Study: cannabis with 1% THC does not affect driving performance

A Swiss study published in Forensic Sciences Research revealed that CBD-dominant cannabis, legal in Switzerland up to 1% of THC, has no impact on driving ability.

Study participants consumed either placebo or CBD-dominant cannabis (16.6 % CBD and 0.9 % THC) before undergoing various neurocognitive and psychomotor tests. For those who inhaled CBD flower, The researchers found «no symptoms of impairment» and «no significant impact on driving ability».

The study's findings provide further evidence that the THC thresholds authorized for driving - 0.1ng/ml in France, for example, corresponding to any possible trace - are problematic.

In the Swiss study, the 33 participants exceeded the legal limit of THC in blood for driving under the influence of drugs after smoking CBD-rich cannabis, despite showing no symptoms of impairment.

The researchers also found that there were no significant differences between those who had consumed CBD flower and placebo in reaction time, motor time, behavior under stress or concentration. Balance and coordination tests also revealed no significant differences.

«To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies examining the potential impact of smoking CBD-rich cannabis on road safety.», have written the study authors, adding that they recommend consumers refrain from driving for several hours after smoking CBD-dominant flower, as legal limits on THC concentration may still be exceeded.

An American study published earlier this year subjected 20 participants to sobriety tests and cognitive tasks after they had consumed edibles or used vaporizers. The researchers concluded that the amount of THC in a person's body is not a precise indicator weakened faculties.