Can You Drive After Taking CBD?

CBD oil is a popular wellness supplement that many people use for its potential therapeutic benefits for pain, anxiety, stress, and many other common ailments. But CBD (cannabidiol) comes from cannabis plants, which has people worried about if it’s safe (and legal) to drive if they have taken a CBD supplement. In reality, there are many differences that separate marijuana derivatives from CBD extracts and make it legal to drive while using these products.

CBD is Not the Same as Marijuana

While there are a number of states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, it remains illegal in every state to drive while under the influence of psychoactive drugs like marijuana. However, CBD does not fall into this category since it contains little to no THC, or the psychoactive component in cannabis that causes a high.

When it comes to “driving under the influence,” CBD is not considered to be an influence since it does not cause any mind-altering effects like marijuana does. This means that your perception and driving performance will remain the same, but you may feel a little more calm or perhaps less anxious if the CBD starts to take effect while you are driving.

Is it legal to drive with CBD?

When CBD is derived from hemp, it’s legal to sell and distribute across the majority of the United States. And if you have CBD products in your car, you likely won’t come into any trouble. Although there can be the occasional complication when it comes to traveling with CBD in your vehicle, because it’s still a cannabis extract and can cause some confusion among law enforcement and officials.

For products like CBD flower, it can look almost identical to marijuana buds even though it won’t make you high. Because of this similarity in appearance, it’s probably best to avoid driving with hemp flower in your backseat. In the event that someone spots it there, you’re likely to find yourself answering a slew of questions. Additionally, there is more of a legal grey area when it comes to interstate travel of CBD products, so you may want to steer clear of anything that’s cannabis-related if you plan to cross state lines.

The Benefits of CBD

Research and clinical trials surrounding the efficacy and therapeutic potential of CBD are limited, but this hasn’t stopped consumers from taking CBD products for a variety of different reasons, including:

• Pain management
• Anxiety reduction
• Improved mood
• Better focus
• Stress relief and relaxation
• Enhanced sleep

These many possible benefits of CBD can also come in handy while driving, especially if you have anxiety or a short temper that can lead to road rage. However, there are some things that you should take into account before using these hemp-derived products.

What to Look Out For

It is generally safe to drive after taking CBD, but there are certain situations you’ll want to avoid. For instance, dosing is an important factor that comes into play if you plan to take a CBD supplement, and it should also be something that you consider before driving. If you are new to CBD, be aware that it may take some time to find your perfect CBD dosage, and taking too much may cause you to feel drowsy—which is not ideal if you intend to drive.

If you are a long-time CBD user, you should also exercise caution when trying any new product by waiting to see how your body responds before hopping in your car and driving somewhere. Play it safe when you are ingesting or inhaling a CBD-infused product (or traveling with one), and know what your state laws are in regards to CBD before driving around with a product in your vehicle.