Do you sometimes feel tense behind the wheel? You are not the only one. An estimated one million people in the Netherlands experience some form of driving anxiety. Heavy traffic, motorways, parking: it can all cause tension. Many people wonder whether they may use CBD oil if they drive. In this article we set out how it works with CBD and driving.
Are you allowed to drive with CBD oil?
Let us be clear straight away: driving with CBD oil is legal and permitted in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound from the hemp plant. It does not get you high, so you can simply take part in traffic.
That does not apply to THC. THC is the psychoactive compound from cannabis that does affect your driving. Dutch law states that CBD products may contain a maximum of 0.05% THC, a negligible amount.
Worth knowing: research from the University of Granada found no difference in driving performance between participants who used CBD and a placebo group. On that basis there are no indications that CBD negatively affects your concentration, coordination or reaction time.
CBD and the endocannabinoid system
CBD acts on your endocannabinoid system, a system of the body’s own that is involved in regulating a wide range of processes. What CBD means for people exactly is still very much under research.
There are currently no EU-approved health claims for CBD. It is a food supplement, not a medicine. Do you experience serious driving anxiety? That is something to discuss with your GP, possibly combined with driving lessons or a training course.
How do you use CBD oil if you drive?
Are you considering using CBD and do you drive regularly? Then keep to these points:
- Test at home first: start at a moment when you do not have to drive, so you can calmly experience how your body responds.
- Start with a low dose: around 15 mg of CBD a day for instance, which you can build up later if you like.
- Choose reliable quality: use only CBD oil from brands with external test results, such as Dutch Hemp and Wedihemp. That way you can be sure the THC content stays below the legal limit.
- Consider broad spectrum: if you want extra certainty, choose broad spectrum CBD oil, which contains no THC.
Questions about CBD?
At Dutch Balance you will find only CBD products that are legal and tested by external labs. Questions about which CBD oil suits you best? Feel free to get in touch.
