There is big money at stake and everyone wants an edge to focus and win. So what about professional poker and marijuana.
The relationship between professional card playing and cannabis use is a topic of debate among players and enthusiasts. So what is up with professional poker and marijuana? There are roughly 3,000 full-time poker and 30,000 semi-professionals in the US and Canada. Around 60% of full-time professional poker players are online players with the median total pay for a professional poker player between $82K – $110K per year. But globally about 100,000 play online poker every day. This means the industry is valued at $59.35 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow to $155.36 billion by 2030. Â The World Series of Poker (WSOP) talks place in Las Vegas. Â Sin City is also home to Planet 13 the largest marijuanal dispensary and soon to be Cannabition, an elevated immersive experience.
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Done correctly, some studies show cannabis can help concentration, which can be a benefit in poker, a game requiring intense focus and attention to detail. Some players continue to drink which can impair judgment. Marijuana use has been used for therapeutic treatments being particularly helpful in limiting distractions and helping with focus and ADHD medication side effects. However, while it can be helpful for some individuals, much of the research online advises against its use as a primary treatment option.
In the card playing word, players argue cannabis can negatively impact decision-making at the poker table. It may lead to playing on autopilot, reducing the depth of thought required for strategic decisions. Others believe it helps with emotional control, such as calming nerves after a bad beat, which can prevent tilt—a state of emotional frustration that leads to poor decisions.
Some players use cannabis for its stress-reducing properties, which can help manage anxiety and improve overall well-being during long poker sessions. The calming effects of cannabis might benefit players who struggle with stress or anxiety, potentially improving their performance by maintaining a clear mind. This is similar to the only video gaming culture.
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There are anecdotes of successful poker players who have competed while under the influence of cannabis or alcohol, suggesting that individual tolerance and experience play significant roles. The key is recognizing whether cannabis helps or hinders one’s ability to play optimally and making decisions accordingly.
