Marijuana is illegal throughout the USA, except in 18 states where it’s either available for medical use or entirely legal (Washington and Colorado). In these states, a medical marijuana card is available from your doctor for conditions ranging in severity from ADHD to glaucoma and even cancer. This card entitles the owner to purchase marijuana and consume it without the risk of prosecution.

Case study 1: Nick Diaz

At Pride 33 in Las Vegas, a then 23-year-old Nick Diaz weathered an initial onslaught from lightweight champion Takanori Gomi to win via a second-round gogoplata. However, his THC levels were found to be at 175, which is 160 above the allowed level.

Thus he showcased some of his soon-to-be-famous bullying stand-up style and excellent initiative off his back, both while heavily under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

Soon after, the fight was declared a ‘no contest’ and Diaz was banned for six months and fined $3,000 for a substance he was legally entitled to back in California.

History repeated itself at UFC 143 when, following a loss to Carlos Condit, Diaz was caught again, this time receiving a 12-month ban and fined 30% of his purse ($79,500).

2: Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle suffers from ADHD and refers to himself as “very intense” and “on edge” when he doesn’t have his “medicine.” Riddle opted for a marijuana card at the age of 12 following unsuccessful bouts with various other medications.

He maintains the card he has is very different to that of Nick Diaz's, stating: “I had to get fingerprinted. I've done FBI background checks, and I had to pay about 600 bucks in fees and stuff to get everything.” 

Despite these rigorous checks Riddle was still issued with a three-month ban by the Calgary commission and saw a hard-fought win over Chris Clements scratched.

3: Thiago Silva

Lastly, following his first win in over three years, Brazilian Thiago Silva was disqualified for a positive THC test. Much like heavyweight Dave Herman who, post UFC 153, also tested positive. Neither, however, had medical cards like Diaz or Riddle.