In March 2017 the National Doping Control Commission of Chile (CNCD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the surfer María Jesus Barrios Porzio after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cannabis in a concentration above the WADA threshold. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and she was heard for the Disciplinary Panel of the Tribunal de Expertos en Dopaje (TED).
The Athlete admitted the violation and stated that it was out-of-competion and not intentional. She explained that she suffered from depressions and at first she used prescribed antidepressiva as treatment. She had to stop using these medication because they effected her personal life and her sport perfomance. As alternative treatment her doctor prescribed her Cannabis tincture droplets.
The Panel accepted the Athlete's explanation and concludes that the violation was not intentional, out-of-competition, with grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore on 18 December 2017 the TED Disciplinary Panel decides to impose a 10 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. 20 March 2017.
