Photo by Esther Lin for MMA Fighting.
This is a guest editorial by Jamie Kilstein. Mr. Kilstein is a professional comedian who's been seen on Conan, The Joe Rogan Podcast and Showtime. He hosts Citizen Radio.
In a sport where competitors are routinely elbowed in the face and choked unconscious (sometimes with their own limbs), the UFC's fans sure are a bunch of babies when it comes to weed.
This week Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer stated in an email that "...[Nick] Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites," after his fight at UFC 143.
UFC overlord Dana White said he was "beyond disappointed" in Diaz, and to paraphrase the hellish abyss we know as internet comments, "F**K DIAZ, YO SHULD FIRE HIS DICK 4 BEING STOOPID! NO HOMO!"
More On Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz Is to Blame, But So Are Meaningless Commission Marijuana Tests | Nick Diaz Should Be Released By The UFC | Nick Diaz' UFC 143 Drug Test Failure Was Inevitable |Dana White: 'I Am Beyond Disappointed | Nick Diaz Tests Positive For Marijuana | Fighters React to Nick Diaz's Positive Drug Test
The thing is: there is no physical advantage to smoking pot in the fight game. Maybe you will come up with a new arm bar variation, but you will immediately forget it once another Walking Dead marathon comes on.
In the U.S no one has ever overdosed on marijuana, while alcohol kills more people than crack, cocaine, and heroin, combined.
But what do we see when we turn on the UFC's reality show The Ultimate Fighter? A house stacked with angry juice, and it always ends badly: people pissing on each other, fist fights, property destruction, etc. I've never gotten high and thrown a chair through a wall...mostly because I am sitting in that chair.
I get it. Rules are rules, even when they are shitty rules. But Nick needs marijuana to treat a legit medical condition. Shit, he even has a prescription.
It's hard for the general population to accept that weed has legitimate medical effects, since the general population doesn't take their insulin in Target parking lots, or on beanbag chairs listening to Bob Marley or Tool (depending on the mood). But ADHD and Anxiety can be crippling to some people.
Have you seen Nick interviewed? The dude is not acting. He hates it and can barely maintain eye contact. And leading up to this main event with three Primetime specials airing on FX -- on top of the regular press grind -- it was the most pressure that he had ever faced.
Diaz, although known as the bad boy, is one of the healthiest fighters the UFC has on it's roster. He is a vegan, leaning towards a mostly raw, whole food, plant based diet. In his down time, what does he do? Get into bar fights? Take steroids? Rip people off in shady real estate deals? No. He competes in fucking triathlons! He doesn't put anything into his body unless it will make him healthier.
Not long ago, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was disqualified for using an illegal elbow against Matt Hamill. That is also a stupid rule, and people called it a stupid rule. The 12-6 elbow is banned like it's some sort of Dim Mak death touch, even though it's the same as other elbows. But back then people weren't screaming, "Jon Jones knows the rules! Fire him!" No. They were furious he was disqualified and had his back.
But Nick Diaz is not Jon Jones. Nick Diaz will never be on the tonight show, he won't be in a commercial, and if he did do a commercial, it would be the most awkward commercial of all time.
Nick Diaz fights. It's what he is good at. It's what we love watching him do. Nick Diaz needs help and support, not to have what he is brilliant at taken away from him.
Follow Jamie on Twitter at @jamiekilstein.
24 recs | 298 comments
Attn: "Comedian"
I think you got the grammar and spelling of the sides reversed on this subject.
menckenstein - February 11, 2012
Comedian from 1989?
This editorial was stale, to say the least.
Django Z - February 11, 2012
He appears on the Joe Rogan Podcast. That alone is a cause for concern. Rambling tinfoil hat druggie drivel.
UncleMax - February 11, 2012
And how is your podcast doing? Reaching 500,000 listeners? Must be getting close.
Shotokanman - February 11, 2012
I think the big difference is that Diaz is a repeat offender of this rule. If a guy in the UFC gets DQ in three separate fights for illegal strikes I’m pretty sure he’d be fired no questions asked.
that said, I don’t think Diaz will get fired or really should as he is in a bit of a gray area, an no not because “it is just pot” but because he legally is able to use according to his doctor.
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
Maybe I grazed this over...
But does he have, and did he submit, his reefer credentials to the NSAC?
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
I don't know if they allow that in Nevada
because I think Diaz’s use is legal in Cali but not sure how state laws interact there
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
Is there no carry over to having it in your system previously?
I mean.. It may be true that since it is technically employment in Las Vegas, that they consider is failing a drug screening all the same.
Nevertheless, dude knows the rules and got caught, now he’s bucking up. If people want to argue with the rules, feel free, but extolling Nick’s innocence just doesn’t make any fucking sense.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
No i agree
and I think Nick deserves suspension, rules are rules and there is no excuse for breaking them when you are a professional
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
There is Nick’s problem.
Ulf Murphy - February 11, 2012
i used to feel this way, but pot is so utterly irrelevant that I don’t think they should even be tested for it. In CA where he’s from its not even a misdemeanor! All other drug violations are felonies.
Does a fighter lose a career if he has alcohol levels too high even once? I don’t know.
Marc Gunn - February 11, 2012
When was Nick a professional?
I mean, did we ever get an indication that he was one, at all? Sure, he fought against professionals, but that was that.
It’s like getting angry b/c someone took a problematic kid to Disneyland for a ride at Magic Mountain, he freaked out, and jumped off. Whose fault is that?
Nick Diaz, or anyone else who does wacky shit all the time, are known quantities. Their craziness does not surprise us.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Excellent metaphore!
Made me laugh…
Bones_nl - February 11, 2012
I read that Kizer said he didn’t apply for a exemption. Can’t remember where though so take that as you take it.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/02/nevada-commission-nick-diaz-tested-positive-for-pot.html
“But Nevada commission executive officer Keith Kizer said Diaz “never asked for a therapeutic-use exemption,” and said he hadn’t used any such substance within two weeks of his drug tests."
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
This is entirely possible...
Since the metabolites they are talking about are fat soluble if you’re a heavy user, which Diaz likely is, when you burn the fat in your system it can reintroduce the metabolites into your system at high enough levels to pop on a urine test. Considering the amount of effort Diaz puts in I could easily see him popping on the test without having smoked in weeks.
Jacob Hayes - February 11, 2012
Yeah it’s possible that he hadn’t smoked recently, but really the point is that he should have applied regardless if it might be a issue. I mean it’s his job.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
Without a doubt, if they would actually give him the TUE...
I think that’s what it boils down to, would Kizer give him the TUE? If so, then he should get a failure to file proper paperwork or whatever, 3 or 6 months, and forced to do the proper paperwork. If not, then it’s a non-issue anyway.
I think Kizer is being somewhat disingenuous about the whole TUE thing, when in actuality even if they applied they would have denied it, but impossible to say at this point.
Jacob Hayes - February 11, 2012
but until he does get denied it’s on diaz to file the paperwork. If they deny him, then we can get into the weed vs thc vs whatever other exemptions they hand out. And it will probably be easier to have that discussion because the commission could give a reason for denying the exemption.
Either way, he’s still going to get a big suspension, Sonnen got a year at first (don’t expect the same reduction because it’s a different state) and he’s a repeat offender.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
All of this.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
There is a huge difference between getting suspended and getting DQ’d. I like watching people fight. Nick’s drug use means I can’t watch him fight, that makes me upset.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
I actually had no problem with the Jones DQ
I seem to remember Jones admitting he used the elbow because he was frustrated none of his other elbows were getting through.
Even if that’s not the case, you’re in a professional sport and have to be in control of your actions within it. Saying the adrenaline took over in the chaos of a fight doesn’t cut it. It’s much harder to throw a particularly elbow accidentally, than land a strike accidentally in an off-limits area.
