Is CBD Oil Legal in Australia: The Laws, Uses, and Availability

You may have heard of CBD oil online or from your friends or family. Now you might be wondering what CBD oil exactly is, and how you can use it. And most importantly, is oil legal in Australia? In this article, we will answer your basic questions regarding CBD oil and its availability in Australia.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD, or cannabidiol is also known as hemp oil. CBD is one of over 80 cannabinoids identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. Infact, it is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana) after THC. But unlike THC, CBD is not responsible for getting you “high”. Rather, CBD has health benefits. CBD is primarily extracted from the hemp plant, a close relative of marijuana. Sometimes, you can get CBD synthesized in a laboratory setting.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD oil functions by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).  CBD influences these receptors indirectly and enhances the effects of naturally occurring endocannabinoids. CBD also decreases FAAH. This enzyme breaks down anandamide, a molecule involved in mood regulation. By breaking it down, CBD increases anandamide levels in the body. It helps regulate essential functions like pain, and immune response. 

Additionally, CBD increases the level of serotonin. It also can affect mood and anxiety levels. This contributes to CBD’s therapeutic effects without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. The effects include pain relief, reduced inflammation, and anxiety alleviation.

What are the Uses of CBD Oil in Australia?

As mentioned above, CBD oil has many benefits. It offers therapeutic benefits and is now used to treat a variety of health conditions. Let’s dive deeper into them- 

Seizure Disorders: If you have problems with seizures, CBD oil may help you. Recently, the FDA has approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex. It is effective in treating seizure syndromes such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. 

Anxiety: As mentioned before, CBD can increase the level of serotonin in your body. It can help reduce anxiety and stress. Thus, it offers you relief if you have anxiety disorders. 

Insomnia: Anxiety is one of the causes of insomnia. And CBD can reduce anxiety. Therefore, it can increase sleep quality and help with insomnia. 

Chronic Pain: CBD can be effective in managing chronic pain, particularly inflammatory and neuropathic pain. It can improve symptoms like pain and muscle tightness in multiple sclerosis and arthritis patients. The efficacy improves in combination with THC in products like Sativex. 

Addiction: According to some studies, CBD is effective in reducing cravings for addictive substances like tobacco and heroin.

Is CBD Oil Legal in Australia in 2024? 

So far, we have looked into what CBD oil is. We also discussed how useful it is. But is CBD oil legal in Australia? Let’s find out.

Understanding CBD Regulations in Australia

CBD Oil is legal in Australia in 2024. But it is subjected to strict regulations and regulations. The nationwide legalization of medicinal cannabis was implemented in 2016. Since then, only patients with a prescription could access CBD. In 2021, low-dose CBD was reclassified to Schedule 3 (pharmacist-only medicine). It allows you to obtain certain CBD products over the counter without a prescription. However, the approval process is very strict. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of CBD in Australia. It makes sure that medicinal products meet the high quality and safety standards.

More specific regulations can be different in different states and territories. Some states require additional permission from health authorities before doctors can prescribe CBD. Driving with THC in the system due to its psychoactive effects is banned in all states and territories. It is applicable for CBD products containing trace amounts of THC as well.

CBD Oil Legality Accross State & Territories

As mentioned above, CBD oil and Cannabis products are legal in Australia. However, the specific details vary from state to state. Let’s take a look into the legality of CBD oil in Australian states and territories. 

Legal CBD Products in Australia

You can find a variety of legal CBD products in Australia. Mostly, CBD products produced from hemp with low to no THC content are legal in the country. Note that the THC content needs to be 0.3% or less. These products are available as oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. And you need to have a valid medical prescription from a doctor to purchase and use them. Some non-prescription CBD medicines (over the counter) have been legalized, but none have yet been approved for use.

Is CBD Oil For Pets Legal in Australia

CBD Oil is legal for pets in Australia. Similar to the world trends, pet owners are increasingly interested in CBD oil to ensure the well-being of their pets. In Australia, veterinarians can prescribe cannabidiol as a Schedule 4 drug for animals. But they must follow specific guidelines and restrictions. They are-

• The formulation must consist of at least 98% cannabidiol. 
• Any other cannabinoids present should be naturally occurring in cannabis. 
• Pet owners must consent to use an unlicensed treatment that might pose risks. 
• Vets must carefully monitor the animal’s response and watch for any side effects.

How Can You Use CBD Oil Safely in Australia?

When it comes to safely using CBD oil, knowing the regulations is not enough. You need to know where and how you can or can’t use CBD oil.

Choose the Right Form for Your Needs

1. Oils and Tinctures: Place them under your tongue for quick absorption.
2. Topicals: Use for muscle and joint pain, as well as skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
3. Capsules and Pills: Suitable for systemic treatment for seizure disorders or digestive issues.
4. Edibles: Convenient and precise dosing.
5. Vaping: Provides the fastest effects but should be used with caution.
6. Patches: Deliver CBD transdermally for deeper muscle tissue relief.

Start with a Dose

Begin with a low dose and gradually increase until you understand how your body reacts to CBD. Follow the product’s recommended dose unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. People with liver disease or other health conditions may require lower doses.

Consult a Healthcare Provider

Always consult healthcare providers before using CBD oil, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications. If you need to take high doses or prolonged use, your health should be monitored, particularly for liver health.

Monitor for Side Effects

Common side effects of CBD include dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, irritability, and sleepiness. Watch out for more serious symptoms such as increased thoughts of suicide or signs of liver injury. You should be especially careful with high doses of prescription forms like Epidiolex.

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol and Certain Medications

Do not mix CBD with alcohol or medications that have a sedative effect. CBD can compete for liver enzymes that break down these drugs. For this reason, be aware of potential interactions with blood thinners, anti-epileptics, and immunosuppressants.

Be Cautious with Topical and Transdermal Products

Test topical products on a small skin area first to check for irritation or allergic reactions. Understand the difference between topical (localized effect) and transdermal (enters bloodstream) products and consult healthcare providers for the latter.

Where Can You Buy CBD Oil in Australia?

If you want to buy CBD oil in Australia, Can Do Organics can be a great option for you. We offer a range of CBD products, including full-spectrum CBD oil, CBD hemp body products, and CBD oil for pets. Our products are 100% organic, vegan, and pesticide-free. We offer you free delivery all across Australia.

Visit our shop to buy CBD hemp oil products in Australia.

In this article, we learned about CBD oil, its functions, and its benefits. We discussed whether CBD oil is legal in Australia and the regulations. Moreover, we discussed how we should use CBD oil and why we should be cautious. If you are careful and follow this guide, will help maximize the benefits of CBD while minimizing potential risks.

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