Can I Drive After Taking CBD Oil UK? – Your Questions Answered
Can I drive after taking CBD oil? As CBD is growing in popularity, many people are taking it for its soothing effects — so much so that some are opting to supplement or replace their alcohol consumption with CBD products. However, its spreading popularity, combined with a great deal of misinformation, has raised some questions regarding its legality in a number of fields.
One of these queries is whether can I drive after taking CBD oil in the UK. Driving under the influence is a hot topic, especially since the 2015 legal change that has made it easier for police to catch and prosecute perpetrators.
This has caused massive confusion in relation to CBD, as its association with THC — they are both extracted from cannabis plant species — this has meant that many are unclear whether it’s considered to be one of the 16 substances mentioned in the law.
We’re here to clear up any uncertainty around CBD oil and driving.
CBD oil has become increasingly popular. Although it is becoming easier to purchase and is readily available on shop shelves and across the internet, there are still questions being asked.
If you have decided to include CBD oil in your daily regime, it is understandable you will want to be cautious.
In 2015, the law changed for drivers in the UK. The aim was to clamp down on drug driving and to make it easier for the police to arrest and convict those under the influence.
The new law specifies that it is illegal to drive with 16 specific drugs in your blood. Eight of these drugs are illegal substances, whilst the other eight are available on prescription. Cannabis is on the list. For more information on these drugs please check the government website.
Why is there confusion with CBD and driving?
Although CBD is a natural compound, it is extracted from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is known for being the source of cannabis and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). With this in mind, it is understandable why so many people question the legality of CBD oil and whether it is safe to drive after taking it.
Is CBD oil safe when driving?
CBD oil is non-intoxicating and will not affect your ability to drive. The majority of CBD oils do contain any traces of cannabinoids which includes CBN and THC. However, the content should not be any more than 1mg in any one container.
THC is the ingredient that would usually give you ‘a high’. Most CBD suppliers have specialist techniques to extract the THC even more so, ensuring there is less than the legal amount of 0.2%. Impact products contain far less than that amount.
Can I drive after taking CBD oil?
Although CBD oil is safe for most, you must be aware of your body. Cannabinoids react differently to an individual’s body chemistry. Before you set off on your journey, consider these factors;
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- Have you recently taken legal or illegal drugs?
- If in any doubt at all about prescription drugs, always check with a professional before taking that risk.
- If you are not 100% sure you feel fit to drive, DON’T!
- Make sure the labelling on your product is extensive, and you know exactly what the content includes.
What happens if the police stop me?
It is extremely unlikely that you would get stopped whilst driving, unless the officer believes you are under the influence, or of course, by dangerous driving. In this situation, you are legally required to stop and possibly carry out a field impairment test or a roadside drug screening. As long as your levels are below the 2mg, you shouldn’t go over the limit.
In conclusion, so long as you take the CBD oil as recommended, you will be safe and legal to drive as normal. There is nothing wrong with being over-cautious, so if in any doubt don’t take the risk.
