Obviously, substances like alcohol and marijuana make it unsafe to drive, and it is accordingly prohibited to do so. Even some over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect your alertness and reaction times in a way that can make it unsafe to drive. Read the guidelines and potential side effects of any medication to check whether it advises against driving.

But where does CBD fit into this? Are CBD products just as dangerous as marijuana when it comes to driving, or are you still safe to hit the road? Read on to find out more about this…

Is it safe to drive while using CBD?

CBD interacts differently with the body than marijuana does because it contains much lower concentrations of THC. This is the compound that produces the ‘high’ feeling and, consequently, makes it unsafe to drive. Make sure you check your CBD products to determine their concentration of THC. Legalized CBD oil is typically derived from hemp plants and, therefore, contains only 0.3% THC or less, ensuring that it does not produce the same psychoactive effects.

So, it can be assumed that it’s completely safe to drive while using hemp-derived CBD oil and other related products. However, CBD does affect everyone differently, so it’s important to first try CBD oil in a safe environment to assess how it makes you feel. For some people, CBD produces feelings of relaxation that could border on drowsiness, especially at high doses.

Stick to lower doses at first and become accustomed to your body’s reaction to CBD before determining whether or not it is safe for you to drive. You could start by taking it regularly in the evening when you can stay at home and relax, rather than first thing in the morning when you have to drive to work.

Is it legal to drive while using CBD?

Federal law states that the use of CBD oil and other CBD products is legal as long as they are derived from the hemp plant and contain no more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana-derived CBD oil is still illegal at a federal level and could result in a DUI if you drive while using it.

Hemp-based CBD oil does not produce mind-altering effects, so it should not be considered as driving under the influence. However, beyond federal law, each state has its own laws and ideals about cannabis and all of its derived products. So, while driving through some of the more lenient states shouldn’t give you any problems, driving in other states or crossing state lines might see you meeting more hostile officers if you happen to be pulled over.

In summary, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid unsafe situations wherever possible. And make sure that you buy high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products so that you’re confident that their THC levels lie within the legal limits. Take a look at our online store to see our range of full-spectrum CBD products.