Medically Reviewed By:
Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative MedicineTable Of Contents
Table Of Contents
Can You Drive On Delta 8? Is It Legal?
Delta 8 THC is known to have many potential medical benefits, but aside from that, it is also a favored cannabinoid for recreational purposes. It is not uncommon to see delta 8 being used at social outings to bring more fun to the party.
Consuming delta 8 THC with your friends at a party is no doubt fun but should you be driving while on delta 8 THC? The answer is a simple no - it is not safe and even though delta 8 THC is federally legal, it can still get you in trouble with local law enforcement.
This article tells you more about why you should not be driving on delta 8 THC.
What Is Delta 8 THC Exactly?
Delta 8 THC is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant and the cannabis plant. It shares common properties with delta 9 THC, such as a similar chemical formula but not the same psychoactive effects.
Like delta 9 THC, delta 8 also has psychoactive effects, but it is less intense. Users of delta 8 and 9 report that delta 8 might be about 70% less potent than delta 9 THC.
Does Delta 8 Cause A High?
Since delta 8 is a variant of THC, the main psychoactive cannabis compound known to cause a high, delta 8 can also cause a high similar to that associated with taking marijuana.
Although delta 8 isn’t as strong as delta 9, it is still intoxicating, and consuming more than your body can handle will cause adverse side effects like dizziness, vomiting, and lack of coordination or balance, among others.
Can You Drive After Taking Delta 8 THC?
As stated earlier, driving after consuming delta 8 THC products is not safe.
Delta 8 causes a high which will likely interfere with driving a motor vehicle.
Studies show that taking cannabis products containing THC impact the cognitive and psychomotor functioning of a person negatively which makes it quite difficult for you to be in full control of the motor vehicle.
What The Law Says About Driving On Delta 8 THC?
According to federal laws, driving under the influence of an intoxicant or a psychoactive substance is illegal. If you are caught driving a motor vehicle under the influence of delta 8 THC, which is an intoxicant, you will likely face criminal charges.
The penalties would be the same as if you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Will I Be Drug Tested If Pulled Over?
According to the implied consent laws enacted in all 50 states, anyone who drives on public highways is assumed to have consented to a drug test if pulled over with the suspicion of driving under the influence.
Although delta 8 THC is considered legal on a federal level and in many states for recreational purposes, delta 9 THC isn’t. As a result, if you are pulled over and tested, the THC metabolites detected in your system can’t be differentiated between, so the test can’t tell if you consumed delta 8 or delta 9 THC.
Should this happen, you will find it difficult to prove that you consumed delta 8 and not delta 9 THC. Consequently, you can be held accountable for possessing or consuming a controlled substance, especially in states where delta 9 is illegal.
How Long Should You Wait To Drive After Taking Delta 8 THC
Since it's been established that driving directly after consuming delta 8 THC products is unsafe, you will need to wait for some time before you can drive. The waiting period mostly depends on the methods by which you took your delta 8 THC and whether or not you combined it with alcohol.
Delta 8 THC Oral Consumption
According to the Colorado Department of Transport, if you consume edibles like delta 8 gummies gummies 1000 mg, tinctures, or oils with 18mg of delta 8 THC, you must wait at least 8 hours before driving. If you consumed more than 18mg, you would have to wait longer.
Delta 8 edibles take the longest time to show effects and also for the effects to wear off.
Delta 8 THC Inhalation & Vaping
If you smoked or vaped your delta 8 THC, it is advisable to wait at least 6 hours after consuming less than 35mg of THC products before driving. If you smoked or vaped more than 35mg, you will need to wait longer as it will take more time for your cognitive functioning to get back to normal and give you absolute control over your body.
Combining Delta 8 THC With Alcohol
If you combine delta 8 THC products with alcohol, you will have to wait more than 8 hours before getting behind the wheel. This is because the alcohol concentration in your system stimulates the effects of delta 8 THC producing more intense euphoric feelings which will take longer to wear off.
Conclusion
Although delta 8 THC is less potent than traditional marijuana products, it can still be intoxicating. It would be unsafe to drive after taking delta 8 since it negatively impacts your psychomotor functioning.
Driving under the influence of a cannabis product such as 100mg delta 8 gummies can land you in trouble with state laws and you could be faced with an arrest. Therefore, it is best always to make arrangements for transportation when using delta 8 THC products, especially at social outings where things can get intense.
Did you know there are ways to quickly get rid of your Delta 8 high? Follow our tips on how to get rid of a high here.
Legal Disclaimer: Always consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding Delta 8 THC in your state and federal law, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor before taking delta 8 THC or with any other prescription medication.
Clayton McCall
Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.
