Is It Better to Play Poker Stoned? Pros, Cons & Personal Experience
At first, I was hesitant about combining two of my longest-running vices: marijuana and poker. The last thing I wanted was to be that guy at the table — punting off chips because I made a bad call while too high to think straight.
But then I realised something: I smoke regularly and still manage day-to-day tasks just fine. It’s not like I’m a beginner who gets couch-locked after one hit. For experienced users, the effects can be a lot more manageable — though that definitely isn’t the case for everyone.
If you’re not used to cannabis, this probably isn’t something to experiment with while money is on the line.
🧠 What Poker Actually Requires
Poker isn’t just about cards. Success depends on:
- Concentration
- Patience
- Emotional control
- Reading opponents
- Making calculated decisions under pressure
All of these require a clear head — which is where the debate begins.
🌿 Potential Upsides (For Some Players)
There’s plenty of anecdotal talk among players about certain cannabis strains helping with mindset at the table.
Patience
Patience is one of the most important traits in poker. Waiting for the right spots instead of forcing action is a big part of winning long term. Personally, I find that being slightly high helps me stay patient. I’m happy to sit there, listen to music, and fold for an hour if the cards aren’t right.
When I’m sober, I’m more likely to get bored and play too many hands.
Emotional Detachment
Poker can be emotional. Bad beats happen, coolers happen, and it’s easy to get tilted. Being a bit stoned sometimes helps create emotional distance from individual hands. It’s easier to see the bigger picture instead of getting caught up in one pot.
Focus on Strategy
Things like position, table dynamics, and long-term strategy feel easier to think about when I’m relaxed. It slows the game down mentally, which can help with more deliberate decisions.
⚠️ The Downsides Are Real
Of course, cannabis doesn’t magically make you a better player.
Slower Thinking
THC can slow reaction time and decision-making. In fast-paced spots or tricky river decisions, that can hurt more than it helps.
Poor Judgment
Being too high can absolutely lead to bad calls, missed reads, and overconfidence.
Long Sessions
Some online tournaments can last 10–16 hours. Smoking heavily throughout a long session can lead to mental fatigue, which is the last thing you want near a final table.
Moderation matters — and knowing your own limits matters even more.
🎭 The “Poker Face” Myth
There’s a running joke that being high gives you the ultimate poker face — glazed eyes, distant stare, unreadable expressions. While it sounds funny, experienced players rely far more on betting patterns and timing than facial expressions anyway.
🌿Stoners Within Poker
Now that legalization is sweeping the United States a lot more poker players are more open with their cannabis consumption. There are players such as Dutch Boyd who are openly pro cannabis, he has won 3 WSOP bracelets and has a lifetime earnings of close to $3 Million.
🧩 So… Is It Better to Play Stoned?
There’s no universal answer.
For some experienced cannabis users, a small amount may help with patience and emotional control. For others, it can wreck focus and decision-making. The effects vary hugely from person to person, strain to strain, and situation to situation.
If someone chooses to mix the two, it’s smarter to:
- Keep doses low
- Avoid important or high-pressure games
- Stay aware of how it affects performance
At the end of the day, poker is about making good decisions over time — and anything that interferes with that is probably not +EV.
