As the popularity of CBD has grown, it’s gained a lot of attention with professional golfers. Pros like Scott McCarron, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, and Lucas Glover are not only using CBD, but they’ve also teamed up with some major companies to represent their products.
All of these golfers are noticing changes in their health and how they are playing the game. These guys are some of the best out there, so if using CBD can give them even a 1% edge over other golfers it could be the one component that is taking their games to the next level. And if using CBD can give these guys an edge on the tour, it can surely work for you too on the back nine!
CBD is a natural plant extract from hemp, a cannabis genus that is not likely to impair your judgement or intoxicate the user like marijuana can. What’s the difference? Marijuana contains THC, the psycho-active component that makes you feel “HIGH”. CBD is one of many components of the hemp plant and by law, hemp can only contain less than 0.3% THC.
Diving a bit deeper, there are three main types of CBD oils: isolates, broad spectrums, and full spectrums. Isolates are pure CBD, contain a filler like coconut oil, and, most importantly, isolates don’t contain THC. The broad-spectrum oil is a combination of CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, but still, contains no THC. The most popular choice is full spectrum oil or what’s referred to as “whole plant medicine”. It’s a mixture of all of the components of the hemp plant and it does contain low amounts THC. Be warned though, some drug screenings cannot distinguish between a full spectrum CBD product and marijuana. THC is a fat-soluble molecule that lingers in our system, so when consumed daily, the THC levels in our body can rise to elevated levels and cause a failed drug test.
CBD is available in tinctures, capsules, edibles, skin lotions, pain creams, vapes, and even hemp cigarettes. Most products are made with isolates or broad-spectrum oils, so there are a lot of options on the market that do not contain THC for you to choose from. An important item to consider is buying your product from a well-known source. You don’t buy your produce from a gas station, so why would you trust your health to anyone other than a reputable source? A credible retailer will provide education about the product, be able to help you understand proper dosing instructions, and should be able to provide some lab results on the product so you know what you’re getting and what you’re paying for. There are a lot of questionable companies selling subpar products and this is why the FDA hasn’t given its seal of approval yet. Remember, the first store you go to, isn’t always the best store. Do some research.
Choosing the best method of administration will also be a key component of how the product will work the best for you. One option, tinctures, are used under the tongue and effects generally can be felt within 8-17 minutes. Other options, like edibles and capsules, have to be digested in your stomach before getting into your bloodstream. Because of this, the onset of effects can take 30-60 minutes (or potentially more), but the effects tend to last much longer. Topicals, like pain creams, are very popular and they can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to start feeling some relief and can be used more frequently. With all products, the thing to always remember is to Start Low and Go Slow for the best dosing results.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of CBD and how it may be helping golfers:
There is always more research to be done on CBD and its medicinal capabilities, but initial results show that it is good for your golf game. Using a tincture could curb your anxiety on the course so you’re focused and more relaxed on the green. A good cream after the game could help resolve issues with pain and inflammation so you can recover quicker and get back out there. Remember though, before starting, check with a medical professional about health concerns, chronic conditions, or drug interactions.
Who knows, CBD could be the missing component on how you can take your golf game to the next level like the pros are doing.
