The wave of weed legalization across the United States turned cannabis into a point of interest for many industries. And sports are hardly an exception.
Contrary to the common misconception that golf is an effortless game, it's actually a highly demanding sport. While you can definitely relax mentally while playing, your body is pulling a double shift. As a result, injuries occur.
Cannabis has the potential to improve focus during the game and reduce pain during recovery. That's why more and more golfers are diving into the exploration.
While using cannabis for golf performance and recovery can be helpful, you must review local laws and golf course rules. Meanwhile, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary to avoid negative side effects.
The Connection Between Cannabis and Golf
Cannabis and golf are interconnected. One complements the other for relaxation, while the former makes the latter possible after certain injuries.
Better Game
One of the main reasons why golfers try cannabis is to improve their game. Since some evidence suggests that certain strains can improve thinking clarity and focus, it seems logical to use weed for achieving better results. The Golf Digest even conducted an experiment with three golfers of different skill levels to check how this works in real life.
After establishing sober baselines, these golfers consumed increasing amounts of THC and tracked driving distance, approach accuracy, and putting. At low doses (around 6 mg), driving distance improved for some players, but accuracy and putting declined. Around 18 mg proved to be the "sweet spot," with better distance and solid overall performance. After that, fatigue, loss of focus, and poor accuracy set in. At high doses, all aspects of the game suffered.
Since this study only looked at three players, it's hard to project it onto every golfer. However, the results create grounds for further targeted experimentation.
Easier Recovery
Golf injuries are more common than most people think. A recent study showed that 50% of golfers sustain injuries during the game. The most common injury site is the lower back. Other repeating injuries are to the elbows, wrists, and shoulders.
Depending on the severity of the injury, it can set the player back for many weeks or even months. Besides not allowing you to play our favorite game, an injury can interfere with daily tasks.
Cannabis has the potential to assist with pain relief and relaxation. When taken in proper doses, weed can play a big role in your recovery. Along with relieving the discomfort, it can help you get back in the game faster.
Enjoyment
Many people start playing golf for fun but tend to get competitive and stressed as a result. Weed has the potential to turn an interesting game into a relaxed one. With the right approach to choosing the product, it's possible to add real fun to the game.
Golfers all over the world are experimenting with weed for their game. Since everyone is different, choosing the right cannabis dosage, strain, and format can take some time. However, once you find the perfect balance, the enjoyment of the game can easily double.
Benefits of Cannabis for Golf Performance
For many golfers, cannabis experiments are about fine-tuning the mental and physical elements. While performance-related benefits are never guaranteed, they are definitely possible.
Improved Focus and Calmness
Overthinking and frustration after a bad shot can easily derail an otherwise solid round. Some golfers turn to cannabis to help quiet that mental noise.
Research suggests that low doses of THC may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, while certain sativa-dominant strains cause enhanced alertness and mental clarity. A 2017 review noted that low doses of THC can reduce stress and anxiety. However, higher doses may have the opposite effect.
In short, properly dosed cannabis can take the edge off the stress. It can help golfers stay focused on their game without going down mental spirals.
Enhanced Muscle Relaxation
A smooth golf swing depends on controlled movement and proper muscle engagement. Tension (especially in the lower back and forearms) can restrict your range of motion.
Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in muscle control. Studies show that THC has muscle-relaxant properties, which is why it has been explored in conditions involving muscle spasticity. Reduced muscle tension may help golfers maintain a fluid swing, especially during longer games.
Pain Management During Play
Chronic pain is a common issue among golfers. Old injuries and age-related conditions lead to lower back and shoulder pain. Playing through discomfort can affect both mechanics and concentration.
Cannabis has been widely studied for pain management. A 2015 systematic review in JAMA found moderate evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for chronic pain. CBD, in particular, is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties without intoxicating effects. THC, on the other hand, may provide more immediate pain relief but comes with psychoactive effects.
Golfers dealing with ongoing discomfort may benefit from CBD-dominant products without impairing the loss of coordination, while low-dose THC may be helpful for those who tolerate it well.
Cannabis for Post-Golf Recovery
After hours of repetitive motion, the golfer's body needs support to bounce back. That's where cannabis can help.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to physical activity, but excessive inflammation can delay recovery and increase injury risk. Research published in Molecules (2018) showed CBD's potential to reduce inflammatory markers by influencing immune system responses.
For golfers, this may translate into less soreness in the joints and muscles after a long day on the course.
Improved Sleep and Recovery
Quality sleep is essential for muscle repair and cognitive function. Unfortunately, pain and adrenaline from competition can interfere with rest.
