Nevada MMA fighters, boxing athletes no longer penalized for positive marijuana tests

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada athletic regulators voted this week to take away penalties for boxers and MMA fighters who check constructive for marijuana.

The choice follows the controversial transfer by the USA Anti-Doping Company to droop American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson after she examined constructive for marijuana, forcing her to overlook the Olympics this month.

The Las Vegas Evaluate-Journal reported that the Nevada Athletic Fee to instantly take away any penalties for a fighter who exams constructive for the chemical compounds present in marijuana. A fighter who seems to be below the affect of the drug on a struggle evening might nonetheless be sanctioned.

Earlier than the change, a constructive check for marijuana might depart a competitor dealing with a suspension of as much as 9 months and a advantageous of their purse.

Fighters will proceed to be examined for the drug for six months, the newspaper reported. The fee will then resolve whether or not to proceed screening for marijuana.

Commissioners unanimously accepted the change Wednesday after the controversial banning of Richardson, although they’d already deliberate to debate the change earlier than the information of Richardson’s check broke.

Different regulators and officers have made comparable strikes lately as legal guidelines prohibiting marijuana within the U.S. and all over the world have been relaxed. Nevada legalized leisure marijuana gross sales 5 years in the past.

Florida boxing regulators in Might voted to cease testing fighters for marijuana. All of the skilled sports activities leagues have loosened their restrictions on marijuana over the previous years. The NFL raised the edge for a constructive check and eradicated suspensions. The NBA stopped random testing for marijuana final 12 months

The Nevada Athletic Fee, made up of 5 part-time members appointed by the governor, regulates boxing, kickboxing and blended martial arts in Nevada, together with the licensing and oversight of promoters, ring officers, announcers and opponents.