2027 Prohibited List: Summary of Changes

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has recently released the 2027 Prohibited List (the List), which details the substances and methods that are banned within sport. Broken down into several categories, the List identifies which substances and methods are prohibited at all times, in-competition only, and within specific sports. 

Following consultation with stakeholders, WADA published the 2027 List on 21 September 2026. This gives athletes and their support personnel sufficient time to make themselves aware of the changes, review any medications they use, and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if required before the updated List comes into effect on 01 January 2027.

The below sections summarise the major changes to the List for 2027. Please consult the 2027 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes document for the full list of modifications.

S0. Non-Approved Substances

The wording in Section 0 has been updated to clarify that peptides under clinical development are prohibited if they also fulfil the World Anti-Doping Code criteria for inclusion on the List. However, not all experimental peptides prohibited under Section 0 are specifically listed. If an athlete is ever in doubt over the anti-doping status of a non-approved peptide, then they should contact substance@ukad.org.uk.

S8. Cannabinoids 

It has been clarified that only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the psychoactive effects of Δ⁹-THC will be prohibited in-competition. Examples of such prohibited cannabinoids include:

• Δ⁹-THC as found in cannabis (hashish, marijuana)
• Δ⁸-THC and Δ¹⁰-THC 
• Hexahydrocannabinols (HHC) 
• AB-FUBINACA and 5F-ADB.

This means that natural cannabinoids (including minor cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant) such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG)will no longer be prohibited in 2027. 

Finally, CBD (cannabidiol) will remain a permitted substance. Athletes should continue to exercise caution with the use of any product containing CBD due to the risk of it containing THC at a level that could trigger an Adverse Analytical Finding. The likelihood of product cross-contamination with THC depends on the manufacturing and cultivation processes employed.

S9. Glucocorticoids

The vaginal administration of glucocorticoids will be permitted in 2027.

Additional examples

New examples of prohibited substances have been added to two sections of the List. Please note that these are not new substances being added to the 2027 List for the first time but are additional examples of substances that are already prohibited.