UFC Removes Marijuana From Banned Substances List in Landmark Reform

In a significant move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced on Thursday its formal removal of marijuana from the list of banned substances for athletes, building upon previous reforms. The decision comes as the UFC strives to align its prohibited substances catalog with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), with adjustments made based on historical findings.

While WADA has retained cannabis as a banned substance, the UFC is taking a pioneering step by removing marijuana from its prohibited list entirely. This move follows a policy change implemented by UFC in 2021, which already provided significant protection to professional fighters testing positive for THC.

In a press release on Thursday, UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell stated, “UFC’s goal for the Anti-Doping Policy is to be the best, most effective, and most progressive anti-doping program in all of professional sports.” He added, “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, highlighted that the updated anti-doping program is the result of years of collaboration and input from UFC, athletes, and third parties. He emphasized that the policy is a dynamic document that will evolve based on clear scientific evidence to further protect athletes.

This move by the UFC aligns with a broader trend seen across various sports organizations, responding to the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and even Nevada sports regulators have adjusted their marijuana testing policies to better align with state laws.

Criticism has been directed at the World Anti-Doping Agency for maintaining its cannabis ban, with advocates pushing for reform. The suspension of U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson from the Olympics in 2021 due to a positive THC test sparked a call for change. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and congressional lawmakers have joined the chorus, urging new policies and reforms in line with evolving societal attitudes toward cannabis.

This story was first covered by Marijuana Moment.