THC has the potential to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD may help improve sleep quality. A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal found that CBD improved sleep scores in a majority of participants during the first month of use.
Overall, CBD may be the better long-term option for sleep support for golfers. Meanwhile, low-dose THC may be useful on occasion, depending on your individual tolerance and response.
Stress Relief
Even during a relaxing corporate weekend, golf can be mentally taxing. Cannabis may help golfers unwind after the game. Cannabinoids can influence serotonin and dopamine pathways, which are tied to stress and emotional balance.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Products for Golfers
The variety of cannabis formats, strains, and dosages makes the choice overwhelming. Many golfers try something recommended by others and end up hating the experience. Choosing the right product involves understanding what works specifically for you according to your body's reaction.
CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference?
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It means this one doesn't produce a "high." However, it can bring many benefits, including stress and pain relief.
THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive. Similar to CBD, it can promote relaxation and pain relief but also alter perception. Meanwhile, higher doses may impair reaction time, focus, and motor control.
In simple terms, CBD is often the safer starting point for golfers, while THC requires careful dosing and self-awareness.
Product Types to Consider
The format you choose can influence how quickly cannabis takes effect and how long the benefits last.
- Tinctures and oils: These formats help with precise dosing and offer relatively fast absorption when taken under the tongue.
- Topicals: This weed type is applied directly to sore areas. Since it doesn't enter the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, it won't cause intoxication.
- Edibles: These produce longer-lasting effects but take more time to kick in. This makes them better suited for post-golf recovery.
- Vape pens: Vaporizers offer a fast onset, but effects can be harder to dose consistently.
Each format has its own pros and cons. One of the most important issues to consider is discretion. Edibles, topicals, and tinctures won't disturb people around you. Meanwhile, vapes and joints could cause conflicts.
Microdosing for Golf Performance
Microdosing means consuming very small amounts of THC (1 to 2.5 mg). This is well below the amount that could cause noticeable intoxication. The goal is to access focus benefits without losing mental sharpness.
Tips for Using Cannabis Safely and Effectively
Cannabis has high potential to help golfers. However, since the effects are highly personal, a responsible approach is a must-have. These practical tips can help golfers get the most benefit with minimal risk.
- Start low and go slow: Begin with the lowest possible dose, especially with THC. Give your body time to respond before increasing.
- Time your use carefully: CBD may work well before or after a round, while THC is often better reserved for recovery (if not microdosed).
- Stay hydrated: Cannabis can contribute to dry mouth and dehydration, which already affects golfers spending hours outdoors.
- Avoid overconsumption: More isn't better. Excess THC can hurt focus, balance, and decision-making.
- Understand the rules: Many golf courses and tournaments prohibit cannabis use, even where it's legal. Always check local laws and competition regulations.
When used thoughtfully, cannabis can complement golf. However, it should never replace proper training or rehabilitation tactics.
Real-Life Stories: Golfers Who Use Cannabis
Thanks to the spreading legalization, professional golfers have become more vocal about using cannabis.
Billy Horschel's experience with CBD is one of the most prominent. After struggling with poor sleep and inconsistent recovery, Horschel began using a CBD-based sleep aid as part of a data-driven wellness plan. Within months, improved sleep translated into steadier energy levels and a noticeable jump in results.
John Daly represents the other side of the spectrum. This player has a tension-free approach to the game and has long emphasized relaxation as the key to good golf. He even launched his own cannabis brand to prove the theory that your best game often starts with staying relaxed
Legal Considerations and Etiquette
While many places are legalizing marijuana use, each state and golf course has its own rules. Before planning to introduce weed into your golf routine, you must study the local laws.
Even if marijuana is legal in your state, you still must remain considerate of people around you. Not all players feel good about seeing people smoke weed on the course. It's always better to use discreet forms of cannabis before or during the game. Ideally, unless the golf course openly declares its support for marijuana use, you should do it before arrival.
Exploring the Marijuana-Golf Tandem
Cannabis and golf can be excellent companions. The former can make the latter more enjoyable and rewarding. It can help reduce pain, improve focus, fight stress, and much more. However, responsible use is still key. You must speak to your physician before using weed on the golf course to prevent unpleasant side effects.
References
1) Low-dose THC can relieve stress; more does just the opposite. (2017, June 17). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170602155252.htm
2) Mack, A., & Joy, J. (2000). MARIJUANA AND MUSCLE SPASTICITY. Marijuana as Medicine? - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224382/
3) Minghelli, B., Soares, A. S. P., Cabrita, C. D., & Martins, C. C. (2024). Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in golf athletes: A championship in Portugal. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(5), 542. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050542
4) Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1), 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
