CBD and Golf: Relax and Recover

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. It is one of a class of cannabinoids that includes THC, which is famous for its psychoactive properties. Most CBD products are derived from hemp rather than marijuana and have a low THC count. Meaning they don’t get you high.

These products are popular among golfers, both for in-round relaxation or post-round relief. Scott McCarron of the Champions Tour has said that “Functional Remedies EndoSport hemp oil helps my mind stay focused and my body recover, so I can always play my best,” and players like Bubba Watson and Lucas Glover have signed deals with CBD companies.

Benefits of CBD for Golf

To help you enjoy yourself and play your best, here’s our guide to how CBD can help your golf game.

1. Sleep

For those who have insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain that keeps you up at night, CBD can act as a sleep aid. CBD products can have a calming, sleep-inducing effect that may result in better rest the night before a round. Taking a consistent dose right before bed every night can help you to relax and doze off more easily.

2. Anxiety

Research has shown that CBD can reduce heart rate and blood pressure and produce a calming effect. Taking some may help ease first tee jitters and reduce anxiety during a round. CBD oil or capsules can produce long-term benefits that may last a whole round. Relief from stress or anxiety can help you better enjoy your day off and play better golf.

3. Pain and inflammation

Many golfers suffer from arthritic inflammation, back pain or neck pain. If you’re impacted by any of these, you’ve probably returned home from the course full of aches and pains. Consider using CBD creams, which may help localized pain through their anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can also help your body regulate some of the responses that cause things like pain and inflammation, which may result in a faster post-round recovery.

4. Focus

It’s important to stay in the moment while you’re on the course—whether to pull off a shot, or enjoy a nice Sunday afternoon. But sometimes your mind is elsewhere, or certain symptoms keep flaring up while you’re trying to play. CBD has the potential to relax you and enhance your focus. It does this by easing stress and promoting concentration so you can focus on your game.

5. Mood

Maybe you’re a little wild off the tee, or you struggle with putting consistently. Golf can be a frustrating game. And in addition to providing you with more calm and focus, CBD can help relax you and improve your mood. Taking a little CBD oil before a round might allow you to keep your spirits high and your score lower.

6. Muscle tension

An 18-hole round usually takes four hours, even on a good day. That’s a long period of physical activity that can sometimes take a toll. CBD can potentially prevent cell damage and reduce any stress on your muscles. Taking it can help you keep your muscles and joints loose and aid better muscle recovery.

7. Calluses

For most golfers, even if you wear a glove and comfortable shoes, you’ve probably experienced calluses on your hands or feet. These can really hurt and sometimes make it difficult for you to play again in the near future. Rubbing a CBD topical on the area can relieve pain and help treat dry skin. Using it may make your skin clear up faster and allow you to hit the links again.

Is CBD safe to use?

In late 2017, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its banned substance list, a change that took effect at the beginning of the next year. Since then, the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Agency no longer lists CBD as a prohibited substance for players. However, both agencies still prohibit the use of THC and other cannabinoids.

While the CBD market continues to gain momentum, the products are still not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent disease. The FDA, DEA, and major sports organizations have also conducted tests that reveal some CBD products had falsely labeled content levels of CBD and THC.

To avoid low quality products with high levels of THC or less CBD than advertised, put time into researching and finding good brands with proper safety regulations.