Nevada Legalizes Marijuana Use for Boxing and UFC

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), which regulates combat sports in the state, has voted to end its ban on athletes using cannabis, thus opening the door for mixed-martial artists and boxers to freely and openly use the drug.

The NSAC is the regulatory authority that sets the rules for marquee Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and boxing bouts taking place in Las Vegas, Forbes reported.

For years, the NSAC had a strict cannabis ban for fighters in and out of competition. This ban put many fighters’ careers in jeopardy because they used cannabis for relief from training and fighting.

Going forward, professional fighters in Nevada will only be penalized for cannabis use if they are “impaired” on fight night based on visual checks.