As for the 12-6 rule, I’d prefer no stabbing elbows of any kind to the head on the ground, only arcing concussive ones. Stabbing elbows to the head are the ones used to chip away and cut someone open to win, and is a substitute to beat a fighter more legitimately. Winning by intentional cut this way shows a lack of skill and courage. Which is my polite, politically correct way of saying ’it’s a b*tch move’
KJ Gould - February 11, 2012
Eh...
Arca MMA - February 11, 2012 via mobile
There are plenty of other elbows that cut. Eg sideways slicing elbows
Arca MMA - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Are we talking standing or on the ground?
Because I only mention stabbing ones on the ground to the head. I have no problem with Anderson Silva uppercut-esque elbows.
With a sideways back elbow or an elbow lead by the fist, you’re putting more torque and power into it than the little weedy stabbing elbows.
KJ Gould - February 11, 2012
Standing elbows are tits.
dancingChicken - February 11, 2012
because winning by intentional cut is a major problem.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
It could be
The elbows Florian has been known for against guys like Joe Lauzon of his back suck. Had he won by cut that way I think would be cowardly.
KJ Gould - February 11, 2012
Fucking up your opponents face is cowardly?
So when BJ finished Diego, he was actually being a little bitch?
KGNLuc - February 11, 2012
BJ punched and kicked Diego's face in order to KO him
The lacerations were a byproduct. Little weedy stabbing elbows only lacerate. That’s the difference.
KJ Gould - February 12, 2012
I don’t think that winning by intentional cuts is cowardly.
It’s a legit stoppage in MT, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be in MMA.
dancingChicken - February 11, 2012
but he didn’t. And the number of people that win via cut in the UFC is so small that finding a problem with an even smaller number of strikes in that already small group is silly.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
Yeah, don’t you guys see? A man that steps into the cage is no longer considered courageous. You have to use arcing concussive shots to prove courage. Opening someones face with your elbow is cowardly if its in a 12-6 motion! Obviously! These cage fighters need to man up!
iddqd - February 12, 2012
I don't mention anything about 12-6
I mention stabbing elbows, on the ground and to the head and face. They’re c*nty moves. Might as well allow scratching and biting.
KJ Gould - February 12, 2012
I dont remember that many people being furious over that DQ
Earl Montclair - February 11, 2012
I love how this always seems to turn to alcohol
Alcohol is legal, easily accessible and safe in small doses, so it naturally leads to higher levels of abuse. Comparing the dangers of alcohol to crack and heroine is absolutely laughable.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
this^
heroine and crack are so destructive to the human body it is ridiculous. There is no comparison to alcohol there.
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
Heroin actually isn’t very damaging to the body in itself, it’s the addiction that kills people. But I get what you’re saying
Horselover Fat - February 11, 2012
Heroin withdrawl is, it causes organ failure
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
Of course, but withdrawal is a consequence of addiction. Let’s say you just inject the stuff a couple of times a year for a laugh, it basically won’t harm your organs or anything like that.
Horselover Fat - February 11, 2012
lol ok i think we are saying basically the same thing, the addiction
now Meth on the other hand…
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
Yeah I was just nitpicking, sorry. :)
Agreed on meth, crack, etc.
Horselover Fat - February 11, 2012
You guys are both missing some key facts
Heroin is a street drug, and what makes it dangerous (aside from the points you’ve both made, w/ respect to addiction), is when it gets “stepped on” as it passes from supplier to supplier. In other words, heroin gets cut. So, when you have a pure product that can at any time consist of 90% – 10% cut, the potency of a dose for a user may differ from purchase to purchase. And if you don’t know what I mean by cut, it’s when an individual in the drug business mixes a pure product with another substance or substances to stretch out the amount he can sell. So, if someone has only shot dope like 5-6 times at 15% purity, then a new dealer comes in town selling the stuff at 70% purity, and the junkie doesn’t adjust his dose (because he has no fucking idea what the purity percentages are, for the most part), then it will likely be OD time. The other reason why opiates are so bad for you (which is what heroin, oxycontin, and other painkillers are classified as) is because the affect they have on the user’s liver. And yes, heroin is also the most addicting drug of them all, causes physical dependence, and quitting after intravenous use has about a 10% success rate
miked612 - February 11, 2012
Everyone gets clean eventually if not they die
Not alot of 80 yr old junkies running around
drewbailey - February 11, 2012
just to let you know, alcohol is addictive and withdrawal can kill you too, just saying
Marc Gunn - February 11, 2012
i know
but heroin withdrawls can’t
drewbailey - February 11, 2012
Actually the DT’s from Alchool can kill you. even the sickness coming of alchool is alot worse then dope
Shocbomb - February 11, 2012
HUH
Your kidding right, its the addiction that kills people, how bout one overdose of heroin no need to be an addict just take too much of it. Your argument is invalid, its the amount of heroin either over time or in one instance not the addiction.
kieranski - February 11, 2012
Well...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Nutt#Government_positions
Scott C. Broussard - February 11, 2012
LOL @ government positions
If you used ecstasy at a similar rate as alcohol, you’d fucking melt.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
Ladies and Genttlemen,
tonight, we’ve switched these bar patrons regular alcohol with liquid MDMA. Let’s see if they notice…
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Haha
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
they might when the bar turns into this
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
I rec
anything Walken
Andy Anderson - February 11, 2012
I had a good time visualizing this.
One big cuddle puddle.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
That chart is all well and good
But it doesn’t cover some of the other long term consequences. As much as you can’t OD on ecstasy, everyone I know that has taken it for a long time has a fucked up inability to feel happiness without it. It makes you dependent.
Same with pot. Not that I think pot should be illegal, but taking it changes your personality in the long term. It’s not always for the worse, but let’s not pretend these drugs have no impact on the users.
Scott Whitaker - February 11, 2012
You can OD on ecstasy
I had a friend when I was a teen that did. Depleted his saratonin and tried offing himself.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
Was it real MDMA or something handed out at a club?
The actual drug is fairly mild – it’s the additives that fuck it up.
Scott C. Broussard - February 11, 2012
Fairly mild?
They come in varying doses/street names. People who did it a lot when I was a teen would take multiple in a sitting.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
Molly
is the term used for pure MDMA. while it doesn’t have the additives usually found in ecstasy I definitely would not call it mild.
kanginator10 - February 11, 2012
Yeah
This particular friend passed away when we were 19. He didn’t do anything half speed. The residing opinion that cocaine, ecstasy and their ilk aren’t deadly/can’t cause overdoses is really troubling.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
I'm not saying that they aren't dangerous - far from it.
Rather, the reputation for ecstasy is overblown because it’s rarely true MDMA, but often mixed with other ingredients, making it a homebrew drug. People also often take it with other substances, so that synergy effect makes everything more potent. And, of course, abusing it doesn’t help.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDMA
Scott C. Broussard - February 11, 2012
I stand corrected
Not really relevant to my point anyway. Talking about long term consequences other than the immediate ones.
Scott Whitaker - February 18, 2012
umm yes you can
Actually you can OD on ecstasy common misconception that you can’t
kieranski - February 11, 2012
Pointing out how dangerous alcohol is.
It’s not a legitimate point to legalize marijuana, it’s just a legitimate point to outlaw alcohol…again
IRodC - February 11, 2012
What medical purpose does Alcohol serve again? Other than all the negative ones of course.
AHutch - February 11, 2012
none, it just has a massive tradition as humanity's drug of choice
tradition!
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
A new poll suggests that 66% of Canadians are in favour of legalization and the Liberal Party of Canada recently made the legalization of marijuana a part of there platform. Times are changing!
