64 million Americans, including a growing number of golfers, have tried CBD. 21 million say they used CBD to reduce stress or anxiety. 63% of those people said it was “extremely or very effective.”
That’s fine, but how are consumers supposed to navigate a minefield where 70% of the products on the market are contaminated? In other words, what can you do to make sure you’re not wasting your money on some bullshit product that isn’t worth the bottle it’s shipped in? Not to worry. While there are thousands of CBD companies out there, we have compiled a list of trusted brands for you.
CBD and Golf
CBD using is growing across the professional tours. Bubba Watson calls CBD a “no brainer” for golfers. PXG staffer Pat Perez says it’s been “a total game-changer” for him. Whether it’s managing anxiety or dealing with typical aches and pains, one could argue that golfers are possibly the ideal audience for CBD products.
While the benefits may sound almost too good to be true, CBD is the latest and fastest-growing alternative health trend in the United States. CBD is among the most discussed, yet least understood topics in the world of nutritional supplements. It’s sold in coffee shops, supermarkets, and every corner of the wellness world, but what is it, and what does it do?
Is this something that could help your golf game, and is it even legal?
We’ve heard your questions, so we decided to create a comprehensive CBD Buyer’s Guide for golfers to help sort things out.
Let’s dig in.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It’s a chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, known more commonly as marijuana or hemp (US National Library of Medicine).
It’s an organic substance used in oils and edibles to generate a feeling of relaxation and calm. Conversely, it’s cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the active ingredient in marijuana.
THC vs. CBD
DID YOU KNOW: The cannabis plant has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. It was not until the 1960s that Israeli scientist, Dr. Mechoulam, mapped the structure and synthesized the CBD molecule from scratch. In the Cannabis plant, there are actually over 85 compounds called cannabinoids. The two most researched and discussed are THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive ingredient (gets you stoned) in marijuana. CBD is the non-psychoactive portion (doesn’t get you stoned) of the plant.
CBD harnesses the power of the plant without the high.
What does CBD do? How does it work?
Think of CBD as a coach shouting instructions from the sidelines and THC as another player on the field.
The human body naturally produces neurotransmitters called cannabinoids that play a significant role in moderating inflammation processes. Yep, everyone has 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.
THC (the psychoactive element in marijuana) attaches to CB1 receptors in the brain that impact coordination, mood, pain, movement, emotions, etc.. Without getting too far into the weeds (sorry, bad pun) on the neurology of everything, the “high” feeling people experience is a result of THC acting on the chemical transmission between two neurons and overwhelming that system.
With CBD, as opposed to attaching directly to CB2 receptors, it appears CBD directs the body to use more of its own cannabinoids. CBD causes CB2 receptors to lose some ability to bind to cannabinoids.
What are the potential benefits of CBD?
If you’re a golfer, you’ve likely experienced some type of acute or chronic pain. Maybe you pop some ibuprofen before (and after) a round but don’t completely understand the impact NSAIDs can have on the kidney and liver. Perhaps you haven’t tried CBD because you had no idea what it was or didn’t have a way to separate legitimate industry leaders from those schlepping contaminated (and potentially dangerous) junk product. Again, our preferred list of companies, based on interviews and recommendations from industry experts (and our own analysis), appears at the end of this CBD Buyer’s Guide.
CBD users report a wide range of benefits; notably in the areas of:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy/seizures
- Smoking cessation
- Insomnia
- Focus/attention
- Acne
- Alzheimer’s.
To date, there is a single FDA-Approved Prescription Cannabidiol (CBD). It’s called Epidiolex. It is used to help treat two specific types of epilepsy – Dravet syndrome and Lennon-Gastaut syndrome.
EXPERT TIP: Just Relax
"What I can say with clarity, is that CBD does support calming one's nerves and relaxing in a non-intoxicating/psychedelic way."
-Peter Van Newhyzen - Kanibi CBD
Legality
CBD extracted from hemp (less than 0.3% THC content) is legal throughout the United States. However, CBD extracted from cannabis is a different story, and its legality varies from state to state. The EU is all over the map (again, bad pun) when it comes to CBD legislation and legality. In general, CBD is legal in Europe, though laws can vary from country to country.
