Is CBD and driving compatible?

CBD law France, CBD and driving, CBD saliva test etc. All these internet search queries have been multiplying for some time now, as the use of CBD products has become more widespread. As a result, many people are asking questions about CBD, particularly about its legality and the risks involved in driving. In this article, we will address 3 crucial points:

1. Is CBD legal in France?
2. Can I drive after taking a CBD product?
3. If I'm stopped by the police and I take a saliva test, will it be positive?

Let's try to answer these questions clearly!

1. Legality of CBD

First of all, European legislation on CBD is clear: CBD is not a drug. France has therefore been forced to stop penalizing CBD shops in France. Some CBD shops were in fact prosecuted and sentenced by the courts, and the judgments were overturned by various French Courts of Cassation, yet another victory for CBD.

Thanks to these decisions, the sale of CBD in France is as legal as its consumption. The world of CBD and all that revolves around it is developing at phenomenal speed, and more and more articles, reports and radio programs are devoted to it. This is helping to de-diabolize CBD, to explain the benefits it can provide, and to finally expose the reality of the famous "CBD vs THC" battle:

• THC or tetrahydrocannabinol (the psychotropic molecule in cannabis) is a banned drug in France.
• CBD or cannabidiol is an authorized dietary supplement.

2. CBD and driving

CBD is appreciated for its pain-relieving, relaxing and anti-stress effects. It also improves sleep quality (other benefits of CBD are discussed in our various articles).

CBD products come in a variety of forms, including :

• CBD flowers (for infusion, cooking or vaporization)
• CBD oils to be taken as drops under the tongue or applied to the skin
• CBD resins
• Gummies CBD
• CBD Vape

Depending on the individual, the form, concentration, quantity and frequency of consumption, CBD can have a more or less significant effect on attention, reactivity and the risk of drowsiness at the wheel. As with many drugs (antidepressants, anxiolytics and sleeping pills, of course, but also other classes of medication such as anti-inflammatories), it is also not advisable to drive immediately after taking CBD.

According to Drogues Info Service, the duration of the effects associated with taking CBD differs according to its form and method of consumption:

CBD ingestion

Effects are delayed, appearing up to 1 hour after ingestion. They are less intense than with other modes of consumption, but last longer, averaging between 3 and 6 hours.

Sublingual application of CBD (drops of CBD oil under the tongue)

Effects appear in 5 to 20 minutes. Duration of action is 2 to 3 hours.

Combustion of CBD (strongly discouraged because of its toxicity)

Effects appear in 5 to 15 minutes. Duration of action averages 1 to 2 hours.

Vaporizing or vaping CBD

Steam is sucked in all at once, providing an immediate effect. The effect lasts 2 to 3 hours.

3. CBD and saliva testing

Some CBD products contain a legal dose of THC (less than 0.2% by law), more commonly known as Full Spectrum CBD products. Other CBD products contain no trace of THC and are known as Broad Spectrum CBD products. For pure CBD, don't worry, the saliva test will prove negative.

If you consume CBD containing THC (in its legal dose), then, as for the effects on your driving, everything will depend on the form consumed, the concentration, the dosage and, above all, the quantity. You'll have to wait more or less time before getting behind the wheel.

According to Drogues Info Service, the presence of THC in saliva also varies according to consumption:

• Occasional use: 6 to 8 hours
• Regular use: up to 24h
• Intensive and daily use: up to 8 days

We're talking here only about THC content, and remember that the THC content of CBD products must be less than 0.2%.

As with alcohol and breathalyser tests, saliva tests for THC are available for sale to individuals, and can be found on the Internet. To avoid scams, prefer the sites of the French laboratories that manufacture them. In the early stages, this may enable you to assess the risk based on your consumption.

Do CBD and driving mix?

In conclusion, it's imperative to allow a certain amount of time to elapse between taking CBD (which contains THC) and gripping your steering wheel or handlebars (whether on a motorcycle or a bicycle). As mentioned above, it can take some time for the body to evacuate THC, depending on the form, concentration, dosage and quantity consumed.

The Cali Weed team