UFC Commentator Joe Rogan: I Think Marijuana Is a Performance-Enhancing Drug

Reaction towards Nick Diaz's failed drug test following UFC 143 continues to run rampant.

The Stockton, Calif. native tested positive for marijuana after his five-round title bout against Carlos Condit. It was his second offense, and he will likely receive disciplinary action.

Although Diaz has found himself in a grey area regarding marijuana usage in mixed martial arts, there are some who feel it should be tolerated more leniently as opposed to more harmful drugs such as HGH.

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani to discuss the issues surrounding marijuana in the sport.

"I think it is a performance-enhancing drug," Rogan said.

"A lot of Brazilian guys use marijuana before they train. A lot of American jiu-jitsu guys use it before they train. And they don’t do it because it hurts them; they do it because it helps them."

Diaz's use of marijuana is well-documented. He last tested positive in 2006 after competing against Takanori Gomi in PRIDE FC, and the bout was later ruled as a no-contest.

His second offense could result in a more severe consequence, possibly facing up to a year's suspension.

Rogan commented on how Diaz carries himself towards the media, and despite coming under scrutiny from media, fans and management, Rogan said the former Strikeforce welterweight champion needs proper guidance.

"He needs like a Cus D’Amato-type character, who’s there watching everything he does and making things easy for him," he said.

"Test him on your own. It’s not expensive. Test him in advance and make sure he’s clean. Make sure he doesn’t have issues."