CBD and driving: facts, risks and tips

CBD behind the wheel: yes or no?

A thoughtful woman contemplates CBD and driving – illustration of a CBD molecule and a pink car, with the Hemnia logo in the top right corner

CBD is popular for a variety of therapeutic effects, from anxiety and stress relief to pain and inflammation. Many people use it daily to support their overall health. So you may be wondering if it affects your attention and whether CBD and driving are a safe combination. In this article, you will learn how CBD works in the body, the latest scientific findings on its effects on driving, and how to use CBD if you drive.

What is CBD and how does it affect the body?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a substance derived from cannabis. Although cannabis is often associated with psychoactive effects, it does not affect perception or cause euphoria.

CBD indirectly interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a system composed of receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes that influence a range of bodily functions. CBD increases the level of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that the body produces naturally and which, through interaction with the main endocannabinoid receptors, contributes, for example, to a better mood or sleep. CBD can achieve this in two ways:

  • By blocking FABP proteins: These proteins transport anandamide inside cells to the FAAH enzyme, which breaks it down. CBD slows them down, allowing the endocannabinoid to work longer in the body.
  • By inhibiting the FAAH enzyme: CBD also directly blocks the activity of this enzyme so that anandamide is broken down more slowly.

The main effects of CBD include relaxation of the mind and body and promotion of better sleep. It has possible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

CBD is now available in many forms, from vapes to gummies to CBD drops and oils, which are very popular for everyday use. But is the combination of CBD drops and driving safe?

Can CBD affect attention while driving?

CBD and its effects, including its impact on driving, have been the subject of intensive research in recent years, confirming that CBD alone should not significantly affect driving, even in higher doses.

This is demonstrated, for example, by a study conducted in 2022 and published in the scientific journal Journal of Psychopharmacology. The research was conducted on 17 participants who performed simulated driving tasks after taking a placebo and 15 mg, 300 mg and 1500 mg of pure CBD (isolate). Each test subject underwent all four variants.

The driving test took place 45 to 75 minutes after consuming CBD and again approximately 3.5 to 4 hours later. The results showed that none of the CBD doses caused feelings of intoxication or affected driving.

The safety of driving after using CBD is also supported by an analysis of the results of several different studies, which concluded that ‘the use of CBD alone is unlikely to significantly affect everyday functioning’.

 

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Risks of driving after using CBD

Although research results show that CBD itself does not have a significant effect on driving performance, this does not mean that there are no risks. Factors that may affect driving include:

  • Drowsiness and fatigue: Higher doses of CBD may cause drowsiness and fatigue. If you notice that you feel tired after taking CBD, it is best not to drive.
  • Low blood pressure and dizziness: CBD may lower blood pressure in some individuals, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness (within an hour of taking CBD). If you have low blood pressure, it is best to wait until after driving before taking CBD.

Driving and full-spectrum CBD products

Although CBD itself is not psychoactive, some products contain other substances from hemp in addition to cannabidiol, including trace amounts of THC. THC can affect perception, coordination or reaction time, and therefore the ability to drive safely.

Types of CBD products according to composition:

  • CBD isolate: pure CBD without other cannabinoids
  • Broad-spectrum CBD: contains other cannabinoids and terpenes, but does not contain THC
  • Full-spectrum CBD: contains the entire spectrum of substances found in hemp, including the legally permitted amount of THC (usually less than 0.2–0.3%)

 

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You may be interested in: What is the difference between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD?

Although the concentration of THC in full-spectrum products is low, regular use or higher doses may lead to accumulation of this substance in the body. This can lead to a mild psychoactive effect, especially in more sensitive individuals, and in extreme cases, to a positive result in a roadside test (e.g. a saliva test).

These doses do not usually have a significant effect on driving ability, but the risk cannot be completely ruled out, especially if you exceed the recommended amount or combine the product with other substances.

Tips for safe use of CBD

To avoid risks, be aware of the following:

If you have never used CBD before, start with a low dose, try it in the comfort and safety of your own home, and monitor for any side effects that could impair your driving.

In general, it is better to use CBD after driving to avoid any risks. For example, if you drive to work in the morning, take CBD at work after breakfast, perhaps with your first cup of coffee.

CBD and drug tests

CBD is not considered a drug in most countries, is perceived as safe, and is not detected by standard drug tests.

Always make sure that the product complies with the regulations in the country where you are driving, do not take more CBD than recommended (and what you have tried before), and you do not have to worry about having problems during a roadside check.

However, remember that you are always responsible for your condition when driving. If you are sleepy, unfocused or feel that your reactions are slower, it is best to refrain from driving.

Conclusion

Current research shows that CBD alone does not pose a significant risk to driving. Unlike THC, it does not affect perception, and when tested in simulated conditions, no negative effects on attention and reactions were observed, even at high doses.

In countries where CBD is legal, you can drive after using it. However, it is generally better to take CBD after driving to avoid the risks associated with possible side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness.

Prefer pure CBD (i.e. isolate or broad spectrum products) over full spectrum products that contain THC. Although the THC content in these products is low and should not accumulate in the body when taken at the recommended dosage, there is still a risk that it could affect your ability to drive and show up on drug tests.

FAQ

Is it legal to drive after using CBD?

If CBD is legal in the country where you are driving, you can use it without worry before driving. THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive and is strictly regulated or completely banned in most countries.

If you drive frequently, choose pure CBD. If you prefer full-spectrum products that contain THC, do not exceed the recommended dosage and exercise caution.

How long after taking CBD can I drive?

Studies show that CBD alone does not affect driving skills, so it generally does not matter whether you get behind the wheel immediately, after a delay, or after using CBD.

However, keep in mind that CBD affects everyone differently and may have side effects that could make driving unpleasant. It is up to you to assess how CBD affects you and whether its effects could in any way impair your driving ability.

If you do not know how your body tolerates CBD or if you feel tired after taking it, it is best to wait until after driving.

The speed at which the effects kick in depends on how you take it:

How long does CBD stay in the body?

How long CBD stays in the body is influenced by a number of factors:

  • Body weight and metabolic rate: CBD is lipophilic, which means it can be stored in fatty tissue. If you have a higher percentage of body fat, CBD may stay in your body longer.
  • Method of use: While inhalation leads to a faster onset of effects and remains in the body for a shorter period of time, oral use has a slower onset and lasts longer
  • Dosage and frequency: Higher doses and more frequent use can prolong the time CBD remains in the body.

If you use CBD occasionally, it will remain in your body for several hours to days, while regular use may result in it being present for several days to weeks.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

Standard drug tests used for roadside checks do not detect CBD.

 

Sources:

 

Author: Natálie Kubíčková

 

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