Cannabidiol (CBD) has become popular in recent years throughout our society. There are CBD creams, oils, and even drinks that are marketed as helping people reduce chronic pain and stress. However, because CBD is part of the cannabis plant, some wonder if it is safe to consume CBD and then drive. Can you be charged with a Connecticut DUI if you drive after consuming a CBD product? On this page, I explain CBD in greater detail and discuss the possibility of a CBD DUI charge.
What is CBD?
CBD is part of the cannabis sativa plant. The cannabis plant contains many different compounds, including both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance that causes the “high” effect when a person ingests marijuana. However, remember that CBD and THC are different properties. They can be consumed together or CBD can be extracted from the cannabis plant without the presence of THC at all. In the state of Connecticut, and in many other states, CBD oil extracted from cannabis and not containing THC is legal. In addition, CBD oil containing less than .03% of THC is not believed to produce a high effect on the consumer. These types of CBD cannot get you high because there is not enough THC to produce a significant effect on the human body (or in some cases, there is no THC at all).
THC and CBD have similar medicinal purposes in the human body, except for the fact that THC produces a high feeling and CBD does not. Both compounds are used to assist with issues such as:
- Stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Inflammation.
- Acne reduction.
- Improved heart health.
- Relief for chronic pain.
There are lots of new studies being prepared on CBD oil and its benefits because it is a substance that is becoming so popular in mainstream society. For example, there are studies testing if CBD oil has an impact on reducing a person’s risk for cancer, or on shrinking the size of tumors. CBD oil also has calming properties for anxious pets and can be consumed by animals in appropriate doses.
Can I Get a DUI If I Have CBD Oil?
As mentioned above, CBD oil usually does not contain any THC, or contains inconsequential amounts. Because of this, CBD does not get you high, and therefore do not cause impairment to a person getting behind the wheel. Because of this, it is safe to drive after consuming CBD oil that does not contain significant amounts of THC.
If you have consumed CBD with less than .03% of THC, you are not driving impaired. However, this does not mean that you won’t be pulled over by the police, whether for a motor vehicle violation, an issue with your vehicle, or some other issue. Ultimately, the police can charge you with a drug DUI, but if we can prove that THC was not in your system, we can discredit the police and the prosecution’s case.
Help With a Drug DUI
CBD and cannabis laws are constantly changing in our society. We know this because marijuana was recently approved as a legal recreational drug in the state of Connecticut. But different states have different laws when it comes to CBD and marijuana. You should keep this in mind if you are visiting another state.
This area of the law is always evolving. If you have been charged with a drug DUI because you used CDB before driving, contacting an attorney can ensure that you establish the most up-to-date defense given your situation. I am happy to help – call my office for more information!
