Nate Diaz, a famend skilled fighter, is ready to tackle Jake Paul in a extremely anticipated eight-round boxing match on August fifth, 2023, on the American Airways Middle in Dallas, Texas. The Texas Division of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which is answerable for overseeing all combative sports activities occasions within the state, confirmed that Diaz can be subjected to marijuana testing forward of the struggle, following an preliminary report by MMA Preventing.
Regardless of a rising development in direction of the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in lots of states, the TDLR has carried out a strict 50 ng/ml THC threshold for all fight sports activities occasions in Texas. Any athlete who assessments constructive for THC ranges above the established threshold will obtain a 90-day suspension and a $500 positive, and their victory shall be overturned to a no contest.
This coverage has triggered controversy amongst some followers and athletes, because the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) eliminated marijuana from its prohibited substances checklist in 2020. Many state athletic commissions and different regulating our bodies have additionally adopted go well with. Nevertheless, the TDLR has maintained that it’s going to proceed to implement its marijuana testing rules, citing issues over athlete security and the potential for impairment throughout fight sports activities occasions.
Nate Diaz is not any stranger to controversy over his marijuana use, having been open about his substance consumption for a few years. He has been seen smoking at press conferences and open exercises for his UFC fights and has even worn a CBD-infused gum defend throughout fights to assist alleviate ache and irritation. In a latest press convention selling the Paul struggle, Diaz was requested about drug testing, to which he responded,
“There’s loads of weed in (my system). There’s.”
Nevertheless, when particularly requested about how he would cope with the no-tolerance coverage for marijuana in Texas, Diaz appeared shocked and requested,
“Wait what occurred? Properly, let’s go to California.”
Regardless of his nonchalant perspective in direction of the difficulty, Diaz shall be topic to the identical guidelines and rules as each different athlete who competes in combative sports activities occasions in Texas.
Total, the difficulty of marijuana testing in fight sports activities stays a controversial matter, with many athletes and followers calling for extra lenient insurance policies and a higher understanding of the potential advantages and disadvantages of the substance. Nevertheless, for now, athletes like Nate Diaz should navigate the advanced and ever-changing panorama of drug testing in fight sports activities in the event that they need to compete in states like Texas.
