Can You Drive on CBD Oil UK

CBD News

The number of people using CBD oils as a supplement for its healing and therapeutic purposes has jumped in recent times.

One reason is research suggests that CBD may be able to calm the central nervous system and improve sleep patterns of users while bringing down anxiety levels. But this rise in acceptance has raised questions on whether it’s safe to drive after using CBD oil in the UK.

UK driving laws clamp down on anyone driving under the influence. And if cannabis is one of the items listed as illegal substances, it’s normal you suspect CBD oil is too. After all, it’s extracted from the same plant. But it’s possible to get it all mixed up.

To clear your doubt, let’s answer these questions.

Is the use of CBD oil legal in the UK?
Does the use of CBD oil interfere with your driving ability?
Can you drive on CBD oil in the UK?
What’s the rule behind the use of CBD oil and drug tests?
How safe is the consumption of CBD oils?

Is the use of CBD oil legal in the UK?

Cannabidiol, also called CBD, is one botanical compound present in the hemp plant. It doesn’t have a psychoactive reaction when used. Instead, it serves as a supplement that may help promote a healthy lifestyle.

Using CBD oil for wellness purposes has been made legal in the UK. because there’s a regulatory standard that CBD oils must meet before they can be considered fit for consumption. That is, they must be extracted from an industrial hemp strain and not exceed a 0.2%mg of THC in each bottle.

Does the use of CBD oil interfere with driving ability?

If you are new to CBD it can be very concerning for you. It’s okay to want to know if CBD can impair your driving ability before you take the plunge on CBD oil. So Can CBD impair your driving ability? The simple answer is, no.

Approved CBD oil in the UK is made from the hemp plant, a type of cannabis that does not intoxicate. If it’s non-intoxicating, then it can’t interfere with your driving ability.

A WHO report says CBD has a good safety profile and leaves no dependence effects on users. It’s safe to conclude that if the use of CBD oil does not make you lose focus and leave you in a dependent state, then it won’t impair your ability to drive.

Nevertheless, if you are new to CBD oil use, it’s okay to observe yourself before driving. While CBD oil is non-intoxicating, it has a relaxing effect. And for some people, once they feel very relaxed, they tend to start dozing off, which in itself can get any driver in trouble.

So if you feel drowsy, it’s best to take a much-needed rest and avoid driving at that moment. Aside from this, you are completely fine with driving after using your CBD oil.

Can you drive on CBD oil UK?

The use of CBD oil while driving in the UK is legal because CBD oil will not give you the feeling of being “high” that leaves you in a state of being beyond self-control. Though CBD and THC are compounds found in cannabis, it’s THC that intoxicates.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an illegal substance in cannabis and is controlled by the UK government. During the process of extracting CBD oil from hemp , there could still be traces of THC left. However, these traces can’t exceed 0.2% of the total for the CBD oil to be legal.

If the brand of CBD oil you choose to use stays within this requirement, you are fit and can drive on CBD oil in the UK. With this in mind, you must stick with a top-quality brand from a trusted seller. Choose brands that are open about their third-party tests and issue a Certificate of Analysis . Also, check out online reviews for the product in question. If the brand has positive reviews, this will help keep your mind at ease.

What’s the rule behind CBD oil use in the UK and drug tests?

The new 2015 driving policy is clear on THC consumption. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) should not exceed 2mg/L in the bloodstream. This law allows police officers to stop and run a test on drivers they suspect to be driving under intoxication. Screening kits could be available on the spot for testing. And if the result comes out positive, they will be charged for driving under the influence.

However, it’s important to know that a drug test won’t be screening you for CBD but THC. As long as the THC content level in the CBD oil doesn’t exceed the approved 0.2% threshold, you won’t be testing positive for drugs when tested. Government regulations are that traces of THC in CBD oils should be so minimal that they can’t be separated from the CBD.

But then again, a police officer will only stop you if they suspect you are driving under the influence, probably because of speed or other reasons.

Usually, full-spectrum categories of CBD oils are the ones that contain THC traces. If you’re so worried, then you can opt for other categories, like broad-spectrum CBD oil. Broad-spectrum CBD oil has all its traces of CBD removed through a special extraction process. You can also choose CBD isolate, which contains nothing but pure CBD.

Is the consumption of CBD oil safe?

CBD oil has been considered safe, which is why its use has been legalised. Because of safety concerns, the production and supply of CBD products have been well regulated by the UK government, setting the required limit for safe consumption.

The CBD oil extracted from hemp has been mixed with a carrier oil. So, be assured you’re not consuming it in its raw form. This process in itself has already reduced any high potency danger.

Once you have decided to start using CBD oil, you should learn which category you would rather stick with if you’re concerned about the consumption of THC traces.

Q and A

Are there any side effects I should be concerned about after taking

CBD?According to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally well tolerated with minor side effects. Common CBD side effects [N14] include:

Feeling drowsy
Dry mouth
Diarrhoea
Feeling lightheaded
It can also interact if used alongside other mediation.

The side effects are unique to individuals but if you feel any of these signs, an adjustment of dosage or a change of brand may help. But so far, CBD is well tolerated by many users.

2. How can I be sure the CBD oil I use meets the legal requirements?

Opt for products that have detailed labels. The basic information you need about the product should not be hard to find. If you can’t find the information on the product store page or website, then you probably shouldn’t trust such brands. Information about third-party tests and a Certificate of Analysis should be easily accessible to buyers.

3. Will I test positive for CBD in a drug test after constant use?

The simple answer is that no, you won’t be testing positive for CBD if you take a drug test because these tests are not done to detect CBD but THC. In the UK, unless your CBD oil contains more than 0.2% of THC or more than 2 mg/l of THC in your blood, you are within the legal frame. However, a CBD product may be mislabeled. That’s why you need to only buy from trustworthy sources that test their products and issue a Certificate of Analysis.

4. Is it possible to be addicted to CBD oil after prolonged use?

It’s normal to be concerned about getting addicted to CBD oil because of its source. But CBD is not addictive. It’s non-psychoactive, unlike THC. Between these two substances found in cannabis, CBD is the safe one. That’s why it’s approved and available as a supplement in the UK.

Conclusion

Cannabidiol is a natural chemical found in hemp plants. CBD oil in the UK is made from the industrial hemp strain. This means it has naturally low levels of THC that is legally acceptable and is safe for use as supplement.

More people are becoming open to the use of CBD because of its potential therapeutic benefit. Because CBD in itself is non-intoxicating, oils made from it are safe to use even before driving.

As there are more CBD oil brands now available for sale and consumption, it’s vital you know which brand you can trust. If you don’t choose your brand very well, you might be wasting your money and getting into trouble with the law if driving after using one loaded with THC.

Check our handy guide on choosing the right CBD product for you!