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The content provided on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. We strongly advise readers to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
To reflect its medicinal nature rather than recreational use, we prefer the term ‘medical cannabis’ over terms such as ‘marijuana’, “grass”. or ‘dope’ which may carry negative connotations.
The opinions expressed in the blog belong to the respective authors, who are not medical professionals, and may not necessarily align with those of Lyphe Clinic. Lyphe Clinic does not endorse any specific products or services mentioned, except those provided through Lyphe Clinic.
Readers should be aware that the legality of medical cannabis varies by location, and this disclaimer may be subject to periodic updates.
When it comes to driving under the influence of drugs, the UK government has set certain clear legal limits. According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. This includes cannabis, as it can significantly affect one’s cognitive abilities and motor skills necessary for safe driving.
However, determining the exact waiting time for driving after cannabis use is not straightforward. Several factors come into play, including the dosage, method of consumption, individual tolerance, and frequency of use. Due to this reason, the impairing effects of marijuana can vary widely among individuals.
In this blog, we will delve into the topic to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how long you should wait after smoking weed before driving. We will explore the absorption and elimination of THC, discuss relevant scientific research on the duration of impairment, and examine the legal consequences associated with driving under the influence of cannabis in the UK.
The use of marijuana has gained significant attention in recent years, with both medical and recreational purposes being debated and regulated. It’s important to understand this distinction to make informed decisions and navigate the current legal landscape.
Medical marijuana involves using cannabis-derived products that are specifically formulated to provide therapeutic benefits.
Illegal weed, also known as recreational or street cannabis, refers to cannabis obtained and used for non-medical purposes.
Medical Cannabis | Illegal Weed | |
Definition | Used for medical purposes under medical guidance | Used for non-medical/recreational purposes |
Legality | Legal | Generally illegal |
Regulation | Subject to strict regulations and quality control | Lacks regulated quality control measures |
Cannabinoid Composition | Specific cannabinoid profiles for therapeutic benefits (high CBD, low THC) | Higher levels of THC for psychoactive effects |
Medical Use | Prescribed or recommended by healthcare professionals for specific conditions | Not recommended or prescribed by healthcare professionals |
Quality and Safety | Rigorously tested and produced under controlled conditions for consistent potency and purity | Uncertain composition and potential for contaminants |
Intoxication | Low THC content, minimal psychoactive effects | Higher THC content, potential for intoxication |
Legal Consequences | Legal to possess and use with proper authorisation | Possessing or using without legal authorisation can lead to consequences |
At Lyphe, we are committed to providing safe and legal medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK. Here’s why you should choose Lyphe:
Interested? Schedule your consultation now with a healthcare specialist at Lyphe for insights into medical cannabis, its benefits for you, and optimal usage methods.
Cannabis use and driving is an important topic that requires understanding to ensure road safety. Here, we will explore the impact of weed on driving abilities and discuss important considerations.
Given below are two main types of impairments caused by marijuana consumption:
A 2021 study published in Frontiers Psychiatry suggests that marijuana use is linked to increased driving errors and decreased performance. The study further concluded that the risk of a vehicle accident increased significantly when cannabis was consumed by the driver. Similarly, another review of literature conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also concluded that cannabis use was likely to increase the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Aspect of Driving Performance | Effects of Marijuana Use |
Reaction Time | Increased reaction time, leading to delayed responses to unexpected events |
Lane Position | Increased variability in maintaining a consistent lane position |
Speed Control | Difficulty in maintaining a steady speed, leading to fluctuations in speed |
Divided Attention | Reduced ability to attend to multiple tasks simultaneously |
Risk Perception | Altered perception of risk, resulting in a reduced ability to perceive and respond to potential dangers |
When it comes to how long after smoking you can drive, it’s essential to know how fast cannabis can affect your ability to function. While some people may not experience any impairment at all, others may feel the effects of THC from smoking weed almost immediately.
As highlighted above, several factors can influence how long you should wait after smoking cannabis before driving. Let’s delve deeper:
Time After Inhalation | Effect on Driving Ability | Notes |
20-40 min | Peak Impairment | Despite decreasing THC blood levels |
1-2.5 hours | Diminishing Impairment | Behavioural impairment starts to diminish |
40-100 min (Study) | Increased Weaving on Road | Significant difference from normal driving |
240-300 min (Study) | Normal Driving Ability | No significant impairment |
4-5 hours | Self-Felt Impairment, Normal Performance | Discrepancy in self-assessment and actual ability |
It may take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours for the body to process the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, despite its levels in the blood decreasing during this period.
A study published in The American Journal of Addiction suggests that behavioural impairment persists for one to two and a half hours after inhalation, even as THC levels in the bloodstream diminish during this period. Consequently, it’s recommended that users wait at least three to four hours before driving.
Another 2020 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association involved a double-blind, randomised clinical trial where participants inhaled 13.75 mg of THC. Driving performance was measured in a real vehicle and setting.
It was found that participants’ weaving on the road was significantly greater 40–100 minutes after dosing but returned to normal at 240–300 minutes. Moreover, they felt more impaired four to five hours after inhaling THC, although their driving ability (measured by lane position standard deviation) was not significantly altered by then.
Ingesting cannabidiol (CBD) along with THC does not substantially reduce THC-induced driving impairment. However, studies show that CBD might affect THC’s pharmacokinetics or alter its behavioural effects.
Furthermore, inhaling high-dose CBD along with THC decreases it in the blood. More specifically, this 2020 finding from the International Medicine Journal suggests that CBD might reduce THC-induced impairment. Inhalation of high-dose CBD alone, however, does not significantly alter THC concentrations.
In the UK, it is illegal to drive if you are impaired by drugs, including weed. The law establishes legal limits for certain controlled substances in the bloodstream while driving. For THC, the active component in marijuana, the limit is two micrograms per litre (µg/L) of blood.
It’s important to note that impairment can occur even below the legal limit, as individual sensitivity to THC varies. Police officers have the authority to conduct roadside impairment tests and, if necessary, request a blood test. Driving under the influence of cannabis can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
Understanding the effects of cannabis on your driving ability is crucial for ensuring both your safety and that of others on the road. The impairments caused by THC, such as decreased motor skills and cognitive functions, can significantly impact driving performance. Remember, the waiting time before you can drive safely after smoking weed varies based on several factors, including the THC content, your body’s reaction, and the method of consumption. To navigate this safely, we recommend waiting at least three to four hours after smoking.
For personalised advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs, consider consulting with our experts at Lyphe, the leading medical cannabis clinic in the UK. We can help you make informed decisions about medical marijuana use and driving, ensuring you stay safe and compliant with regulations.
Book your appointment with Lyphe today and take the first step towards responsible and informed consumption.
Arkell TR, Vinckenbosch F, Kevin RC, Theunissen EL, McGregor IS, Ramaekers JG. Effect of cannabidiol and δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on driving performance: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. (2020) 324:2177–86. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.21218
GOV.UK. (n.d.). Drug driving. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Marijuana: How Does It Affect You?
Pearlson, G. D., Stevens, M. C., & D’Souza, D. C. (2021). Cannabis and driving. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689444
Sewell RA, Poling J, Sofuoglu M. The effect of cannabis compared with alcohol on driving. Am J Addict. (2009) 18:185–93. doi: 10.1080/10550490902786934
The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. (2017). National Academies Press (US). https://doi.org/10.17226/24625
Lyphe is your patient-first path to wellness, so book an appointment with one of our medical cannabis expert Doctors and get the relief you need.
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