CBD And Driving: Is It Safe & Is It Legal?
Throughout the years, CBD has gained massive popularity because of the benefits it provides within the human body. Many people have incorporated CBD in their daily lives and have made it part of their regimen. As you can imagine some of these regular consumers ingest CBD and go driving.
It is safe to drive after consuming CBD, but there are some things to consider before doing so. We hope that you prioritize your safety and that of others during this process. It’s best to familiarize yourself with CBD facts before getting behind the wheel of a car or operating any heavy machinery!
Are All CBD Products Legal?
CBD products derived from hemp plants are federally legal in the United States. However, CBD from marijuana plants or CBD with THC levels higher than 0.3% is illegal. Hemp plants have a higher CBD to THC ratio. THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and produces a psychoactive high, while hemp plants that have 0.3% of THC or less are not strong enough to make a person “high.”
Although hemp and marijuana are in the same cannabis family, they have vastly different effects. For decades, politicians did not have the proper information to differentiate hemp from marijuana strains.
While CBD is federally legal, it is not fully regulated by the FDA. This has created a market that must regulate itself, which gives non-reputable companies the opportunity to pursue untrustworthy business practices. This means that there are companies that are not entirely honest with the ingredients of their CBD products.
It is essential for your health to buy from companies that provide third-party COAs. Third-party COAs list all of the cannabinoids and their percentages in the product.
Does CBD Get You “High” or Intoxicated?
As stated previously, CBD does not get you “high” or intoxicated. Legally purchased CBD products have less than 0.3% THC. The great thing about using CBD hemp rather than marijuana is that it does not cause paranoia or anxiety, which are prevalent side effects when using THC-laden cannabis.
On the other hand, CBD is known for influencing a sense of calmness, which is the exact opposite of paranoia or anxiety. Best of all, a full-spectrum CBD product may promote the endocannabinoid system (ECS). A healthy ECS maintains peak homeostasis within the body.
Is It Legal To Take CBD Before Driving?
Yes, it is legal to take Farm Bill compliant CBD products before driving. CBD does not impair your ability to drive, like marijuana can. Having hemp products in your car should not cause any problems if you get pulled over. If you like smoking hemp flower, we recommend keeping the packaging in order to prevent any confusion, because premium hemp flower can look identical to marijuana. Although CBD is federally legal, state laws may differ. Be sure to do your research before traveling from state to state.
Related Post: Can Truck Drivers Take CBD? [Yes! But There Are Some Catches]
Is It Safe To Take CBD Oil Before Driving?
Yes, it is safe to take CBD oil before driving, but we do ask that you ingest all CBD products responsibly. If you are a first-time user, we ask that you test it before getting behind the wheel.
Dosage is an important factor to consider when taking CBD. There are formulas to help you find the proper dosage compatible with your body. A general rule of thumb would be to use 0.25 mg of CBD per pound of body weight for a regular dose, and 0.5 mg of CBD per pound for a strong dose. You can find additional information about CBD dosage here.
Although you can determine your dosage using a simple formula, you can also work your way up and achieve your optimal dosage by micro-dosing. If you are already taking any prescription drugs, please talk with your doctor about incorporating CBD into your regimen before operating heavy machinery.
What To Know About CBD and Driving
Tip 1: Don’t Drive Until You Are Experienced With the Effects of CBD
The effects of CBD can vary from person to person. Until you feel comfortable taking CBD and understanding its effects on your body, please do not get behind the wheel of a car.
Related: Top 5 Hemp Flower Effects on Your Body & Brain
Tip 2: Don’t Take Larger Doses Than Normal and Drive
Once CBD is introduced to your body, it adjusts to the number of terpenes and cannabinoids penetrating your system. Therefore, taking a higher dosage will require your body to adjust again and the effects could be stronger. If you want to increase your dosage, be sure to give yourself the proper amount of time to adapt to the larger dose in your system before you drive.
Tip 3: Make Sure Your CBD Is Farm Bill Compliant.
Please take the time to look at COAs. The best CBD products are ones that have a third party lab test the quality of their products. The THC levels must be 0.3% or less in order to be federally legal. Hemp products without a COA should never be purchased.
Tip 4: Don’t Take CBD and Drive if You’re Tired or if CBD Makes You Tired.
After using CBD for a while, you will begin to understand how your body reacts to the cannabinoid. There are different side effects, and everyone has different body chemistries. It’s highly advised you familiarize yourself with CBD before driving!
Tip 5: Keep the Packaging of Your CBD Product With You While Driving.
As previously stated, if you do happen to get pulled over, having the packaging of your CBD product with you could prevent hardships. The label on the product and the packaging should clearly display that the product is legal or it will list the THC percent. This information will help avoid any mistakes of it being marijuana or illegal product.
Tip 6: CBD and Road Rage
CBD might be useful for people who suffer from road rage. This uncontrollable temper may be pacified with the soothing sensation of CBD. Many consumers advocate that CBD promotes a calm and tranquil state of mind.
Final Thoughts
Most people who have incorporated CBD into their daily lives take a specific dosage before starting their day. In many cases, this means they ingest CBD before they drive. CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it shouldn’t place you or other drivers in danger. If you are a novice when it comes to CBD use, please keep the tips provided in mind. Be sure to pull over if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or tired. CBD hemp products have many positive attributes. Finding the right amount is essential to the overall experience! Get more info here.
