Virtually everyone in the world is aware of the fact that it’s a bad idea to drive after using marijuana. THC slows your reaction times and impairs your motor skills, potentially increasing the probability that you’ll get into an accident. You might wonder, therefore, if the same thing is true of CBD. After all, CBD comes from cannabis. Can you drive on CBD oil, and is there anything that you should consider before using CBD and driving?
We’ll begin this article with the short answer to your question: You can definitely drive on CBD in most cases. In fact, there has been at least one published clinical study showing that the effect of CBD on driving is the same as that of a placebo. Moreover, CBD oil will not get you high. With those things being said, there are still some things that are worth considering as you begin your CBD journey – and in this article, we’re going to cover the topic of CBD and driving in the UK from all angles.
CBD and Driving in the UK: Does CBD Have Any Side Effects That Could Impede Driving?
Although the statement that you can drive on CBD perfectly safely is overwhelmingly supported by clinical and anecdotal evidence, it still bears mentioning that some people have reported negative side effects when taking CBD. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the CBD side effects that have been reported include:
- Digestive issues
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite
Although it’s important to be on the lookout for possible negative side effects when using CBD for the first time, it’s also worthwhile to note that this list is virtually identical to the list of side effects that people commonly report when taking placebos.
There is also a chance that CBD may interact with certain prescription drugs. CBD and prescription drugs are both broken down by enzymes in the liver, which can potentially mean that blood levels of certain prescription medications may reach higher-than-normal levels if you take CBD concurrently. With some medications, that can potentially lead to increased drowsiness. Therefore, we suggest speaking with your doctor before taking CBD and driving if you use any prescription medications. Read our CBD FAQ to learn more.
Are There Any Studies About CBD Oil and Driving?
Yes. A double-blind crossover study on CBD oil and driving was conducted by the University of Sydney, and the study’s results were published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2022. The study used 17 healthy adult volunteers who were given CBD at doses of 15 mg, 300 mg or 1,500 mg or a placebo. The volunteers used driving simulators for up to 240 minutes following treatment and were measured on their adherence to correct driving procedures. The volunteers reported no feelings of intoxication, and there was no observed difference in driving performance between those who received CBD treatments and those who received a placebo. The study concluded that CBD appears to have no adverse effect on driving ability.
Are There Any Laws in the UK That Apply to CBD Oil and Driving?
There are no laws in that apply to CBD oil and driving in the UK as long as you’re using CBD derived from industrial hemp – not from marijuana – and aren’t driving in an impaired fashion. Impaired driving is always illegal in the UK, however, even when taking prescription medications. With that in mind, although you should never feel impaired when taking CBD, it’s always wisest to stay home if you feel that you’re not able to drive normally.
Are There Any Reasons Why Using CBD and Driving Would Be a Bad Idea?
Note that in the previous section of this article, we specifically mentioned the fact that there are no laws applying to taking CBD oil and driving in the UK if you’re using CBD derived from industrial hemp. To meet the legal definition of industrial hemp, both the plant itself and the CBD oil derived from the plant must have a THC content below 0.2 percent. With a THC content higher than the legal maximum, CBD oil would become a controlled substance and would then be illegal to use – especially when driving.
At Blessed CBD, we take legal compliance very seriously. Our full-spectrum CBD oil always contains less than 0.2 percent THC, and we conduct rigorous lab tests to prove it. View our test results now. We also offer a wide range of products made from broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Those products contain no THC.
Although the available evidence overwhelmingly suggests that CBD does not cause impaired driving, we still think it’s a good idea to avoid driving when taking CBD for the first time in case you do experience one of the rare side effects mentioned at the top of this article. If you do happen to find that taking CBD oil makes you feel drowsy, you’ll be glad that you stayed at home.
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References
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/does-marijuana-use-affect-driving
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
- https://sites.psu.edu/cannabinoid/files/2020/06/NTI-Meds-to-be-Closely-Monitored-when-Co-Administered-with-Cannabinoids_2020_04_25.pdf
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811221095356
- https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law
