If you use CBD, you may wonder whether it is safe to drive afterward. The short answer is that CBD itself doesn’t appear to impair driving in the same way as THC. However, that doesn’t automatically mean you should get behind the wheel immediately after taking it.
CBD can cause drowsiness, fatigue, or changes in alertness in some people. The type of CBD product you use also matters, as certain products may contain THC.
Before driving after taking CBD, here’s what you should know.
Does CBD Affect Your Ability to Drive?
Current research suggests that pure CBD is unlikely to impair driving ability significantly.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a “high.” It generally doesn’t cause the changes in perception, coordination, or reaction time commonly associated with intoxicating cannabis products.
A 2022 study examined the effects of oral CBD on simulated driving performance. Participants received doses ranging from 15 mg to 1,500 mg. Researchers found no significant evidence that CBD caused intoxication or impaired driving performance.
However, research into CBD and driving is still relatively limited. Individual responses can also vary, particularly when trying CBD for the first time or taking a higher dose.
Can CBD Make You Drowsy?
Yes. CBD may make some people feel drowsy or fatigued. Other possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Changes in alertness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth
These effects don’t affect everyone, but drowsiness is particularly dangerous when driving.
If CBD makes you feel sleepy, dizzy, or less focused than usual, you shouldn’t drive. Even mild changes in alertness can affect your ability to react quickly to traffic, pedestrians, or unexpected situations on the road.
How Long Should You Wait to Drive After Taking CBD?
There is no universal waiting period for driving after taking CBD, since CBD affects everyone differently, and the amount of time you may need to wait depends on factors such as your dosage, metabolism, body chemistry, and the type of product you use.
For example, someone who regularly takes a small amount of CBD may notice no changes in alertness. A first-time user taking a larger dose could have a very different experience.
When trying a new CBD product, it’s best to take it at a time when you don’t need to drive. This gives you a chance to see how your body responds.
If you experience any drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating, wait until these effects have completely passed before driving.
Is It Legal to Drive After Taking CBD?
CBD driving laws vary depending on where you live.
In many places, CBD itself is not the main concern. Instead, driving laws focus on THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis.
This distinction is important because not all CBD products are THC-free.
A product containing CBD isolate should contain CBD without other cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum products are generally formulated without THC, while full-spectrum CBD may contain small THC amounts.
Depending on local laws, the presence of THC in your system could create legal problems even if you don’t feel impaired.
For this reason, you should always check the driving and cannabis laws where you live.
Tips for Driving Safely When Using CBD
- If you use CBD and regularly drive, the most important thing is to understand how your product affects you.
- Avoid driving the first time you try a new CBD product or significantly increase your dose.
- Check the label and Certificate of Analysis to understand whether the product contains THC, and pay attention to any changes in alertness or concentration.
- If you feel sleepy, dizzy, unusually tired, or less focused, don’t drive.
- You should also remember that CBD and THC are treated differently under driving laws.
- Even if you don’t feel high or impaired, THC in a CBD product may still create legal issues in some locations.
Can CBD Cause a Positive Drug Test?
Pure CBD is not usually the substance targeted by standard drug tests. However, some CBD products contain THC, which may be detected.
This is more likely to be a concern with full-spectrum CBD products. There is also the possibility that a product contains more THC than its label suggests.
Research examining commercially available CBD products has found THC in some products marketed as THC-free. This means that relying on the front label alone may not always provide a complete picture of what you’re taking.
If you regularly drive or are subject to drug testing, check the product’s Certificate of Analysis, or COA. This independent laboratory report should show the amounts of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids detected in the product.
Does the Type of CBD Product Matter?
Yes. The type of CBD you take can influence both its effects and the potential risk of THC exposure:
- CBD isolate contains isolated cannabidiol and should not contain THC. This may be a preferable option for people who want to avoid THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD and other cannabis compounds but is generally processed to remove THC.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains a wider range of naturally occurring cannabis compounds and may include THC.
It’s also important to consider how you take CBD. Oils, capsules, gummies, and other products may affect you differently and take different amounts of time to produce noticeable effects.
A CBD gummy, for example, may take longer to affect you than a CBD oil. This can make it harder to judge how you feel immediately after taking it.
What Does Research Say About CBD and Driving?
The available research on pure CBD is generally reassuring, although more studies are needed.
In one controlled study, researchers tested oral CBD doses of 15 mg, 300 mg, and 1,500 mg and compared them with a placebo. CBD did not appear to significantly affect simulated driving performance or cognitive function.
Another on-road driving study compared CBD-dominant cannabis with THC-containing cannabis. Researchers found that CBD-dominant cannabis did not significantly impair driving performance, while products containing THC produced measurable impairment shortly after use.
These findings suggest that CBD and THC shouldn’t be treated as if they have the same effects on driving.
However, studies are conducted under controlled conditions. CBD products, doses, and individual responses can vary considerably in everyday use.
Can Medications Affect How CBD Makes You Feel?
Yes. CBD can interact with certain medications and may change how your body processes them.
This is particularly important because some medications can also cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. Taking CBD alongside a medicine with similar effects could potentially make you feel more tired.
Alcohol and other substances that cause sedation may also increase drowsiness when combined with CBD.
If you take prescription medication, speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD. You should also check any warnings about driving or operating machinery that come with your medication.