Nevada Athletic Commission considering lifting ban on cannabis

The Nevada Athletic Commission is mulling over removing cannabis on its banned substance list. In November, Nevada was one of the four states that voted for the legalization of the use and sale of recreational cannabis. Given such a circums…

The Nevada Athletic Commission is mulling over removing cannabis on its banned substance list.

In November, Nevada was one of the four states that voted for the legalization of the use and sale of recreational cannabis. Given such a circumstance, the Nevada Athletic Commission is now considering removing the said substance on its banned list.

TMZ Sports first reported the news, stating that the Commission is planning to discuss such actions, which ultimately covers all athletes that compete in the state. A meeting is set to take place on Friday.

Prior to its legalization in Nevada, cannabis is one of the controversial yet medically legal substances that usually got fighters in hot water. In 2013, former UFC fighter Matt Riddle was released from the company roster after he tested positive for marijuana in a post-fight drug test, despite stating that his usage was due to medical reasons.

Most notably, former welterweight title contender Nick Diaz was slapped with an 18-month suspension when he was found to have cannabis metabolites during his post-UFC 183 drug test in January 2015. Initially, he was given a five-year suspension.

Should the ban on cannabis be lifted, the report states that it would take at least three months before the new ruling takes effect.