CBD is continuing to attract the interest of people around the world because of its multiple reported benefits. Linked with potentially supporting issues such as anxiety, pain and even with pets such as your dog or cat, Cannabidiol (CBD) is available and useful. But because of its close tie with cannabis – with CBD extracted from the same cannabis plant as recreational Marijuana – naturally, some are concerned about how it affects the mind and body. For instance, when you drive, would you feel intoxicated and unable to react behind the wheel of a car due to CBD oil?
Since the driving laws changed in 2016, police backed by the UK government has greater power to clamp down on dangerous driving under the influence. With that in mind, let’s explore the legality of CBD in the UK, whether it’s safe to drive while taking the popular food supplement and what you would do if stopped by the police.
Are Cannabis and CBD Oil Linked When Driving?
Cannabis, the narcotic drug, which is on the banned list of substances while driving, contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive high. Any amount of this can certainly impact your performance, whether driving in busy streets packed with pedestrians or on the motorway.
In contrast, CBD oil stems from the hemp plant, which contains a very minor amount of THC. With CBD predominantly sold under the legal requirement of 0.2%, your awareness and ability to react should be the same as normal when driving.
Is it Legal to Drive After Taking CBD Oil?
Because CBD is a non-intoxicating product, no laws exist surrounding Cannabidiol, meaning it’s completely safe to drive as soon as you take CBD, providing you buy from a respected brand. Ideally, you should look for one that lists recent lab reports, confirming they meet standards set by an appropriate governing body that regulate and ensure the correct ingredients contained within the oil are safe to ingest.
Will You Pass a Driving Test With CBD Oil in Your System?
Yes, it should be fine to take CBD oil considering its limited amount of THC. Nevertheless, everybody is different, with circumstances such as weight and height playing a part in how it impacts each individual. Only you know how your body can tolerate CBD, which is measured in milligrams and typically placed under the tongue and then swallowed. A top tip is to find a brand that extracts CBD using CO2 methods from organic cannabis plants naturally.
Could You Get Stopped by the Police?
This is very unlikely but can still happen if the police officer believes you are under the influence, driving dangerously or could potentially impact another driver’s safety. In the event you’re pulled over, follow the same procedure – pull over where it’s safe to do so, then you will have to undertake drug screening on the side of the road or take part in a field impairment test (i.e walk in a straight line). Providing you have taken just CBD oil and it’s under the legal THC limit of 0.2%, you should be fine.
Always err on the side of caution when considering whether to drive or not. The point of CBD is to compliment your lifestyle, not put yourself or others at risk when driving. CBD oil is completely legal to take but essentially boils down to whether you feel right when taking it. Should there be any concern or doubt, don’t get behind the wheel.