Nate Diaz on Why Game Up Nutrition CBD Was Created

In response to a question by one of the reporters at the UFC 240 pre-fight interview published by Karyn Bryant at MMA Heat about the swell of CBD sponsorships and being one of first guys to talk about CBD, Nate Diaz stated, “it’s crazy its cool its real cool that everybody’s up on game now, because they stuck their head in the book a little bit after we had to bring it to the attention, and then stepped their game up”. In context what we interpreted was that he was happy to see so many fighters having CBD sponsorships and realizing the potential uses that he knew all along and happy to see the general shift in the attitude and stance of the UFC towards the efficacy of CBD since the start of the groundbreaking joint CBD research partnership between the UFC and Aurora Cannabis back in May of 2019. He mentioned how his elder brother Nick Diaz was responsible for guiding his development, decisions to become immersed in martial arts and guiding his business decisions. He also credits his brother Nick for showing him the benefits of CBD years before, which lead to spearheading and bringing the uses of CBD to the attention of the UFC. This effort was brought to light at UFC 202 August 20, 2016, when Nate encouraged a careful look at the extraordinary health aspects of CBD for training recovery, inflammation and pain management in professional Mixed Martial Arts. The interview above spoke about how both Nick and Nate decided together to start Game Up Nutrition. The mission was to create their own line of health and wellness products that they could feel confident overseeing themselves that could pass their own personal quality control measures for consumption, in the hopes that CBD could benefit not only his team mates but everyday wider walks of people. These efforts would ultimately change the WADA “World Anti Doping Association” rules by removing CBD all together from the banned substances list. The interview below goes into greater detail about the rule changes that occurred in 2018 as it pertains to CBD in and out of competition use.

Fox5 Las Vegas on November 5, 2019 reports on the status of CBD use in the UFC. The report revisits Nate Diaz role in sparking a shift in the WADA rules for CBD use in and out of competition. Another UFC fly weight veteran Jessica Eye comments on her experience with incorporating CBD into her diet since she a was a child and using it now as an adjunct of training and recovery and how it assists her in minimizing brain fog and less dehydration during pre fight strenuous weight cuts. She goes on to explain how Nate Diaz actions at UFC 202 motivated other fighters to step forward to speak more openly about something they were already doing which was referring to the use of CBD in and out of competition.

The report catches up with Edmonton Canada based Aurora Cannabis and UFC’s partnership and joint research and clinical trials to commence for CBD with UFC athletes. The end goal is to develop hemp derived topical treatments. They reiterate that CBD is an emerging science and rather than say there is insufficient science, engage and conduct research to develop the scientific understanding of CBD and its effects on people and physiology. Aurora Cannabis position regarding CBD is clear. Their position is a find out approach instead of ignoring. The UFC’s stance on CBD is also very clear. According to president of the UFC Dana White, CBD is common sense being a safer and much healthier alternative to pain pills, sleeping pills. We believe CBD is the future. The UFC is not afraid to trail blaze the way forward and mentions how other sports leagues such as the NFL and NBA are afraid to be the first ones to step in,

Dana White

“We are never afraid, when its right when we believe it and when we think its the future, we’re in.”

Meanwhile last May 2019, the NFL players association creates a joint pain management committee to explore alternative outlets including CBD. According to their Chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills states its still too early to tell if CBD is the key to pain management. Currently there is not a ton of scientific evidence behind CBD for pain management, there’s a lot of anecdotal personal testimonials, lacking any well done controlled trials where the standards are applied as in other medical treatments, scientific evidence is lacking and they will continue to monitor evidence in CBD research. CBD is not prohibited in the NFL however the NFL team physicians recommend to stay away from CBD. Studies have been done that up to 70% products are mislabeled or inappropriate representation of the contents. Isolating CBD from cannabis there can be contamination with THC, there are times people think they are taking CBD but in fact they are taking in some THC.

Jeff Novitzky running the UFC anti doping program since 2015, stating conservatively 75% of the 508 athletes on the UFC roster are users of CBD. In his four years with the UFC, there have 12,000 drug tests done in only two have come back positive with THC. Former Patriots Tight End and retired all Pro Three time Super Bowl champion;

Rob Gronkowski

It would have made a huge difference for me I believe during my playing career. I want the same opportunities for my friends and teammates out there. That’s why I’m advocating for CBD to be acceptable for all players to be used for recovery.

Jessica Eye

Its No Longer a Hippie thing, its an athlete thing and CBD usage is an every person thing. It’s not just a hippie thing anymore. We can keep changing and educating right. If we want people to like it, let’s educate em. Let’s educate them so much with so much information whoa wow it makes them excited about it. It makes them want to research it themselves.

Jeff Novitzky

Look in our sport MMA and when you look at a sport like the NFL and you know concern with brain issues, i think you have to be somewhat progressive. And if there is something out there that is going to positively affect an athlete’s health when it comes to brain issues, I don’t think you can afford to wait on the side lines.

The interview above was a dialogue with Joe Rogan and Jeff Novitzky Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC speaking about the Health effects of CBD assisting in reducing anxiety, stress and promoting reduction in inflammation and pain. Novitzky further elaborates on how the Nate Diaz CBD vape pen situation at the UFC 202 Post Fight Press Conference in August of 2016, sparked serious questions about the spirit, intent and application of the rules for in and out of competition CBD usage. Novitzky, who functions as a mediator and investigator for the UFC fighters serving as a conduit to the United States Anti Doping Association and State Athletic Commissions, advocated change in the rules. The removal of CBD as a banned substance from the WADA “World Anti Doping Association” prohibited substances list was coined the Nate Diaz Rule. The rule changes enables fighters to use CBD in and out of competition without repercussions or sanctions. Novitzky goes into detail about how the progression of the CBD rule change situation transpired and concluded.

Read more about  the current facts and trends of CBD Here