CBD is regarded as number three on the list of the three-letter words closely associated with golf – ranked immediately under PGA (Professional Golfers Association of America) and TPC (Tournament Players Club). In a few years, though, CBD might be taking the top spot – and this isn’t far-fetched.
According to the National Hemp Association, CBD represents a fast-growing multi-billion-dollar behemoth that would generate more than $20 billion annually by 2024. This proliferation of CBD products may be linked to its high usage in the golf industry. CBD products appear in golf course pro shops, next to gloves and golf balls, and its use is growing across the professional tours. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise when Bubba Watson calls CBD a “no brainer” for golfers, and PXG staffer Pat Perez tagged it “a total game-changer” for him. This tells us that whether it’s dealing with anxiety or typical aches and pains, there is no doubt that there’s a viable market for CBD products among golfers.
Since this article is a Golfer’s Guide to CBD, it answers questions on nature, dynamics, available products, and CBD’s proper usage.
Nature: What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, known more commonly as marijuana or hemp. It is extracted from strains of hemp selected genetically for their very low THC concentration. The extraction is rid of any THC – the addictive element in Cannabis – so that CBD has no psychoactive properties and can be taken without feeling buzzed, hungry, tired, paranoid, or getting addicted.
According to a 2012 review published by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology on CBD’s benefits, it was found that CBD possesses anticonvulsant, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and anticancer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties. CBD treats anxiety, pain, inflammation, seizures, nausea, and other health concerns, which may arise while playing golf and cancer, infections, depression, PTSD, spasms, and so much more. Since the legalization of regulated hemp production via the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD usage continues to record a historic high – and of course, golf plays a huge part.
The Dynamics: How CBD Works
The human body naturally produces neurotransmitters called cannabinoids that play a significant role in moderating inflammation processes. This is because we all have an endocannabinoid system with different types of receptors with specific functions. The types of receptors are termed CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors exist throughout the body but are mainly in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are most common in the immune system, but both receptors benefit from the anti-inflammatory qualities of cannabidiol (CBD).
As a golfer, when you think of CBD, think of a coach shouting ‘anti-flammatory instructions’ to your CB1 & CB2 receptors to knock down your nausea, anxiety, pain, seizures, and what have you.
CBD Products For Golfers
CBD may be used in the following ways: as tinctures, by placing drops under the tongue to absorb sublingually; as a spray which may be used by spraying oil into the mouth; as vapes, and e-cigarette. It may be in the form of concentrates, applying wax or dab to the inside of the mouth, topical for use on skin as lotions, salve or skin balm, or as edibles, added to meals via brownies, gummies, chocolate bars, etc.
For golfers, the main form of ingestible CBD products for golf is in the form of oil tinctures. Users squeeze a quantity of the tincture under their tongues, hold it there for 30 seconds to a minute and swallow. This way, the tincture gets into the bloodstream faster. Examples include Medterra’s isolate tinctures which range in concentration from 500 ($35) to 1000 ($56) to 3000 milligrams ($133) in a 30-milliliter bottle; High Falls Hemp’s full-spectrum tinctures which come in potency levels from 300 up to 3000 milligrams, ranging in price from $35 to $200.
CBD topicals come in all manner of salves, balms, creams, and other CBD-infused substances meant to be rolled onto the skin. Largely, golfers are skeptical about their effectiveness, but not Kami Day. Kami Day, the co-founder of Muscle MX, is a fan of topicals, both her broad-spectrum Activate roll-on before and Recovery for after physical activity. According to her, “a topical is probably the most effective way to treat any kind of pain.” As for ingestible, she admits that although it’s not super effective for her, she’s seen what it does for others. By implication, the level of CBD’s effectiveness isn’t the same as everyone.
How should CBD be Consumed?
To optimize the benefits of CBD, you must match the method of consumption with the objective. So, if you’re looking for acute pain relief – say elbow tendonitis, hitting too many range balls – a cream or balm is likely going to serve you better than CBD drops or gummies. However, if the idea is to add CBD as a daily nutritional supplement, tinctures or edibles will probably be more beneficial. However, there are some flags you must watch out for as you consume your CBD.
First, does the CBD product have a COA (Certificate of Analysis)? This COA states the CBD and THC levels, as well as declaring the presence of any contaminants. You can also use the COA to determine if the testing lab used meets “ISO 17025” standards, making it okay to use. Also, confirm that your CBD manufacturing company works with either the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP), or the U. S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Ensure to tick these boxes.
Use a journal/Tracker. This helps you log the results of CBD usage and allows you to track any potential side effects of the usage. CBD for golf is, no doubt, really effective. However, its side effects should be piously monitored.
Also, start slow. CBD works excellently, and the incredible medical benefits may overwhelm you. Yet, you need to understand your limits and take it slow. And in any case, if your CBD products for golf aren’t working as expected, give it time and do not overdose.
Conclusion
Needless to say, CBD for golf may be likened to music for the soul. This is because many reputable golfers attribute their lasting professional success to the incredible benefits of consuming CBD products for golf. These persons have got the hang of it and are consequently optimizing its magic. If you haven’t attained that level of mastery, you will find this guide very useful.
