Can You Drive When Using Cbd Oil
Can You Drive When Using Cbd Oil
Driving requires full focus. May drivers consider taking CBD oil to help with relaxation? Keep reading to get information about CBD oil and driving in the UK.
CBD oil has become popular and easily available in stores all over the UK. With the increase in popularity and use, many people have questions regarding its use and regional laws. One of the questions people want to know is if one can drive when using CBD oil. The law specifies the type of drugs one should not have in their blood while driving. One might wonder if CBD falls under these drugs. What are the laws regarding CBD oil? Is CBD legal? Is it legal in the UK to drive after or when using CBD oil?
Facts About CBD Oil
CBD, cannabidiol, is one of the compounds of cannabis plants. These compounds are called cannabinoids, and one common compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found in marijuana. THC is a controlled substance and causes psychoactive effects. CBD is non-psychoactive, unlike THC, meaning it does not cause intoxication. THC is mostly found in marijuana, while CBD is derived from hemp plants. However, there are 3 types of CBD concentrates with varying compositions.
Cbd Concentrates
CBD is extracted from the hemp species under specific laws in the UK. Hemp-derived CBD should not have 0.2% THC. CBD products can contain varying components depending on the extraction method. There are 3 types, full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full spectrum and broad spectrum contains several natural cannabinoids found in the plant. Broad spectrum has THC removed while it is present in full spectrum. CBD isolate contains pure cannabidiol that has all the other compounds removed.
Is CBD Oil Legal In The UK?
CBD oil is legal in the UK as it follows the required guidelines, such as not having more than 1mg of THC content. CBD products are legally sold in the UK if they follow such guidelines.
Can CBD Show Up in a Drug Test?
Drug tests are set to detect a compound in THC. Gibbs, Yates, & Liebling (2019)stated that some people who only have claims to use CBD products had failed drug tests. To be sure of the amount of THC in the CBD product, one should buy from a certified company under UK regulations. Learn more about what does cbd oil taste like?
Can You Drive When Using CBD Oil
In the UK, specific guidelines are set on driving under various substances, including THC. Gibbs Yates & Liebling (2019) stated that CBD is not a controlled substance in the UK. One should not worry about driving when using CBD oil as long as they buy it from a local company that follows UK laws. However, taking CBD oil and driving is a personal decision and should not be imposed on others. Learn more about how to find the best cbd oil for sale?
Can CBD Affect Diving Ability?
CBD affects the brain positively by improving how the endocannabinoid system works. It does not cause intoxication or affect the cognitive processes negatively. Henderson et al. (2021) mentioned that CBD does not impair one's driving. CBD properties do not have a strong effect on ones driving ability. However, other concentrates of CBD products with other cannabinoids might have negative effects when in high amounts. This is highly likely when one purchases CBD with a THC amount above the legal limit.
Is it Safe To Drive When Using CBD Oil?
As long as CBD oil contains the legal amount of THC, it is safe to drive. However, one should exercise caution about their dosage and not take excessive doses of CBD oil. It is important to start with a small dose and be consistent with being sure of the effects of CBD oil on the body.
CBD Oil Benefits When Driving
Most people feel anxious when driving. Lee (2011) explained that CBD regulates the levels and effects of serotonin in the body. Serotonin plays a huge role in mood stabilization. CBD oil makes one feel calm, relaxed and focused on the road. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a condition that causes people to struggle to be awake during the day. Babson, Sottile & Morabito (2017)mentioned that CBD had been studied to help people with excessive sleepiness disorder to stay active and awake during the day. CBD oil can positively help one feel less anxious and active when driving. It is important to note that CBD has different effects on individuals, and one should note how it affects them personally and use it for their benefit.
Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil
As a natural substance, CBD oil is well tolerated. However, when one's body is not used to it, it might have some mild side effects. Boehnke et al. (2021) explained that common side effects include drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness, sadness, dry mouth, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions On CBD Oil
Can You Drink Alcohol While Using CBD Oil
CBD oil and alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Having different contents of the two might have unwanted effects. It is wise not to mix alcohol and CBD oil, especially when one is not used to the effects of both.
Is CBD oil a Drug
CBD is an approved drug in the UK that can be sold as a prescription and supplement. This is as long as the products do not contain more than 1 mg of THC. CBD oil is easily available in stores.
How Long Does CBD Stay in the Body?
Depending on the amount of CBD one has taken, mode of administration, and frequency of use, CBD oil can stay in the body from hours to a few weeks.
Conclusion
CBD oil can positively benefit driving because it makes one feel calm and relaxed. As long as one is using CBD oil that has the legal amount required, one should not have any problem when driving. CBD affects people differently, and how people react to it differs. It is ultimately a personal decision to use CBD oil and drive. One should note how CBD oil affects them and ensure they know the consequences. It will be wise not to drive if one is unsure of how they feel or notice side effects from using CBD oil.
References
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Current psychiatry reports, 19(4), 1-12.
Boehnke, K. F., Gagnier, J. J., Matallana, L., & Williams, D. A. (2021). Cannabidiol uses for fibromyalgia: prevalence of use and perceptions of effectiveness in a large online survey. The Journal of Pain, 22(5), 556-566.
Henderson, L. A., Kotsirilos, V., Cairns, E. A., Ramachandran, A., Peck, C. C., & McGregor, I. S. (2021). Medicinal cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain. Australian Journal of General Practice, 50(10), 724-732.
Lee, M. A. (2011). CBD: how it works. O’Shaughnessy’s [Internet].
Gibbs, B., Yates, D. A., & Liebling, J. (2019). CBD in the UK. London, UK: Centre for Medicinal Cannabis.
