Is It Safe to Take CBD Before Driving? (Facts Explained)

The legal nuances associated with CBD are a grey area only a handful of legal authorities understand. For a common person using CBD in a state which has legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use is legal. In other words, they don’t need a medical cannabis card to avail of CBD products. To put things into perspective, here’s an example. Say you live in San Bernardino, you don’t need 420 evaluations in San Bernardino to get CBD-infused products. You can thank the Farm Bill for the same because CBD is now legal federally. This means that you can purchase CBD over the counter without having to worry about a possible arrest. However, here’s a legal catch. 

You see, the Farm Bill has several clauses, and one of its nuances clearly establishes what kind of CBD is legal on the federal level. CBD derived from the hemp plant with less than or equal to 0.3% THC is legal on the federal level. This indicates that any product containing more than 0.3% THC automatically falls under the illegal category. So, using CBD is not as easy as you thought and driving under the influence of CBD becomes even more complicated if you don’t pay attention to the legal and scientific details. In this post, we will cover the legal nuances associated with driving under the influence of CBD and should you consume CBD before driving or not. Let’s begin! 

What Happens When You Take CBD Before Driving? 

Let’s start with the scientific explanation first. You see, CBD is non-psychoactive, but when it interacts with the brain, it causes the anandamide and GABA levels to rise. As a result, you feel relaxed and calm at the same time. These effects are opposite to the psychoactive effects caused by THC. Thus, CBD will not impair your ability to think or work. In fact, cannabidiol will interact with your brain and body to cause a relaxing effect without altering your mood. So, when it comes to driving after consuming CBD, some people will feel relaxed and it might hinder the energy they need for driving. 

Additionally, heavy consumption of CBD can cause side effects such as lightheadedness, low blood pressure, sleepiness, and lethargy. For these reasons, we do not recommend driving after consuming CBD. However, those who are accustomed to the effects of CBD can take little amounts before driving. For new users, it’s best you stay indoors and never expose yourself to long road drives. Instead, you can talk to a medical marijuana doctor, if you feel that your body enters a super sleepy mode after consuming CBD. The doctor will probably reduce the dosage or recommend a different CBD product altogether. 

For a 420 evaluation, look for a state-certified health physician in your region. For example, get 420 evaluations in San Bernardino and learn which CBD product and what dose works perfectly well for your body. That said, let’s move on to the legal aspects of driving with and under the influence of cannabis. 

Can I Drive With CBD? 

Yes, you can, but only if you live in a state which has legalized cannabis. In California, marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational purposes. This means that you can possess, consume, and dive with cannabis legally. The only exception, in this case, is that you can only travel with cannabis within state borders, provided the CBD product you bought is packed in its original package. Also, you have to make sure that the packet or CBD container is sealed. This way, you will be able to drive with CBD within the state borders. 

Can I Drive Under the Influence of CBD? 

Legally, you cannot drive under the influence of cannabis. The law clearly states that driving under the influence of cannabis is a punishable offense. This law is quite similar to the one associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. So, we suggest that you consume CBD within the four walls of your house. 

In addition to this, you have to understand that each and every state has DUI laws. These laws may vary from state to state, but these laws regulate anything associated with driving under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. Proof that marijuana caused impairment or the presence of THC in blood samples will lead to suspension of the license for a first-time offense. So, make sure that you either consume CBD hours before driving or lay low and avoid driving after taking CBD.