Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

New Study Reveals Effects of CBD vs THC While Driving

Misconceptions abound in the cannabis driving conversation. This study helps.
Misconceptions abound in the cannabis driving conversation. This study helps.
Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay

One of the biggest concerns around cannabis legalization is stoned driving.

While it’s never a good idea to blaze up before getting behind the wheel, the public still needs more information.


For instance, how long after getting high should one wait before it is safe to drive?

And what about CBD? Is that an issue, or no?

A new landmark study published in the has begun to answer these questions.

The study, conducted in Australia, is the very first to measure the impact of CBD versus THC while driving.

“These findings indicate for the first time that CBD, when given without THC, does not affect a subject’s ability to drive. That’s great news for those using or considering treatment using CBD-based products,” says Dr. Thomas Arkell, the study’s lead author.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study’s design is quite simple, involving 26 adults, each given one of four different types of cannabis.

Just 40 minutes after vaping either THC-dominant cannabis, a mix of CBD and THC, CBD-dominant cannabis, or a placebo, participants went for a drive on the open highway in a dual control car with a driving instructor.

Participants then went for a second drive after four hours.

Results of the Study

The results of the study are as you might expect.

The drivers who consumed THC or the CBD-THC combo experienced mild impairment when getting behind the wheel 40 minutes after consuming.

On their second drive, four hours later, these participants experienced no observable impairment.

Meanwhile, the CBD and placebo subjects did not experience any impairment at all on either drive.

Why Are These Findings Important?

Even though alcohol is the greater threat to road safety, THC-impaired driving is a hot issue as more states and countries continue to legalize cannabis for adult use.

With no reliable way to measure cannabis-induced impairment, studies like this are an important step in gathering information and raising awareness.

This study reveals that while CBD driving seems to be okay, THC consumption via inhalation requires about four hours before it’s safe to get behind the wheel (a high-dose cannabis edible may require a longer wait time).

And of course, the researchers emphasized that more studies are needed.

“With cannabis laws changing globally, jurisdictions are grappling with the issue of cannabis-impaired driving,” Dr. Arkell noted.

“These results provide much needed insights into the magnitude and duration of impairment caused by different types of cannabis and can help to guide road-safety policy not just in Australia but around the world.”

This study is also somewhat helpful for the case against testing for potential THC intoxication vis blood sample – which is not a reliable method at all. THC can linger in the blood for days, long after the high has worn off. This can lead to false positives and unfair convictions, destroying lives and harming the cannabis movement even, all due to bad science (sound familiar?).

Another important consideration here is the fact that a lot of CBD products contain unknown amounts of THC because they are poorly made and haven’t been properly tested.

While this is beyond the parameters of the study, the last thing we need is a soccer mom dosing bad CBD before driving the kids to school (only to discover too late that her product contains high levels of THC).

Either way, stoned driving should never be encouraged.

Are you still missing out on The Bluntness newsletter? Sign Up today to stay in the loop.

More For You

Sex on shrooms is not for everyone, although certainly worth a try -- perhaps with a bit of guidance first.
Sex on shrooms is not for everyone, although certainly worth a try -- perhaps with a bit of guidance first.

Sex on Shrooms: How to Prepare Yourself

If you've tripped on psilocybin (a.k.a., magic mushrooms) before, you're already well aware what an intense experience it can be. And if shrooms can take an average activity like listening to music to an entirely different universe, you can probably imagine what sex on shrooms might feel like.

As intense and amazing as mushroom sex can be, it can also be an incredibly negative experience if you're not careful. Most psychotropic substances are best experienced when you curate the right set and setting, and sex on magic mushrooms is no different.

Keep ReadingShow less
Getting you ready for your first magic mushroom trip - The Bluntness

Getting you ready for your first magic mushroom trip - The Bluntness

How Long Do Shrooms Last? Magic Mushroom Guide for Beginners

In 2022, general interest in magic mushrooms has spiked to unprecedented levels not seen since the 1960s. Thanks to research showing promising results for patients, lawmakers a handful of states and cities already have or are considering loosening psilocybin restrictions.

A few states such as Oregon have fully legalized psilocybin treatment for all adult patients, while others want to limit it to veterans or others with PTSD.

Keep ReadingShow less
Introduction to Psychoactive Mushrooms: The Aztec God Strain - The Bluntness

Introduction to Psychoactive Mushrooms: The Aztec God Strain - The Bluntness

Exploring the Sacred Aztec God Mushroom Strain

Introduction to Psychoactive Mushrooms

Psychoactive mushrooms, also known as hallucinogenic mushrooms, have been revered for centuries across various cultures for their profound spiritual, medicinal, and recreational properties. These remarkable fungi contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which have the power to alter perception, thought, and mood. The use of these mushrooms dates back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, where they were considered sacred and integral to rituals and ceremonies aimed at communicating with the gods and ancestors. The Aztecs, in particular, held these mushrooms in high esteem, often referring to them as “the flesh of the gods” due to their ability to induce mystical and divine experiences.

What are Aztec God Mushroom strains?

This is a strain of psychedelic mushrooms commonly harvested in Central America and Southern Mexico. They possess a moderate to average psilocybin potency and have been widely utilized by the Aztecs for religious purposes. They are widely cultivated or harvested for their above-average psilocybin content, which is suitable for beginners and prolonged trips when taken in large doses.

Keep ReadingShow less
gif of actor Kevin James from King of Queens; asking "How Much Does That Cost?"
Why Is Some Weed More Expensive Than Others? Understanding Cannabis Pricing
Giphy

Unraveling Cannabis Pricing: Factors Behind the Cost of Weed


 

Step inside a cannabis dispensary for the first time and the experience can be overwhelming. The meticulously labeled glass jars showcase dozens of strains with names like "Wedding Cake" and "Blue Dream," while refrigerated cases display concentrates, edibles, and tinctures at wildly different price points. Unlike the days when consumers were limited to whatever their neighborhood dealer offered, today's legal market presents a dazzling array of options that might leave newcomers with both wonder and sticker shock.

Keep ReadingShow less
REVIEW: Is The Puffco Peak Pro Worth It? - The Bluntness

REVIEW: Is The Puffco Peak Pro Worth It? - The Bluntness

Image from puffco.com

Puffco Peak Pro Review

If you’re looking to get into dabs, the good news is you no longer have to start with a little rinky dink rig from your local headshop and a torch whose flame refuses to get high enough for the ice water hash you just bought.

Instead, advancements in technology have made it where you can skip past the traditional rite of passage, and step right into the big leagues for your first taste of oil. Removing leftover concentrate is crucial to ensure optimal performance during dabbing sessions, and modern devices are designed with this in mind.

Keep ReadingShow less