Nate Diaz Could Face USADA Trouble For Vaping At Presser
Nate Diaz’s loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 202 may have additional consequences as he decided to take a whiff of a vape pen during his post-fight press conference.
Diaz spoke about the contents of his vape pen, which has raised concerns and could provide some problems with the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
“It’s CBD,” Diaz said. “It helps with the healing process and inflammation and things like that, so you want to get these for before or after the fights, in training. It’ll make your life a better place.”
CBD is a cannabinoid, which are on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned in-competition substances — the same list used by USADA, the organization that oversees the UFC’s drug testing program.
Cannabinoids are also banned “in competition” by the Nevada State Athletic Commission according to combat-sports lawyer Erik Magraken of combatsportslaw.com. The “in-competition” period for USADA and the UFC ends six hours after a fight, but Magraken said Diaz could be in the clear from a drug-testing perspective.
“Assuming Nate Diaz provided a post bout sample to the NSAC (assuming they wished to collect one) before vaping and assuming that sample comes back negative than this escapade will not amount to an NSAC anti-doping violation,” Magraken said.
USADA spokesperson Ryan Madden recently told ESPN that USADA is aware of Diaz’s actions.
“I can confirm that USADA is aware of the situation and is currently gathering information in order to determine the appropriate next steps,” Madden said.
The anti-drug organization could still argue that Diaz’s admission of using CBD oil within that six-hour time frame is a violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy. If the USADA were to rule a violation has occurred, Diaz could face up to a one-year suspension. Diaz’s brother, Nick, is serving an 18-month suspension from USADA for his third marijuana offense.
