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Nate Diaz could face suspension for vaping cannabis after Conor McGregor fight

Nate Diaz
(Getty Images)

Nate Diaz was seen casually vaping on the dais when speaking to the media following his Saturday night loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 202. Little did he know that it may get him into some hot water with USADA.

“It’s CBD,” Diaz said. “It helps with the healing process and inflammation, stuff like that. So you want to get these for before and after the fights, training. It’ll make your life a better place.”

CBD is cannabidiol oil. According to Leaf Science, it is one of more than 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. It’s also illegal and classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States. More important, cannabinoids are banned in competition by the World Anti Doping Agency and USADA goes by WADA’s list of banned substances. Considering that Diaz was vaping CBD shortly after his loss to McGregor, it falls in the in-competition window, which is six hours before or after a fight.

MMA Fighting confirmed with a USADA spokesperson that the organization is looking into the situation. If found in violation of USADA’s banned substance policy, Diaz could face a one-year suspension by the anti-doping agency. On the other hand, he could also receive a public warning if fitting under the circumstances.

Diaz’s fight night drug test took place right before he appeared with the vape pen and his results have yet to come back.

For his part, Diaz has never failed a drug test in his 12-year MMA career.