Can fighters use cannabis under UFC fighting rules? What do the regulations say? Are there any restrictions and exceptions? Answers to your questions
UFC Policy Change: Can Fighters Use Hemp ?
UFC Fighting Rules: Can Fighters Use Hemp Ahead Of Fights And Anti Doping Policy
Do Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitors grow cannabis from auto flower seeds for sale? They might do so now that UFC fighting rules permit them to use weed.
When did the new ruling come into effect? How does the change affect fighters?
Read on to find out why the governing body eased conditions, the new ones, and the limitations of anti-drug tests.
UFC Anti-doping Protocol
The UFC has stringent drug testing policies, requiring their fighters to undergo regular evaluation. The rules apply to everyone, regardless of whether they’re a beginner, serious challenger, or champion.
The UFC cooperates with the US Anti-doping Agency (USADA), investing many resources to keep the sport clean. Some mixed martial artists (MMAs) use steroids and performance enhancers, and the anti-drug program aims to protect athletes who don’t, by deterring such practices.
Maintaining UFC’s image is vital as some of their fighters make it onto the world’s top highest-paid male athletes lists.
Under UFC fighting rules, all competitors are randomly tested for Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) five times annually, on average, after they join the body.
The USADA conducts checks, analyzes results, punishes violators, and sends agents worldwide to conduct doping tests. When asked, athletes must give the officials a urine or blood sample.
Under certain circumstances, they may request a postponement, providing valid reasons. Some may also have to submit to additional evaluations conducted by state athletic commissions.
Those who test positive or avoid the checks can face suspension from the sport. The duration they have to miss out on competitions is at the discretion of the USADA.
Changes to UFC Drug Rules
So, can UFC fighters smoke weed? Now, they can. On 1 January 2021, the UFC revised its anti-doping policy and eased taking action against competitors for using marijuana.
One exception is that the USADA mustn’t have evidence suggesting the athlete uses the herb specifically for performance-enhancing purposes.
The agency won’t ban athletes who have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis compound that causes psychoactive effects, in their system during pre- or post-fight drug tests.
The reason is that the results don’t mean that fighters are intoxicated or currently using the substance.
The cannabinoid is fat-soluble and, when ingested, stays in the body for days or weeks after ingestion. It can also recirculate and appear in the athlete’s urine long after consumption, making it an imperfect indication of impairment during competition.
Jeff Novitzky, UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance, said the main concern is what a competitor uses on fight day. The organization prohibits fighters from competing while intoxicated with marijuana and imposes punishment on MMA practitioners who do so.
As this list of the top 10 highest UFC fighters in the world shows, they can earn six to eight figures per fight. So, being sidelined could drastically affect their income, making penalties for drug use a strong deterrent.
The UFC offers respite for athletes who consume weed to relax or manage pain, as research shows that cannabinoids may provide therapeutic benefits. Relaxing the anti-cannabis rules in this aspect could reduce antidepressant and pain medication use.
The UFC also delisted cannabinoids from their “prohibited list.” These naturally derived substances are no longer illegal because there’s no proof they offer fighters a significant advantage. The compounds are often ingredients of cannabidiol (CBD) products the athletes use.
During the ban, there was a strong link between the UFC and CBD, with several competitors using it in training. Additionally, from a financial aspect, many athletes were involved in cannabidiol-related businesses, while several CBD companies are prominent fighters’ sponsors.
State Athletic Commissions’ Rules
Although the UFC has revised its policies; it hopes that other governing bodies will follow its lead to have a higher tolerance for cannabis use by athletes. Fighters still have to adhere to state athletic commissions and international rules.
The penalties imposed by each organization vary, with some having more stringent regulations than others.
So, the answer to the question, “Can UFC fighters smoke weed in the United States?” depends on where you are. For instance, in 2020, competitors faced a potential six-month suspension for cannabis use in Nevada. On the other hand, those in California only needed to pay a $100 fine.
The UFC’s hopes saw progress in July 2021 when the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NAC) lifted its marijuana ban.
NAC executive director Bob Bennett said that the state made its decision as they don’t consider cannabis a performance enhancer. Competitors only risk being penalized for marijuana use if there’s evidence they’re fighting under the herb’s influence.
As part of its inquiry into head trauma, the commission will continue to do weed-use tests for at least six months after lifting the ban. It won’t impose any punishment on athletes who use the substance in training.
It’s important to note that the new rules aren’t retroactive, meaning the two fighters caught using weed before the change will still undergo suspension.
The Future of Marijuana Use for UFC Competitors
Are UFC fighters allowed to smoke weed wherever they compete? If state athletic commissions follow the UFC and NAC and ease restrictions on cannabis use among competitors, the answer would soon be yes.
“UFC fighters can use marijuana” could be an excellent sports slogan, subject to specific guidelines.
As researchers conduct more studies on cannabis, their findings could pave the way for more developments in its use in sports.