Nevada Won't Punish Fighters Who Test Positive For Weed

NV votes in favor of THC.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously voted to no longer punish fighters — e.g. boxers, MMA fighters — who smoke cannabis or test positive for THC.

Wednesday's vote comes at a time when THC's merit as a PED is being contested with the case of Sha'Carri Richardson.

Nevada legalized weed for private use in 2017, and now the one-sided vote from the NSAC is the culmination of efforts to get weed legalized for Vegas' biggest events and sports. Market incentives will likely follow.

Testing for THC will remain a part of the procedure for fighters going into 2022, but athletes will not be penalized or suspended based on a positive test.

After announcing the result of the vote, the chairman of the commission, Stephen J. Cloobeck, voiced the objective for Nevada to get the issue of legalization right ahead of other states, as public opinion turns toward toking. “We should always be at the forefront of these issues," said Cloobeck.

Though the tug of war between cannabis advocates, athletes and sports leagues concerned about the product on the field continues, it seems that more and more states have normalized use of the no-so-enhancing drug.

During an interview in June, Nevada AG Aaron Ford spoke confidently about the Commission's upcoming decision. "It is within the Commission’s full discretion to determine what substances are prohibited under its anti-doping statutes and regulations," commented Ford.

Nevada's new ruling will also permit the use of blaze, skunk, bud, Ganga, herb, 420, chronic, rope and grass — which are reportedly the same thing, pending response from a local source.