UFC Fighter Gets a Pass on Medical Cannabis Use

Canadian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Elias Theodorou, has been given permission to use medical marijuana by the British Columbia Athletic Commission. As reported by The GrowthOp, this granting of permission, which the commission is calling a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), is the first of its kind in the MMA. Theordorou had previously petitioned the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to allow him to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes, and that petition was denied.

The TUE allows Elias Theodorou to use cannabis as prescribed by his doctor, and it removes the possibility of penalty for testing above the allowable THC limit at fight time. Theodorou claimed that his opponents had an advantage without his use of cannabis, as he suffers from neuropathic pain in his elbows and wrists, which makes competing more difficult.

He is quoted in the article as saying, “I am currently at a competitive disadvantage, when compared to other professional athletes.” Theodorou, a long-time advocate for cannabis use, expressed his appreciation to the commission for their decision.