Following a tough loss over the weekend at UFC 202, UFC fighter Nate Diaz won the hearts of medical marijuana advocates by hitting a cannabidiol (CBD) vape pen during his post-match interview.
In Nevada, and the UFC, all cannabinoids (the naturally occurring chemicals in cannabis) are banned in competition. However, just hours after a fight is over, so is the “in-competition” phase, which allowed Diaz the ability to legally hit is vape pen, according to MMA Junkie.
Nate Diaz, and his brother Nick, are both UFC fighters and supporters of CBD use for athletes. If urine samples are collected within the 6-hour in-competition period and the sample comes back with even a trace of CBD in it, it could violate the anti-doping policies in place by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the UFC.
Attorney Erik Magraken said, “Assuming Nate Diaz provided a post bout sample to the NSAC (assuming they wished to collect one) before vaping and assuming that sample comes back negative then this escapade will not amount to an NSAC anti-doping violation.”
Magraken also said, “Interestingly, if USADA wishes to collect a sample in the hours following vaping, depending on the substance being ingested, Nate’s choice may prove problematic.”
Diaz, when speaking about his CBD oil use, points out that CBD does not cause psychoactive effects like THC, and only provides medicinal benefits.
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