Can You Drive on CBD in the UK?

Key Takeaways:

CBD is non-addictive and non-intoxicating - it won’t give you a ‘high’
In the UK, you can drive after taking CBD
CBD products must contain very low levels of THC - usually a trace or less than 0.2% THC
Roadside drug tests measure THC, not CBD
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and contains no traceable levels of THC - full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD products may contain traceable levels of THC

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant and is used to reduce stress, improve mood and support better sleep.

Due to its association with cannabis and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), some people are wary of using CBD before getting behind the wheel.

The Difference Between CBD and THC

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids, extracted from the cannabis plant.

The major difference between CBD and THC is that CBD won’t get you ‘high’. At a high enough dosage, THC will.

THC has psychoactive effects and may become addictive
CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive

In the United Kingdom, CBD products are legal, whereas THC products, including cannabis, are either illegal or have rules around legality and potentially some safety issues.

It’s against UK law to drive while under the influence of cannabis or THC at a detectable level (Medical cannabis, or legal THC, sometimes prescribed to support some forms of epilepsy and to reduce some of the side effects associated with some cancer medication, is different again, with different laws.)

When considering driving after taking CBD, as well as the difference between CBD and THC, you also need to consider the different types of CBD available:

Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the different compounds found in the cannabis plant, including low levels of THC
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most of the different compounds found in the cannabis plant, but the THC has been removed (it may still be present in trace levels)
CBD isolate is a pure CBD product, extracted from the hemp plant, and contains no traceable levels of THC

UK law states that a CBD product must contain less than 0.2% THC to ensure the product complies with UK regulations.

A full-spectrum CBD product may still contain THC, but at a level of 0.2% or below. THC at this level is unlikely to cause any psychoactive effects, but regularly taking a full-spectrum CBD product (and to a lesser extent, a broad-spectrum CBD product) may cause THC to build up in your body.

Is it Legal to Drive on CBD in the UK?

Under UK law, it’s legal to drive after taking CBD, but there are some things to consider.

You may have some more questions about CBD and driving; such as if you will need a drug test, and what happens if I get a police stop while driving after taking CBD?

Here’s all you need to know…

UK Laws

You can drive on CBD oil and other CBD products in the UK, as long as the CBD product you’re using has no traceable THC content or a THC content of less than 0.2%.

THC levels are usually highlighted on product packaging.

Essentially, it’s down to you to ensure that the CBD product you’re using complies with UK law. It’s also down to you to ensure that you feel fit to drive and that you haven’t taken or used anything that may impair driving, whether you’re using CBD products or not.

Are There Any Potential Side Effects to Be Aware Of?

CBD use promotes calmness in the body and mind, supports stillness and helps to provide a moment of pause.

Using CBD doesn’t usually cause side effects that could impair your driving ability, and driving after taking CBD is usually perfectly legal and safe.

Some people experience a relaxed state after using CBD that might cause them to feel sleepy or woozy.

If you feel any side effects, such as drowsiness or lightheadedness, that might cause an impairment or affect your safety on the road, you should avoid driving until the effects wear off.

First-Time Users

If you’re new to CBD, try a few different CBD products to discover what works best for you. Use them at a time when you’re not planning on getting behind the wheel.

You should start at a low dose until you know the dosage that gives you the most benefit without causing drowsiness, especially if you’re planning to drive.

Combining CBD With Other Supplements

There are some supplements that, when combined with CBD, may cause drowsiness.

These include St John’s Wort and melatonin.

If in doubt, check with your herbalist or a pharmacist.
Check with your GP if you’re taking any prescribed medications that may cause drowsiness.

Safety Considerations

Full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD products may contain trace levels of THC, so it’s a good idea to consider how many of these you may have used and when.

If you’re taking a regular CBD product and you need to drive regularly, it may be best for you to consider using products that contain CBD isolate, and therefore have no traceable levels of THC.

Safety Advice if Driving

If you feel lightheaded, dizzy or faint due to illness, you might think twice before driving.

The same applies to driving after taking CBD products. In the UK, it’s legal to drive on CBD, but only you can know how it makes you feel. If you feel in any way that it isn’t safe to drive, avoid driving until the effects wear off.

Effects of Different CBD Products

CBD promotes a calming, restorative feeling for most people, but the effects can differ between individuals and depending on the type of product you use.

CBD Oils - CBD oil tends to have a quicker effect as it’s taken under the tongue (CBD oil tends to come in dropper bottles), meaning that it’s delivered directly into the bloodstream. CBD gummies and drinks need to pass through the digestive system before they reach the bloodstream.
CBD Gummies - CBD gummies are easy to dose and can be taken on the go. They tend to be slower working than CBD oils.
CBD Drinks - Like gummies, CBD drinks can be used on the go and are easy to dose. For both, use CBD isolate products if you’re getting behind the wheel to avoid any concerns over THC.

What Happens if You Get Stopped by the Police?

Roadside drug tests work on detecting THC, not CBD. So if you’ve taken CBD before getting behind the wheel and you get a police stop, a drug test won’t detect CBD. CBD isolate products contain no THC.

Drug tests are unlikely to detect THC if you’ve used a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product, but it might be worth avoiding driving if you’re regularly using them and driving in the UK. The laws may differ in other countries.

Remember, if the police suspect that you’ve potentially been using cannabis or a controlled substance, they will ask you to undergo roadside driver's drug tests that may also mean you’ll have to accompany them to a police station for a blood test.

Product Regulations

CBD products are now fairly mainstream and can be found in many shops and online marketplaces. Since CBD is linked to numerous health benefits, being able to buy a CBD product with our daily coffee or online food shop is a good thing. But not all CBD products are created equal.

When choosing a CBD oil, gummy or drink, always choose a reputable brand that highlights that their products are lab-tested by a third-party lab to ensure their product complies with UK law. Some brands will even display a certificate of analysis to demonstrate this.

As we discussed above, if you’re taking CBD products regularly, to ensure you’re legal to drive, consider using CBD products that contain CBD isolate.

More Information and Research

The Metropolitan Police make it clear in a Freedom of Information request that you can drive on CBD in the UK.
Healthline provides a helpful chart outlining the difference between CBD products.
This 2020 study concludes that CBD doesn’t impair driving.

FAQs

Can You Drive After a CBD Drink?

Yes, in the United Kingdom, it’s legal to drive after taking CBD products, including CBD drinks. It’s THC, not CBD which can mean a product is against UK driving laws, so look for CBD products that contain no traceable THC, or 0.2% or less THC (the limit according to UK regulations).

Can You Drive After Taking a CBD Gummy?

Yes, you can drive after taking CBD gummies, just ensure you’re only taking the recommended dose.

Can You Drive on CBD Oil?

Yes, it’s legal to drive if you take CBD oil, but you should avoid driving if you feel drowsy or lightheaded before getting behind the wheel or whilst on the road.

Can CBD Make You Feel Sleepy While Driving?

Some people do feel drowsy after using CBD products. If you feel sleepy before driving or while you’re behind the wheel, you should avoid driving. If you’re new to CBD products, test a few on different days to see how it makes you feel before deciding to drive after taking CBD.

Will Taking CBD Fail a Roadside Test?

No, roadside drug tests detect THC, not CBD.

Can You Take CBD Before a Driving Test or Lesson?

Technically yes you can, but if it has ever impaired your driving or made you feel drowsy, it’s best not to drive.

Can CBD Interact With Prescription Medication and Affect Driving?

There are some medications that may interact with CBD and have a drowsy effect. Check with your doctor if you’re in any doubt about driving on CBD and other medications.

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Can you drive on CBD in the UK?