UFC fighters will no longer be subject to discipline for positive marijuana tests under the organization’s anti-doping policy.
The UFC and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which administers the policy for the mixed martial arts league, announced Thursday a significant change to the program’s rules on cannabis and cannabinoid constituents.
Positive tests for carboxy-THC will only result in disciplinary action should evidence suggest it was used “intentionally for performance-enhancing purposes.”
The changes are effective immediately, though local jurisdiction rules will still apply.
“The goal of the UFC Anti-Doping program is to protect the rights of clean athletes by deterring intentional cheaters and holding those who choose to dope accountable in a fair and effective way,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said. “These amended rules are aimed at this and to continue our focus on preventing intentional cheating and not to unnecessarily punish athletes for behavior that does not impact the fairness or safety of competition.”
UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky said the decision is not an endorsement of fighters competing under the influence of marijuana.
The decision was made to address cases where fighters were penalized for positive tests “in-competition” despite not having consumed marijuna for several days or even…
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UFC fighters will no longer be subject to discipline for positive marijuana tests under the organization’s anti-doping policy.
The UFC and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which administers the policy for the mixed martial arts league, announced Thursday a significant change to the program’s rules on cannabis and cannabinoid constituents.
Positive tests for carboxy-THC will only result in disciplinary action should evidence suggest it was used “intentionally for performance-enhancing purposes.”
The changes are effective immediately, though local jurisdiction rules will still apply.
“The goal of the UFC Anti-Doping program is to protect the rights of clean athletes by deterring intentional cheaters and holding those who choose to dope accountable in a fair and effective way,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said. “These amended rules are aimed at this and to continue our focus on preventing intentional cheating and not to unnecessarily punish athletes for behavior that does not impact the fairness or safety of competition.”
UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky said the decision is not an endorsement of fighters competing under the influence of marijuana.
The decision was made to address cases where fighters were penalized for positive tests “in-competition” despite not having consumed marijuna for several days or even…