Nevada Athletic Commission changes rules and will no longer punish fighters for marijuana use

N. Diaz (photo) has already been suspended for marijuana use. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

A unanimous vote held this Wednesday (07) by the Nevada Athletic Commission removed marijuana from the list of substances prohibited for use by athletes. There will be no further punishment in case of a positive test.

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The change follows the rules that had already been adopted by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) in relation to the UFC's anti-doping policy. As defined by USADA, the Nevada Athletic Commission can still remove a fighter from a card if marijuana or even alcohol abuse is noted. Other than that, athletes with fights scheduled in Nevada no longer need to worry about using the substance.

“I think we always have to be at the forefront of these issues. I believe it is fair since the use is legal in the state”, analyzed Stephen Cloobek, president of the Commission.

Over the next six months, fighters will still be tested for marijuana use for statistical purposes, but no punishment will be meted out in the event of a positive result. After six months, the Commission will decide whether or not to continue carrying out the tests.

The rule change comes into effect this Wednesday. However, nothing changes for fighters who have been punished for marijuana use in the past.

Currently, the UFC has two athletes suspended for using marijuana. Flyweight Gillian robertson and light heavyweight Mirsha Cirkunov. Both will pay the expected fines and serve the suspension time.