CBD Oil and Driving: Everything You Need to Know

CBD Oil and Driving: Everything You Need to Know

The rise of CBD oil has made people question whether they can consume it and, at the same time, drive. It’s possible, and this article will be the perfect fit to answer that question. Some of the questions asked include; can a person drive while under CBD? Can it be used for anxiety issues? And is it safe to drive while using CBD?

Just like when you need sound in mind to drive, you also need to be sane after using CBD oil. If you notice that the side effects of CBD oil are greater, avoid taking the wheel. It would help if you only drove when you felt completely safe and had no side effects. You are good to go as long as the CBD oil you use is of high quality, does not contain the THC factor, or is in small amounts. However, do not compare your partner’s experiences with yours. The effects of CBD oil vary from person to person. 

What is CBD Oil?

According to Mead (2017), CBD is an active compound found in the cannabis plant. They are mostly known for their medicinal benefits. They do not have the psychoactive component that makes one high. CBD oil is gotten from the flowers, stems, and leaves of the cannabis plant. A carrier oil like seed oil or coconut oil is mixed with them to come up with CBD oil. Its property grew because of the healing, therapeutic, and several characteristics that it possesses.

Is It Safe To Take CBD Oil And Drive?

According to Jin et al. (2021), CBD is obtained from cannabis and hemp. There are instances where you can find some small amounts of THC in the CBD oil. However, the traces are so few to cause a high effect. Just because CBD and THC are found on the hemp plant does not mean they are the same. Driving under the influence of THC is not okay as you may be high, but with CBD oil, it is possible. Driving with CBD oil in the body is completely okay. It does not affect one’s mental ability to drive.

However, there are instances that the CBD oil may have THC in high concentration. In such situations, it is better if one tries to avoid driving. This is because CBD oil with high amounts of THC can alter the mind and make you high. It is always better to check on the amount in the CBD oil before consuming it, especially if you -plan on driving. Let your dosage be constant so you know what feels great for you.

Does CBD Make You Drowsy When Driving?

Moltke & Hindocha (2021) suggested that CBD products have always been associated with sleep. It is believed that it helps the user get some good sleep. However, this does not mean you immediately sleep after taking CBD oil. There is a difference between getting some good sleep and being sleepy. CBD helps one to get some good sleep. It is associated with insomnia. This means that CBD oil will not make them sleepy but more attentive when one has had a great sleep. Therefore, one cannot be drowsy if they take CBD oil during normal sleep. It may even help driving as they stay focused in such situations.

Can A Person Drive after Taking CBD Oil?

Asbridge et al. (2012) noted that an individual who has consumed CBD oil can always drive when they have consumed CBD oil that has little amount of THC. It does not greatly affect individuals who want to drive since it does not have the presence of a psychoactive component. You will often feel nervous about driving whole on the influence of CBD oil. In such situations, it is better to use CBD oil for a while and check on its effects on you. You can drive if you find out there are no greater changes in mood and mental health.

Can CBD Oil Be Used For Anxiety?

Being anxious while on the wheel is a common and natural thing. CBD oil can be of great help in this case. However, one needs to check on the dosage consumed. CBD products are believed to have calming effects that help relax the body and the mind. For those who are always anxious, CBD oil can greatly help. However, ensure that the CBD oil does not have high amounts of THC as it may make you high and affect your mind. Such situations can be dangerous to the user, especially when driving.

Does CBD Oil Stay In The Body For Long?

There is no definite answer regarding how long CBD oil can stay in the body. This is because many factors significantly influence the amount of time for the CBD oil to stay in the body. Some of these factors include; weight, metabolism, and lifestyle. The amount of CBD consumed is also one of the factors. People who exercise are likely to get rid of CBD oil faster than those that do not exercise. This is made possible through the burning of fatty acids. This means that those with an active lifestyle are always in a position to eliminate the fatty acids faster.

The most important factor is the amount of CBD oil one consumes regularly. Those that take CBD oil in a large dose will have a hard time getting rid of the CBD oil as the body has already gotten used to it. This means it will take time before it is cleared out of the body.

Conclusion

You can always consume CBD oil and still be able to drive. This is because CBD oil does not contain the psychoactive component (THC) that makes an individual high. In the presence of any, they exist in a small amount of 0.3%. This means that it will not affect a person’s mind and cannot give the stoned effect. However, before consuming CBD oil, especially when planning to drive, check on the display or the product’s description of the contents and make sure that it is from a source that can be relied upon.

Reference

Asbridge, M., Hayden, J. A., & Cartwright, J. L. (2012). Acute Cannabis Consumption And Motor Vehicle Collision Risk: Systematic Review Of Observational Studies And Meta-Analysis. Bmj, 344, E536.

Jin, D., Henry, P., Shan, J., & Chen, J. (2021). Identification Of Chemotypic Markers In Three Chemotype Categories Of Cannabis Using Secondary Metabolites Profiled In Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Bark, And Roots. Frontiers In Plant Science, 12. 

Mead, A. (2017). The Legal Status Of Cannabis (Marijuana) And Cannabidiol (CBD) Under US Law. Epilepsy & Behavior, 70, 288-291.

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons For Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study Of CBD Users, Focusing On Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, And Sleep Problems. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1-12.

Barbara Santini

Barbara is a freelance writer and a sex and relationships adviser at Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams. Barbara is involved in various educational initiatives aimed at making sex advice more accessible to everyone and breaking stigmas around sex across various cultural communities. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys trawling through vintage markets in Brick Lane, exploring new places, painting and reading.

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