American golfer Matt Every has been suspended for 12 weeks after testing positive for cannabis.
The PGA Tour winner, 35, is based in Florida – where cannabis is legally prescribed for medical use – and said he uses it for a “mental health condition”.
He will be eligible to return to the PGA Tour from 7 January 2020 and will miss three tournaments. The golfing body said it will not comment further.
A statement sent to GolfChannel.com by Every said: “I have been prescribed cannabis for a mental health condition by my physician whom has managed my medical care for 30 years.
“It has been determined that I am neither an acceptable candidate to use prescription “Z” class drugs nor benzodiazepines.
“Additionally, these classes of drugs can be highly addictive and harmful to the human body and mind.
“For me, cannabis has proven to be, by far, the safest and most effective treatment.”
Every added he knew of the PGA Tour’s Conduct Policy for drugs of abuse but has “no choice but to accept this suspension and move on.”
He added: ““I don’t agree with it for many reasons, mainly for my overall well-being, but I’m excited for what lies ahead in my life and career.
“Over the last few years I have made massive strides and I know my best is still in front of me. I can’t wait to come back better than ever in January.”
Differing state laws over medical and recreational cannabis have created regulatory headaches for pan-American organisations and law enforcement.