Given the lack of uniform laws, it’s best to check out the situation in each country individually, particularly if you’re traveling to Slovakia or Lithuania, where CBD is illegal.
Questions to consider
Everyone has questions – and you should. Critical consumers make the most informed decisions. Our CBD Buyer’s Guide provides answers to several of the most asked questions regarding CBD.
Q: Do I get high?
A: Full-spectrum CBD can’t legally contain more than 0.3% THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Simply, you have a better chance of finding Bigfoot.
Q: Is it legal?
A: Generally, yes, but this isn’t an absolute truth, particularly outside of the US. If you’re not 100% certain, check the laws in your country/state.
Q: What are the possible side effects?
A: Though quite uncommon, some users report feelings of fatigue, increased weight loss, and diarrhea.
Q: What are the risks?
A: There isn’t sufficient evidence to determine the long-term risks and benefits of CBD, but currently, it’s fair to state that the most significant risk is likely from consuming a contaminated product.
Q: Should I consult a doctor?
A: It’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional, particularly if you take several medications.
CBD Buyer’s Guide: How to consume?
It’s important to match the method of consumption with the objective. If you’re looking for acute pain relief (say elbow tendonitis from hitting too many range balls), a cream or balm is likely going to serve you better than take CBD drops or gummies. But, if you’re looking to add CBD as a daily nutritional supplement, tinctures or edibles will probably be more beneficial.
Dosage
Even though bottles may be the same size, the amount of CBD in each serving isn’t always equal. It’s like taking a 12-ounce glass of water and stirring in different quantities of powdered lemonade. The total volume remains the same, while the strength changes.
CBD Buyer’s Guide Game Plan
As in golf, it’s best to have a strategy when starting a CBD regimen. The following criteria are generally accepted guidelines to help you determine the best course of action.
Get Fit – Much like getting fit for a golf club, it can help to know what you’re looking to accomplish before you begin. Before experimenting with CBD, determine why you want to take it and select the form of CBD best-suited to that objective. Are you looking for faster-acting treatment of anxiety, soreness or muscle cramps, or more general application as a daily nutritional supplement?
Origin Check – The quality and composition of CBD products can vary wildly based on the source of the hemp plants. Colorado and Oregon both have long track records and refined quality control processes. Kentucky also passed a law in 2013 to support the hemp industry, but beyond that, it can get a little dicey. Hemp imported from abroad should be a red flag with flashing neon lights. Such products aren’t subject to the same federal or state testing and simply aren’t worth the risk.
Trust, But Verify – Every CBD product should have a COA (Certificate of Analysis) stating the levels of CBD and THC 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. If so, it gets a thumbs up. Also, check to see if the company works with any of the following trusted organizations: Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP), or the U. S. Pharmacopeia (USP). If a company can’t or won’t produce a COA, take your business elsewhere.
EXPERT TIP: Science is Catching Up
After years of studying the cannabinoids, it fascinates me how we've discovered CBD's ability to cause such a range of effects at the biochemical level. There's a clear reason why so many people respond positively to CBD-rich hemp extracts. The CBD molecule, along with all the other ingredients in a well-made hemp extract, work together well for overall health in a wonderful variety of ways. With the nontoxicity of hemp products and the stories we're all hearing about the ways it helps, it's gratifying to watch the science dovetail with the anecdotes.
-Lex Pelger -Director of Education CV Sciences, Inc.
Quantity Matters – Pay attention to the quantity of CBD in each dose, typically expressed in milligrams (mg). Depending on the product type, this amount can vary wildly. Also, if you see terms like “total cannabinoids” or “whole-plant” products, the company is telling you they’ve likely added something other than pure CBD to the recipe. Defer to the information on the COA, and again, if one isn’t available, find a different vendor.
Avoid Propylene Glycol – If you do opt for a vaping product, steer clear of those with propylene glycol. At high temperatures, propylene glycol can break down into formaldehyde, which the EPA has classified as a “probable human carcinogen.” Instead, look for vape pens advertising “solvent-free oils.”
