Diaz vs. Sakurai Considered for October DREAM; Drug Use Could be Deemed 'Therapeutic'

Japan: land of opportunity for men who don’t get along with athletic commissions. Sherdog reports that Nick Diaz, ousted from Saturday’s Strikeforce card due to failure to appear for a drug test, is considering an October DREAM date, possibly against Hayato "Mach" Sakurai.

That’s swell, but the real interest comes in a mention that the California State Athletic Commission is investigating something called a “Therapeutic Usage Exemption Program,” which would collude with physicians to allow athletes with valid reasons for using banned substances to compete.

Where marijuana differs is that it could still be construed as a performance-altering compound even if, as trainer Cesar Gracie alleges, he needs it to treat his ADHD. His levels would need to still be considered ineffectual during the time in which he’s tested. (In his win over Takanori Gomi in 2007 that was overturned, Diaz’ levels were four times Nevada’s cutoff point. At one point in the fight, you can actually see him levitate.)

As for his Japan vacation, Diaz may want to think carefully before bringing anything over: the penalty for marijuana in Japan is substantially worse than in the U.S. While most first-time offenders skate, it’s theoretically possible to serve up to five years in jail for possession.