Can I Use CBD and Drive?

It's no surprise that driving under the influence can spell danger. But is CBD considered an “influence” in the same manner? 

Let's explore the laws surrounding CBD usage, how CBD's effects may impact driving, and what you can do to ensure your cognitive function isn't impaired when driving on CBD.

Key takeaways:

• CBD products are used for the cannabis plant's various mental and physical health benefits.
• Unlike marijuana, CBD is not intended to produce a psychoactive effect.
• While CBD typically doesn't impact cognitive function, effects like drowsiness and fatigue may affect driving capabilities.
• The amount of THC in certain CBD products can impact its safety while driving.

See Related: What Exactly Is Hemp-Derived THC?

What do CBD products do?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is derived from the cannabis sativa plant. It can be infused into products like CBD oil, edibles with THC or CBD, and CBD topicals and is used to help address a variety of mental health and physical issues.

Whether you are currently using CBD for anxiety or pain, it is important for users to understand how the industry's many CBD products can affect the body, especially when driving.

Health benefits of CBD use

CBD users may use CBD products to address any number of health issues. Some of these include:

1. Anxiety and depression
2. Insomnia
3. Pain management
4. Muscle soreness
5. Epilepsy

Unlike controlled substances and some prescription medications, taking CBD doesn't cause a psychoactive effect.

However, high doses can cause fatigue, drowsiness, or diarrhea. High levels of CBD may even interact with certain medications.

Is CBD legal?

If you frequently use CBD, you may wonder whether doing so is legal.

The answer is yes, CBD is generally legal. The exception to this rule is CBD that contains a higher concentration of THC.

Bonus: How to Identify a Hemp Plant

How does the amount of THC in CBD affect legality?

CBD is federally legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill. Due to its passage, CBD no longer fits the criteria to be considered a federally controlled substance. This is only as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. 

Despite CBD's legal status at the federal level, compliance with state laws is still important. For example, some states require CBD to include less THC than federal law requires.

Types of CBD

It’s important to note that the type of CBD you purchase can impact both driving safety and drug tests.

There are 3 types of CBD:

Full-spectrum: This naturally contains 0.3% THC or less, making full-spectrum products federally legal, except for the states of Kansas and Idaho. In these states, CBD must contain 0% THC. Full-spectrum CBD is often added to gummies alongside THC.

Broad-spectrum: This type of CBD has THC completely removed or minimized to levels that are non-detectable.

Isolate: Isolate, usually derived from hemp plants, is a pure form of CBD that contains no other compounds from the cannabis plant. It is a crystal form of CBD, often ground up and then sold in powder form. 

To navigate the law surrounding different types of CBD, you should only purchase CBD that has been lab-tested and verified for safety, which provides more accurate dosing information than other unregulated products.

Can you drive on CBD?

It's wise to question whether taking CBD and getting behind the wheel could land you in jail.

The good news is that it’s highly unlikely that using CBD while driving puts you at risk of a DUI.

But, although taking CBD while driving is mostly safe, it may not be entirely without risk. The main cause of concern when it comes to safe driving under CBD isn't intoxication, but rather drowsiness.

How taking CBD affects driving performance

Although CBD won't produce an intoxicating effect or get you into trouble with the law, it can produce other effects that could potentially impact driving, but research is mixed.

In one study published in AJPM Focus, researchers reviewed the effects of CBD on driving performance and safety. 

In this double-blind pilot trial, participants were randomized and allocated to receive a placebo. Then, study participants completed a 40-minute simulated driving performance. While slight determinants to driving performance were noted by researchers during review, additional research is needed to determine whether CBD impacts driving. 

Who should avoid driving while taking CBD?

Individuals who are new to CBD should also exercise caution when consuming and driving. It’s recommended that new users avoid getting behind the wheel after taking CBD for the first time. Experimenting with cannabidiol in a controlled environment can help them gauge their reaction and avoid accidental impairment due to potential THC contamination. 

Another thing to be cautious about is CBD edibles, which carry a longer onset of effects as they must first make their way through the digestive system before being metabolized by the liver.

Does CBD show on a drug test?

While CBD contains trace amounts of THC, it is unlikely to result in a positive drug test. However, one exception is full-spectrum CBD, which can show up on a drug test.

Safety is of extreme importance when dealing with THC, CBD, and other hemp products. Purchasing CBD products and other cannabis products only from licensed, regulated sources, like Clean Remedies, can ensure you are receiving high-quality, lab-tested products that are safe to consume. 

Conclusion

If you are seeking a more holistic approach to medicine, it's likely you've considered CBD.

Although drivers who consume cannabinoids like CBD aren't necessarily at risk of becoming impaired, it is always wise to err on the side of caution by paying close attention to product labels and THC content when consuming CBD.

CBD use can carry many benefits, but it is important to consume it safely, including while you are behind the wheel.

Keep Reading: Your CBD Cream Expiration Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does CBD show up on a breathalyzer?

CBD does not show up on a breathalyzer test, which is traditionally designed to detect and measure one’s breath alcohol concentration.

How long will I test positive for CBD?

CBD does not typically show up on a drug test, although CBD containing high levels of THC may be detectable in urine for more than 30 days in chronic, heavy users. One-time use of CBD containing high levels of THC may be detectable in urine for a period of only 3 days. 

How quickly does CBD wear off?

CBD’s effects usually wear off within 2 to 8 hours. However, this timeframe depends largely on how CBD is consumed, how often it is used, the dosage, and an individual’s metabolism. 

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.