Can You Drive After CBD?

November 14, 2024

CBD is everywhere—oils, capsules, even infused into snacks. In the UK, where more than 1.3 million people use CBD regularly, it’s become a staple in many wellness routines. But if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I legally drive after taking CBD?” you’re not alone. This question is crucial, not just for safety but for peace of mind when navigating your day-to-day life.

So, let’s get right into it. Can you drive after taking CBD? The short answer is yes, but there are some critical things to know before getting behind the wheel. Let’s break down how CBD affects you, what the law says, and how to drive safely when CBD is part of your wellness routine.

1. CBD Won’t Get You High, But…

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: CBD doesn’t make you high. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD is non-intoxicating. This means it doesn’t impair your judgement, alter your perception, or create a sense of euphoria. For most people, CBD offers a gentle sense of calm or relief from pain, but nothing that would interfere with driving ability.

That said, CBD can still have effects. Depending on the dosage, it may make you feel more relaxed or, in higher amounts, slightly drowsy. For example, if you’re using CBD for sleep or chronic pain relief, a strong dose could leave you feeling less alert than usual.

Actionable Insight: If you’re new to CBD or trying a higher dose, wait and see how your body reacts before driving. Everyone metabolises CBD differently, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.

2. The Legal Aspect: What’s the Law?

In the UK, driving under the influence of drugs—legal or illegal—is a serious offence. But here’s the thing: CBD is perfectly legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. The law focuses on impairment, not the mere presence of a substance. If CBD makes you feel drowsy or unfit to drive, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. It’s as simple as that.

However, things get trickier if the CBD product you’re using contains trace amounts of THC. In rare cases, high doses of full-spectrum CBD could theoretically cause THC levels to show up in a drug test. The police do have roadside tests for cannabis impairment, so if you feel any effects or are using a new product, be extra cautious.

Pro Tip: Always choose CBD products that have been third-party tested and verified to contain less than 0.2% THC. Full-spectrum CBD offers an “entourage effect” that may enhance the benefits, but double-check the THC content to avoid legal complications.

3. How to Gauge Your Fitness to Drive

Feeling unsure about whether you’re okay to drive after taking CBD? Use these self-assessment questions:

Do I feel alert and focused? If CBD has made you feel overly relaxed or sleepy, it’s best to wait it out.
Is my reaction time normal? A simple way to check is to throw a ball and catch it. If you feel slower than usual, don’t risk driving.
Am I experiencing any side effects? Common side effects of CBD, like dizziness or dry mouth, should also be considered.

If the answer to any of these is “no,” delay driving. Remember, safety comes first.

Actionable Tip: Keep a small notebook or use a notes app to track how different CBD dosages make you feel. This can help you understand what amounts are safe before driving.

4. Best Practices for Taking CBD and Driving

To stay safe, follow these best practices:

Start Low and Go Slow: If you’re trying CBD for the first time, start with a low dose (5-10 mg) and increase gradually. This helps you gauge how it affects you, especially before driving.
Wait Before Driving: If you’re using a new CBD product or have taken a higher dose than usual, wait 1-2 hours to see how it makes you feel. This is especially important if you’re heading out on a long or demanding drive.
Stick to Isolate or Broad-Spectrum CBD: These products contain no THC and are less likely to affect your driving. Full-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC, so use caution.

5. What About Drug Tests?

One of the biggest concerns people have is whether CBD use can result in a positive drug test, especially if they’re pulled over or have a job that requires regular testing. While it’s rare, using large doses of full-spectrum CBD could lead to trace amounts of THC being detected.

Pro Insight: If you’re in a job that requires drug testing or frequently on the road, opt for CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products. These have no detectable THC and are a safer choice for those concerned about drug screenings.

6. Real-World Scenarios: When to Skip Driving

Imagine this: you’ve taken a 20 mg dose of CBD oil to help manage back pain. Normally, it leaves you feeling calm but fully alert. But today, you also had a late night, and the CBD is making you feel more relaxed than usual. In this case, it’s smart to postpone driving until you feel more awake.

Another scenario: you’re taking CBD for anxiety and feel calmer but not sedated. You have an important meeting across town. If you feel fully focused and present, driving should be fine. The key is to check in with your body and be honest with yourself.

Actionable Tip: If you find CBD makes you drowsy, consider taking it in the evening instead of during the day. Experiment with timing to find what works best for your lifestyle.

So, can you drive after taking CBD? In most cases, yes—but with conditions. CBD generally won’t impair your driving ability, but everyone’s body is different, and dosage matters. If you feel even a hint of drowsiness or reduced focus, don’t take the risk. And always be mindful of the type of CBD you’re using, especially if it contains any THC.

When in doubt, wait it out. A few minutes or hours of extra caution could make all the difference. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the balanced benefits of CBD—whether you’re on or off the road.