(Newswire.net— June 7, 2020) — CBD, or cannabidiol, is a popular wellness product. Many people use this supplement because of its many health benefits, such as helping reduce anxiety, stress, and even insomnia.
However, CBD supplements come from the cannabis plant, which has gotten some people worried whether or not it is safe or even legal to drive when they have taken a CBD supplement. Below, we take a look at the differences between CBD and marijuana, and whether or not it is legal to drive while taking CBD supplements.
Differences between CBD and Marijauna
While there are a number of states that have legalized weed in America, it is illegal in every state to drive while under the influence of psychoactive drugs- this includes marijuana. However, CBD and marijuana have a lot of differences. Despite being derived from the same plant, CBD contains no THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis), which means that you cannot get high when taking this supplement.
It is the difference in the chemical structure of CBD and THC that allows for CBD to have no psychoactive properties. Although both of these compounds are made up of exactly the same molecules (21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms), they are arranged slightly differently in each compound, and this is why they both affect your body differently.
Because it is not psychoactive, various forms of CBD can be bought, sold and distributed over the majority of the United States.
Is it legal to drive on CBD supplements?
Due to the fact that CBD supplements do not get you ‘high’, it is perfectly legal for you to drive while taking these supplements. However, you should note that CBD can produce a calming effect, and if you are taking higher doses, this could slightly alter your perception on the road. While it is certainly legal to drive while using CBD supplements, you must always make sure you are feeling well enough to drive. If, for some reason, you feel drowsy as a result of the CBD supplements, consider letting someone else drive. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
It is also not illegal to have CBD products in your car. However, if you are travelling with any kind of CBD supplement in your car, it is always best to ensure that these products are properly labelled, as there may be some confusion among law enforcement and police officers who may mistake it for marijuana.
If you use CBD flowers, it may be best to avoid having these in your car while driving. Although not psychoactive, the CBD flower is very similar in appearance to a marijuana bud, and this could cause serious confusion if a law enforcement official happened to look inside your vehicle. If you are travelling across states, it is also best not to carry too many CBD products with you, as different states have very different rules and regulations for CBD.
Conclusion
If you were previously worried that you would not be able to drive while taking CBD supplements, you need worry no more. It is perfectly legal to drive while using CBD. However, as with anything, it is always best that you exercise caution when it comes to driving.