Bruno Bueno / Pexels
List of UFC Fighters Who Smoke Weed
The definitive list of mixed martial artists who openly use, advocate for, or have built businesses around cannabis
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis use is mainstream in MMA – In a 2020 survey, 45.9% of professional MMA fighters reported using marijuana for recovery or recreation, demonstrating normalized behavior among elite athletes, not outlier activity
- Policy revolution enables open advocacy – Effective Dec 31, 2023, UFC launched a new Anti-Doping Policy administered by Drug Free Sport International where marijuana/THC is not prohibited, creating a watershed moment for fighters to launch brands and speak publicly
- Recovery drives usage more than recreation – Fighters consistently frame cannabis as a medical necessity and alternative to addictive opioids, with specific applications for pain, anxiety, sleep, and post-fight recovery
- Fighter entrepreneurship is booming – At least one former UFC fighter has built a multimillion-dollar cannabis business, creating a new athlete-entrepreneur category that extends careers beyond the octagon
- CBD dominates recovery protocols – In the same 2020 survey, 76.5% of fighters reported using CBD products specifically for recovery, making it the most widely adopted cannabis product in the sport
- Your dispensary options include fighter-founded brands – From Game Up Nutrition to specialized strains like Suga Show OG, Herb’s dispensary directory can help you find products created by the fighters themselves
1. Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz is one of MMA’s most visible cannabis advocates, widely known for popularizing athlete cannabis use and pioneering fighter-led cannabis businesses.
- Co-founded Game Up Nutrition in 2018, offering CBD and later THC products under Kill4209
- Highlighted cannabis as a recovery tool rather than just a recreational substance
- Famously vaped CBD at a 2016 UFC press conference
- Influence extends beyond fighting—normalized cannabis for athletes and inspired others to follow his business model
2. Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz is considered a cannabis pioneer in MMA, facing consequences for advocacy and helping catalyze broader acceptance within the sport.
- Received a 5-year suspension (later reduced) for marijuana use, highlighting past harsh penalties
- Co-founded Game Up Nutrition alongside Nate Diaz
- Committed to advocacy despite challenges, establishing a blueprint for today’s fighters
- His legacy continues, inspiring fighters who benefit from policy changes
3. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor’s partnership with plant-based wellness brands brought global attention to athlete recovery and wellness entrepreneurship in combat sports.
- Partnered with TIDL Sport, promoting plant-based products for recovery
- Maintains measured public stance—not as vocal as the Diaz brothers
- His ventures legitimize recovery applications for mainstream sports fans
- Demonstrates successful athlete transition into entrepreneurship
4. Sean O'Malley
Sean O’Malley’s openness about cannabis, including launching his own strain, marks a new era in fighter advocacy and business.
- Launched the Suga Show OG strain, deepening his commitment to cannabis culture
- Credits marijuana for relaxation and lifestyle management
- Vocal about its role in training routines
- His advocacy normalizes use among younger fans and fighters
5. Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes exemplifies acceptance of CBD among elite female athletes, showing cannabis-derived products are now mainstream for recovery.
- Sponsored by cbdMD, a major CBD brand
- Elite performance and CBD—Nunes challenges stereotypes about cannabis impairing athletes
- Her position addresses gender gap in fighter cannabis advocacy
- Paved the way for more female fighters to discuss cannabis openly
6. Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle positions cannabis as medically necessary, focusing on its benefits over conventional painkillers for fighters.
- Uses cannabis for pain management, sleep, and recovery
- Highlights medical necessity rather than recreation
- Advocates for cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids
- Educates fans on therapeutic benefits for MMA athletes
7. Donald Cerrone
Donald Cerrone’s direct approach made cannabis a normalized, practical tool for recovery among long-time combat sports athletes.
- Stated, “Fighters should use cannabis over pain pills—no question”
- Smokes whenever he wishes; uses CBD hemp oil for recovery
- Helped normalize cannabis as a recovery tool
- Decades-long career shows compatibility with elite athletic performance
8. Gilbert Urbina
Gilbert Urbina’s advocacy shows the mainstream nature of cannabis in MMA, backed by broad usage estimates among fighters.
- Estimates that 50% of MMA fighters use cannabis
- Partners with Gelato cannabis; uses THC-infused balms for recovery
- Provides insight into real application methods (e.g., cuts, scrapes, combined products)
- Business partnerships signal emerging opportunities for fighters
9. Elias Theodorou
Elias Theodorou is respected for pushing cannabis policy reform and fighting for therapeutic exemptions in MMA.
- Secured a therapeutic use exemption for bilateral neuropathy pain
- Leading advocate for cannabis reform in professional sports
- Activism connects fighter advocacy to social justice issues
- Legacy inspires continued work towards policy reform
10. Frank Shamrock
Frank Shamrock’s experience as a veteran fighter provides perspective on cannabis for long-term health management and trauma recovery.
- Uses cannabis for chronic pain and brain trauma
- Highlights cumulative damage suffered by fighters
- Endorsement carries weight as a sport pioneer
- Open use for traumatic brain injury helps reduce stigma
11. Steve Cantwell
Steve Cantwell’s success in business illustrates the potential for fighters to lead and grow cannabis enterprises after retirement from sports.
- Built Green Life Productions, a multimillion-dollar company in Nevada
- Transitioned from athletic career to industry leadership
- Expanded from one facility to national ambitions
- Offers a blueprint for fighter-entrepreneurs
12. Jake Shields
Jake Shields bridges fight expertise and cannabis advocacy, helping normalize use through participation in unique community events.
- Active in High Rollerz, cannabis-friendly jiu-jitsu events
- Leverages credibility for responsible cannabis use education
- Integrates combat sports and cannabis culture
- Shows that athletic performance and cannabis can coexist
13. Bas Rutten
Bas Rutten adds international credibility to cannabis advocacy, supporting CBD for recovery and influencing the broader MMA community.
