CBD is widely known for promoting calm and supporting better sleep – but is it safe to get behind the wheel after taking it?
As cannabidiol (CBD) becomes a staple in more people's wellbeing routines, so too do the questions surrounding it. One of the most common? Whether it's legal – or safe – to drive after consuming CBD. We're here to break down what you need to know about CBD, UK driving laws and how to make sure the products you use keep you both safe and compliant.
What is CBD and why are people taking it?
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the hemp plant, a legal variety of Cannabis sativa. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD won't get you “high”. Instead, it works with your body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating mood, stress, sleep and pain.
People in the UK take CBD for a range of reasons: to unwind after work, to manage occasional anxiety or as a sleep aid. As more people switch their evening drink for a CBD-infused sparkling alternative, it's no surprise that driving with CBD in your system is becoming a talking point, especially as more of us explore alcohol-free lifestyles.
Is it legal to drive after taking CBD in the UK?
Yes, CBD is legal to consume and safe to drive with, as long as it meets UK regulations.
In the UK, CBD products are legal provided they contain less than 1mg of THC per container, regardless of volume. That typically equates to less than 0.2% THC by concentration – a threshold intended to ensure the product does not have psychoactive effects.
CBD is not a controlled substance and there are no legal driving restrictions around CBD itself. You will not be prosecuted or penalised for having CBD in your system. However, the situation becomes more complicated if the product contains detectable amounts of THC.
What about the safety side?
Just because something is legal doesn't automatically make it advisable. Generally, it is safe to drive after taking CBD. It is non-intoxicating, non-sedating and won't cause delayed reaction times or poor judgement in the way alcohol, cannabis or sedative medications might.
A 2020 study investigated CBD's impact on driving; it found that CBD did not impair driving performance when compared with a placebo, even when vaped. While the study used a high dose (13.75mg) of vaporised CBD, the results are reassuring for those who use CBD products.
However, everyone reacts differently and side effects such as mild drowsiness can occasionally occur, especially if using CBD for the first time or taking large doses. A simple rule of thumb is to avoid driving the first time you take CBD, just to make sure you know how your body responds.
The real risk lies not in CBD, but in products that contain more THC than they claim. Unfortunately, not all CBD products on the UK market are accurately labelled. A 2019 study found that over 60% of high street CBD products had incorrect labelling and 45% contained measurable THC.
THC can impair your driving ability and shows up on roadside drug tests, which check for active cannabis use. If you test positive for THC and it is deemed to impair your driving, you could face fines, points on your licence or worse.
That's why it's so important to choose CBD from reputable, transparent brands.
At Goodrays, every product:
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Is third-party lab tested
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Is THC-free
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Is made from natural, Colorado-grown hemp
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Meets UK and EU legal standards
Whether you're sipping a CBD drink in the evening or taking CBD oil as part of your morning routine, you can trust you're staying within the law and looking after your wellbeing.
Tips for using CBD and driving responsibly
If you're incorporating CBD into your routine and planning to drive, keep these tips in mind:
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Know your source: Only use lab-tested products from trusted brands.
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Start low and slow: Let your body get used to CBD before driving.
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Time it right: Avoid taking large doses right before a long or unfamiliar drive.
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Check your labels: Ensure THC content is below 1mg per container.
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Watch for interactions: If you're taking medication, check with a healthcare professional.
Driving with CBD
You can drive after taking CBD – as long as the product is fully compliant, THC-free, and you're confident in how your body responds to it. For most people, CBD is well-tolerated and does not impair mental function or coordination. In fact, many find that CBD helps them feel calmer, more focused and less reactive, which can be particularly helpful during long commutes, stressful motorway trips or when navigating unfamiliar roads.
That said, it's important to approach any supplement with a sense of responsibility. Everyone's body chemistry is different. If you're new to CBD, it's best to start on a day when you're not driving, so you can observe how it affects your energy levels, alertness and mental clarity.
At Goodrays, our mission is to make CBD safe, accessible and reliable for everyday use, including when you're behind the wheel. We go beyond regulatory requirements to ensure peace of mind, so you can trust that you're getting the best CBD with no compromises.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
