The Ultimate Fighting Championship has removed marijuana from the list of banned substances for professional fighters, but a California athletics committee says that they may still be penalized under state laws if they test positive for THC above a certain level ahead of a upcoming event.
UFC has amended its cannabis drug-testing policy last month . According to reports, fighters could face a $100 fine from the California State Athletic Commission, if they tested over 150 nanograms per milliliter of THC before the UFC 298 fight scheduled for February 17th in Anaheim.
A UFC email that was obtained and published by MMA Fighting warned fighters not to exceed the THC threshold.
California’s Department of Consumer Affairs, the California Commission, and UFC’s recent reform may make the policy of the California commission seem out of place, especially in light of the legalization of marijuana for adults.
Marijuana Moment contacted DCA to get a comment. However, a representative wasn’t immediately available.
UFC said itself last month that it is based its list of banned drugs on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA), which has controversially kept cannabis as a prohibited substance. However, UFC decided to amend this list “based upon historical findings” (i.e. The UFC has removed marijuana from the banned list.
UFC’s policy change in 2021 had already protected professional fighters from punishment if they tested positive for THC. Since then, cannabis has been removed as a prohibited drug. The reform went into effect on December 31st, 2023.
Several sports organizations have amended their policies on marijuana testing for athletes in response to the legalization of marijuana by states.
A recent proposal in collegiate athletics would remove cannabis from the list that is included in the drug screening for National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Competitions, and officials are set to vote in June.
The NBA and its players’ union signed a collective agreement last summer that removed marijuana from the list of banned substances. It also lays down rules that allow players to promote and invest in cannabis brands, with certain exceptions.
Nevada’s sports regulators decided last year that they would submit a regulatory amendment proposal to the Governor to protect athletes against being punished for using or possessing cannabis as per state law.
As part of the collective bargaining agreement, the National Football League (NFL’s) policy on drug testing changed demonstrably by 2020.
NFL also partners with Canadian researchers to conduct a trial that will test the safety and effectiveness of CBD in pain management, and for neuroprotection against concussions. These are key issues for football players who suffer injuries during the game.
The New York Media Softball League, which includes teams from The Wall Street Journal High Times and BuzzFeed in its ranks, announced last July a sponsoring deal with a Kentucky CBD company.
The collaboration idea was inspired from Major League Baseball’s (MLB) moves and some teams such as the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs and others that have recently partnered up with CBD businesses.
MLB announced its league-wide collaboration with a popular CBD product in 2022. Charlotte’s Web Holdings signed a deal to become “Official Cbd of MLB” with the league.
In spite of this, the World Anti-Doping Agency has been criticized for its continued cannabis ban. In an August opinion piece, members of a panel at the World Anti-Doping Agency said that athletes who use marijuana violate the “spirit” of sport and are therefore unfit to be role models.
After the U.S. Sha’Carri Richison, a runner from the United States, was banned from competing in Olympic events in 2021 due to a positive THC result.
After the suspension, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said that international marijuana rules “must be changed,” both the White House and Joe Biden himself indicated it was time to implement new policies. Congress lawmakers amplified this message.
New Kentucky Marijuana Bill – HB 420 – Would Legalize It for Adults But Faces An Uphill Battle in GOP-Controlled Legislation
Martin Alonso is the photographer of this photo.
The post UFC warns fighters to stop using marijuana ‘immediately’ so they aren’t punished under California Athletics Rules first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