- Hall of Fame fighter speaking on CBD’s benefits
- Provides an international perspective—norms vary across cultures
- Advocacy extends to commentators and trainers
- Helps worldwide audiences recognize medical legitimacy of CBD
14. Ian McCall
Ian McCall broadens advocacy into plant medicine, including psychedelics for trauma—expanding athlete wellness conversations.
- Promotes psychedelics and plant medicine for brain health
- Pushes boundaries in wellness conversations
- Highlights alternative medicine for fighter trauma
- Increases openness about mental health in athletics
15. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey’s public defense of cannabis-using fighters helps bridge the gender gap and amplify female voices in cannabis advocacy.
- Famously defended Nick Diaz after marijuana suspension
- Limited personal cannabis use visibility, but addresses gender representation
- Star power helps normalize cannabis among top athletes
- Shows solidarity across advocacy movement
Cannabis Products and Recovery Protocols
The fighters on this list utilize diverse cannabis products tailored to their specific recovery needs:
CBD Products (Used by 76.5% of fighters in 2020 survey):
- CBD oils and tinctures (Game Up Nutrition, TIDL Sport)
- CBD pre-rolls
- CBD beauty products
THC Products:
- THC-infused topicals and balms
- Specialized strains (Suga Show OG, Kill_4209)
- Vape products
- Edibles including THC-infused gummies
Application Methods:
- Topical application: For cuts, scrapes, and localized pain
- Inhalation: For immediate anxiety relief and relaxation
- Oral consumption: For sustained recovery and sleep support
How to Access Fighter-Founded Cannabis Products
Fighter-founded cannabis brands are increasingly available through various channels. Herb’s products catalog aggregates cannabis products across categories, including potential fighter-founded companies. For those seeking specific dispensaries that might carry these products, Herb’s dispensary directory provides location-based searches across states and cities.
Staying updated on new fighter cannabis ventures and product launches is possible through Herb’s newsletters, which deliver bi-weekly updates on the latest cannabis news, including athlete advocacy and new product releases. The Herb Hype newsletter specifically covers new products and brand developments, making it an ideal resource for tracking fighter-founded cannabis businesses.
For those interested in specific strains mentioned by fighters, such as Suga Show OG or other specialized genetics, Herb’s strain guides provide detailed information about different cannabis varieties and their potential effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UFC fighters allowed to use marijuana?
Yes, effective Dec 31, 2023, the UFC launched a new Anti-Doping Policy administered by Drug Free Sport International where marijuana/THC is no longer prohibited under the UFC program. Under the 2024 UFC policy, THC is not listed as a banned substance, marking a major shift from previous rules that imposed severe penalties for marijuana use. Fighters can now use cannabis products with greatly reduced risk of suspensions under the UFC’s own anti-doping program, although some athletic commissions may still enforce their own THC thresholds and fines. The policy change has enabled many fighters to more openly discuss their cannabis use and launch cannabis-related businesses.
Which UFC champion openly uses cannabis?
Multiple champions have openly supported cannabis or cannabis products, including Amanda Nunes who has been sponsored by cbdMD. Nate Diaz, while not currently a champion, is perhaps the most vocal advocate and has built successful cannabis businesses including Game Up Nutrition and Kill_4209. Conor McGregor partnered with TIDL Sport, a plant-based recovery brand. Sean O’Malley launched his own ‘Suga Show OG’ strain. The new UFC policy has enabled champions to openly endorse and create cannabis products.
Did Nate Diaz get suspended for smoking weed?
Nate Diaz’s brother Nick received a 5-year suspension (later reduced to 18 months) for a third marijuana offense in 2015. Nate has been more careful about timing his cannabis use to avoid violations under previous policies. He famously vaped CBD at a 2016 press conference, which was legal at the time. Under current UFC policy, neither brother would face penalties for cannabis use. The policy evolution reflects how dramatically the sport’s stance on cannabis has changed.
Can UFC fighters use CBD products?
Yes, WADA removed CBD from its Prohibited List in 2018, and the UFC’s policy change in 2023-2024 means fighters can use all cannabis products without restriction. In a 2020 survey, 76.5% of fighters reported already using CBD products for recovery. CBD has become one of the most widely adopted cannabis-derived products in MMA for pain management, inflammation, and sleep. Fighters can generally use CBD both in and out of competition with fewer anti-doping concerns—though contamination with THC or other banned cannabinoids remains a risk, so product quality and local athletic commission rules still matter. The widespread CBD adoption underscores how commonly athletes now incorporate it into their recovery routines.
How many UFC fighters support cannabis legalization?
While exact numbers for legalization advocacy aren’t available, in a 2020 survey, 45.9% of fighters reported using marijuana for recovery or recreational purposes. Gilbert Urbina estimates that “around 50% of fighters” use cannabis despite lingering stigma. Many of these fighters have become vocal advocates for policy reform and legalization. UFC Senior VP Jeff Novitzky confirmed that marijuana is “probably the No. 1 topic of questions” he receives from fighters. The high usage rates suggest strong support for cannabis normalization throughout the organization.
What is USADA's current policy on THC for UFC fighters?
USADA no longer administers the UFC’s anti-doping program as of Jan 1, 2024. Under the UFC’s new Anti-Doping Policy with Drug Free Sport International, marijuana/THC is not prohibited under the UFC program, so WADA/USADA THC thresholds are no longer used for UFC’s own testing. This marks a major shift from the previous, more restrictive approach. Fighters can now use cannabis without UFC-imposed anti-doping bans on marijuana, though some athletic commissions still enforce their own THC thresholds, fines, or other penalties.
Featured Brands:
Herb Recommended Products:
READ MORE