Scientists from the University of Sydney found that 1500 mg, the highest daily medicinal dose of cannabidiol (CBD), has no impact on people’s driving or cognitive abilities.
The research is published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology and was conducted by Dr. Danielle McCartney et al.
CBD is a cannabis component widely used for medical as well as “wellness” purposes, such as to induce sleep or boost energy. It is often consumed orally, in oil form.
Unlike THC, a cannabis component that can induce sedation, euphoria (a “high”) and impairment, CBD does not appear to intoxicate people. Instead, it has been reported to have calming and pain relief effects.
Peak concentrations of CBD in a person’s blood plasma are usually attained within three to four hours after taking it orally, although individual responses vary.
In the study, the team found that even at the highest medicinal dose of 1500 mg, CBD does not cause impairment.
They tested 17 participants undertaking simulated driving tasks after consuming either a placebo or 15, 300, or 1500 mg of CBD in 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.
First, participants had to try to maintain a safe distance between themselves and a lead vehicle, and then “drive” along highways and rural roads.
They completed the task between 45–75 minutes after taking their assigned treatment, and then again between 3.5 and 4 hours after, to cover the range of plasma concentrations at different times.
The researchers measured participants’ control of the simulated car as well as their cognitive function, subjective experiences, and the CBD concentrations in their plasma.
They found that no dose of CBD induced feelings of intoxication or appeared to impair either driving or cognitive performance.
The team caution that this study looked at CBD in isolation only, and drivers taking CBD with other medications should do so with care.
A previous study from the team found very low doses of vaporized (“vaped”) CBD—an uncommon method of taking the drug—were driver-safe.
If you care about cannabis, please read studies about cannabis hemp oil may treat chronic neuropathic pain and findings of a new way to treat chronic pain.
For more information about cannabis, please see recent studies that high-potency cannabis may affect your memory functions, and results showing cannabis could help fight resistant bacteria.
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