Journal/Tracker – It can be tricky to know how CBD will affect an individual, as this can vary from person to person. One helpful tip is to use a Journal/Tracker to log the results of CBD usage. This also allows you to track any potential side effects you might experience. We’ve created a free downloadable journal you can fill out to keep track of your CBD journey.
Decoding the label
CBD is yet to be regulated as strictly as other drugs or food. With this in mind, it’s essential to know as much as you can about what you’re putting in your body. Keep an eye out for labels that detail the following information:
CBD Buyer’s Guide: Myth vs. Fact
It’s both amazing and terrifying what some people believe and pass off as factual statements. Case in point? Bats are not blind, and dogs’ mouths are no cleaner than humans. It’s true.
By The Numbers
Statistics and quantitative information can often tell a story from a different perspective. Some of what we found when researching this CBD Buyer’s Guide confirmed personal experiences while others made us pause for a second and say, “DAMN!”
- 70% of top-selling CBD products were deemed “highly contaminated,” according to a study performed by Ellipse Analytics.
- 3.4+ million people in the US are living with epilepsy. Nearly 500,000 of those are children. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 40% of individuals experience uncontrollable seizures despite available treatments.
- In a study performed by AES (American Epilepsy Society), 57% experienced a 50% reduction in average monthly seizure frequency. The test group included 92 adults and children (ages 1-37) whose seizures were not well-managed with AED (Anti-Epileptic Drugs).
- CBD consumers generally have a higher-ed degree and are more likely to have a full-time job than those who don’t consume CBD (BDS Analytics).
- 97% of CBD users take it for chronic pain relief.
- Bladder cancer rates dropped by 45% with CBD use (National Cancer Institute).
- Taking CBD w/in 1 hour of experiencing symptoms of PTSD and significantly lower the effects among veterans and combat soldiers (VA.org).
- CBD for pets – the global veterinary CBD market is projected to reach $125 million by 2022.
- Direct sales of CBD oil expected to surpass $1 billion by 2020 (MarketWatch).
EXPERT TIP: Take Your Time
New users should take a CBD regimen for at least two-weeks and increase the CBD as needed based on your own body’s endocannabinoid system. Experiment with different types of CBD products (ingestible vs topical) to find what works best for you. Make sure you do your research on a CBD brand to first ensure they quality test their products and have a certificate of analysis available.
-Jason Waring - Affiliate Manager, Charlotte's Web
CBD Buyer’s Guide: More Tips
- Slow and Low – Start slow and maintain a low dosage.
- Get Comfy – Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
- Temper Expectations – CBD isn’t a magic pill or panacea. For many, there are clear and lasting benefits, but everyone is different.
- Give It Time – Commit to taking CBD for 14-30 days to see what does or doesn’t work for you.
- Log On – Maintain a daily log to keep track of types, dosages, and results so you can determine the best course of action.
Expert Recommended Brands
| Brand | COA | 3rd Party Testing | Cost | Hemp Origin | Variety | USHA Certified | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Kanibi Check Price | Yes | Yes | $$ | USA (varies) | Very High | No |
 | CV Sciences/ PlusCBD Check Price | Yes | Yes | $ | USA (varies) | Very High | Yes |
 | Charlotte's Web Check Price | Yes | Yes | $$$ | USA (varies) | Very High | Yes |
 | PureKana Check Price | Yes | Yes | $$ | Kentucky | Very High | No |
 | Elixinol Check Price | Yes | Yes | $ | USA (varies) | High | Yes |
 | Green Roads Check Price | Yes | Yes | $$$ | USA (varies) | Very High | No |
Conclusion
Consumption of CBD is a relatively new trend that hasn’t been thoroughly tested by the FDA. It’s long term effects are still unknown, but with proper research, you too can try the potential benefits of CBD out for yourself.
CBD Buyer’s Guide Disclaimer
MyGolfSpy does not provide medical. This CBD Buyer’s Guide is for information purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information within this guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. It should go without saying, but never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this or any other website.
The legal information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have questions about the legality of CBD in your area, check state laws, or consult a licensed attorney.
Mike Gibson
3 years ago
CBD has been such a huge help to my golf game. Try it if you haven’t already!
It makes such a huge difference with me as I have sore muscles after a round and the CBD takes away the majority of my pain. Thanks for the article!