It’s no secret that cannabis and professional sports remain on two opposite ends of the spectrum—no pun intended. Considering most leagues disallow the use of cannabis, it’s not a surprise that CBD—the non-psychoactive component of cannabis—is also mostly barred from professional sports, although there have been some recent exceptions. However, that hasn’t stopped Bubba Watson, one of the biggest names in golf, to endorse the compound.
Bubba Watson Endorses the use of CBD products
CBD isn’t actually on the banned substance list by the PGA —it was removed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) just last year. However, there is still a stigma surrounding the agent, due to its link to the cannabis plant.
Regardless of pre-existing bias, Watson has signed on with the CBD company, cbdMD. The two-time Masters champion is the highest-profile golfer to do so.
In a statement, Watson, now 40, said that he’s used their products before, and hopes that the component will help his longevity in the sport going forward.
“I’ve personally felt the benefits of cbdMD’s products,” Watson said in the statement. “cbdMD is the safest on the market and I am proud to partner with them to help millions feel better.”
As part of the multi-year contract, Bubba Watson will wear the cbdMD logo on his headwear during PGA events. He will also be obligated to participate in a number of integrated marketing promotions.
Walking a Thin Line
Here’s where things get tricky for Watson—most CBD products contain a minimal amount of THC (less than one percent), but like plenty of non-FDA approved supplements, this runs a risk of inaccuracy. And while CBD in it’s purest of form isn’t legal, THC is still barred from the league.
Last month, the PGA notified its golfers that they must use CBD products at their own risk.
“The FDA, DEA, and private organizations including Major League Baseball (MLB), have conducted tests on CBD and ‘THC-free’ products only to find significant levels of psychoactive (and prohibited) THC or falsely labeled amounts of CBD,” the notice said.
“Taking a poorly labeled supplement that is contaminated with a prohibited substance is NOT a defense to a violation of the Program,” the newsletter continued. “Therefore, we strongly recommend that if players choose to use supplements, they only use those that are NSF Certified for Sport.”
Luckily for the two-time Masters winner, cbdMD claims its products are all “100% organic, USA grown, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan, with no traces of THC. ” In an interview with CNN, Watson said he did his homework before signing on with the company.
“There’s no bad stuff in it, there are no chemicals in there that will mess you up or make you fail a drugs test. There are certain companies we trust.”
