UFC: Nate Diaz could still face drugs ban despite being cleared of cannabis vaping charge by NSAC
The Stockton-born fighter smoked CBD, a cannabis compound, through a vape pen after his defeat to Conor McGregor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nate Diaz will face no penalty from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for smoking cannabidiol following his defeat to Conor McGregor at UFC 202 last month.
However, Diaz, 31, may yet be punished by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada), who are still investigating the case.
The Stockton-born fighter smoked the substance, known as CBD, through a vape pen during his post-fight press conference after losing a tight five-round contest to McGregor.
When asked why he was smoking CBD, he said: “It helps with healing process, inflammation, stuff like that. So you want to get these before or after the fight, it’ll make your life a better place.”
CBD is a key ingredient in cannabis but – unlike THC, the drug’s other main compound – it is non-psychoactive. This makes it useful for medicinal purposes.
Cannabinoids – the chemical compounds contained within cannabis – are nevertheless listed as prohibited in-competition substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
According to the UFC’s anti-doping policy, an ‘in-competition’ period is defined as the six hours prior to the commencement of the scheduled weigh-in and, crucially, the six hours after the conclusion of the fight.
The company’s anti-doping policy was written in conjunction with Usada, who therefore could still punish Diaz if they judge his vaping to be an anti-doping violation.
Diaz’s elder brother, Nick, was banned for five years by Usada after testing positive for cannabis, only for his suspension to be reduced to 18 months.
The elder Diaz’s drug suspension expired at the start of last month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments