Smoking or vaping CBD doesn’t affect driving skills or reaction times, says a new study

Consuming cannabis before driving is a hotly debated topic for safety reasons.

However, with cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant, studies show that we should be able to smoke CBD and not have to worry about drinking and driving.

A new study from Bern, Switzerland confirms that inhaling CBD-dominant cannabis plants does not affect reaction time, time perception, concentration, balance, and other skills required to drive safely. In the study published in Forensic Sciences Research, Swiss researchers examined the effects of CBD-rich cannabis strains with 16.6% CBD and 0.9% THC as well as placebo on various psychomotor and neurocognitive skills. They found “no symptoms of impairment” in the subjects who smoked CBD-dominant strains.

But while the CBD didn’t affect their performance, many of the participants tested positive for THC in blood tests 45 minutes after inhaling. Because of this, the study’s authors warned that elevated levels of THC in their blood could still mean they were violating traffic rules, where detectable levels of THC in the bloodstream could lead to criminal offenses.

Similar results in older studies

There are some older studies that all give the same results.

In December 2020, a study conducted by scientists from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney confirmed that CBD is safe to use while driving. The study, which was carried out at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, also finds that THC impairment can last up to 4 hours, another warning for motorists.

For the study, 26 healthy participants were asked to inhale vaporized cannabis with a range of THC and CBD ratios, after which they had to drive 100 km in controlled conditions on public highways for 40 minutes and then again four hours later. They found that the subjects who inhaled high-CBD cannabis had no impaired driving skills, but those with high-THC cannabis or a THC / CBD ratio resulted in a slight impairment that was noticed 40 minutes later , although four hours later it was no longer noticeable.

The scientists who conducted the study at Maastricht University used renowned scientific tests that analyze the standard deviation of vehicle position, which is used to test evasive action, lane changes and overcorrection. The test measures the effects of drugs and alcohol on drivers.

“These results show for the first time that CBD, when given without THC, does not affect a person’s ability to drive. This is great news for those using CBD-based products or considering treatment, ”explains Dr. Thomas Arkell, lead author of the study.

“Road safety is a major concern,” he says. “These results should enable evidence-based laws and regulations for people receiving medical cannabis.”

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Professor Jan Ramaekers and his team on this study. It is incredibly important to study the effects of cannabis on driving with such precision in a real-world context, ”says Professor Iain McGregor.

“The results should reassure people using only CBD products that they are most likely safe to drive and help patients using THC-dominant products understand the duration of the impairment,” he adds. “While some previous studies have looked at the effects of cannabis on driving, most have focused on smoked cannabis, which contains only THC (no CBD), and haven’t accurately quantified the duration of the impairment,” says McGregor. “This is the first study that illustrates the lack of CBD effects while driving and also provides a clear indication of the duration of the THC impairment.”

“This is the first study that illustrates the lack of CBD effects while driving and also provides a clear indication of the duration of the THC impairment.”

At the time of writing, there are no known negative reports from people who have “overdosed” with CBD. However, people who want to drive can still experience side effects, which usually depend on the THC concentration in the CBD products. These include drowsiness and fatigue.

The laws

Before consuming CBD and then driving, it is also important to understand the principles behind it.

The good news is, yes, in the United States it is legal to drive after consuming CBD as long as you have consumed CBD made from hemp, and it contains no more than 0.3% THC. This is the legal standard and has been for some time; anything higher can make you sleepy than expected and cause difficulty or danger while driving.

If you are looking to try a new CBD product, it is best to do so in a safe environment and to carefully observe how it affects your cognitive and motor skills. And depending on where you plan to go, check the state regulations as there are still some states that are not tolerant of traces of THC in the body when you drive, no matter how low the THC concentration.

Also keep in mind that in certain states, you may be able to get a DUI for using CBD before driving, as DUI laws were in place long before the government allowed cannabis use. This is why it is so important to read up on driving regulations before consuming CBD, or you may need to consult an attorney in case you get a DUI for taking CBD.

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