With vape pen in hand, UFC 202's Nate Diaz explains the benefits of cannabidiol oil -...

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By: Dann Stupp and Abbey Subhan | August 21, 2016 12:15 pm


LAS VEGAS – After a grueling fight and tough loss, what’s a man to do? In Nate Diaz’s case, it’s nothing a vape pen can’t fix.

Following his majority-decision loss to featherweight champ Conor McGregor (20-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) in a non-title welterweight bout, Diaz (19-11 MMA, 14-9 UFC) attended Saturday’s post-UFC 202 press gathering at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas while puffing on his pen.

He took some drags during the informal and formal scrums, as can be seen above. A reporter then asked for clarification.

“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, or cannabidiol, is one of 113 active cannabinoids found in cannabis (marijuana). It’s been used in the treatment of schizophrenia, epilepsy and other conditions, and clinical studies show a lack of psychoactivity like a user would get with traditional marijuana.

Cannabinoids are banned “in competition” by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and by the UFC’s drug-testing partner, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, according to combat-sports lawyer Erik Magraken of combatsportslaw.com. Although the UFC-USADA’s in-competition period ends six hours after a fight, Diaz could be in the clear from a drug-testing perspective, according to Magraken:

“Assuming Nate Diaz provided a post bout sample to the NSAC (assuming they wished to collect one) before vaping and assuming that sample come sback negative than this escapade will not amount to an NSAC anti-doping violation.

“Interestingly, if USADA wishes to collect a sample in the hours following the vaping, depending on the substance being ingested, Nate’s choice may prove problematic.”
​

Like his brother and fellow UFC fighter Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz is an outspoken cannabis proponent. In some pre-fight social-media postings, he specifically championed CBD oil as beneficial to athletes.

For more on UFC 202, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

Conor McGregor, right, and Nate Diaz embrace following their welterweight mixed martial arts bout at UFC 202 on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, in Las Vegas. McGregor won by split decision. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Diaz (red gloves) competes against Conor McGregor (blue gloves ) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Diaz (red gloves) competes against Conor McGregor (blue gloves ) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Diaz wipes blood from his eyes during his welterweight mixed martial arts bout against Conor McGregor at UFC 202 on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, in Las Vegas. McGregor won by split decision. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Diaz (red gloves) competes against Conor McGregor (blue gloves ) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Diaz (red gloves) competes against Conor McGregor (blue gloves) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Diaz (red gloves) reacts with Conor McGregor (blue gloves) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Conor McGregor (blue gloves) reacts to fight with Nate Diaz (red gloves) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Diaz (red gloves) competes against Conor McGregor (blue gloves) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Conor McGregor (blue gloves) before the fight against Nate Diaz (red gloves) during UFC 202 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Diaz, UFC 202, Featured, News, UFC



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