Can You Drive on CBD
CBD has become increasingly popular among Americans who suffer from chronic pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety. Despite its widespread use, many people remain confused about its effects, particularly when it comes to driving.
A recent study has found that CBD has little effect on driving and cognitive abilities, even at higher doses, which should provide reassurance to those who rely on the cannabis compound for medical and psychiatric reasons.
However, the study authors caution that further research is necessary, and people who take CBD alongside other medications should still exercise caution when driving. We will try to clear up any confusion about the effects of CBD on driving and provides advice for staying safe on the road.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a chemical found in cannabis plants. Hemp is the primary source of CBD and typically contains small amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use.
FDA recently approved a drug that uses CBD as the active ingredient for treating specific childhood seizure disorders. While many studies on CBD have produced mixed results, ongoing research will continue to uncover the veil of CBD’s potential benefits.
The Effects of CBD
CBD has been found to have a wide range of beneficial effects on the body and mind, such as fighting carcinogenic cells, relieving certain types of pain, and even helping to reduce or quit smoking. While more research is still needed, it is clear that cannabidiol is a promising substance, and some people with conditions like anxiety or Parkinson’s are already using it as a treatment option.
Side Effects of CBD
Despite being controversial in the eyes of authorities, CBD is increasingly being recognized as a valuable ally for human health, offering relief for various types of conditions. Overall, the positive effects of CBD far outweigh the manageable negative side effects.
As with any substance, cannabidiol has its side effects, although they are not alarming. It is always advisable to be aware of them when consuming CBD. Here are the common side effects:
- CBD can cause a drop in blood pressure
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth sensation
- Drowsiness
Does CBD Affect Driving?
Although CBD may seem harmless and calming, it still carries some side effects that should be considered. Specifically, cannabidiol affects the brain by increasing levels of GABA and anandamide, which can induce a rapid and strong sense of relaxation. While these effects may be mild and enjoyable, they can also cause mood swings, fatigue, and dizziness.
However, as with any medication, it’s best not to drive after taking CBD for the first time. This allows you to observe how your body reacts to CBD and determine if any side effects could potentially affect your focus, concentration, and ability to drive.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the effects of CBD on driving did not differ from those of a placebo drug. These findings suggest that there is no evidence that CBD is unsafe to take before driving. In fact, CBD may help you feel calmer while driving, which could help reduce road rage.
As there isn’t much research it’s best to avoid putting yourself and others at risk on the road. If you do need to drive, stick to low doses of CBD to reduce the likelihood of getting involved in an accident that could be considered a criminal offense.
Driving on CBD vs THC
CBD and THC have their unique qualities despite being equally beneficial. CBD has the advantage of its non-psychoactive properties, allowing for versatile use anytime and anywhere. However, a combination of THC and CBD can provide heightened therapeutic effects, making it particularly useful for pain relief. Thus if the product you are using contains THC avoid driving as it will be considered a DUI.
Both CBD and THC are generally well-tolerated by the human body, and an overdose of naturally-derived cannabinoids alone is unlikely. However, high amounts of CBD do not seem to have an impact on one’s ability to drive, but high levels of THC can notably hinder it.
Things To Consider
The CBD industry is expanding rapidly, resulting in new brands emerging everywhere. However, this poses a risk for consumers as unregulated CBD products may be purchased. According to a report by the Centre of Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) in 2019, 45% of CBD products available in the market contain measurable THC levels. If a product contains THC levels above the legal limit, it could impair your ability to drive. Failing a roadside drug screening due to THC presence in your system could lead to severe penalties.
Thus, it is crucial to buy CBD from trustworthy manufacturers. That’s why at Prest Organics, we are committed to transparency and ensuring the highest quality products for our customers. That’s why all of our products undergo third-party lab testing to meet the most stringent industry requirements. We work with Evio Labs from Portland to ensure the quality control of our products. You can find all of our test results published on our official website, so you can be confident in the quality and purity of our CBD products.
Final Word
As the research suggests, the use of CBD doesn’t seem to have a significant effect on one’s driving ability. However, caution should still be exercised, especially if you are new to CBD or if you are using it alongside other medications. Side effects of CBD are uncommon but exist, and they can range from dizziness and drowsiness to nausea. Therefore it’s not recommended to drive while experiencing any of these side effects.
Always check your product, if it contains higher levels of THC, it may seriously impair your ability to drive, thus sitting behind the steering wheel can be dangerous. Always purchase CBD products from reputable manufacturers to avoid potential risks that unregulated products carry. With proper care and consideration, CBD can be a useful ally for those seeking relief from various conditions, while still being good to drive.