The Benefits of CBD for Golfers

In the midst of a global pandemic, one of the few leisure activities that many of us can still enjoy is golf. COVID-19 may have cancelled a lot of sports, but in most places, golf is still a go. We can be outside, enjoying the fresh air as well as the company of our friends and loved ones — all while maintaining social distance.

Whether you’re new to golf or a long-time golfer, you may be curious about how you can improve your performance and have a better experience on the greens. For many golfers, CBD is a great option. CBD that is made from hemp can be associated with a range of health and wellness benefits.

Both on and off the links, CBD can be incredibly helpful for golfers. In this post, we explain what CBD is, how scientists believe that it works, and why you may want to add it to your routine.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation commonly used for cannabidiol. It is one of thousands of naturally-occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids. CBD sold in the United States is derived from industrial hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant.

The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to grow and sell hemp and products made from hemp. In the United States, CBD can only be sold if it contains less than 0.3% THC, which is the psychoactive compound that is known to be found in marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD won’t make a person feel stoned or high.

CBD is believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex cell-signaling system. There are three components of the ECS: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids bind to the receptors to signal that the ECS needs to take action; once this function is complete, the enzymes break down the endocannabinoids.

While research in this area is still in its preliminary stages, experts believe that the role of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body. If something throws off your body’s homeostasis, such as an injury, the ECS kicks in to help restore balance. Research has linked the ECS to a number of processes in the human body, including:

Metabolism
Appetite and digestion
Mood
Learning and memory
Chronic pain
Inflammation and immune system responses
Sleep
Motor control
Reproductive system function
Stress
Skin and nerve function
Bone remodeling and growth
Liver function
Muscle formation
Skin and nerve function

Some scientists have theorized that a deficiency in endocannabinoids may contribute to the development of certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome. CBD — a plant-based cannabinoid — may make up for this deficiency by preventing the body from breaking down endocannabinoids or otherwise interacting with the ECS.

CBD has been linked to a number of health and wellness benefits, including a number that may be helpful for golfers. It isn’t surprising that CBD has become popular among both professional and amateur golfers. Below, we outline some of the top benefits of CBD for golfers.

Benefit 1: Faster Recovery

Despite its reputation, golf can be a physical sport. It isn’t unusual for golfers to experience soreness after a full round, particularly as they age. CBD may aid in recovery, allowing golfers to play more often.

Using our muscles in different ways can lead to tiny microscopic tears to the fibers. This causes our body’s anti-inflammatory response to begin, which can cause soreness, stiffness and swelling.

In a 2018 review, scientists determined that CBD can reduce inflammation and improve both pain and mobility. Other studies have found that CBD suppresses the body’s inflammatory response. By reducing inflammation, CBD may help recovery, which is critical for any athlete.

Benefit 2: Energy Boost

We’ve all been there: the tee time is reserved, it’s a beautiful day, and everyone is ready to play…except you. Finding the energy to play a round of golf can be hard with all of the stresses of everyday life. CBD may give you the boost that you need to get back on the links.

According to a 2014 article in Current Neuropharmacology, CBD may be a “wake-promoting agent.” The study’s authors found that CBD activated neurons, leading to an enhancement in levels of dopamine (the “feel good” hormone) as well as an overall increase in wakefulness. In this way, CBD can help you find the energy and motivation to play, even when you are dragging.

Benefit 3: Relieve Pain

Many athletes use CBD to ease the pain and soreness that often accompanies a training regime. In the same way, golfers may use CBD to relieve pain, whether it’s an aching shoulder, a bum knee, or another issue.

CBD has been shown to reduce both pain and inflammation, as well as assist with pain management, by affecting the activity of receptors within the ECS. Remember that the ECS is activated when the body is out of balance in some way (such as an injury). Adding CBD to your daily routine can help the ECS restore balance in your body.

Benefit 4: Calm Anxiety

Many golfers experience a jittery feeling when they tee up, nervous about the prospect of hitting in front of others. CBD be helpful in promoting calm, as well as reducing any anxiety that may accompany even a friendly round of golf.

A number of studies have shown that CBD may alleviate symptoms of anxiety. In 2018, researchers in Brazil determined that a single 300 mg dose of CBD, taken orally, was effective at significantly reducing anxiety during a public speaking test, with little to no side effects. Other studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety and insomnia, reduce the effects of social anxiety disorder, and reduce stress.

While golf is meant to be relaxing, it can be stressful. CBD may help reduce the stress of the game…and even help you get a better night of sleep.

The Best CBD Products For Golfers

There are so many different CBD products available to golfers that it can be overwhelming to figure out what brands and products to start with. We’ve compiled a list of products best suited for golfers based on our experience and the feedback of customers.

For Pain Relief & Recovery

cbdMD CBD Freeze Roller

The cbdMD Freeze Roller is the perfect travel companion for golfers. Simply apply the roller to areas of inflammation, soreness, or pain and the CBD will absorb into the skin to get to work. The roller is infused with 750mg of broad spectrum CBD, which means it contains no THC.

Lazarus Naturals CBD Balm

The Lazarus Naturals CBD Balm is one of the most highly concentrated CBD balms on the market. It’s made with all-natural plant-derived scents and ingredients and is perfect for providing targeted pain relief. All you have to do is slowly massage the balm into the skin in the area where you’re looking for relief from pain or soreness. The balm is available in two scents: cedar citrus and unscented.

Pure Ratios 96 Hour CBD Patch

The Pure Ratios 96 hour patch is one of the longest lasting CBD patches on the market. You can apply the patch to an area of pain and the patch will provide targeted relief for 96 hours. The patch has a timed release which disperses 40mg of CBD over the 96 hours. If you often get pain or soreness in very select areas when golfing, then the patch is likely a good option for you.

For Energy & Anxiety Relief

Social Boost Gel Capsules

Social is a brand that is well-known for anxiety relief and emotional balance. Zero THC CBD is blended with essential oils and herbs into a capsule that is very easy to take in the morning for the stress relief you’re looking for.

Wyld CBD Gummies

Wyld CBD gummies are real fruit-infused gummies with no artificial flavors or coloring. The gummies contain 25mg of broad spectrum CBD per gummy. They taste good and are easy to work into your daily routine. So, you’ll have no trouble taking them when you need an energy boost or pick-me-up. They come in two different flavors: lemon or raspberry.

MedTerra CBD Tincture

The MedTerra CBD tincture is great for managing stress and anxiety. It’s a high-strength tincture with zero THC. Tinctures are taken sublingually (administered under the tongue), so they can get to work faster. If this intake method doesn’t sound appealing to you, the capsules or gummies might be better choices.

Ready to Try CBD? We’re Here to Help.

For many golfers, CBD is a great way to stay on top of their game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or looking to go pro, adding CBD may help you perform better and recover more quickly.

Green Wellness Life offers a full range of independently tested CBD products made from high quality hemp grown in the United States. We aren’t doctors, and can’t diagnose or treat any health conditions — but we can provide you with the research and information on CBD to help you make a choice that is right for you. If you would like to learn more, contact us via email at any time, or call us at (866) 244-4223 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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