Driving Under CBD: Is it Legal?

The US CBD market has ballooned in recent years, and with the anticipated growth of this market in the next few years, it is likely that the number of CBD oil users will continue to grow. Since a growing number of people have been considering the potential benefits CBD oil may offer, there seems to be an increasing number of questions raised by those curious that want to know whether can you drive on CBD.  One common question we have seen related to using CBD oil is whether or not it affects your ability to drive.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about CBD oil and driving. 

Can you drive on CBD oil? 

 

CBD leads to a higher level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and anandamide, which causes increased comfort, relaxation, decreased anxiety, and an elevated mood. CBD oil does affect the mental state of its users, but it will not impair your motor functions or make you feel sleepy.  While some patients may feel unsafe to drive after taking CBD oil, other patients have reported feeling energized and focused. If you feel adverse effects from CBD and believe it may impact your ability to drive, avoid driving until the effects wear off.

Actually, It is legal to drive after taking CBD oil, though it's not safe, and it is illegal to do so under the influence of THC. Doctors usually recommend starting with smaller doses of CBD oil to avoid instances where you may lose control while driving. The primary driving difficulty with CBD oil is that you are not adjusted to the effects, leading to a more anxious state of mind. Marijuana significantly impairs your judgment, motor coordinating ability and overall slows your reaction time. CBD Oil, however, is a safe, non-intoxicating marijuana extract that will not directly undermine the functioning of your faculties while driving. Thus, CBD and driving can be compatible. 

The Possible Side Effects of CBD while driving 

 

The Australian government conducted research and studies to determine the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana.

The primary compound in cannabis that negatively affects your ability to drive is THC; the possible symptoms include

• lower concentration capacity
• slow reflexes
• difficulty focusing
• inability to make decisions

Like alcohol, the amount of CBD consumed is inversely related to its negative effects on your ability to drive.

CBD oil does not impact your ability to drive, but everyone is different, and if you feel like it could make you sleepy or otherwise impaired from driving, then wait 1-2 hours before getting behind the wheel.

Some of the reported side effects linked to taking CBD oil may make driving after use difficult.

Other CBD side effects:

• drowsiness
• low blood pressure
• light-headedness

Taking a larger dose of CBD oil may increase feelings of exhaustion and sedation.

All in all, 

Because cannabidiol is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, many believe that using CBD makes it dangerous to drive. CBD is safe, but there have been rare instances of side effects reported by people using CBD. Side effects typically don't present themselves and are rare if they do, but users must exercise caution when starting a CBD regimen to ensure it doesn't have any adverse side effects. As already mentioned in the blog, one side effect of taking a high dose of CBD is drowsiness. This can be really dangerous when driving a car, so it's essential to know how you are personally reacting to the amounts you're taking to adjust them accordingly.