Can You Drive After Taking CBD in the UK?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular wellness supplement across the UK, often used for managing anxiety, pain, and sleep issues. But as CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, many people wonder:
Can you legally and safely drive after taking CBD in the UK?
In this blog we cover the legal stance and and some subtleties to be aware of
What is CBD, and how does it affect driving?
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not produce a "high" or intoxication. While THC is well known for impairing reaction times and decision-making, CBD is not generally considered a risk factor for impaired driving.
According to a UK government report on medical cannabis and road safety [1], CBD does not pose a concern for road safety on its own. The report highlights that THC, not CBD, is associated with drowsiness, slower reaction time, and impaired judgement behind the wheel.
Scientific studies on CBD and driving performance
A 2022 peer-reviewed pilot study tested driving performance after taking oral CBD. The results? No significant difference was found between the CBD group and the placebo group in a driving simulator. Although researchers noted some minor, non-statistically significant performance changes, they concluded that CBD alone is unlikely to impair driving. However, the study called for further research due to its small sample size and the variability of CBD product quality [2].
In another semi-naturalistic study involving patients prescribed medical cannabis (including THC-containing products), researchers found no significant impairment up to five hours post-dose [3]. While these results are encouraging, they mainly apply to medical users and not over-the-counter CBD supplements. An interesting note here is that medical doses often have much higher CBD content than products available to consumers, but they are also more likely to be pure CBD Isolate without other cannabinoids
Legal status of CBD and driving in the UK
UK law prohibits driving while impaired by any drug, including cannabis-derived substances. However, CBD is not a controlled drug, and there is no legal limit for CBD in the bloodstream. The psychoactive cannabinoid THC, on the other hand, has a strict blood limit of 2μg/L under UK drug-driving law [6].
To remain compliant and safe:
- Only use legal CBD products that contain less than 0.2% THC like Unspun products
- Always check that the product is third-party tested for THC content as are all of our products
- Do not drive if you feel drowsy or unwell, even if the product is CBD-only.
Read more: Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
Medical cannabis, driving, and statutory defence
For patients prescribed medical cannabis (which may contain THC), the rules are slightly different. According to the Cannabis Industry Council UK [4], patients are legally allowed to drive if they are not impaired, follow medical advice, and can provide evidence of their prescription. This is known as a statutory medical defence, which protects compliant patients from prosecution, even if THC blood limits are exceeded.
However, this defence does not apply to people taking non-prescribed products or using CBD recreationally. Always consult a doctor before driving if you are using prescribed cannabis treatments and be sure to use your own good judgment if you are feeling at all drowsy or impaired, do not drive.
Can CBD make driving less safe?
The short answer? Probably not. A comprehensive scientific review found no significant evidence that CBD impairs driving ability. In fact, studies of THC:CBD combinations show that CBD does not reverse THC-induced impairment, and in some cases, may worsen it slightly [5]. But when taken alone, CBD appears neutral or safe in relation to driving tasks like lane control, speed regulation, and reaction time.
Still, caution is advised when:
- Trying CBD for the first time
- Taking higher doses than recommended
- Using full-spectrum products that may contain trace amounts of THC>
Will CBD show up on a roadside drug test?
UK roadside drug tests are designed to detect THC, not CBD. Legal CBD products in the UK should contain non-detectable levels of THC, meaning they won’t trigger a positive result if used properly. However, poorly regulated or imported products may contain more THC than allowed. Always purchase from reputable UK-based brands with transparent lab testing.
Final thoughts: Is it safe and legal to drive after taking CBD?
- CBD alone does not impair driving according to UK government reports and clinical trials.
- THC is the main compound associated with driving impairment, not CBD.
- Legal, low-THC CBD products should not lead to impairment or drug test failure.
- Medical cannabis patients have a statutory defence if prescribed, not impaired, and compliant with the law.
- Still, it’s smart to avoid driving if you feel tired, dizzy, or unwell—regardless of the product used.>
