To drive or not to drive after consuming CBD, that is the question. For a long time, it was unclear whether or not it was permitted to drive after consuming a cannabidiol-based product, whether oil or flower. Today, the answer is clear: it is forbidden to drive after consuming CBD. Indeed, the rule/law stipulating that driving after using narcotics is prohibited now applies to cannabidiol.
On June 21, the French Supreme Court ruled that driving after consuming CBD is prohibited. According to the court, cannabidiol may indeed contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychotropic molecule of the cannabis plant), which, depending on the dosage (however small), may show up in a saliva test.
The fact remains that CBD is not considered a narcotic at European level, or even by the WHO. It's a surprising decision, even if France seems determined to do everything in its power to hinder anything remotely related to legal cannabis, whether therapeutic or derived.
The 1ng/ml THC limit in saliva poses a problem
It's the 1ng/ml THC limit in saliva that poses the problem. It means that CBD, though legal, is classified as a narcotic. The second problem is THC testing and dosing.
Kits are not sufficiently aware of the issue. As a result, it is currently impossible for a police officer to know whether an individual has tested positive for THC because of a marijuana-type product (which is banned), because of an incorrectly dosed CBD product, or because of a conventional CBD product (candy, oil, etc.).
Penalties for using CBD while driving
But what are the penalties? What are the risks if you happen to test positive for CBD in your car? Two years' imprisonment, a 4,500-euro fine, loss of 6 points on your driving license, plus suspension or even cancellation... among other things. Ultimately, it all depends on the seriousness of the offence. The best thing to do is not to touch or consume anything before taking to the road.
"By way of coordination, it is stipulated that in the event of a positive drug test, the police will, as a safety measure, immediately detain the driver's license for a maximum period of 120 hours, during which time the competent prefect may, if the biological analysis establishes the use of narcotics, issue an order suspending the driver's license for a maximum period of one year, pending the judicial decision (articles L. 224-1 and L. 224 2 of the Highway Code)" adds the Ministry of the Interior.
In any case, before this decree was implemented, the question of CBD behind the wheel was more or less settled. Technically, it was not forbidden to drive. Formally, however, CBD implies a relaxing action that is totally incompatible with driving. Whether it's for you or for other road users, whether it's a short trip or a much longer one, it's essential to be very careful.
Can we eat broad spectrum products?
As a reminder, broad spectrum CBD-based products contain no trace of THC. They contain the vast majority of other cannabinoids, but no tetrahydrocannabinol. So, is it possible to consume them? Basically, yes. Indeed, the authorities look for traces of THC (1ng/ml in saliva) in their saliva tests. Consuming THC-free CBD is therefore an alternative.
But be careful! Firstly, you never know what might happen on the road. As explained, the action of CBD leads to relaxation effects (which cause drowsiness) that are not compatible with driving. What's more, if you don't know where your product comes from, it's best not to consume it. Some producers and retailers may present your Flowers, hash or other products as "Broad spectrum", when in fact they are "Full spectrum" (with THC).
Ultimately, this will help you avoid the slightest doubt, and therefore the slightest annoyance, in the event of an inspection. The road is a dangerous place where it's imperative to respect the rules, whether for yourself or for others.
At Le Grossiste du CBD, we therefore invite CBD retailers and consumers to educate themselves and give priority to consumption in a safe, healthy space, such as at home or on the spot, after arriving at your destination.
The CBD Wholesaler: what we think of the ban on CBD consumption before driving
At Le Grossiste du CBD, we offer a range of cannabidiol-based products for wholesale. These products are legal in France and the rest of theEuropean Union. These full spectrum products are also available in "broad" (THC-free) versions.
In all cases, we invite our retail partners to educate and support consumers, explaining / reminding them that the consumption of CBD products is now prohibited before driving, for legal reasons.
In the event of an infringement, you could face up to two years' imprisonment, the loss of 6 points on your driving license (or even have your license withdrawn), and a fine of up to 4,500 euros. So be vigilant, both for yourself and for other road users!
Finally, remember that this law only applies in France. If you're abroad, don't forget to find out about the legislation in force before taking your vehicle. Whether it's for your health, your safety or that of others, it's essential to always take precautions.
