The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) recently removed marijuana from its list of prohibited substances. This change means that fighters in the state who possess, use, or consume marijuana products will no longer face penalties for violating anti-doping rules.
For years, cannabis was classified as a banned substance, and fighters were often penalized if it was detected in their system. UFC fighters such as Trevin Jones, for example, have seen their victories overturned, changing their records to no-contests due to positive tests for marijuana.
Additionally, in 2015 popular fighter Nick Diaz received a severe penalty for marijuana use: a five-year suspension and a fine of $165,000. The NSAC explained that the severe punishment was due to Diaz’s perceived disregard for the commission’s rules, not solely for the marijuana use itself.
Many fans saw this penalty as excessive, especially since Diaz was at the peak of his career following a high-profile match against Anderson Silva. The suspension effectively sidelined him for six years, frustrating fans who believed he was unfairly targeted over a minor infraction.
Now, at age 41, Diaz continues to fight, though many fans feel he should retire due to his health and age. Cannabis, however, is no longer a barrier to his participation, as it is now fully permitted for MMA fighters in the state.
The policy shift is particularly relevant in Las Vegas, where the majority of UFC events are hosted, including Diaz’s forthcoming match at UFC 310 against Vicente Luque. Fighters beyond the Diaz brothers have also been open about their cannabis use, often citing its therapeutic benefits for managing pain and physical strain caused by their demanding sport.
There are still steps ahead before the policy is officially enacted, as the revised guidelines need another review by the state’s Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) to confirm they meet legal standards. After this, the state legislative commission, composed of six assembly members and six senators, will review the proposal and decide on its official adoption.
Other professional sports organizations at various levels have been reevaluating and updating their policies regarding marijuana in response to broader legalization efforts at the state level. For instance, the NCAA recently removed cannabis from its list of banned substances for Division I athletes.
Similarly, the UFC announced in December that it would formally remove cannabis from its updated list of banned substances, building upon previous reforms in this area.
The easing of restrictions against the use of marijuana by fighters and other athletes is a development that the wider marijuana industry, including entities like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), will be pleased about.
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