Can You Drive On CBD? The Ultimate Guide To ABlissful Trip

Many people use CBD regularly for its various health and wellness benefits. 

But since CBD comes from the cannabis plant family, you may wonder:

Can I drive on CBD?

Is it safe and legal in the UK?

The short answer: 

Yes! Since CBD doesn’t cause a disorientating high, unlike other cannabis extracts. 

We’ll discuss everything about CBD and driving, including three handy tips for a hassle-free driving experience while using CBD.

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Can You Drive On CBD?

Yes. CBD is legal in the UK and rarely impairs driving ability.

There’s a lot of disinformation around CBD use, so it’s natural for CBD users to be wary about driving.

But there’s no need to worry.

Here’s what the law says about driving on CBD in the UK:

UK Law Around CBD Use & Driving

CBD and THC are the two main cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant (marijuana and hemp plant).

But the UK laws regarding these cannabinoids are poles apart:

• CBD (cannabidiol) is not considered a controlled substance in the UK. It’s a non intoxicating, therapeutic compound that may ease the symptoms of sleep disorders, anxiety, and stress. So it’s legal to use CBD and drive after that. 
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can give you a psychoactive ‘high’ and impair cognitive function. So it’s illegal in the UK — unless you have a medical prescription for medical cannabis containing THC.

CBD products sold in the UK have a legal limit of 0.0% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration. 

What’s more?

The UK law concerning drug driving prohibits driving under the influence of 16 specific illegal drugs, including marijuana (which contains THC) — a controlled substance.

So what happens if you’re found driving after consuming a CBD product with THC content?

The UK DUI laws state that you may face a one-year driving ban, a six-month prison sentence, an unlimited fine, and even get a criminal record for drug driving. Yikes!

Bottom line? 

To adhere to UK drug driving laws, ensure your CBD oil doesn’t contain even trace amounts of THC.

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Is It Safe To Drive While Using CBD?

While driving after CBD use is legal, you may worry about whether it’s safe for yourself and other drivers. 

Here’s what research says about using CBD and driving:

• The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics studied THC and CBD’s effects on simulated driving. The study found that high-THC cannabis led to greater lane weaving. However, adding CBD didn’t reduce intoxication and reaction time.
• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed there’s no significant evidence of impairment in driving performance due to CBD usage. 

But please note that participants of the study were given only 13.75mg of CBD, which may not represent an average dose among CBD users. 

• A study led by Dr McCartney (a research fellow at the Lambert Initiative) compared the effects of 15mg, 300mg, and 1500mg CBD on simulated driving performance. The results suggested oral CBD usage is unlikely to cause drug impaired driving. 

The bottom line?

CBD is generally safe to use before driving and rarely impacts your driving ability. However, it may not lower intoxication caused by THC (or other stimulants).

Will the Police Stop You After Taking CBD?

A police officer can stop you for numerous reasons, such as a broken taillight or an expired license. 

But it’s unlikely they will stop you for driving after CBD use. 

However, drivers who use CBD may run into issues if they show signs of impaired driving, such as reckless lane weaving or drowsiness behind the wheel.

So, what will happen if you show these signs?

A police officer may perform a field impairment test and a roadside drug test.

1. What To Expect in a Field Impairment Test

The field impairment test is a series of tasks to gauge a driver’s intoxication level after police suspect drug impaired driving.

The test involves:

• An analysis of your pupils in which an officer will ask you to look straight ahead and keep your eyes wide open.
• An examination of your balance in which an officer will direct you to stand still, put your arms to the side, and lift one leg 15 cm. 
• A look at your alertness in which the officer will ask you to walk in a straight line.

After the field impairment test, the police may perform a roadside drug test.

2. Does CBD Show Up in a Roadside Drug Test?

Cannabidiol can show up if the police conduct a cannabinoid test. 

Don’t worry. 

CBD is a legal substance, and high-quality, legal CBD products don’t contain trace amounts of THC. 

But here’s the deal:

You shouldn’t get in trouble unless your roadside drug test exceeds two micrograms of THC per millimetre of blood. 

If you regularly take low-quality or illegal CBD products, you could possibly test positive for THC.

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Want to know some secrets to safe driving when using CBD? 

Keep reading.

3 Tips to Ensure Safe Driving While Using CBD

CBD is known to be safe, but it’s always a good idea to take some precautions when you drive after CBD use.

Here are some tips to help you ensure a safe journey.

1. Monitor Your CBD Dosage

Finding the correct dosage for safe driving may be tricky as the reaction to CBD varies from person to person.

Using CBD for the first time?

Begin with a small dose (20-25 mg) of quality CBD oil or other CBD products. Gradually increase it (5mg of CBD weekly ) until you feel the effects of CBD. 

Monitor how you feel after each dose.

You’ll find the correct dosage (that also doesn’t cause driving impairment) in no time.

But wait…

Avoid taking high doses of CBD  — more than 100mg daily (unless your healthcare professional recommends it). High doses of CBD may lead to unwanted side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea that can cause driving impairment.

That’s why the FSA recommends 70mg per day or less.

How do you calculate the correct CBD oil dosage?

Use our free CBD oil dosage calculator to get your optimal dosage in minutes!

2. Be Cautious When Taking CBD 

While research suggests CBD doesn’t lead to impaired driving, it may cause drowsiness in drivers who use high concentrations of CBD.

CBD can also potentially interact with other prescription drugs, including:

• Pain medications
• Antidepressants
• Seizure medications
• Diabetes medications

Consult your doctor if you’re on medication to rule out any potential adverse effects.

Feeling sleepy or sluggish after CBD use? 

Delay your drive by a couple of hours — until you feel refreshed and can focus again.  

This way, you can drive confidently, fully alert, and avoid complications.

3. Use a High-Quality, THC-Free CBD Product

CBD gummies, CBD patches, CBD oil, and cookie supplements… there are tons of CBD products you could use. 

These may contain CBD isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum CBD. 

Why does that matter?

Avoid full spectrum CBD as it has THC content and is illegal in the UK. Instead, only use CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD (completely legal) before driving.

And even if you choose a legal product, consider its quality.

A low-quality CBD product may contain a higher THC level than what the product label mentions.

So when you shop for CBD, remember to:

• Check how many milligrams of CBD are in each serving of your CBD oil, CBD gummy, or CBD capsule.

• Check the Certificate of Analysis (CoA). It helps understand the product’s potency, THC level and harmful additives.

Ready for a drive?

Follow the CBD Rules to Avoid Getting Pulled Over 

You can drive on CBD as it’s legal by UK law, and research shows it’s generally safe. 

But remember:

Monitor your CBD dosage, buy only high-quality CBD products, and be cautious of any adverse effects to stay on the right side of the law. 

Looking for high-quality, THC-free CBD products? 

Visit GreenBox! Explore various food supplements and THC-free CBD products from trusted CBD companies like Love Hemp, Provacan, and more. CBD oil, CBD gummy, CBD bath bombs, and more – there’s a CBD product for everyone!