Once you acquire CBD and start consuming it, it’s hard not to want to indulge in your favorite products anytime throughout the day. If you have to commute after CBD consumption, you may wonder if CBD and driving are a good match and if CBD can affect your driving. 

In their recent study, researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, found that CBD won’t impair driving even in high doses.

Published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology on May 30, 2022, the latest study on CBD and driving suggests that ingesting CBD, even in high doses, is unlikely to impair cognitive function or driving performance. 

Study Methods

Researchers examined 17 healthy adults in four driving assessments and cognitive tests after ingesting a placebo or CBD oil in doses of 15, 150, or 1,500 milligrams (mg). 

45 and 75 minutes after ingesting a placebo or CBD oil, participants completed tasks and repeated them between 3.5 and 4 hours after consumption. According to the researchers, CBD is thought to reach peak concentrations in the blood within three to four hours after oral consumption.

To evaluate participants’ driving abilities after ingesting CBD, they had to drive behind another vehicle at a safe distance and navigate simulated routes on highways and rural roads. They were examined for their ability to control the car and how much they drifted or weaved, followed by cognitive tests. Finally, researchers checked participants’ blood samples to determine CBD concentrations in their plasma.

None of the following CBD oil doses – 15, 150, or 1500 mg impaired the driving or cognitive performance of the participants.

Although according to the new study, CBD will have no adverse effect on your driving, it’s best to start small and see how CBD affects you before hitting the road. Also, be mindful about which CBD product to ingest, as some may feature higher doses of THC. Ensure the product you are using is third-party lab tested and doesn’t have harmful ingredients. 

Can You get a DUI for CBD consumption?

The impact of CBD on your abilities is one thing, and whether it will show up is another one. The good thing is no drug tests screen for CBD use, as CBD is a legal cannabinoid. These drug tests look for THC metabolites in your body, indicating marijuana use and driving under the influence. 

While CBD is legal and non-intoxicating, some CBD products may trigger positive testing for THC due to having small amounts of THC as a part of their full-spectrum formula. The best way to avoid this is to shop for CBD products with no detectable THC amount. 

Is It Safe to Drive After Consuming CBD?

With CBD becoming millions of consumers’ daily ritual, it’s essential to know whether it’s safe to drive after consuming your daily dose. While there’s no clear-cut answer, it’s best to self-evaluate yourself after consuming CBD and see if it’s safe to be in the driver’s seat. CBD isn’t a problem, but your body may react a certain way. If you feel drowsy, for example, you shouldn’t drive, and this can happen not only after CBD consumption. 

Is it Legal to Drive After Consuming CBD?

CBD is non-intoxicating, and driving after its consumption is legal.

Driving with Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people stay away from driving or feel too stressed behind the steering wheel. Drivers with a general anxiety disorder may suffer various symptoms while driving, like difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Anxious drivers usually engage in different fear-related behaviors leading to unwanted outcomes. 

It’s no longer a secret that most consumers use CBD to relieve anxiety and stress. While not guaranteed, those with anxiety who achieve relaxation from CBD may feel the symptoms go away when driving and feel more confident behind the wheel. 

When your goal is to take CBD to calm your nerves while driving, reduce fear, and relax behind the wheel, use oral CBD products. Keep in mind that gummies and softgels (unless nano-emulsified) take longer to kick in, so taking them right before cranking the car isn’t the best idea. CBD tinctures offer the fastest effects, but you’ll need to give them at least 15 minutes to kick in before delivering results. 

In Conclusion

According to a recent study, CBD doesn’t affect consumers’ driving ability. While CBD doesn’t intoxicate drivers and impair driving, you should always ensure you are ingesting a safe product with only trace or no THC amounts. If you feel tired or drowsy after CBD consumption, get a ride from someone and avoid driving. This applies to any other situation when you feel too tired to drive, whether you have or haven’t consumed CBD.