UFC gained’t punish fighters for marijuana use in coverage change

The UFC will not punish fighters for utilizing marijuana usually, making a significant change to its anti-doping coverage.
The world’s largest blended martial arts promotion confirmed Thursday that it’ll not fear about constructive checks for carboxy-THC, the psychoactive ingredient in hashish, except it believes a fighter used it deliberately to reinforce efficiency.
All different cannabinoids derived naturally from marijuana are not prohibited substances, stated Jeff Novitzky, the UFC’s senior vp of athlete well being and efficiency.
“The bottom line is that in regard to marijuana, we care about what an athlete consumed the day of a fight, not days or weeks before a fight, which has often been the case in our historic positive THC cases,” Novitzky stated. “UFC athletes will still be subject to marijuana rules under various athletic commission regulations, but we hope this is a start to a broader discussion and changes on this issue with that group.”
Indeed, the UFC’s resolution doesn’t have an effect on the foundations of assorted state athletic commissions and worldwide governing our bodies, however these teams usually comply with promoters’ leads on anti-doping coverage. The UFC hopes state commissions will equally loosen up their guidelines to replicate the extra widespread tolerance for marijuana use.
The UFC gained’t enable fighters to compete whereas beneath the affect of cannabinoids, however Novitzky stated the promotion acknowledges that MMA fighters usually use marijuana for ache administration or leisure. Fighters advocating for authorized aggressive marijuana use have beforehand argued {that a} leisure of the UFC’s anti-marijuana guidelines might result in a discount in using extra addictive ache medicines.
The UFC partnered with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in 2015 to supply a complete anti-doping program in a notoriously fractious sport. Mixed martial arts as soon as steadily showcased fighters semi-openly utilizing steroids and testosterone alternative remedy, amongst different efficiency enhancements.
Despite its prior ban, marijuana and CBD merchandise have had a distinguished function in lots of MMA fighters’ coaching and monetary backing. Many fighters have sponsorships from CBD companies, whereas others have launched CBD-related enterprise ventures.
Nick and Nate Diaz, two semi-retired however wildly widespread fighters from Stockton, California, have constructed their outlaw picture partly round their enthusiastic use of marijuana and CBD merchandise. Nick Diaz, who hasn’t fought in six years, examined constructive for marijuana use after two of his final three fights.