Driver safety is a top priority — and with the rise of CBD use, many people wonder whether it’s safe or even legal to drive after taking it. Because CBD is often associated with cannabis and THC, confusion is understandable. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD oil and driving in the UK.
Can you drive on CBD oil?
Yes, you can drive on CBD oil — provided it’s a legally approved product that contains less than 0.2% THC.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp. It does not impair judgement or reaction time, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis and is a controlled substance in the UK.
- CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD contain 0% THC — completely safe for driving.
- Full-spectrum CBD may contain trace THC (up to 0.2%), which is still below the legal limit and unlikely to impair driving.
To stay safe and compliant, always buy third-party lab-tested CBD from reputable brands. These ensure accurate THC levels and product quality.
If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to see how your body reacts before driving. Try it on a day when you don’t need to drive to ensure it doesn’t make you feel drowsy or light-headed.
Read more: CBD vs THC: What’s the difference?
As long as your CBD contains less than 0.2% THC, it is safe and legal to drive in the UK.
Is it legal to drive on CBD in the UK?
Yes. Using CBD oil and driving is legal in the UK — provided your product adheres to UK law and contains no more than 0.2% THC.
CBD itself is not a controlled substance and will not show up in drug tests. However, THC is restricted and does have a legal threshold for drivers. According to the Department for Transport, the THC limit for driving is 2µg/L (two micrograms per litre of blood).
Driving with THC levels above this limit can result in severe penalties, including:
- A minimum one-year driving ban
- Unlimited fines
- Up to six months in prison
- A criminal record for drug driving
CBD, however, is not on the list of controlled substances — meaning there are no driving restrictions for legal CBD use.
CBD is not restricted under UK driving laws — only THC is.
CBD oil and driving drug tests
Police can test drivers if they suspect drug use or unsafe driving behaviour. Testing typically detects THC, cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs — not CBD.
However, if you use a poor-quality or mislabelled CBD product that contains higher-than-legal THC levels, it’s possible to trigger a false positive. This is why you should always check the certificate of analysis (COA) and choose a trusted brand.
Factors like dose frequency and metabolism speed can also influence how long cannabinoids stay in your system. But as long as your CBD product contains less than 0.2% THC, it’s highly unlikely to cause a positive result in any UK roadside or lab test.
Read more: CBD and drug tests
Can you take CBD oil for driving anxiety?
Feeling anxious while driving is common — research suggests about 1 in 4 UK drivers experience motorway or general driving anxiety. CBD’s calming properties may help by reducing stress, easing muscle tension, and improving focus.
Provided the product is THC-free and you stay within the recommended daily limit of 70 mg CBD, there’s no legal reason you can’t use CBD to ease driving anxiety.
CBD may help calm nerves and improve focus, making it a natural aid for anxious drivers.
Read more: CBD oil and anxiety
Does CBD make you sleepy while driving?
CBD is sometimes taken to improve sleep — but that doesn’t mean it causes sleepiness when you’re awake. Studies show CBD can help promote healthy sleep patterns by improving nighttime rest, which in turn leads to greater daytime alertness.
In fact, regular CBD use may help reduce daytime fatigue, keeping you more focused and refreshed behind the wheel.
CBD promotes better sleep without causing daytime drowsiness — it may even improve alertness while driving.
The verdict on CBD oil and driving in the UK
Driving after taking CBD is legal and safe — as long as the product meets UK regulations (below 0.2% THC) and you use it responsibly.
- Choose high-quality, lab-tested CBD with no or trace THC.
- Understand how your body reacts before driving.
- Never drive if you feel light-headed, drowsy, or unwell after taking CBD.
Ultimately, driving on CBD oil is a personal decision. Take note of how it makes you feel and ensure you’re driving responsibly — just as you would with any supplement or medication.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to drive after taking CBD in the UK?
Yes — provided the product contains less than 0.2 % THC and complies with UK CBD regulations.
Will CBD show up on a drug test while driving?
No. CBD itself isn’t tested for — but poor-quality products with excessive THC could trigger a positive result.
Can CBD make me too relaxed to drive?
CBD shouldn’t impair coordination or alertness. If you feel sleepy or light-headed, avoid driving until you feel normal again.
How much CBD is safe before driving?
Follow the Food Standards Agency guideline — no more than 70 mg per day from supplements, unless advised otherwise by a clinician.
