UFC Officially Removes Cannabis From Banned List
2 min read
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced the removal of marijuana from its banned substances list, marking a significant shift in the landscape of sports drug policies and reflecting a broader trend of reevaluating cannabis use among athletes, setting a progressive example in the realm of professional sports.
The UFC’s decision to exclude cannabis from its prohibited substances is an extension of its earlier reform in 2021, which protected fighters from being penalized for testing positive for THC. The revised anti-doping policy aims to align with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list, yet it notably deviates by excluding marijuana, reflecting a more nuanced approach to substance regulation in sports.
Hunter Campbell, UFC Chief Business Officer stated that the policy, which came into effect on December 31, is part of UFC’s broader effort to ensure a fair and safe competitive environment. This initiative also includes a new partnership with Drug Free Sport International for sample collection and shipping, further solidifying UFC’s commitment to athlete health and performance integrity
Professional fighters have already been largely protected from being penalized over testing positive for THC under a policy change that UFC adopted in 2021, but now it is removing cannabis as a banned drug altogether.
“UFC is proud of the advancements we have made with our anti-doping program over the past eight years, and we will continue to maintain an independently administered drug-testing program that ensures all UFC athletes are competing under fair and equal circumstances,” he said. “With this new iteration of the program, UFC has once again raised the bar for health and safety in combat sports.”
Jeff Novitzky, UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance, emphasized that the updated anti-doping program is the culmination of extensive input and trial, signifying an ongoing commitment to evolve based on scientific evidence and athlete welfare. The move is seen as a significant stride in acknowledging the changing societal and scientific perspectives on marijuana use and its implications for athletes. However, despite these evolving perspectives, the World Anti-Doping Agency continues to maintain a ban on cannabis, citing concerns about the “spirit of sport” and athlete role modeling. This stance has drawn criticism, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases like U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson’s Olympic suspension for a positive THC test. The case spurred a widespread call for policy reform, including from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the White House, and congressional lawmakers, highlighting a growing consensus that international rules on marijuana need to be reconsidered to reflect contemporary understanding and attitudes toward the substance.
Original data and picture at ganjapreneur and MMAmania
