Nevada commission approves new rules, will no longer punish fighters for marijuana

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting Nick Diaz prepares to fight Carlos Condit at UFC 143. Photo by Esther Lin, MMA FightingFighters competing in Nevada will no longer face any punishment for testing positive for marijuana.

In a unanimous vote by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday, marijuana was removed from the list of performance-enhancing drugs banned for athletes, and they will no longer face any discipline for a positive test.

This change comes in the wake of similar rules adopted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency in regards to the UFC’s anti-doping policy. Much like those rules, Nevada retains the rights to remove a fighter from a bout if they are clearly impaired by the use of…