Cannabis is a herb best known for its psychoactive effects. However, nowadays, people are becoming aware that it has much more to offer than euphoria or ‘high.’

So, other cannabinoids, especially CBD oils, are growing in popularity thanks to their healing effects. When it comes to THC, it’s unsafe to drive while under the influence. It will impair your coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Does the same apply for CBD, though? The short answer is – no. It’s safe and legal to drive after ingesting it, for the most part.

Still, there are nuances to check if you want to be entirely sure you, as an individual, are secure driving under CBD. Let’s take a more in-depth look and help you answer the question for yourself.

How CBD Works

To understand how CBD oil works, we first need to know what it is. The abbreviation is short for cannabidiol, one of more than a hundred components of the cannabis plant. CBD oils are made from the hemp plant, and so, it has no psychoactive properties.

As such, it doesn’t provide feelings of euphoria, providing you with the health benefits of the plant instead. Research is still ongoing, but anecdotal evidence and preliminary, short-term reports suggest that this compound has a host of medicinal uses and benefits.

The most noticeable effects include its anti-inflammation property and sedative effect. A wide range of people, from sportspersons to those suffering from anxiety, can find this beneficial. 

The legalized strains contain very little to no THC, boosting the health benefits while outlawing the ‘high.’

Can You Use CBD and Drive?

In general, yes. On the federal level things can get a little bit more complicated though, especially where marijuana strains like Delta-8 THC are concerned and therefore it is strongly recommended that you do not operate a vehicle while under the influence and that you carry out plenty of research prior to using any CBD or THC products. However, that’s not all that matters – we should also look into the implications of hemp oil for driving.

CBD changes your mental state even despite being psychoactive. It results in increased relaxation and decreased excitability. While these effects won’t intoxicate you, they do alter your mood. 

Plus, some side effects of cannabinoids do have the potential to lower driving capabilities. These include:

• • • Lowered blood pressure
    • Drowsiness
    • Lightheadedness

So, it’s best to get used to the way CBD affects you before you go for a drive. If you do experience something out of the ordinary, you might have to lower the dose so you can drive safely.

Another important consideration is the content of the medication you’re using. Most high-quality CBD oils contain under 0.3% of THC, but the FDA doesn’t regulate these products. 

If you happen to end up with more THC in your blood, you might face both danger on the road and potential legal issues.

To avoid this, make sure to find reliable manufacturers and stores. A good rule of thumb is to go for a store seeking to inform people as well as sell. You can find many online, just search weed store Calgary, for example.

CBD and Driving: Handy Tips

Although driving under the influence of this compound won’t put you in danger, practicing it with caution is the way to go. Let’s take a look at some handy tips related to operating a car after ingesting CBD.

Watch yourself

You know yourself better than anyone else and are the most aware of how your body reacts. So, if you notice yourself becoming lightheaded, stop your car. The feeling could be anything, but as you’ve ingested CBD, make sure that’s not the reason.

Get to know your tolerance levels

The ideal dosage of CBD for you will be different than for another individual. The effects are different in everyone. So, test from a smaller dose going up to more substantial, and stop once you reach your tolerance levels.

Take it if traffic is stressful

 If you know that traffic stresses you out, bring your product of choice with you instead of taking it before driving. That way, you’ll get the benefits if you need them and avoid the drawbacks otherwise.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the law doesn’t tend to consider CBD psychoactive as it doesn’t intoxicate people or impair their abilities to go through their activities as usual. In most cases, it’s also safe to take before driving. 

However, it depends on the dosage and special effects – it’s still a matter of controversy. Try it out in the safety of your home first and try to gauge the effects it has on you. 

Also, make sure that the oil you’re taking contains NO THC. Any levels of THC in your blood will result in fines, at best. Ultimately, it will be a personal decision, but make it a responsible one.