Nevada to ban cannabis as a doping substance

After the total legalization of cannabis in Nevada, the state's Athletic Commission wants to ban cannabis and its compounds from banned substances in certain sports..

On November 8, 2016, the state of Nevada legalized the use, sale and distribution of cannabis. But for the first time in the United States, a professional Athletic Commission is talking about banning cannabis from doping or banned substances. The discussion will take place this Friday, but should only concern combat sports.

The Diaz measure

This measure could not exist without the Diaz brothers, both MMA professionals. These two fighting brothers flaunt their cannabis use in broad daylight. Nick Diaz tested positive for cannabis components in 2015 and received an 18-month suspension. Nate Diaz escaped punishment after having CBD vape after his fight with Connor Mcgregor. Visiting the set of the Snoop Dogg a week ago, Nick Diaz says having smoked with the late Kimbo Slice, who passed away this summer.

A measure in discussion only

On Friday's agenda, discussions and more discussions before a possible vote. If the vote goes through, the measure will be applicable in 3 months’ time. Moreover, the measure will not be applied at national level. The UFC and the Anti-Doping Agency announce that whatever Friday's decision, cannabis will remain a banned doping substance. Currently, the Nevada Athletic Commission authorizes 150ng/ml of cannabis in the blood.

UFC fighters advocate strongly for the authorization of medical cannabis in MMA. Keith Berry says »Every fighter goes in the ring, at 100% or not. We all train all the time, and I can tell you it helps, a lot in fact».

Another former UFC bigwig is trying to champion the benefits of medical cannabis, Franck Shamrock. He'll be opening his own chain, The Bakeout, speaking only of medical cannabis.