UFC to Review Ban on Marijuana Use by Fighters
UFC President Dana White has announced that the promotion plans to review its ban on marijuana use by fighters. White expressed dissatisfaction with the current policy, which results in athletes being disqualified for cannabinoid use long before competitions begin.
MMA Fighters Suspended for Marijuana Use
The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently suspended Niko Price, Kevin Croom, and Jose Flores after their tests showed THC metabolites. Price tested positive for marijuana following his fight against Donald Cerrone in September 2020. He was temporarily suspended, with a final decision on sanctions expected in December. This was not Price’s first offense; he was previously penalized for cannabis use in 2017.
Croom was caught using marijuana before his bout against Roosevelt Roberts on September 12. He received a 4.5-month suspension and a $1,800 fine. Additionally, his submission win was overturned, and the fight was declared a no contest. Flores, who lost in Dana White’s Contender Series in August, was suspended for 4.5 months and fined $750. Another Contender Series participant, Chad Johnson, received a nine-month suspension for amphetamine use.
Athletes Prohibited from Using Cannabis Before Fights
Dana White shared his perspective on the penalties: “I didn’t even know Price was suspended. We’ve been working for a long time to change the rules regarding marijuana use. I’m surprised they were suspended. The allowable concentration of metabolites in their tests must have been significantly exceeded. I think athletes should be tested during competitions. You can’t let fighters enter the octagon while high. I don’t know what to do about it. We’re trying to ease the requirements. But at the same time, fighters shouldn’t be allowed to smoke marijuana right before their bouts.”
According to White, athletes need to stop using THC about four weeks before a tournament to pass a cannabis test. He claims that most fighters use marijuana. A survey by The Athletic of 170 American MMA fighters found that 49.5% use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, and 76.5% use legal CBD.
Calls for Testing Only for Sobriety
Given the growing popularity of marijuana in the United States, journalist John Morgan suggested that medical staff should only test fighters for sobriety. In his view, if a person is not under the influence at the time of the fight, they should be allowed to compete in the octagon. Morgan’s perspective makes sense, as competitors are not tested for alcohol use.