CBD is often associated with more or less legal elements, such as cannabis or THC. Despite this connection, CBD is a safe and legal element in the UK. In fact, CBD is an element of the cannabis plant, along with THC. The two are completely different. CBD offers calm without any high.
Now, while cannabis is normally illegal in the UK, CBD is part of a different scenario. But then, while it’s widely available everywhere, you probably ask yourself, Can you drive after a CBD drink? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Quick Answer
Generally speaking, CBD infused drinks are perfectly legal in the UK. They have different effects and may hit people differently, depending on what they need. For example, you could overcome an anxiety attack or perhaps fall asleep easily when dealing with insomnia.
CBD can also help you relax and unwind after a long day at work. In terms of CBD drinks, they’re advertised to be an excellent alternative to alcohol, especially if you’re the designated driver or you simply don’t like alcohol.
But then, can you drive after a CBD drink?
According to British laws, you can legally drive in the UK after having one or more CBD drinks. There are a few considerations though:
- Make sure the product meets local regulations.
- Make sure you don’t feel impaired or dizzy, yet these effects aren’t considered CBD reactions.
Assuming you meet these conditions, there should be no issues whatsoever with driving after having a CBD drink. Zero penalties for pure CBD on record.
Now, as you can tell, these two conditions go in two separate directions. One of them covers the legal element, meaning you should stick to drinks that meet the local regulations. The second one covers the safety element, meaning you should assess how you feel before driving anyway. Wait 15-30 minutes to feel the full effects.
The Legal Element Explained
When it comes to the legal element, it’s all about the THC, not even the entire cannabis plant. THC is a component of cannabis. This is the psychoactive element responsible for the high. It’s what can cause impairment, hence its association with controlled substances.
UK law is very strict about THC, but it treats CBD as a separate, legal product as long as it stays within the allowed limits.
While THC is illegal in the UK, 1mg of THC is considered legal if that’s the maximum concentration in the entire container. For example, if you have a CBD drink, having 1mg of THC is considered legal, yet most drinks don’t have any THC at all, just to play it safe.
Furthermore, if you do get stopped and asked to take a drug test, these roadside tests don’t bother about CBD. They don’t detect CBD whatsoever. They’re only screening for THC. In other words, if your CBD drink doesn’t have any THC in it, you should be fine.
There’s no chance for a CBD drink to give you a positive drug test if there’s no THC in it. Then, when you buy your CBD drinks, try to stick to reputable brands only.
The CBD market is flooded with all kinds of products. Some of them are great, others are useless. Besides, the market isn’t fully regulated in the UK yet. Go to a dodgy corner shop and chances are you’ll find some CBD drinks or brands that you’ve never heard of. Not a good idea.
Reputable brands are popular and available in big shops. They also provide test results from third party labs, only to guarantee the right dose of CBD and (in most cases) no THC at all.
From this point of view, it might be a good idea to stick to broad-spectrum CBD products, as well as CBD isolate stuff. They have no THC in their composition, so they won’t expose you to any risks at all. That’s also why people who drive frequently often prefer these formats over full-spectrum options.
The Safety Element
So, can you drive after CBD drink if there’s no THC? Absolutely, but according to the law, you shouldn’t be impaired to do so. Therefore, you also have to consider how you feel after having a drink.
CBD itself isn’t an intoxicating substance. Even if you have it in higher doses, it shouldn’t intoxicate you. It shouldn’t affect your judgment or driving skills whatsoever. However, side effects may still show, such as nausea or vomiting if you have too much of it. This could impair your driving skills. Some people also report feeling unusually relaxed or heavy-eyed, which can be harmless at home but not ideal behind the wheel.
Since effects vary from one individual to another, it pays off to monitor them during the first use, only to determine whether or not you’re able to drive. New users in particular or those taking higher doses should pay attention to how they feel. Drowsiness and dizziness could affect you and how you drive.
Talking about health, safety and the law, you also have the personal responsibility to make sure that you can drive. You need to be fit to drive. If you feel like you’re not 100% fit to drive, simply avoid taking any risks at all. Take a bus or a taxi or simply walk.
Next time, you’ll know better. You could lower the dose, for example.
Keep in mind that CBD could also interact with some prescription drugs that could cause drowsiness. If you’re taking such treatments, double check with your doctor upfront. Taking CBD, too, could increase these side effects, leading to potential issues if you plan to drive.
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Bottom line:
Can you drive after a CBD drink? According to laws in the UK, you can drive after having CBD in the UK. The personal responsibility to make sure you’re fit to drive is entirely yours. From a legal perspective, there should be nothing to worry about if THC isn’t involved.
If you stick to reputable THC-free products and listen to your body, you’ll usually be in the clear both legally and practically.
