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Can You Ride a Bike, Scooter, or Skateboard After Using Cannabis?

Cannabis use has grown in popularity over the years. Many people wonder if they can ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard after using cannabis products. Read on to learn more about the dangers and factors to consider when combining these forms of transport with cannabis.

Chris Dorcey
Inheal Editor
Post date
Time to read
3 mins 44 secs
Biking on Cannabis

Key Takeaways

  • Cannabis can affect your balance and coordination as well as your reaction time and judgement - all essential for not falling off, breaking, or avoiding obstacles while riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard
  • I mean it's not really safe to ride them high on weed because you're way more likely to fall, hit something, and get hurt
  • If you do consume cannabis, it is safest to wait for its full effects to wear off before traveling by riding, or to use safer transport.
  • If you do decide to ride a bike after consuming marijuana, use the same harm reduction techniques that are used when consuming marijuana and riding a bike – start with a low amount, put some safety gear on, and ride with someone who is not under the influence.

Understanding the Effects of Cannabis

Before we get into the details of riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard after using cannabis, let’s get an understanding of how cannabis affects your body. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can cause an array of effects such as:

  • Altered perception of time and space
  • Impaired memory and concentration
  • Slowed reaction time and coordination
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Feelings of relaxation and euphoria

These effects can differ based on the type of cannabis product taken, the amount consumed, and a person’s tolerance and sensitivity to THC. Some common cannabis products are:

  • Technically known as Delta 8 THC, it offers the same effects as the Delta 9 THC but with a much lower intensity.
  • Delta 9 Gummies: These are chewable gummies infused with Delta 9 THC, which is the most common form of THC in cannabis.
  • HHC Products: Products containing hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a naturally occurring cannabinoid with effects similar to THC
  • THC-A Products: Products that contain tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A), the non-psychoactive precursor to THC
  • Amanita Muscaria: A mushroom that gives you psychedelic effects but from psychoactive compounds other than THC

Risks of Riding a Bike, Scooter, or Skateboard While Under the Influence

Given the effects cannabis can have on things like perception, coordination, and reaction time, it’s probably not a good idea to operate any type of vehicle or engage in an activity that requires fast reflexes and good judgment while you’re high. That means no bike riding, no scooter operating, not even any skateboarding.

  • Altered coordination, balance, and reaction time. • Distorted perception and judgment of speed and distances traveled. • Decreased motor ability.
  • Decreased balance and coordination: Cannabis can decrease your ability to maintain balance and coordinate your movements, making it more likely that you’ll fall off your bike, scooter, or skateboard.
  • Slows down reaction time: If something unexpected jumps in your way, it is possible that you will not be able to respond fast enough to steer clear of a crash or tumble.
  • Poor judgement: Cannabis can cloud your judgement of risk and lead you to attempt tricks or stunts you might not be capable of.
  • Increased risk of injury: Falls and collisions while riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard can cause severe injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, and road rash. Those risks go up when your skills are impaired by cannabis use.
  • Legal consequences: If you are in some locations, cycling, scooters, or skateboards while under the influence of cannabis may be illegal and they could come with fines or even arrest.

It’s worth mentioning that all of these dangers aren’t exclusive to their traditional counterparts. Electric bikes, e-scooters, and electric skateboards can reach higher speeds than non-electric ones, making the risks of impaired riding even more dangerous.


Safer Alternatives and Harm Reduction Strategies

If you do decide to partake of marijuana, your best bet is to wait until you are completely sober before riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard. The duration of marijuana impairment can vary depending on factors such as the type of product consumed and your individual metabolism, but it approximately takes several hours after the use, so one should be able to engage any activity that require alertness or coordination.

Yourself in a position where you must drive after using cannabis, consider these safer alternatives:

  • Walking or taking public transportation if available
  • Having a sober friend or family member drive you
  • Using a ride-sharing service or taxi

If you do decide to ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard, or operate any kind of vehicle, after using cannabis, there are some harm reduction strategies you can employ to help yourself and others stay safe:

Start low and go slow.

  • Avoid riding in high-traffic areas or on unfamiliar routes
  • Wear the right safety gear−helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads
  • RIDE WITH A SOBER FRIEND WHO CAN HELP KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR HAZARDS AND ASSIST IF NEEDED
  • Keep yourself refreshed and allow yourself to take breaks whenever you feel you are working too hard or if tiredness sets in

Conclusion

While it can be fun (and efficient) to ride your bike, scooter, or skateboard, it’s important to be safe and responsible when using cannabis. The risks associated with combining these activities with cannabis impairment are real and can lead to serious injuries or legal trouble. Knowing how cannabis affects your body, using safer options, and applying harm reduction principles, you can use cannabis and ride without risking yourself or others unnecessarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do I need to wait after smoking up before I can ride my bike, scooter, or skateboard?

    It is typically advised to wait a few hours after marijuana use before participating in tasks that necessitate full cognitive performance and motor skills; however, the extent of impairment may vary according to the specific product ingested, as well as individual variation in metabolism.

  • Can I ride an electric bike, scooter, or skateboard after using cannabis?

    The risks of riding an electric bike, e-scooter, or electric skateboard high while impaired by cannabis are likely similar to those of riding a manual bike, e-scooter, or skateboard high. The exception to this may be that the higher speeds possible on electric versions of these devices could increase the risk of severe injury associated with falls or collisions.

  • What should be done in case of my need of travel after using cannabis?

    If you need to travel after using cannabis, look for safer options like walking, public transportation, arranging for a sober driver, or using a ride-sharing service or taxi.

  • Are there any cannabis products that are safer to use before riding?

    There are no cannabis products that are safe to use before riding and remain within the requirements/definition of a cannabis product.

    Some cannabis products, such as those containing CBD or lower doses of THC, might have milder effects, but you still shouldn't ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard if you use any cannabis product.

  • What should I wear to ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard?

    When you ride a bike or scooter or skateboard, make sure to put on protective gear like a helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. That way, if you fall down or crash, you'll be less likely to break any bones.

Disclaimer

The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. FDA has not evaluated statements contained within the blog. Information on this website or in any materials or communications from Inheal is for educational/informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions, correct dosage or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

by Chris Dorcey

A connoisseur of cannabis creativity and true contemplation with more than 20 years of experience, Chris extracts deep thoughts from getting lightly baked and shares his wandering mind. He blends cuisine and cannabis culture into nutritious, delicious recipes and insights for other hemp lovers.