Is it safe to drive after taking CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound that is becoming increasingly popular due to its benefits for the human body and mind. The World Health Organisation itself has recognised its therapeutic potential on health. CBD consumption is now perfectly legal in France under certain conditions. But can you drive after taking CBD, as it is derived from cannabis? Does CBD affect your ability to drive? Are you at risk of detection during police checks? We’ll answer all your questions in this article!

Driving after taking CBD: what are the risks if you’re tested?

To be legally marketed and consumed, a CBD product must contain less than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is a European standard. It should be noted that, unlike cannabis, cannabidiol is not considered a drug as it is not narcotic: therefore, driving after taking CBD is authorised as long as you do not test positive for THC in a saliva test. You just have to be sure that the cannabidiol products you consume meet the legal standards. If this is the case, there is no risk of testing positive: a typical daily dose of CBD (between 100 mg and 300 mg of CBD per day) will not show any trace of THC.

What are the penalties for testing positive for THC?

As THC is a psychotropic compound (responsible for the famous stoned effect caused by cannabis), driving under its influence is considered an offence with the following penalties:

• 6 points on your driving licence (and disqualification for young drivers in their first year);
• a fine up to €4,500;
• imprisonment for up to 2 years;
• a suspended driving licence for up to 3 years.

What effect does CBD have on the ability to drive?

There are a range of beneficial properties...

CBD is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant which has many beneficial effects on the body and mind. In particular, it helps to alleviate pain, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, etc. However, this active ingredient is still controversial in the eyes of the French authorities, even though its promising therapeutic properties have been recognised by the WHO. There are numerous positive effects, with few unwanted side effects, although they may still occur in some cases.

...there are some potential side effects

Driving after taking CBD can become a problem if you suffer from any side effects after taking a dose of cannabidiol. Even if these effects are not dangerous as such, they can be if you decide to drive, as they include:

• a decrease in blood pressure;
• dizziness and lightheadedness;
• migraines;
• a feeling of dry mouth;
• slight drowsiness or insomnia;
• relaxed muscles and a decrease in concentration.

Therefore, the side effects of CBD can impair driving and make you less alert, which increases the risk of an accident. They rarely occur, and usually appear in the event of overdose, but caution should be exercised. This is why we always advise against driving after consuming CBD in order to minimise any risks.

Driving after taking CBD: how long should you wait?

How long should you wait to drive after taking CBD? Generally, traces of THC (even if very small, given that the level is limited to 0.2%) disappear after 6 hours. We recommend waiting 6-8 hours before driving after taking CBD to ensure that you do not suffer from any potential side effects. For example, if you have to drive to work, wait until the evening to take your dose of legal medical cannabis. Although CBD use is not excessively dangerous for driving, it is best to exercise caution so that you do not to get into accidents or legal trouble.

Understanding the legal difference between THC and CBD for driving

Differences in legislation

In order to drive properly whether you have taken CBD or not, it is important to distinguish between the two compounds involved, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The law permits the consumption of CBD products with less than 0.2% THC: we are talking about the CBD content in the vessel, not the end product. This detail can be very important! Be sure to check the source of the hemp and the list of ingredients before consuming any product, whether you are considering driving or not. You won’t be taking any risks with The CBD Farm’s products: we use organic hemp and comply with all legislation! Additionally, smoking CBD flowers is prohibited.

Differences in effects

CBD is a compound derived from plants in the cannabaceae family. These cannabinoid plants are divided into several varieties of hemp and cannabis, including Cannabis Sativa from which CBD is extracted. THC is the main compound in cannabis, known for its harmful psychotic effects it is therefore classified as a narcotic as it is a powerful psychotropic drug. Although both compounds come from the same plant, their effects are very different: cannabidiol is not a psychotropic drug, although it is often confused with its cousin THC. It is a highly beneficial product which can be found in CBD cosmetics, e-liquids, and food supplements.

Travelling with CBD in your car: what are the regulations?

In France and the EU

Now that we have discussed the issue of driving after taking CBD, what are the regulations surrounding travel with cannabidiol? In France, you can only possess and consume products with less than 0.2% THC, which are derived from the entire Cannabis L. Sativa plant. As CBD is still very low in THC, it is not considered a narcotic and is included within the free movement of goods in the EU. Therefore, you can legally travel with CBD in your car in France and in the European Union. Here are some tips on how to get through customs and police with confidence:

• keep your product sealed whenever possible;
• ask the seller for a certificate confirming the THC level;
• Avoid travelling with pure CBD leaves and flowers (especially in large quantities) as, although these products are legal, some police and customs officials may not be up to date with the legislation.

The exception of CBD medicine in France

As many studies are underway to assess the therapeutic potential of CBD and THC medicines, some doctors are prescribing treatments containing these compounds. They are mainly prescribed for patients suffering from neuropathies such as epilepsy, oncological symptoms, multiple sclerosis, etc. Therefore, you can drive after taking CBD and transport medicines containing CBD in France, provided that you have prescription. However, taking these treatments out of the country is not recommended as their THC concentration may exceed 0.2%, and not all EU countries have yet clarified their stance on medical CBD.

Outside of the EU

For all travel outside the European Union, we strongly advise against driving after taking CBD, or even travelling with CBD in your car or any other means of transport. Legislation varies greatly between countries: some consider cannabidiol to be a narcotic and you could be subject to drug trafficking laws. So, don’t take any chances!