AHutch - February 11, 2012
Add it to the list of drugs
that you will get cheaper than us, and then make money selling to us again. Sigh.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
They already do
Patrick Wyman - February 11, 2012
Mariujana isn't illegal
Mariujana isn’t illegal till you hit a certain amount of it.
kieranski - February 11, 2012
It's used all the time to sterilize...
But actually, studies have demonstrated that a glass of wine a day can reduce the risk of heart problems. I think this is why the French don’t all die of cardiac arrest from all that rich food.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Also
Scotch.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
I love scotch
Scotchy scotch scotch, here it goes down, down into my belly
IRodC - February 11, 2012
I am the same way about tequila.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
The wine helps.
But are you from the US? Talking about rich food…
Sweet Scientist - February 11, 2012
We used so many trans fats
That our food isn’t rich. It’s just fatty. :)
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Haha fair enough.
Sweet Scientist - February 11, 2012
Shitty food you mean
TheFilt - February 11, 2012
Huzzah!
Bring back prohibition!
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
Yes
So we get to wear cool hats again
IRodC - February 11, 2012
Is that the reason someone always knocks them off my head when I walk into a bar?
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
No, it's because you look like Donald Cerrone or are going to bars in Stockton
IRodC - February 11, 2012
GAH!
beat me to it rec
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
I used to drink like a fish in University, then I started smoking like a chimney. I hate drinking now, I would gladly switch marijuana for alcohol
AHutch - February 11, 2012
I used to be an alcoholic
Then I took a joint to the face
Derek Suboticki - February 11, 2012
Yeah well,
I saw your home brew demo. I’d switch too.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
I like you
IRodC - February 11, 2012
Lemme guess
Someone stole your sweet rolling papers.
bevedog - February 12, 2012
I love alcohol
Craft brew, scotch, wine.. Libations are far superior to the reefer. Shit just makes me drowsy and boring. Haven’t touched the stuff in like eight or nine years.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
JUST DO IT
AHutch - February 11, 2012
Because it went so well the last time?
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
Have you seen an alcoholic try and kick the booze?
A lot of times people can’t cold turkey off of booze or you go into seizures. I have a friend who had to take medication for a long time after getting too cozy with sauce. It aint pretty. If you are going to be addicted to something Marijuana is probably the safest thing, as far as mind altering substances go.
cbrody111 - February 11, 2012
If it is a physical addiction, not just to alcohol, to anything. It's way harder to kick
IRodC - February 11, 2012
Weed is fucking bad-ass
So beneficial and awesome. Hallucinogens too. We should have centers where young people can go and get educated by mystical shamans on how to properly consume this sacred plant….
…..
….Wait, what the fuck were we talking about?
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
At training centers in Lodi, you can now train in muay thai, jiu jitsu, boxing, and gravity bong fabrication
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
We have moved past using empty Arrowhead-Water gallon drums?
That was the go-to move back in the day.
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
I shudder to think what kind of shit kids are smoking weed out of these days
We were doing some ridiculous things when I was in high school, and I’m sure there are only more ideas now.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
Yeah...
Tally-Ho
Hammerfist101 - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Here is my issue with the idea that Nick NEEDs the weed for a legitimate medical condition.
First, people on both sides of the story have documented how easy it is to get the card in california, so to me, the existence of the card is totally irrelevant.
Second, even if getting a prescription for marijuana had the same process as getting a prescription for vicodin, adderall, or any other drug you get from the doctor, that doesn’t mean you should be allowed to have it during a fight. There are tons of other drugs that people need that they can’t have in their system if they are fighting. All types of drugs, legal, illegal, over the counter, prescription, whatever, his doctor saying he needs it to live doesn’t mean he should be able to fight with it.
Third, if we forget my first 2 objections, there is a process for the commissions to allow you to fight while using a banned substance. Instead of going through that process, Nick said he could beat the tests. He didn’t, and now he has to live with the consequences.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
lol
I basically posted this at the same time below. Good points!
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Perfect
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
This.
Having a prescription does not mean “good for competition”.
Derek Suboticki - February 11, 2012
You're completely off point
What’s irrelevant is the reasons anyone would dismiss a legal prescription, neither you or the athletic commission has the right to contradict a Doctor on the basis of “we know you’re just a pothead playing the system”. Nick didn’t use Marijuana for the fight, in fact he hadn’t used it in weeks. It’s not the drug they tested for, it’s the metabolites. I don’t think anyone is saying he should be able to fight high. The only point you actually made is that Nick didn’t seek an exemption from Nevada, and that he should’ve done.
Douglas Vincent - February 11, 2012
There are plenty of reasons to dismiss a legal prescription. A prescription means you can take the drug, it doesn’t mean you can take the drug to fight. Just like a prescription for steroids, hair loss pills, cold medicine, add drugs, or anything else that is on the banned list.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
Let me reiterate
He didn’t take weed to fight. I actually don’t even know what that statement means. He was stone cold sober for weeks leading upto the fight. Should paxil or anti-depressants be illegal because they help you feel better? It’s a failure for the NSAC to adjust to other states laws. Just as the athletic commission respects other states suspensions, they should also respect other variables in their government. Plus, I’m sure you can take all of those banned substances with the proper exemptions, which is what this argument hinges on. The issue is Nick Diaz didn’t disclose his medication to the athletic commission, nothing else. Thinking he should be cut is wrong on so many levels, he is a true fighter and attractive personality with one of the hardest work ethics on this planet. Through any social change comes resistance, this is simply a consequence of failure to evolve.
Douglas Vincent - February 11, 2012
I don’t give a shit whether it’s legal or not, I don’t care whether he does it. The rules say it can’t be in his system, so they can’t be. Just like those drugs you mentioned before, their legality doesn’t matter, a note from your doctor or from your mother doesn’t matter. Having a prescription and being allowed in your system when you are fighting are 2 completely separate lists.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
Too much reasoning power Douglas. You have to learn to use it sparingly. Phildo says he’s going to give us his issues with Nick’s NEED for legitimit weed consumption but immediately dismisses the fact that Nick followed the avenue laid out to him his State of Cali for the legal consumption of pot. He then deviates into why combatants shouldn’t be able to fight while impaired and that Nick should have applied for a TUE. Yes ,we agree. Combatants should not be allowed to compete while impaired. The problem is the commssion doesn’t test for current impairment but rather past usuage. Of course nick should have applied for a TUE. As Douglas mentioned, notification is really the issue at hand here. I’m not sure why Phildo says a note from your doctor doesn’t matter when it clearly has mattered time and time again in these case.
Hardy's in your face - February 11, 2012
A note from his doctor didn’t help Tim Credeur with his adderall. A note from his doctor didn’t help jose theodore and his hair loss drug from competing in the olympics. You need more than a note from your doctor to participate in sports.
Phildo - February 12, 2012
And Chael’s note from his doctor didn’t stop him from getting suspended for using TRT in California.
My issue with Nick’s need is irrelevant. You and Douglas need to realize that a doctor’s note does not allow you to use ANY drug while participating in an mma fight. This isn’t about weed, this isn’t about nick’s need for it, it’s about the commission’s rule. There is a list of things you can’t have in your system when you fight. If you use a drug on that list, a note from your doctor, your mother, the President, the head of the iluminati, or the king of the universe, to use a drug on the banned list you need prior approval from the commission. Nick didn’t have it, a note from his doctor doesn’t guarantee that he will get it.
Phildo - February 12, 2012
According to Loretta Hunt
There is no process to use MJ in Nevada. The NSAC allows for no exemptions with its use. Of course, it’s only forbidden in competition but they test for any use in the previous weeks or months.
