A new study has found that even the highest daily medicinal dose of cannabidiol (CBD) – a cannabis component widely used for medical purposes – has no impact on people’s driving or cognitive abilities. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, stated that even at the highest medicinal dose of 1500mg, CBD, which is widely used to induce sleep in many parts of the world, does not cause impairment.
Lead author of the study, Danielle McCartney said in a statement, “Though CBD is generally considered ‘non-intoxicating’, its effects on safety-sensitive tasks are still being established. Our study is the first to confirm that, when consumed on its own, CBD is driver-safe.”
In many regions across the world, including in parts of Australia, it is legal to drive while on CBD as long as the driver is not “impaired” due to fatigue and/or lowered blood pressure. Unlike THC, a component of the cannabis plant that induces sedation, euphoria, and impairment, researchers say CBD does not appear to intoxicate people but instead could have calming and pain relief effects.
In the study, scientists assessed 17 participants as they underwent simulated driving tasks after consuming either a placebo or 15mg, 300mg, or 1500mg of CBD in oil. These quantities, scientists say, represent frequently consumed dosages – up to 150mg a day over the counter, and up to 1500mg a day for conditions such as epilepsy, pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety.
Based on the analysis, scientists said no dose of CBD induced feelings of intoxication or appeared to impair either driving or cognitive performance. However, they caution that this study looked at CBD in isolation only, and that drivers taking CBD with other medications should do so with care.