes who use cannabis responsibly and for the sport’s integrity. Her suspension highlights an inequity that must be addressed. “Clean athletes win,” Shields declared, but what does it mean to be “clean” in a state where cannabis is legal, and its use is accepted in society? In states where cannabis is legal, it is time for sports commissions to align their regulations with the reality of the law.

As the Sports Cannabis landscape evolves, athletes around the world are using their platforms to normalize the conversation and end prohibition.  Join the movement and let’s change the game together.