A runner who calls himself the 'world's fastest stoner' once passed a drug test 36 hours after smoking marijuana
The former professional distance runner calls himself the "world's fastest stoner" on social media, and has discussed his marijuana use throughout his career.
So it's fitting that the toughest challenge he ever faced may not have been on the track, but in the doctor's office.
In an interview with FloTrack published Thursday, Barnicle revealed that not only did he smoke marijuana at the University of Arkansas, he also became notorious for beating drug tests.
The NCAA All-American said he once passed a drug test just 36 hours after smoking marijuana:
Barnicle's marijuana use never stopped him from success on the track. In 2010, he recorded times of 13 minutes, 43 seconds in the 5,000-meter run and 28 minutes, 11 seconds in the 10,000, both personal bests.
After graduating, Barnicle enjoyed a short-lived professional career that was derailed by injuries. In 2014, he launched an equally short-lived medical marijuana business in California called Zip Organics.
Barnicle was three years removed from the 2013 half-marathon time that qualified him for the trials. He said he decided to go through with Tuesday's race less than two months ago, when he learned it was in his hometown of Los Angeles.
FloTrack asked Barnicle if he had eaten any edible marijuana before the race.
"No comment," Barnicle said after a long pause. "I worked really hard to make it to the finish line and to get my name in the results. I would hate for [USA Track and Field] to be able to change that to a DQ."