Study Shows High Doses of CBD Do Not Impair Driving Abilities

In a research study led by the University of Sydney, results showed that CBD, even at the highest recommended dose of 1500mg, has "no impact" on a person' s driving or cognitive abilities.

This particular study, which was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, looked at 17 participants who were given either either a placebo or 15mg, 300mg, or 1500mg of CBD oil. "These amounts represent frequently consumed dosages: up to 150 mg/day over the counter; and up to 1500 mg/day for conditions such as epilepsy, pain, sleep disorders and anxiety."

The participants were then asked to perform simulated driving tests after consumption of the CBD oil.

The first task had the participants attempt to "maintain a safe distance between themselves and a lead vehicle" while "driving" along both highways and rural roads. They were asked to complete this task approximately 45-75 minutes after consuming their assigned treatment, then again about 3.5-4 hours after.

The participants' control of the simulated car was measured by how frequently the driver drifted. Researchers also noted the participants' cognitive function, subjective experiences, as well as the level of CBD concentrations in their system at the time they began the simulation.

At the end of the study, the data concluded that "no dose of CBD induced feelings of intoxication or appeared to impair either driving or cognitive performance."

They study's lead author, Dr. Danielle McCartney, from the University's Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, explains that "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."

"We do, however, caution that this study looked at CBD in isolation only, and that drivers taking CBD with other medications should do so with care," she added.

Sources:

1. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-05-high-doses-cbd-cannabis-component.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_spotlight&utm_term=2022-06-14