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Over the past few years, CBD drinks have become a hit all over the world. They’re scientifically proven to help with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other sleep issues, painful sensations and general restlessness without the intoxicating side effects of traditional cannabis.

However, when you try to buy them, they’re still age-restricted, meaning you’ll have to be the legal age to make a purchase in most jurisdictions. Now, based on this idea, can you drive after a CBD drink? Here’s everything you need to know about safety rules, THC, CBD and general regulations so you can stay safe on the road. 

Can You Drive After CBD Drink?

Since CBD drinks are age-restricted and give you extra calmness, you might assume that they’re not suitable for drivers. But at the same time, they’re also advertised to be excellent alternatives to alcoholic drinks, so they’re great for designated drivers or those who don’t like a hangover in the morning but still want to socialize.

So, how do CBD drinks and driving mix? Can you drive after CBD drink?

Long story short, potential side effects of CBD (if any) won’t impair your ability to drive responsibly. The extra calmness and relaxation won’t affect your driving skills or slow your reaction times. CBD isn’t THC, so despite making you feel better and more relaxed, it won’t give you a high or alter your sensory perception.

Therefore, driving after having one or more CBD drinks is perfectly legal. There are no limits to how many CBD drinks you can have either, yet you should know better what dose makes you feel good without giving you any side effects.

Bottom line, from a legal point of view, there are no issues whatsoever. With all these, there are still some safety tips and ideas to keep in mind, especially if you’re new to CBD and you don’t know exactly how it can affect you personally. 

Keep an Eye on the THC Content

According to British laws, CBD drinks should have a maximum of 0.2% THC, while regulations in other regions like the US allow up to 0.3%. Many brands include no THC whatsoever. However, when you order online (especially from abroad), make sure to check the THC content, just to be safe and compliant with local laws.

Generally speaking, broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate drinks will have insignificant THC levels that can’t be detected, so that’s what you need to go for if you want absolute peace of mind. 

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-Spectrum CBD isn’t recommended for anyone who tries CBD for the first time and wants to drive after. This form of CBD may have trace amounts of THC due to the complete extraction process. If you’re not sure how the CBD affects you, maybe leave it for later, when you’re more aware of the effects and in the comfort of your home.

The good news is that even full-spectrum CBD can’t give you a proper high. It won’t make you fail a drug test. Therefore, the risk is insignificant, so you can still drive.

Roadside Testing

If you do get tested by the police, these tests usually focus on the saliva. They search for controlled substances, nothing else. They look for cocaine and THC. CBD is not included because it’s not a controlled substance and does not cause impairment.

If you go for quality CBD drinks from reputable brands, you’ll never fail a test because their product labeling is highly accurate. 

Observe the Effects

This is probably the most important part of the process. CBD won’t intoxicate you, but new users may sometimes experience mild side effects. Nausea could be an issue and may make driving a bit difficult. CBD also induces a relaxed state.

In other words, if you feel woozy or sleepy after trying CBD for the first time, you should avoid driving. That’s why it’s important to avoid driving when you take it, at least until you get used to it.

Start with a low dose, observe the effects and adjust the dose later until you reach the desired effects. Once you’re aware of how you feel, getting behind the wheel after having a CBD drink shouldn’t be an issue.

This rule applies to all kinds of effects, both positive and negative. Again, you’re less likely to experience side effects, but they can still show up if you’re new to CBD and you try a high dose. That’s why it’s also important to keep it low until you get used to it.

Buy Safely

So, can you drive after CBD drink? Generally, yes, but be cautious if you’re a new user.

Prior to taking CBD and observing effects, you should definitely do some research and stick to reputable brands only. This way, you’ll ensure that you get the optimal dose of CBD in a high-quality drink, with no risks at all.

Reputable brands will also provide third-party lab reports, only to guarantee their quality standards. It pays off to check these lab reports, so you know precisely what goes in your drink.

As a short final conclusion, can you drive after a CBD drink? Absolutely. It’s legal and it’s totally doable. In fact, CBD drinks are advertised to be excellent alternatives to alcohol for social occasions. Make sure you’re cautious if this is the first time you use CBD, only to ensure that potential effects won’t make driving feel difficult or uncomfortable.