RockyBullwinkel - February 11, 2012 via mobile
where and when, and if this was the case, why wouldn’t Kizer say this when asked if anyone applied for an exemption for weed?
Phildo - February 11, 2012
"@lorettahuntmma: Fr those asking, Diaz disclosing his use wouldn’t have made a difference. NSAC doesn’t allow marijuana use, PERIOD."- 1 day ago when she was elaborating on her article. Don’t know why Kizer didn’t say this but she did compare it to California’s policy
"@lorettahuntmma: @calmlike_a_bomb No. Cali allowes medical marijuana, though CSAC says compassion act doesn’t cover athletes in contests"
RockyBullwinkel - February 11, 2012 via mobile
This is really strange.
The UFC Primetime producer said some little while before the fight that he knew Nick had herb-related extracurricular activities, which means the Zuffa brass knew about his smoking.
Why have the fight in Vegas, or at all, when you know there’s no way in hell this fight would legally go forward had he applied for an exemption?
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
I think
They just assumed he’d beat the test, like he has for his last fights in the US.
Patrick Wyman - February 11, 2012
Not really professional on their part.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
They can't control every move the fighters make
I can imagine a conversation between the UFC and Gracie with Gracie covering for Nick.
UncleMax - February 11, 2012
They can't control whether or not the fuck up their main event.
That they can control and should control.
It just baffles me. if they knew, why did they let the guy keep going?
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
I don't think the UFC is some military organisation where people report every detail up the chain on a second to second basis
The wheels were turning for the event and some TV producer is probably not in daily contact with White.
The UFC still makes PPV bank off him, whether he tests positive later or not.
UncleMax - February 11, 2012
They had to know. or at least someone in the UFC brass knew.
That’s not peaches and butterflies considering the substance becomes illegal once he crosses city limits. It’s a mad world, and they should know better.
Imagine if Nick had won? Massive headaches and facepalming would’ve ensued.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
I think it's a risk they were prepared to take
UncleMax - February 11, 2012
That's just...not smart, for a company who just signed a million dollar deal with the FOX Broadcasting Company.
I’m sorry, but it’s a real blockhead move any way I look at it.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
That’s why some people are saying to cut him. Nick has gone on record saying he can test clean, and he had been on a pretty good streak of doing it. Now that he can’t be counted on to test clean, things need to be reconsidered.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
It's whatever.
He’s retired, so who cares. Even though they won’t “cut” him.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
HE’S NOT RETIRED.
Tim Burke - February 11, 2012
You keep saying that
But you know it’s not true.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
What would be unprofessional
Is keeping people on the roster that have to dodge certain commissions. Strikeforce, inmates running the assylum, etc. etc.
Scott Whitaker - February 11, 2012
it just amazes me to know end he can’t beat the test. 16 year old kids beat state test all the time given buy the probation officer but Nick Diaz can’t, come on now GNC only sells 100’s of urine cleaners now
Shocbomb - February 11, 2012
I would like to hear the commission say it on record, or loretta put it in an article with a quote because it would have been real easy for Kizer to say it wasn’t possible when asked the other day.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
Could also be that Marijuana isn't legal in NV
Unlike California, so there’s nothing to exempt? Dont know.
RockyBullwinkel - February 11, 2012 via mobile
they aren’t the cops, the law doesn’t matter.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
Look
There are people with medical conditions for which, among many other treatments, marijuana can help. However, saying that someone in California has a legit medical condition because they have a weed prescription is just fucking stupid. It is, and no one who lives here could possibly argue this, a thin veneer over the real situation, which is the gradual decriminalization of a controlled and largely not harmful substance. I am totally, 100% in support of legalization as well as many other drug law reforms, but I am also tired of the charade, and wheeling that old saw out in defense of anything is pretty weak.
If you go to a dispensary, there are people dealing with real medical issues, probably the most legit is cancer anti nausea help. But the majority of people buying there are stoners looking for good weed without needing to find a reliable private dealer. I was one, I know many. I don’t care, it’s just the reality.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Not to mention weed pro ides a euphoria with slight anesthetic effects that allows and drives people with cancer to eat (munchies). Their throats are raw from chemo and they vomit and lose their appetite from it. Weed is great for them.
Just imagine how it would help with preflight jitters, weight cutting wouldn’t be so bad, and the slight anesthetic euphoric effect would make hitting not so bad either.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
I have to say
that in my personal experience, there is a huge difference between nausea from sickness or medication and anxiety related jitters. Huge. In many people, after prolonged use- and this was the case for me, actually as I have anxiety issues that impede functionality – weed can increase jitters, anxiety, or paranoia. When I say paranoia, I don’t mean like “the government is out to get me” but like creating a narrative that runs through your head which fixates on negative aspects of your experiences: “I should be working” “they know I am stoned” “I shouldn’t have smoked before work.” It’s not the same for everyone, but it’s not a given that weed is good for anxiety.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Sorry
but your point about cancer/chemo, or aids for that matter, is well taken.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
There's actually two different platforms for which weed works.
One caused creativity but can cause anxiety to increase
The other is more of a downer causing decreased anxiety and is more beneficial side effects.
I forgot their names but I think the work in the same receptors just different subtypes, which can have different effects.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
Sorry, meaning there's two main base types of weed
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
C. Sativa vs C. Indica
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Huh?
Square this circle for me, how can you argue that weed offers no comparative advantage, but then suggest that Nick Diaz “needs” it? If he, as you suggest, would be impaired without it, how can you also claim it has no impact on his (and others) performance?
To be clear, I don’t care if people smoke and think weed should be legal, but the logic of this article seems real soft. Is it just another opportunity for people to get on the “weed should be legal” hobby horse?
PittPol - February 11, 2012
That’s the other thing. According to what I’ve read in the comments this week, weed is some miracle drug that will cure everyone of everything that is wrong with them, and at the same time not help you fight, and have no negative side effects.
If this is true everyone should be forced to use it, or everyone should be banned from using it because the world can’t contain that much awesome.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
If he has a medical condition that requires him to take medication that he doesn’t have clearance from the NSAC to use, he doesn’t get to be licensed. That’s just how it is. It’s the whole “fighting is a privilege, not a right” thing. He either hasn’t applied for the exemption or it was denied. If it was denied, sorry…that’s the way it goes. If I have injuries from training that I can’t cope with without taking prescribed opiates, that doesn’t mean I’m allowed to have opiates in my system when I’m being tested.
Plus, let’s get real with the “he needs it” thing. Does it help him deal with some anxiety issue? Maybe, I don’t know. But that’s not the full story on why Nick smokes. The way he talks about it and flaunts it isn’t something people do with medication they use to “get by.” It’s just being dishonest to pretend that medical necessity is at the heart of Diaz smoking pot.
Brent Brookhouse - February 11, 2012
Yes. 100% agree. Especially the last part.
pud333 - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Why does my post get deleted when I say the same thing but yours goes green?
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
Because life is not fair?
pud333 - February 11, 2012
Because people rec comments from staff members, thinking it will get them a Ban Waiver®.
( . Y . ) - February 11, 2012
actually I rec’d it because all the points made are valid and spot on in my opinion
Shocbomb - February 11, 2012
Unless you are inside of Nick's head I don't think you can say one way or the other.
Maybe he flaunts it because he has seen the benefits in his own life. Maybe he is tired of being made to feel like a criminal because he is told that something that makes him feel better is wrong and illegal. If you took a substance that made it easier to go through your day to day activities, made your interactions with people more pleasant, and this substances didn’t effect your health negatively would you be pissed if everyone told you it was wrong or bad? I think it would be more dishonest if he came out and said weed is bad when he doesn’t believe it. How does talking about the benefits that he receives from using make him dishonest? It doesn’t excuse him from pissing hot, but until you walk a mile in the mans shoes you have no idea how it effects him, or why he says what he says about it.
cbrody111 - February 11, 2012
Agreed 100%
And to add I dont think that it is actually clear cut that it doesnt offer advantages in his training and fighting.
