Florida State Boxing Commission to relax regulations regarding cannabis consumption

Emma Spears - thegrowthop.com Posted 5 years ago
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The Florida State Boxing Commission has announced plans to relax its regulations regarding cannabis consumption. The changes will render the association’s guidelines closer to industry standards for doping, according to UFC vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitzky, who confirmed the news with MMA Fighting.

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Although the previous policy in Florida was zero-tolerance for the presence of any cannabinoids, the new rules give athletes a bit more leeway. Although THC will continue to be verboten in-competition, levels of less than 150 ng/ml will be accepted, and CBD is to be permitted at all times. The THC threshold matches that of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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Florida’s regulations came under scrutiny recently when Juan “Leadfeather” Puerta–a Titan FC flyweight champion—was pulled from a fight at the very last minute after the fighter tested positive for THC.

Before the changes, fighters who tested positive for any form of cannabis could expect sanctions or some form of disciplinary measures, regardless of the amount.

The new regulations are expected to be finalized in an upcoming Florida State Boxing Commission meeting on April 4.

Florida’s regulations came under scrutiny recently when Juan “Leadfeather” Puerta–a Titan FC flyweight champion—was pulled from a fight at the very last minute after the fighter tested positive for THC. Puerta was suspended indefinitely and his fight, which was the event’s headlining attraction, was canceled. He admits to using CBD gummies to treat symptoms of anxiety and says he believes his batch may have been tainted.

The UFC contacted the State Boxing Commission upon hearing of the suspension with concerns that Florida’s strict cannabis rules could disqualify fighters from an upcoming ESPN event in Fort Lauderdale on April 27. The policy was discussed between the two agencies, and plans were made to amend the state pot policy this past Wednesday, according to MMA Fighting.

Puerta’s situation is not expected to change before the April 4 meeting, if at all.

 

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