Can You Drive on CBD Oil? And Does It Show on Drug Tests?

Despite the explosive rise in popularity of CBD products, including CBD oil, many people are still wary about its legality in some fields, including driving. This is rightly so because many people wrongly associate CBD with cannabis which is an illegal drug in the UK. It is, therefore, unsurprising that they are cautious when consuming CBD oil and question whether it is legal to drive after taking it. In this guide, we have answered this question which is currently a hot topic among many CBD users in the country. By the end of this guide, you will be clear on the legality of driving while on CBD oil and whether or not the substance will show on a roadside drug test. Moreover, you will also be able to tell whether or not it is advisable to drive while on CBD oil.

Is it legal to take CBD oil and drive in the UK?

In 2015, the UK government revised its law on driving, making it easier for police to arrest and prosecute those driving under the influence of various controlled substances. The new law specifies sixteen drugs whose presence in your blood while driving could land you on the wrong side of the law. Of the sixteen drugs, eight are illegal substances, whereas the remaining eight are prescription drugs, including cannabis. However, as CBD is a non-psychoactive substance that won’t intoxicate the consumer, it doesn't fall under this category of controlled substances. It is, thus, perfectly legal to take CBD oil and drive in the UK, provided the CBD Oil contains less than 0.02% THC content. And you don't risk facing penalties such as unlimited fines, driving bans, or jail time when found driving on CBD oil.

What if my CBD oil contains THC?

THC is another cannabinoid usually present in the hemp plant front from which CBD oil is extracted. It is generally present in most CBD oil products but in trace amounts that don't exceed 0.2%. And given that it is a controlled substance in the UK due to its intoxicating effects, many CBD oil users are afraid of hitting the road after consuming their daily dose of CBD oil. However, there is no need to worry as you can only be arrested for driving under the influence of the THC level in your blood exceeding 0.2%. As such, provided you are consuming high-quality CBD oil from a reputable company, there is no need to worry about infringing driving laws.

Is it safe to drive on CBD oil?

It is perfectly safe to drive while on CBD oil since it won't affect your ability to drive, thanks to its non-intoxicating nature. Even if the CBD oil you take has some traces of THC, it isn't in sufficient amounts to impair your judgement, and you need not worry about your safety while driving on CBD oil. However, it is advisable not to get behind the wheel if you feel you are in no condition to drive.

Will CBD oil show on a drug test?

Currently, UK law allows police officers to stop you and conduct a spontaneous drug test if they suspect you are driving under the influence of drugs. And for fear of failing a roadside drug test or any other drug test, many people shy from giving CBD oil a try. This is rightly so because failing a drug test could have severe consequences such as suspension of your driving license, and you could even end up having a criminal record. However, there is no need to worry about failing a drug test while on CBD oil, as CBD doesn't usually show on the standard drug tests. Nonetheless, it isn't entirely impossible to fail a drug test after consuming CBD oil, especially if it were acquired from an unreliable seller. This is because some unscrupulous sellers don't regulate the level of THC in their products. As a result, detectable concentrations of this "high-inducing substance" may be found in the saliva and blood of a user during a drug test.

What should I do to ensure I pass a drug test while on CBD oil?

Despite knowing that CBD oil won’t make you fail a drug test, it is understandable that you might still have reservations about consuming it before a drug test. If this is the case, consider implementing the following steps to ensure the THC levels in your body wouldn't exceed 0.2% during the test.

• Consume CBD oil that contains only trace amounts of THC.
• Always buy your CBD oil from a reputable retailer with a legitimate lab certificate indicating the CBD oil container has less than 1 mg of THC.
• Reduce the amount of CBD oil you consume if you think you may soon be taking a drug test.
• Spread the times you consume CBD oil to prevent THC from building up in your body and exceeding the legal limit.

What should I do if the police stop me while driving in CBD?

Although it is unlikely that the police will stop you while driving, it is normal to panic when the police flag and stop you, especially when you are on CBD oil. However, there is no need to panic, as the police won't arrest you for taking your daily CBD oil dose and hitting the road. This is particularly so, considering the police won't be testing for the presence of CBD in your blood but rather for controlled substances such as THC, heroin, and cocaine. You should, therefore, maintain your calm and pull over as if nothing is going to happen to you. However, make sure not to volunteer any information regarding the use of CBD oil. Conclusion It is safe and legal to drive while on CBD oil. However, to minimize the risk of failing a roadside drug test, it is prudent to ensure you purchase your CBD oil from a reputable company. It would be best if you also regulated your CBD oil dosage to ensure that you won't be found to be having more than 0.2% THC in your blood while driving.