Cannabis a no-no in MMA action

Executive says queries about marijuana test are common in UFC world

That is one of the toughest questions. I really don’t have a good answer because each individual varies in terms of how they metabolize things in our systems.” Jeff Novitzky

TORONTO — While cannabis is not even tested for out of competition, UFC vice-president Jeff Novitzky says it’s a constant topic of conversation in his world.

UFC fighters want to know when they should stop using it before their fights to ensure they don’t exceed the limit allowed when it is tested for around their bout.

“It’s probably the most-asked question that I get among our roster of fighters,” said Novitzky, a former federal agent for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration who is now the UFC’s vice-president of athlete health and performance.

“‘If I’m a regular user of marijuana, how long do I discontinue (use) before my competition to ensure I’m under the (allowed) 150 nanograms (per millilitre)?’ ”

“And that is one of the toughest questions I have to answer.

“I really don’t have a good answer for anybody because each individual varies in terms of how they metabolize things in our systems.”

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which serves as the UFC’s anti-doping partner, follows the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code.

As such cannabis is prohibited only in competition, which means from noon on weigh-in day (typically the day before the fight) to immediately following the bout.

That is the only time that marijuana is tested for.

During that time, it is prohibited over a certain amount of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) — 150 nanograms per millilitre in a urine test. The reason for that is cannabis traces can remain in the system.

It is banned during competition out of concern it might allow fighters to take more damage. It could also be a hindrance to their performance.

“Both of those conditions would only be applicable if the marijuana was used pretty close to a fight — you’re still experiencing the effects of using it,” Novitzky said.

Novitzky’s advice to most mixed martial arts fighters is, to be on the safe side, discontinue using marijuana a month before the bout.

Several years ago, the threshold used by WADA and most athletic commissions was much lower — 15 nanograms per millilitre under the WADA code. That was changed so athletes weren’t punished for using the drug well in advance, when it doesn’t have any impact in their performance.

As of Jan. 1, cannabidiol or CBD — which unlike the THC component of marijuana does not have any psychoactive effects — was no longer prohibited.

CBD can be used for pain management.

“I’d say the overwhelming majority of our fighters use it. (They) express to me that they get great benefits from it,” said Novitzky.