Is driving after taking CBD legal in the UK

In the UK it is perfectly legal to drive after consuming CBD but there are however some precautions you should take to ensure you remain safe. Both for you and other drivers.

If you have never tried CBD before, it is important to know it has a good safety profile and has been tried by nearly 10% of people in the UK. However, its association with cannabis means that many people remain, understandably, cautious.

In 2015, the UK drug driving laws changed making it easier for police to catch and prosecute drivers. This has resulted in many people asking the question: Is it safe to drive after taking CBD?

Is it legal to drive after taking CBD oil?

CBD is non-intoxicating so it won’t impair your ability to drive. This was proven in a 2020 study undertaken at Maastricht University.

The lead author Dr Thomas Arkell said: “These findings indicate for the first time that CBD, when given without THC, does not affect a subject’s ability to drive. That’s great news for those using or considering treatment using CBD-based products.”

However, most CBD products contain traces of CBN and THC. Both are controlled substances and mustn’t make up more than 1mg of any product. The UK drug driving laws are clear that driving under the influence of THC is illegal. However, there is no mention of CBD being illegal to consume before driving.

The best CBD producers use legal industrial hemp varieties with less than 0.2% THC. They also invest in specially designed extraction techniques to reduce this further, ensuring the oils for sale comply with UK law.

By checking 3rd party lab results and researching the brand, you can be confident that they contain only traces of THC and CBN, making it both legal and safe to drive after taking CBD.

Can you take CBD and drive safely?

Whilst it is legal to consume CBD, it is always important to ensure that you are not a danger to yourself or other road users.

Every time you get in the car, you must make a personal assessment about whether you are fit to drive. UK law states:

“It’s illegal to drive if either:

  • You’re unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs.
  • You have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they have not affected your driving).

 

Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.”

While CBD is classed as a food supplement and not a medicine, if you believe that you are unfit to drive, then don’t.

Conclusion

CBD is non-intoxicating, making it safe to drive after consuming, but you must always be aware of how it affects you personally.

Choose a brand that has low levels of THC to be on the safe side and buy your CBD from retailers with:

  • Good reputations and a range of positive reviews
  • A policy of being honest about their products and processes
  • Third-party certificates available for each batch

 

As a driver, you are responsible for your fitness to be behind the wheel, so, be aware of how you feel before setting off. Whether you feel strange after drinking a coffee, from an over the counter cold and flu remedy or are drowsy following a bad night, don’t drive until the effects have entirely worn off.

 

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