Is It Fine To Drive When You Are On CBD?

by Martin B. · January 19, 2021

CBD (cannabidiol) products are wellness supplements used for various purposes, from alleviating anxiety to insomnia and physical health conditions such as pain, stress, etc. It has grown popular in recent times in the United States of America because of the farm bill’s introduction.

As a result, many manufacturers started producing CBD supplements in various beauty and lifestyle products, increasing their consumption, which leads to one question. Is it safe to drive after consuming CBD or not? Driving your vehicle after CBD consumption may not land you in trouble. However, there are some general rules you need to follow and understand both the constituents and effects of CBD in detail.

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What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one such cannabinoid present in cannabis, along with another most observed constituent, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The difference between the both is that the latter is a psychoactive constituent while the former is not. Steve’s Goods CBN Gummies helps users both in recreational and medicinal use contributes a lot to its increasing popularity recently. Especially, people consuming CBD for medicinal use can benefit because of its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties.

CBD supplements are available in many forms, such as CBD oil, lip balms, moisturizers, edibles, etc. However, most people prefer CBD pills to help with pain and seizures.

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Interaction of CBD with the brain

CBD does not have any psychoactive effects directly on the brain. However, it acts as a catalyst in alteration of the brain functioning, ultimately impacting mood and also alertness in some cases. Its impact on the serotonin receptors of the brain is responsible for the anti-anxiety effects. CBD is also capable of boosting or inducing receptor transmission, especially the GABA-A receptor. CBD binds the GABA-A receptor with the GABA neurotransmitter, creating a feeling of relaxation and calm.

How does cannabis affect driving abilities?

Most people associate CBD directly with cannabis and assume that both are the same and have similar physical and psychological effects on the brain post-consumption. Cannabis is a plant that consists of several compounds known as cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system and cause alterations in physical and psychological functioning. The primary cannabinoid THC causes a psychoactive high among users by interacting with the CB1 receptors. That results in feelings of creativity and euphoria accompanied by sedation, drowsiness, anxiety, and panic when consumed in large doses.

Research suggests that THC is responsible for impairing motor coordination, judgment, and the usual reaction time. That explains why driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in the vast majority of countries. Despite being legal for recreational and medicinal use in many states of the United States of America, driving under its influence is still illegal.

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Whether it is safe to drive after CBD consumption?

CBD does not impair your motor coordination or cause alterations in perception, so your driving skills are not affected after CBD consumption. That said, there are some crucial things you need to keep in mind to ensure that you don’t cause any trouble for yourself and others. CBD may also cause lightheadedness, blood pressure, and drowsiness affecting your ability to drive.

The first and foremost thing to keep in mind before hopping into the driving seat after CBD consumption is the dosage. When consumed in small doses, CBD has stimulating effects and boosts the mood, whereas, in large doses, it causes drowsiness acting as a sedative.

For people consuming CBD supplements initially, it’s better to start with smaller doses and gradually increase the dosage. Test whether they are experiencing any side effects and consult your doctor in case of side effects. Refrain yourself from getting behind the wheel after CBD consumption in the initial stages until you get accustomed to its impact on the comfort of your home.

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Contents of the CBD products

Another factor for deciding whether driving after CBD consumption is safe or not is the contents present in CBD supplements. THC is present in most of the CBD supplements in small amounts. The percentage of THC is almost negligible to cause any psychoactive or intoxicating effects unless and until consumed in large doses.

The majority of the countries have a zero-tolerance policy concerning THC levels in the body. Therefore, it is better to stick to CBD supplements with little to no THC content to avoid complications.

Is it legal to drive with CBD in a car?

Here’s another concern that bothers many individuals looking to try CBD supplements. According to the farm bill, the production, distribution, and sale of hemp are legal in almost all American states. It implies that you can travel with CBD in your car, but there may be a few instances where it may confuse law enforcement officials as CBD is still a direct extract of cannabis. There are still some grey areas for the legal laws of carrying cannabis-related products, especially if you plan on interstate travel.

Final Thoughts

CBD does not have any psychological effects on the user that impair the ability to perform daily activities, including driving. However, any trace of THC level in the body may result in legal trouble while driving. So, it is up to the individual to analyze the legal aspect of driving after CBD consumption.

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Martin B.

Ex-smoker, passionate vaper who loves to tell the world about the life-changing potential of vaping. Co-creator of Ecigclopedia with a background in Business & Finance. Prefers a dessert flavored vape and loves to innovate.