KingLujan - February 11, 2012
Yes. It is stupid. But the commission never gave Diaz an exemption for marijuana.
So ultimately the responsibility lies with Nick. It sucks, but Nick has been very belligerent on this topic, even bragging about how he can pass any test. You can’t spit in the face of the commission and expect them to give you a pass. At some point a man has to take responsibility. I don’t think I have ever heard Nick accept responsibility for anything. Not for any of his losses, not for his behavior… Nothing. So it’s hard to be sympathetic to a guy like that. I really like watching him fight, but I don’t feel bad at all for him.
pud333 - February 11, 2012 via mobile
I don't think they would give him an exemption then even
Weed is illegal in Nevada anyway. I don’t think there is any precedence for it even.
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
weed is illegal in nevada but brothels and escort services are legal?
milliondollardreams - February 11, 2012 via Android app
Baby steps, man. Baby steps.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Bloodyelbow is still the shit!
posts like this make this site great, thanks Jamie
DL2kold - February 11, 2012
Tangentally-related
When the law first passed for medical weed here in CA, I had a friend who was a mechanic that went to get a card. He told the doctor “You know, I have been working on cars since I was 15, and I have really bad arthritis in my hands and wrists. Weed is the only thing that dulls the pain.”
The Doctor said “Nah, that doesn’t sound good enough. I’m writing ‘Stress Relief’”.
Not saying Nick doesn’t need it, because I think weed really can be beneficial for a lot of people, and he seems to have genuine issues that could be cured by weed. My only point is that the law is an absolute joke, and for every person who gets a card due to need, there is another person who gets it just to get high.
Kinda like pills. Some people need adderall, some people just take it to make through a 162-game season.
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
I think your estimate is really conservative with a 1:1 ratio :)
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
Yeah I'm just being diplomatic
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
Very. My co-worker and his wife went to visit their daughter in Cali recently. It apparently was a hell of a party with multiple people all having medical cards to supply it.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
The only requirement for getting that card
Is being willing to pay the approximately $250 fee.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
You need a California lisence to show place of residence to actually buy the weed with the card though
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
Fair enough
mumble pedant mumble
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
You don’t even need that anymore. You can get a “temporary” card with an out-of-state license.
Patrick Wyman - February 11, 2012
Let’s let doctors decide who needs what. And besides, if marijuana can do what a pharmaceutical does, but cheaper and with fewer side effects, why wouldn’t a doctor do that instead?
Derek Suboticki - February 11, 2012
"Let’s let doctors decide who needs what."
Um…ok?
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
If a doctors says weed will help someone, I’m not going to spend time second-guessing them.
Derek Suboticki - February 11, 2012
I still fail to see how your point, that I agree with,
pertains to my original comment.
Farthammer - February 11, 2012
People are insensitive to the special needs of others
Proof: Shriveled Nuts Syndrome is a socially crippling disorder that has not received sufficient public recognition as a disabling syndrome. Until we recognize it, fighters who take massive amounts of testosterone supplements will continue to be stigmatized, just like the socially awkward people who need THC to combat their ailments.
( . Y . ) - February 11, 2012
you don't see people with shrivleing nutz throwing chairs through windows, do you?
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
Real reason pot is illegal...
Hemp would save the world if used to it’s full potential! On a side note, no wonder Diaz can’t afford a house, he has to feed his weed habit haha!
Hammerfist101 - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Why is it the only people who want to tell me about the wonders of hemp, also always want to smoke it?
Django Z - February 11, 2012
Doesn't really matter as long as the person has their facts straight.
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
We don'
menckenstein - February 11, 2012
goddamn my freddie roach hands
We don’t need another ETHANOL RULEZ agricultural tidal wave where all these farms making food for consumption switch over to THA NEW HAWTNESS and the remaining distributors raise the prices of basic food needs.
menckenstein - February 11, 2012
Your absolutely right, new product being introduced to a market are just a recipe for disaster.
Endymion - February 11, 2012
*you’re
Endymion - February 11, 2012
I stopped reading after " nick has a legit problem, hell he even has a prescription"
All you need in California is a state drivers lisence and 180$. I watched my brother in law walk in with a fake ID that scans an get a lisence at Venice beach for 180$ and then he bought weed later that night.
He’s a professional. I work in an OR and I can’t have weed in my system. Bridget a suspension, I would be fired if I popped for weed.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
FUCK YOU AUTOSPELL!!!!!
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
why would autocorrect put “Bridget” but not fix your multiple misspellings of “license”? damn this future we live in.
mollcutpurse - February 11, 2012
I DON'T NO!!!!!!!!
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
Just because it is easy to get a prescription does not mean we should just dismiss any medical issues Nick Diaz has as irrelevant.
AHutch - February 11, 2012
What I'm saying is his only medical use is his dependency to smoking weed at this point
I think it’s a great drug, but there’s mAny more legal options one ould explore until its legalized. Just because he wants weed and it’s legal by the state but not federal law of California, doesn’t mean he can go and smoke before a big fight.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
But no one knows when he actually smoked. It could of been 3 weeks before the fight, hell even longer. The drug testing is flawed, and if you can’t enforce your own rules accurately, then such rule should be abolished.
AHutch - February 11, 2012
This is based on my believe that the rule is in force to make sure you are not flying high during the actual fight
AHutch - February 11, 2012
See Brent's comment above. It's exactly my point.
Ricky Williams got the boot from the nfl for repeated failures, what do you want me to do. It is still an ILLEGAL substance, at this time, no matter how beneficial it is. That’s it, there’s no arguing that.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
You can get a general idea from the numbers which haven’t been released yet.
If I recall the test shows as positive with a number over say 10. (I do not have the exact numbers, so don’t quote these) They tend to ignore it though unless it is around 50. Nick’s was around 150 the last time he tested positive. That meant he had been smoking pretty recently when it came to fight not from how I read the stuff back then.
It’s been forever since I saw those articles though so I could be pulling more than half of this out of my ass. (half of it for sure is coming from there)
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
Makes sense. I don't know how it works, but you would have mOre metabolites based on their half life until they were fully secreted.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
He should have asked the comission. If they let Hendo use TRT, they would have accepted Diaz’s doctor’s prescription.
TheLastEmpress - February 11, 2012
Yeah, but granting a TUE for pot would be equivalent to condoning him fighting while high. It’s just not going to happen.
kellly - February 11, 2012
no it wouldn’t. The exemptions open you up to all sorts of new testing systems, they don’t just give you a waiver then ignore that part of the drug test. Hendo and Marquardt had to get their testosterone regularly tested before and after getting the exemption, the same could be done for weed. They can give people with the exemptions higher levels, or blood tests to see what it looks like the day of the fight, or something else that i can’t even think of.
Phildo - February 11, 2012
This is what happens when there isn't a UFC event...
Does anyone else feel like this article in particular, and this whole discussion in general, is just people arguing with straw men? Who really cares?
Did I miss the big public outcry for Nick Diaz to be hanged? It seems like the general reaction is it is “Nick being Nick.” It just seems like this event has allowed people to wax poetic about whatever their own personal interest is: weed should be legal, commissions should be reformed, how does this impact the UFC going “mainstream.” It seems like more people care about what this purportedly represents than actually give a shit about Nick Diaz smoking/getting busted.
PittPol - February 11, 2012
I missed the public outcry too.
