The UFC is changing its anti-doping policy for marijuana. Particularly, the organization now excludes positive tests for the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana known as carboxy-THC. One reason for the change is because positive THC tests have resulted in numerous fight cancellations and suspensions. In fact, the antiquated policy has caused many athletes to have their victories overturned. UFC Senior VP of Athlete Health and Performance, Jeff Novitzky mentioned the matter early Thursday morning. Regarding the new policy, Novitsky said in a statement, per MMAJunkie.com.
“While we want to continue to prevent athletes from competing under the influence of marijuana, we have learned that blood and/or urine levels of carboxy-THC have little-to-no scientific correlation to impairment,” He also wrote,
“unless additional evidence exists that an athlete used it intentionally for performance-enhancing purposes.”
UFC 420 Friendly – Adopts New Marijuana Rules
UFC and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency officials announced major changes to the anti-doping rule for marijuana. With the new rules, any amount of THC will no longer disqualify the athlete from competing or retaining their win.
UFC news: Marijuana no longer violates anti-doping policy. https://t.co/SE25ebYQyh
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) January 14, 2021
While Novitsky’s message was unclear, he indicated that they will not allow athletes to perform while under the effects of the psychoactive chemical. Interestingly, Novitsky said they will try to use an “eye test” to determine if an athlete is under the effects of marijuana. Once again, he reiterated their commitment to a safe and healthy athletic environment stating,
“The bottom line is that in regards to marijuana, we care about what an athlete consumed the day of a fight, not days or weeks before a fight”
A storied past, pot has always been a hot topic. Nick Diaz had to start a petition to get USADA to throw his positive marijuana infractions out after a 5-year suspension. Given the news and the proposed positive effects of the drug in question, hopefully, this helps all UFC athletes.
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