MMA fighters are prone to injuries and who can blame them for wanting to smoke a little weed after trading blows with another trained killer.
Fighters who smoke pot isn’t abnormal and a large amount of seem to be consuming pot according to UFC commentator and marijuana advocate Joe Rogan.
“That’s also the weird thing about martial arts. A tremendous amount of UFC fighters smoke pot. I mean, a massive amount where it’s a huge issue with them involving drug tests, you know, where they have to stop smoking weed for the last four weeks or so in order to pass drug tests. More UFC fighters smoke pot than don’t smoke pot.”
Cannabis in the form of Cannabidiol or CBD is still according to some anti-doping agencies such as WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency).
CBD Oil
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana which won’t get you “high”. It’s well known for its medicinal benefits and has become popular over the years as studies have shown that CBD can effectively treat several ailments and diseasses such as pain relief, muscle spasms, arthritis, MS, cancer symptoms, skin conditions, insomnia, joint pain, anxiety/depression and more.
In comparison to pain killers and other prescription medications, CBD has shown to be just as effective without any side effects.
CBD Oil is a popular type of CBD product which is made from extracting cannabidiol from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil.
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the main compound found in marijuana which also has medicinal benefits IS banned due to its psychoactive properties.
UFC Fighters who Smoke Pot
Cannabis is banned in almost every sport however more athletes are becoming vocal about its physical and psychological benefits.
Unlike steroids or other performance enhancing drugs, marijuana will does not give the competitive edge and mainly consumed for recreational purposes and medicinal benefits.
“It’s not a performance-enhancing drug. It has nothing to do with athletic competition; it’s only tested for political reasons.” -Ronda Rousey
While we only speculate about the “massive” amount of fighters who consume weed, here are well known UFC fighters who have been open about their cannabis usage and in some cases been punished as a result.
Nick Diaz
Nick is not only one of the biggest names in UFC who has fought some of the biggest names in UFC history such as George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva, but is equally famous in the cannabis community. Despite being handed multiple suspensions for pot, Nevada has since legalized recreational marijuana we can expect more tolerance when it comes to cannabis in the future. UFC fighter Nick Diaz was suspended for 5 years and fined $165K for testing positive for marijuana.
Nate Diaz
Nate (brother of Nick Diaz) is equally known UFC and the cannabis community. Nate is most known for defeating Connor McGregor in spectacular fashion. After losing in a rematch to McGregor, Nate was openly vaping CBD during his post-fight interview.
The Diaz brothers have successfully proven that you can be a stoner and an elite athlete at the same time.
Sean O’Malley
Sean O’Malley is well known for injuring his leg during a fight against hitting Andre Soukhamthath which he ended up winning. He is another big name in the cannabis industry and has introduced his own hybrid strain called “Suga Show OG”. Next time he suffers an injury he’ll have his own go-to stash for “medicinal” properties.
Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle has a pretty decorated career as both a UFC fighter and recently signed as a WWE wrestler. His fans know him as the “King of Bros”. He first appeared on the popular TV show ‘The Ultimate Fighter 7’ and eventually made a name in the UFC. He has been open about his cannabis usage and how it has provided pain relief unlike pharmaceuticals which cause side effects. Unfortunately due to failed post-fright drug tests he was released from the UFC. This led to a spat between UFC President Dana White who he called a ‘cold blooded asshole’.
Conclusion
In recent news, Connor McGregor was seen in a weed cafe in Amsterdam. Of course that doesn’t put him anywhere near the UFC fighters who smoke pot mentioned above. These fighters have shown that you can be a pot smoker and still excel in sports.
UFC fighters are athletes who their bodies through a tremendous amount of pain. Whether through lifting weights, diet, cardio or just getting repeatedly punched and kicked in the face by another trained fighter.
Cannabidiol or CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana which won’t get you high and can provide effective medicinal benefits such as pain relief without the side effects of prescription medication. Thankfully WADA and USADA which are the drug watch dogs have finally removed CBD from their list of banned substances.
Sean O Malley looks baked in his photos thou, hahaha. But this is cool like getting baked and fighting. Maybe there is a type of weed that makes you strong or something?