The largely unregulated market for products with CBD—the non-psychoactive component of marijuana—is booming, as consumers fall for false marketing claims the substance is a cure all for everything from anxiety and arthritis to cancer. Now, the conservative world of professional golf is getting into the game, with many pro golfers using and becoming paid endorsers for CBD products they say relieve aches and pains and helps them sleep, although there’s no scientific evidence they do any of those things.
The endorsements are controversial because while using CBD is legal for golfers, marijuana and its psychoactive ingredient THC are not and drug tests often find traces of THC in CBD products. As one anti-doping official put it, “there’s no guarantee that what is on the label is contained in the product.” Meanwhile, a report in Scientific American offers insight into ongoing studies concerning the long-term effects of marijuana, which remain a mystery. As access to pot eases in the U.S., and more people use it—especially young people—it’s critical we know the impact on cognitive abilities, as this will help determine outcomes in education, employment and job performance.
For the moment however, scientific studies have not be able to accurately figure out the effects on adolescent minds, so that parents, teachers and social planners can respond according to restrict use. And finally, American winemakers are facing headwinds as Millennial buyers shy away from premium vintages in favor of craft beer and spirits—and, increasingly, liquid marijuana products.