Diaz has a persecution complex and his fans seem to believe it’s legitimate. He failed a test, a stupid test perhaps, but in the end he still failed.
Pot smokers love to carry on about weed and use it as a crutch for taking everything bound by rules personally. It’s tiresome.
UncleMax - February 11, 2012
You're right
This is the rare occasion where posting a comment like “Slow news day?” will not result in a warning or a ban. The gap between major UFC/Strikeforce/Bellator cards means that this is what engages us.
( . Y . ) - February 11, 2012
I can't wait for the next UFC event to happen so we can move on from this.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
To be clear, this discussion has been fun for the past week. But it’ll be fun on the 15th when we get to discuss how Ellenberger just beat the snot out of Sanchez, and how he’s going to fight GSP when he gets back after he beats Condit too.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
I have enjoyed the insanity of the situation
IRodC - February 11, 2012
The Burke thread was epic.
I don’t think I’ve laughed so much while reading a BE thread in a long, long time.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
It really was the highlight of my evening. Other than muay thai
Andy Anderson - February 11, 2012
...
Marihuana is evil because it makes colored men lust after white women.
Benny Blanco from the BriX - February 11, 2012
Everyone reporting on this story is missing the point
The pain reducing effects could really benefit him during training. I know, because I sometimes smoke weed as a pain reducer after training BJJ.
There is also a huge misconception here: there is a BIG difference between medical marijuana and TRT (which everyone seems to be comparing this to). Medical marijuana, in California, comes as a doctor’s recommendation. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a doctor’s prescription.
Because marijuana is still classified as a schedule I drug by the federal government, it is illegal for a doctor to prescribe marijuana to a patient. Since MJ can’t be prescribed, you can’t purchase it through a pharmacy — thus the medical marijuana “collectives” and “dispensaries” in the state of CA.
In short, these are not the same. It is still an illegal drug. Unfortunately, it is the law. I, too, wish that the federal laws will be changed soon (I am a medical MJ patient in CA) — but until then, you have to work within those boundaries.
There is also the significant point that he has a recommendation in California, and this is the Nevada State Athletic Commission. There is no reciprocity for medical marijuana between states since, again, this is a federal law.
I think everyone needs to understand these issues before continuing the discussion.
philodox - February 11, 2012
you don't need weed to reduce pain
just embrace the pain, face the pain and rip it into pieces…
ok, I feel dirty after making that joke
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
As you should. For shame.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
...
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
.
Matthew Roth - February 11, 2012
I hope this lasts forever.
Zachary Kater - February 11, 2012
I think I can laugh at this forever.
Seriously, it’s that funny.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
lol
walked right into that one
T.P. Grant - February 11, 2012
Still funny.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
Don't understand the harping on "medical conditions"
Who cares? Looks to me like 80% of is believe weed should be legal. Whether he likes to get high (Nick doesn’t look like a drinker to me) or has anxiety or whatever, nobody cares!
Point is, LEGAL drugs can be a failed test too. Tim Creuder had to declare adderall in his system which stopped him fighting. Karo Parisyan popped for painkillers twice, if memory serves.
I don’t know why anyone would argue Nick is wrong to smoke weed. Who cares why he does it? But if the athletic commission says you can’t have it in your system, don’t have it in your system.
ihateemo - February 11, 2012 via mobile
My issue with the comparison of Alcohol to Heroine, Crack, and Other Crazy drugs
is that I’m sure those deaths would be much higher if they were readily available. I have no idea where to get heroine. None. I’m sure if I could drive to the heroine store those statistics would change greatly.
Matthew Roth - February 11, 2012
I can find heroine wherever weed is sold, where they also sell cocaine, xanax, ecstasy etc.
IRodC - February 11, 2012
Yeah, heroine is easy to find. I’ve had it even offered to me several times over the years, amongst other stuff.
pud333 - February 11, 2012
so true especially in the inner city, where ever any drug is sold with-in 2 blocks there will be spots for almost every other drug. It’s almost a given where there is 1 drug being sold there usally are manny more no far away and that is true with weed also, Actually the Marijuana trade in New York City had more violence from dealers & Gangs fighting over turf to sell the weed then Crack & Heroin did last year.
Shocbomb - February 12, 2012
Not if the government is the one distributing and controlling those substances and started treating the addicts as sick people instead of criminals.
Also, you could use those big, fat wads of cash to finance anti drug abuse campaigns.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
drive to the nearest bad area AKA the Ghetto of your nearest city and pull up to alomst any street corner.
Shocbomb - February 11, 2012
People act as if it was hard to score some.
If anybody really wants some, they get some. Addicts are not some furtive masterminds that know the secret meets of dealers and shit—they’re needy motherfuckers with nothing but need for their next fix on their mind and what to do to get it.
I see the whole thing around the business as a bunch of cash that doesn’t get taxed—and it should. it is a health issue, not a criminal one…or at least it should be, for the most part.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
can we get past this whole.......
in defense, or against diaz arguments, these are really taxing, and totally taking attention away from other fighters, and upcoming fight cards. what’s done is done, some win, some lose, nothing new.
carmine99 - February 11, 2012
In the background: gambling
Anything that potentially affects the outcome of a sporting event is subject to regulation. If gamblers can’t trust the integrity of the competition they will reduce their investment. Gambling drives major sports, particularly the NFL. It will increasingly drive MMA. Keeping the confidence of gamblers is of paramount concern.
( . Y . ) - February 11, 2012
Doesn't matter if it is cannabis or steroids
It is a blatant disregard for the rules of the game as well as being disrespectful of yourself, your team, coach and your employer. If one side of a contract willfully breaks his/her side of the agreement, over and over again, that contract should be terminated.
If he doesn’t like the terms of the game maybe he should not have signed that contract.
Why people keep making excuses for a guy that is a disgrace to the sport is beyond me.
Bones_nl - February 11, 2012
And I have no problem with cannabis
It is legal where I live and even though I never used it I have no problem with other people smoking it.
Just saying Nick signed a contract for a lot of money. That contract says you have to show up at press conferences and fight according to their rules. As well as it says you cannot use drugs. If you don’t like it don’t sign it.
Bones_nl - February 11, 2012
Everyone who thinks nick "needs" it is an idiot
im just sayin. he needs it like every pothead needs it i guess. i dont doubt that their are real people who actually need pot to ease the pain in their daily lives, but Diaz isnt one of them. how can a guy who makes his living working out every day and fighting in cages say he is in so much pain that he needs pot? there are cancer victims and people with ridiculous joint pain who can barely get out of bed and people who have bad headaches every day all day, and those are the ones who actually need the stuff, and none of those guys would be able to fight in a cage.
and its not like its a damn secret to the guy, he knew that he wasnt supposed to have pot in his system before the fight, and he did anyway. its his fault for being an idiot and he has to deal with the consequences.
justsomehawkeyefan - February 11, 2012
Then why is the medical community working on ways to synthesize the CNB compound so as to create actual medication to help those who suffer of anxiety disorders? But I guess that you, with you uninformed opinion, beat the medical establishment a hundred out of a hundred times in your mind.
Congrats on being such a winner.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
The one doesn’t have to have anything to do with the other.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
We're talking about anxiety medication, here, including cannabis.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
There Lready is a compound like this that exists
You don’t get high from it. It just stimulates a desire to eat.
F.U.B.A.R - February 11, 2012
Who cares about this anymore?
I mean, seriously.
Who cares? the dude is retired, so whatever suspension the NSAC renders is pointless b/c he isn’t likely to even show up to the meet up or whatever shenanigans and jumping through hoops they’ll have him do so that they can suspend him a year and fine him. Should he be fined, or suspended? Well, yeah. He broke the rules, whether they are draconian or not or whether he failed to apply for an exemption or whatever (which is really dumb ’cause the UFC were aware of his smoking during the taping of Primetime and still went ahead and had the fight anyways).
