The World Anti-Doping Agency announced last week in its summary of modifications to their banned substances list that CBD had been removed and that they had changed their “cannabimimetics” category to “synthetic cannabinoids.”

“The synthetic cannabinoids are one of the main classes of novel psychoactive substances that have constantly emerging new drugs and changing availability,” they said in the announcement of the change.

This change was then also taken on by USADA. “The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is the national anti-doping organization (NADO) in the United States for Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, and Parapan American sport. The organization is charged with managing the anti-doping program, including in-competition and out-of competition testing, results management processes, drug reference resources, and athlete education for all United States Olympic Committee (USOC) recognized sport national governing bodies, their athletes, and events. Additionally, USADA contributes to the advancement of clean sport through scientific research and education & outreach initiatives focused on awareness and prevention.”

USADA are the organization that control doping legislation for the UFC. We believe this is amazing news for UFC fighter that they will be able to use CBD oil. This is especially good news for our own sponsored athlete James ‘The Juggernaut’ Mulheron who is currently training at AKA for his upcoming fight in the UFC.

The effort to change the list is no small task and WADA President Sir Craig Reedie explained the timelines in the announcement of this year’s modifications.

“Updated annually, the List is released three months ahead of taking effect so that all stakeholders — in particular athletes and their entourage — have sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the document and its modifications,” Reedie said. “It is vital that all athletes and entourage take the necessary time to consult the List; and that, they contact their respective anti-doping organizations (ADOs) if they have any doubts as to the status of a substance or method.”

The revision process starts in early January, with an extensive nine-month consultation process where WADA’s experts gather information and pitch changes to WADA stakeholders. After the stakeholders get to put their two cents in, a final draft that is more palatable to all is reviewed by the Agency’s Health, Medical and Research (HMR) Committee.

“In reviewing the List, experts examine such sources as: scientific and medical research; trends; and, intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies in order to stay ahead of those that endeavor to cheat the system,” said WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli, in the statement.

The most famous CBD run-in for WADA as of late followed the second UFC fight between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor. After taking part in the main event of one of the best selling MMA pay-per-view figths of all time, Diaz proceeded to whip out a vape pen at the post-fight press conference. When one of the journalists in attendance asked Diaz what he was puffing on, he was quick to assure all it was just CBD. At the time, this prompted an investigation from USADA. Diaz ended up getting a stern warning over the incident last October. He’d go on to win Cannabis Now’s Athlete of the Year in 2016.

Erik Magraken of CombatSportsLaw.com was one of the first to spot the changes to WADA law. We asked him if CBD sponsor money may jump in the MMA advertising space even due to the change.

“NORML applauds the World Anti Doping Agency for taking action removing CBD from its list of banned substances.” For more information click here