Bubba Watson’s Endorsement of a CBD Product is Causing Headaches for the PGA TOUR

Golf has always had a finicky problem with its doping policies that have created tension between players and the tours they represent. And now one of the hottest new commodities is causing the PGA TOUR a headache.

If you haven’t heard of CBD yet, it’s one of the most popular products available right now. Technically, CBD is an oil that is extracted from cannabis plants that is known for its ability to help with issues like anxiety and pain without the “high” that you would receive from a full cannabis plant. While the product is 100% legal, there are several questions surrounding it because there has been little research into it and its relation to marijuana.

Because of these issues, the PGA TOUR has been a bit torn in how to approach its players becoming involved with it. 

“CBD in its pure form is not prohibited,” Andy Levinson, director of the anti-doping policy told Golf Digest. “But the use of CBD in any of its currently available forms would be at a player’s own risk.”

3 percent CBD Hemp Oil bottle made by Endoca company is seen in…

3 percent CBD Hemp Oil bottle made by Endoca company is seen in Gdansk, Poland on 9 April 2019 . Polish healthcare industry observes higher interest of the CBD oil as the medical marihuana was… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Despite the warning shot that the PGA TOUR has set out regarding CBD, many players are still anxious to support the product.

Bubba Watson is one of the players that has taken an interest and just signed an endorsement deal with cbdMD, one of the companies that produce CBD to the public. Part of the deal includes Watson wearing the logo beginning at the PGA Championship this year.

Watson’s vocal support and showing off the product may put the PGA TOUR into a pickle. Prior to Watson’s deal, the only other major names to work with CBD producers have been Scott Piercy and Scott McCarron. With such a popular player like Watson endorsing the product, the PGA TOUR may have to take a more firm position on CBD moving forward.

While I don’t think that Watson will be forced to temper down his support, I would not be surprised to see the PGA TOUR distance themselves from the issue until more research is done. But if others begin to follow Bubba’s lead, some affirmative decision will have to be made about CBD and its use in the golf world.