UFC's Dana White supports usage of CBD by MMA athletes

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — UCF and Aurora Cannabis hosted a press conference Wednesday to discuss their groundbreaking partnership.

The Canadian company takes the initiative to define the world of cannabis by leading a clinical research program that will produce multiple studies on CBD products for UFC athletes.

The research will examine the use of hemp-derived CBD as an effective treatment for pain, inflammation, wound-healing, and recovery on MMA athletes.

The groundbreaking research partnership is for eight years and will focus on understanding key health and recovery needs of high-performance and non-professional athletes.

During the press conference UFC President Dana White said the sport is highly physical and competitive, research data will be used to create hemp-derived CBD cream that will be safe and reliable.

"The focus is going to be on research, safety, health, and the well being of our athletes,” White said. He also said about 50% of elite players use some soft of CBD which raise concerns on safety and authenticity of the products currently being used.

Terry Booth, CEO of Aurora Cannabis, explained cannabidiol is one of the "most prolific molecules in the cannabis plant" and that it is important athletes have access to a product that helps with any kind of need they might have.

"Our partnership with UFC is about committing to the science that will educate and advocate," Booth said.

The future products will help prevent the use “untested CBD treatments,” and will be used during practice, before and after a match.

"We'll be able to find out what products are working which ones might work for certain indications such as pain, inflammation, and recovery. and wound healing," added Jason Dyck, Chair of Aurora's Global Scientific Oversight Committee.

Once research is complete, treatments established will fall under the brand of ROAR Sports. Through analysis and scientific date collected from each MMA fighter, ROAR Sports seek to alleviate the stresses of competition, and earn designation as the official CBD product of UFC.

Both UFC and Aurora officials said all products will be developed in full compliance with U.S. federal law and with UFC's anti-doping program.

13 Action News reached out to a local business that already uses cannabidiol. Joey Dousharm co-owns Elevated CBD in Henderson, he said one of the products most requested by his customers is CBD cream.

"We have customers who come in a swear by its effects. You can see results in upwards of 45 minutes once it starts processing through the body," Dousharm said.

Doursharm explained that the endocannabinoid system inside a body holds a lot of receptors that allow CBD and other cannabinoids to grab onto.

He also said CBD can help with pain relief, can reduce anxiety and depression, may reduce acne, among many other health concerns.