But who cares? I don’t care. Dude was awesome while we had him and now he’s gone, and my life, believe it or not, is still the same.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
potheads care
gives them another platform to cry about pot being illegal
dbcb - February 11, 2012
There is a reason people cry about it being illegal
Because it shouldn’t be illegal.
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
But that is beyond the Nick Diaz issue, I feel.
It is performance impairing, so I guess it should be banned, but only on the event that you are high as fuck during the actual athletic meet. If you smoked it like, seven days before the competition, you should get a pass.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Agreed
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
I am all for weed being legal but am in no way thinking its ok for Nick to have THC in his system and be able to fight. The bottom line is if the athletic commission says its against the rules its against the dam rules.
Shocbomb - February 11, 2012
But we can't say when he smoked, can we?
It could’ve been the day before or two weeks ago. How do we know? And why are some people butthurt over this?
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
That is why it should be FINE not a suspension. Smoking marijuana did not give him any advantage in the fight, if anything its a disadvantage. At the very most a very minimum legnth of suspension if a FINE is not enough.
wuppy - February 11, 2012
Who cares if it is a suspension?
He retired. He’s done with this shit. Now he can smoke all the weed he wants without repercutions.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
*repercussions.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
The “retired” thing is getting old already. He was about to sign on the dotted line to rematch Condit before he popped. That kinda flies in the face of his post-fight speech.
Tim Burke - February 11, 2012
Really?
Him being retired is the only sure thing about this whole thing, as confirmed by his brother.
Dude ain’t fighting no more. You can chalk it to whatever reason, but as it stands today, the dude is just not here. He’s not competing and won’t compete for a year tops, and if he ever does he will back in the UFC again and who knows for how long.
If he wanted to quit, he just did, and if he wanted to fight now he can’t. He’s sitting this one out and is officially retired.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
He’s not competing for a year because he’s SUSPENDED. You’re going to see him in the cage in 2013, I guarantee it. The “retirement” BS is just another excuse for people.
Tim Burke - February 11, 2012
No. He's retired.
Call it Randy-retired, or “retired,” if it please you. But the simple fact of the matter is that he’s, right now, officially done with this shit—his brother confirmed. Even if it is way more likely that he returns than that he doesn’t, it doesn’t matter, we don’t know, wanna know why? Because we don’t have magic 8-balls that tell us the future—no matter how likely it seems.
And besides, what is my excuse? And for what? Am I excusing his boneheadedness? I don’t think so.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
This article is very misleading about marijuana
It’s true that marijuana can be beneficial to people in certain circumstances—like for cancer patients.
However, it is not without side effects. Marijuana can cause paranoia and anxiety, and statistically people that use it are at a greater risk for psychosis later on in life. There are many peer-reviewed journal articles on marijuana—it’s not some zero-consequence substance.
Cannabis use can actually make anxiety symptoms even worse, and for every anecdote where it helps someone, there’s another person that was NORMAL before using cannabis and actually developing serious anxiety that lasted even after they quit.
Marijuana works because it acts on receptors in your BRAIN. When you mess with that balance, there are consequences. Even for those with anxiety who get beneficial effects, they basically become progressively more dependent on it, which eventually leads to a host of other problems. And if they’re not developing tolerance and requiring steadily more to alleviate their symptoms, that means that it’s NOT the cannabis that’s helping the anxiety, it’s placebo effect.
Cannabis compounds can be powerful and beneficial medicines, but it’s become too political, and even where it’s legal or sort-of legal, it’s not being used properly.
spamslots - February 11, 2012
Excessive use attracts people who are dysfunction to begin with. Does it relieve their anxiety? Perhaps but it sure isn’t going to help the underlying issues they have.
I have friends living in basements who spend all day on it. I don’t think the marijuana is the reason they’re hiding out, but it sure isn’t “freeing” them from their problems.
Diaz is functional enough to take part in a combat sport, train at a gym and deal with media (mostly). He just plain likes to get high.
UncleMax - February 11, 2012
That is just not the case
There are many people who had no problems, got hooked on cannabis, and developed permanent psychological issues. Don’t listen just to the pro-pot lobby; look through the actual medical literature.
spamslots - February 11, 2012
I have.
And they are undecided as fuck.
They have not been able to prove anything more than correlation (causation) b/c so far, what they have to work with are surveys. But the correlation is indeed there.
On the other hand, scientists have already synthesized the CNB compound, created some pills or whatever, and used to to reduce the stress of folk with anxiety during controlled human clinical trials. This is true.
I don’t think it is an issue of what the compound of pot does, but simply that its intake, like those of any other natural substance—medicinal or otherwise—has effects and side-effects depending on who uses it.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
the burden of proof for causation is high
But correlations across many studies is plenty strong proof.
Yes, it’s true that CNB compounds have been used in clinical trials. But clinical trials, where patients are taking strictly controlled amounts are not the same as having a card and being able to smoke as much weed as you want.
That’s what I mean by it’s got a lot of potential good, but it’s not being used right.
Even for legal drugs, it’s crazy to expect lay people to responsibly control how much they’re taking. 1) they don’t have the training and 2) it’s outright dangerous for many drugs (especially drugs that affect brain chemistry). For example, nicotine is actually very toxic; you can literally kill yourself if you buy up enough patches and stick them on yourself. The dose for any drug needs to be set, and not by the patient himself.
I’d be all for cannabis if proper studies were conducted and the amounts are strictly controlled; except in the case of patients with terminal diseases (long term future side-effects are not exactly a problem for them).
spamslots - February 11, 2012
I'm not disagreeing with you about it not being used right.
And I do agree that it somehow changes the chemical makeup of your brain. All I’m arguing against is about saying that correlation equals causation when, after reading those things, they themselves are very careful not to say it. Why? b/c the methodology that they employ doesn’t allow for that—they are running off on survey data. They aren’t watching people who have never used weed start using weed so they can see what happens.
Is it likely that causation is involved? Yes. But it is not definitive, and I think that particular accusation gets in the way of people trying to synthesize the compound for positive medical uses.
Do I think Cannabis should be recreational? I wouldn’t like it, but it should. In my opinion it can be as bad as alcohol in the long run, but, as a great speaker once said, “it’s whatever,” and people should be able to decide for themselves.
The only thing that bothers me is when I see folk saying that people feeling hardcore anxiety are “pussies” if they say they need it. That, alone, bothers me to no end.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
I agree. It definitely has different effects for each user.
It seems like most people never take this into account when making their arguments. It’s always these broad sweeping generalizations. This makes it hard to take either side seriously, but if you compare the medical benefits of mj and the side effects of mj to that of prescription drugs I think you have a pretty damn good case to make it legal. For me and what I’ve seen the benefits outweight the negatives.
NickRingp4pGOAT - February 13, 2012
Id be very interested
In reading the actual medical literature to which you are referring. Link?
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
you can look them up yourself
pubmed.org
spamslots - February 11, 2012
ive read plenty
And will gladly read more. Could you pretty please tell me which specific articles you are referring to?
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
It is all very contradictory, though.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Id be very interested
In reading the actual medical literature to which you are referring. Link?
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
intened for spam
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
The pro-pot lobby is dishonest as fuck
They don’t really care about the medicinal values of marijuana, they just wanna get high without getting in trouble
IRodC - February 11, 2012
Incorrect.
They want to be able to sell, so that they can build an industry around it, without much trouble.
