UFC Removes Cannabis from Its Prohibited Substances List

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which governs most Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights in the United States, announced that as of December 31, 2023, cannabis will be officially removed from its list of prohibited substances, aligning with other sports leagues in the USA.

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Shift in Cannabis Policy

In 2021, the UFC had decided that its athletes would no longer be penalized for testing positive for THC. Positive tests for carboxy-THC, a metabolite of THC, were already not considered a violation “unless there was additional evidence that an athlete intentionally used it for performance enhancement purposes.”

Objectives of the New UFC Policy

According to Hunter Campbell, Chief Business Officer of the UFC, the new policy aims to raise the standards of health and safety in combat sports, positioning the UFC’s anti-doping program as the most effective and progressive in professional sport. Campbell emphasized the commitment to fair competition, stating the continuation of an independently administered anti-doping control program for all UFC athletes.

Evolution of the UFC Policy

Jeff Novitzky, Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC, described the policy as a “living and breathing document,” highlighting its continuous evolution based on input from athletes and third-party experts. This dynamic approach reflects a broader trend in American sports, where policies relating to cannabis are undergoing significant transformations.

Comparing the UFC with Other Sports Leagues

National Football League (NFL)

The National Football League (NFL) made a notable change in 2021 by modifying its cannabis testing procedures during the offseason and adjusting THC test thresholds. The NFL has moved from punitive measures to a treatment-focused approach, with players exceeding THC limits now subject to medical intervention and addiction treatment.

National Basketball Association (NBA)

Similarly, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has removed cannabis from its list of prohibited substances, allowing players to consume cannabis and invest in related businesses under certain conditions. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, emphasizes responsible use of cannabis, prohibiting players from being under the influence of the substance during games, training, or team meetings.

Major League Baseball (MLB)

Major League Baseball (MLB) also no longer screens for cannabis in its players since 2019.

World Anti-Doping Agency’s Stance

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains its ban on THC, citing concerns about its potential effects on performance, health risks, and violations of the spirit of sport. This stance drew criticism when American runner Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 following a positive cannabis test. CBD, however, was removed from the list of doping substances in 2018.

Cannabis Use in Sports

Many retired athletes have openly spoken about using cannabis to manage pain and aid recovery during their active careers. A recent survey found that 93% of participants believed CBD helped with recovery after exertion, while 87% said the same for THC.

Medical Professionals’ Views on Cannabis in the UFC and Sports

Sports medicine professionals are increasingly expressing positive attitudes towards cannabis consumption. A survey revealed that 72% of respondents supported the removal of CBD from WADA’s banned substances list in 2018, and 59% advocated for the removal of cannabis in its entirety. Additionally, the majority of respondents do not consider CBD (76%) and THC (66%) to be performance-enhancing substances.

Study on Cannabis and Brain Trauma

A study conducted in 2023 highlighted the potential benefits of regular cannabis use to offset the impact of repeated head traumas, suggesting a promising path for athletes, including boxers, football, and soccer players, seeking to mitigate the risk of long-term brain injuries.

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(Featured image by dankos-unlmtd (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) via Flickr)

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