Does taking CBD before driving pose a risk for car accidents? People take CBD for many reasons, and many use it the way they’d use aspirin or other similar pain relievers. However, is it safe to take CBD and drive?
While CBD is legal in South Carolina, it has not been approved to treat medical conditions with the exception of epilepsy. Marijuana contains CBD, but CBD does not contain high levels of THC, the chemical in marijuana that produces a “high” and impairment. Many people take CBD to alleviate conditions ranging from anxiety to pain. And though CBD is only approved to medically treat epilepsy, there haven’t been many studies on other potential uses of CBD. Despite the fact that CBD is legal, many might wonder whether CBD has any dangerous side effects and whether they should refrain from taking it before driving.
According to Harvard Health, CBD is not without its side effects. Side effects noted include fatigue, nausea, and irritability. While these side effects are relatively minor, they should come as a warning to people thinking about using CBD and then getting behind the wheel. Everyone’s body is unique and how CBD impacts your body will depend on how much you take. But before getting behind the wheel, it is wise to be responsible, and see if the drug causes fatigue. Other over the counter medications can also cause fatigue. Cold medicine can cause fatigue as can sleeping pills. Because many people use CBD to treat insomnia and use it to help them sleep individuals should think twice before using CBD and driving.
What can you do if you’ve been hurt in a car accident and suspect that the other driver might have been under the influence of CBD or another substance? Driving while under the influence is illegal in South Carolina. Ultimately, if you’ve been in a car accident and suspect that the other driver may have been impaired, it is important to call the police and make a police report. If you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident where you believe the other driver might have been hurt, reach out to the Louthian Law Firm, P.A., a car accident law firm in Columbia, South Carolina. Our car accident lawyer can review your case, identify negligent parties, estimate the value of your claim, and help you seek the justice you may deserve under the law.
CBD and the Law in South Carolina
What are the laws on CBD in South Carolina? While CBD is legal under federal law, it is subject to patchwork regulation at the state level. In some states, stores selling CBD oil have been raided while elsewhere people can buy CBD at any local pharmacy. In South Carolina many regulations and laws regarding CBD need to be clarified. For example, because hemp flowers and marijuana flowers are indistinguishable, lawmakers are making it illegal to sell the flowers to the general public. Another issue is whether it is legal to add CBD to food products. Right now, that is illegal, but legislation may change.
Another issue that CBD raises is marijuana enforcement. The New York Times reports that some drug tests used by law enforcement can sometimes mistake CBD for THC. When this happens the consequences can be serious especially if the drug test is used to determine probation, child custody, or other crucial matters. Drug tests for CBD and marijuana and driving have always been suspect because THC can stay in a person’s system long after the high wears off. This means in states where THC is legal, it can be difficult for police to determine whether a driver was under the influence. However, officers are trained to look for intoxicated drivers. This is why it is important to call the police and make a police report. If the other driver was found to be under the influence, fatigued, intoxicated, or otherwise unsafe to drive, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. The Louthian Law Firm, P.A. is a Columbia, South Carolina car accident law firm that may be able to help you.
How a Car Accident Law Firm May Be Able to Help You
A car accident law firm in Columbia, South Carolina may be able to help you seek justice if another person’s deadly or dangerous actions behind the wheel resulted in your injuries or losses. However, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law. Reach out to the Louthian Law Firm, P.A., a car accident law firm in Columbia, South Carolina today for a free consultation and review of your case. Or connect with USAttorneys.com to learn more about how we can match you with a skilled car accident lawyer at the Louthian Law Firm, P.A. today.
Bert Louthian has been practicing law in Columbia with his father, Herb, since 1985. After receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina, Bert launched his legal career in his father’s firm. With 80 years of legal experience between them, Louthian Law, P.A. remains Family-Owned and Family-Focused.
Bert understands that when life goes wrong – when you or someone you love gets hurt or suffers a loss, it can feel like nothing will ever be right or fair again. He gets up and goes to work every day to prove that feeling wrong – and does everything in his power to make things right again.