I’d not be surprised if, by the time this happens, they start selling ‘designer pot’ that is tampered so that it is addictive as fuck, just like normal cigarettes.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
there are two pot lobbies
The people who were already selling before the dispensaries and those who run the dispensaries. The people who were already selling it have consistently voted AGAINST legalization. Look at Mendocino county, they voted no.
DankNabbot - February 11, 2012
It doesn't change the fact
That it shouldn’t be illegal.
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
If I'm not mistaken
every drug alters your BRAIN. How many thousands of people have bullshit prescriptions for pain pills (pills that kill on a daily basis).
Just because it’s illegal, doesn’t mean it’s more dangerous or more evil than the regulated shit the doctors are shoving down your throat.
Tacoknight - February 11, 2012
Question
For everyone screaming some variation of “he broke the rules, fuck him, shut up about it stoners.” Shouldn’t the discussion center around the validity of the rule?
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Yes.
But it’s whatever.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Ha, reading some of these comments and opinions about weed makes me think half the forum is either DEA agents or Nancy Reagan in disguise.
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
True.
But most of it comes from high mindedness, no pun intended, so that now they get to crap all over the Stockton thug who didn’t love his MMA as much as they love their MMA, and who made a mockery of it.
I mean, why does anyone care about whether or not he should be fired, or retired, or whatever. Once I thought it through last night, I figured I shouldn’t care b/c he’s just done with this shit. And that’s okay.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
The validity of the rule and his breaking it are two completely different arguments. They might tie together, but that doesn’t change that they are two completely different arguments.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
exactly
But isn’t the breaking of a rule we feel to be
invalid a perfect time to discuss its place in the sport?
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Well, I personally don’t feel the rule is invalid so don’t see the need to discuss it. If you really want to discuss it though, I’d suggest that tying it to Diaz and his actions does nothing but hurt the argument that it should be allowed.
Empty Thoughts - February 11, 2012
just to be clear
I completely agree that didn’t hold up his end of the bargain. He blew it, and is going to face the consequences. It’s done and I certainly won’t shed a tear for any fighter who breaks the rules and is penalized.
But I do feel it is a good way to begin the discussion of whether the rule should be in place going forward.
Dreaded - February 11, 2012 via mobile
WOW
Stop it.
Replace “cannabis” with “caffeine” and you get the same paragraph. Eating fast food once a day is worse for your body than smoking every day.
BonesBloodyElbow - February 11, 2012
Uhmm
You have never even been near (the effects of) marijuana haven’t you?
Nowadays it is not the stuff you parents smoked in college.
It can be pretty heavy and have quite an effect on a person and how you live your life.
Comparing it to coffee just doesn’t work.
Bones_nl - February 11, 2012
Amen Brotha.
Thanks for taking the time to post this, you’re always an awesome listen too man.
Shotokanman - February 11, 2012
savik - February 11, 2012
idiotic post...i'll let it slide because he's a comedian
go watch the last episode of Teen Mom 2 (if you can make it through it) and see how bad Janelle is hooked on weed and has about the same personality traits of Diaz. There’s a reason it’s illegal and just because you get a special license in a state that is completely liberal on the idea doesn’t make it ok to use. Bottom line, the guy can’t follow rules and should be punished regardless of how stupid we feel the rules are.
themango69 - February 11, 2012
Yeah
I wont be doing that.
RolloTomasi - February 11, 2012
Teen Mom 2
is a perfect source for answers on any topic
IRodC - February 11, 2012
I'm glad your opinion on complex legal issues are informed by episodes of Teen Mom 2
discoandherpes - February 11, 2012
lol
Probably one of the greatest posts I’ve ever read. There is a reason why it’s illegal, and it has nothing to do with teen moms, their health, or human safety in general.
Tacoknight - February 11, 2012
Wow.
Tim Burke - February 11, 2012
TEEN MOM 2 LIVE THREAD
Let’s do this shit.
Charles Awad - February 11, 2012
You will be legend.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Go Watch Teen Mom 2
Let’s meme this shit
Chris Hall - February 12, 2012
I'm mulling over whether I should kill my relatives for insurance money
are there any nuggets of Teen Mom 2 wisdom that could help guide me in these troubling times…?
ElliotMatheny - February 11, 2012
Do it
no balls
RolloTomasi - February 11, 2012
Shame on those making assumptions about why Nick or anyone uses marijuana
I see lots of people saying "because he lives in Cali he’s clearly a pothead with a “fake” doctors note."
I see lots of people saying “this is what my experience was with pot, thus Nick’s experience must be similar”
I see lots of people saying “he has a legit prescription, therefore he needs it to get through the day”
And I see lots more examples of it.
You are making yourselves look silly when you say those things, even if you happen to be correct.
We can’t possibly know the entire truth surrounding Nick Diaz’s positive test for marijuana metabolites at UFC 143. All we know is that he tested positive for a banned substance and will be facing a hearing to determine his punishment.
Whether he is just a stoner working the system in Cali or is someone with a real need for medical marijuana and is a victim of shitty out of date rules, it doesnt matter. He failed to follow the rules of the event he signed up to participate in. We should be limiting our analysis to that fact.
Even some of the staff writers are taking positions on this that contain purely speculative views and that surprises me somewhat.
Luke Nelson - February 11, 2012 via mobile
But... ...INTERENTS.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
INTERNETS...fuck.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Pothead spotted
Send out the dogs, dawgs.
menckenstein - February 11, 2012
I don't even drink coffee, bud.
I’m a pretty straight and narrow kind of guy, for better or worse.
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
Foiled again...
menckenstein - February 11, 2012
How DARE you use IT against me?!
Unabomberman - February 11, 2012
He didn't even apply for a medical exemption.
Doesn’t matter what he uses it for he failed to even try to follow protocol. Basically him AND his camp fucked up.
Negrodamus - February 11, 2012
While i agree in principle
I think you’re getting the opposing argument wrong
People lile Tim Burke weren’t arguing that nick diaz should be fired because he was smoking weed, but that he is a perpetual rule breaker and a liability to the UFC.
Robert Cowan - February 11, 2012 via Android app
Comparing an offensive strike
To drug use. Strawman argument.
Negrodamus - February 11, 2012
All this for some damn marijuana!damn babies
Ambrocio - February 11, 2012 via mobile
marijuana babies!
RolloTomasi - February 11, 2012
Love them mjb's.
NickRingp4pGOAT - February 13, 2012
I concur with this post. Thanks to the author.
Tacoknight - February 11, 2012
There is no real argument that justifies him breaking the rules
That said, it is a stupid rule. Even though I am not a marijuana user, I feel very confident in saying it is certainly not a PED. It shouldn’t be on the banned substance list for someone who lives in a state where they can have a prescription (i’m assuming he does). As long as Nick wasn’t impaired in the cage, it shouldn’t be an issue.
I am also suprised at the outrage from MMA fans in general. Nick isn’t juicing to gain an advantage over his opponent or using banned substances to aid in weight cutting. He’s self medicating or using a mild recreational drug.
Nick should be allowed back as soon as his penalty from the NSAC is served, and that should be that. I don’t think the UFC is going to let him potentially go to another promotion over this fiasco. The fans and media who are calling for his head need to find something else to complain about.
Anton Chigurh - February 12, 2012
Well said.
It’s pot. There’s no competitive advantage. Compare that to TRT which, when prescribed, is perfectly legal.
The question isn’t whether Diaz broke a rule. It’s why we allow these types of rules to exist.
clodpated - February 12, 2012
TRT isn’t perfectly legal when it’s prescribed. If it was, Nate Marqardt would be in the UFC and Chael would have already fought Anderson Silva again. It’s allowed in competition when you have a prescription and the commission allows it.
Phildo - February 12, 2012
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