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While a large group of people has come to view CBD oil as a safe and natural dietary supplement that offers potential benefits for our bodies and minds, others may still be skeptical about how CBD might affect our cognitive function and driving ability, for example. Fortunately, Dutch researchers have now discovered that while certain cannabinoids may affect your ability to drive, cannabidiol (CBD) does not:
Driving Under the Influence of CBD and THC
The popularity of cannabis-derived supplements such as CBD oil has increased significantly in recent years. And with that, we’re seeing an increased demand for more information about the potential effects of these substances. Because, while Dutch Natural Healing—as ISO-certified CBD manufacturers—and our experienced consumers —may trust the safety of cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp without hesitation, others may still be wary of the potential impact they could have on our daily lives and cognitive function.
One of the biggest concerns we hear from lawmakers, researchers and “newbies” to the world of CBD focuses on the potential impact CBD oil can have on driving skills. Even though the dietary supplement will not appear in the pharmacy on the side of the street, nor does it provide users with a high or high – like other cannabinoids like THC. In fact, it is believed that CBD use can even counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
Also of interest: “Cannabinoids: what is the difference between CBD, CBG and THC?”
So, to settle this once and for all – and to reassure users for the first time about the safety of CBD oil – Dutch researchers have studied the effects of Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids on 26 healthy drivers.
Dutch research on CBD
This—rather unique—experiment was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers used 26 healthy participants to study the effects of various cannabinoids on driving ability. Each participant was asked to vape cannabis containing different THC/CBD ratios before driving 100 km on public highways. Of course, this was done under controlled conditions. The drivers were assisted by a driving instructor, who had an additional steering wheel and pedals to take control if necessary.
While some of the participants received blind samples of mostly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive cannabinoid that is only present in extremely low concentrations in CBD Full Spectrum oil. Others took samples with mainly CBD, in equal THC/CBD ratio or placebo. In order to show us the difference between the results when used in traffic.
Measurement of potential impairment in driving was initiated at 40 minutes and 240 minutes after consumption, using standard deviation of lateral position. Also known as SDLP, this is a measure of weaving strip, rotation and over-correction that is often used for this type of survey. This could give researchers a better perspective on the severity and length of the effects of cannabinoids on participants’ driving ability.
CBD safe in circulation
As the researchers concluded, “The predominant cannabis samples containing CBD did not negatively affect driving skills”. Considering the SDLP measurements of users for CBD alone came out almost the same as those of the placebo group. However, the other cannabinoid ratios (with more THC) had some effect on the person’s driving after 40 to 100 minutes after consumption. Although these impairments faded quickly and were no longer noticeable after 240 to 300 minutes after inhalation, they say the authors of the study. Furthermore, the 50:50 THC:CBD ratio was found to be less potent than the dominant cannabis samples.
The study was led by the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics and conducted by Maastricht University in the Netherlands. As lead author Thomas Arkell, Ph.D., stated, “These findings are the first to suggest that CBD, when consumed without THC, does not affect a person’s ability to drive.” This once again provides evidence supporting the safety of using CBD oil—even while operating a vehicle.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com
