CBD Oil Dosage

By: Chronic Therapy Team

Summary

This comprehensive article delves into the depths of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil as a prescription medication, elucidating its legal status, appropriate users, dosage variations, method of administration, and the process of obtaining a consultation with a Chronic Therapy doctor. CBD oil, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, holds promising potential in the treatment of a myriad of health conditions. However, as a regulated substance in Australia, understanding its use and application is paramount for potential users.


  1. Introduction
  2. Is CBD Oil Legal
  3. Who Can Take CBD Oil
  4. Different Dosage Protocols
  5. How To Take CBD Oil
  6. CBD Oil Consultation
  7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has gained substantial recognition in the healthcare domain for its potential therapeutic applications. Extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, CBD oil has demonstrated potential in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Notably, it's been used in the treatment of chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia [1]. These conditions affect large swathes of the population, and traditional pharmaceutical treatments often come with side effects, creating a need for alternative solutions like CBD oil.

Despite its therapeutic potential, CBD oil is not an over-the-counter medication. In Australia, it falls under the category of prescription medication, meaning it can only be obtained with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner [2]. The prescription process ensures that the use of CBD oil is appropriately monitored and that the patient receives the correct dosage for their specific condition and overall health profile.


In Australia, CBD oil is legal but comes with specific regulations to control its prescription and use. The majority of CBD oils fall under Schedule 4 of the Poison Standard, making them prescription-only medicines [3]. This scheduling is in place to ensure that CBD oil, like other prescription medications, is used under the guidance of a medical professional to avoid potential side effects and ensure the most beneficial outcome for the patient.

However, certain CBD oils contain a higher level of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. If the THC level is over 2%, the CBD oil is categorised as a Schedule 8 controlled substance [3]. These oils have tighter restrictions due to the potential psychoactive effects of THC.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has developed a framework for Schedule 3 over-the-counter CBD oils, which would potentially allow for the purchase of CBD oil without a prescription. However, as of mid-2023, no manufacturers have completed the necessary testing and trials to bring these Schedule 3 oils to market [4]. This highlights the ongoing changes and developments in the regulatory environment surrounding CBD oil in Australia.


3. Who Can Take CBD Oil

CBD oil can be taken by patients who have been prescribed the medication by a registered medical practitioner. This prescription-based approach ensures that the use of CBD oil is appropriate for the patient's health condition and overall health profile.

CBD oil has demonstrated effectiveness in a variety of conditions. It's been used to alleviate chronic pain, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce pain signals in some people. For those suffering from certain types of epilepsy, particularly forms that are resistant to traditional treatments, CBD oil can provide a reduction in seizure frequency and severity [5].

Some patients with anxiety and sleep disorders have also found CBD oil helpful. By interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, CBD can influence the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to regulate mood and sleep patterns [1].

In all these cases, the decision to use CBD oil should be made in collaboration with a healthcare provider. This ensures that the potential benefits outweigh the risks, considering the individual's health condition and other medications they may be taking.


4. Different Dosage Protocols

The dosage of CBD oil prescribed can vary significantly between patients, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. This variability is based on several factors.

The first is the condition being treated. The severity and type of condition will greatly influence the amount of CBD oil prescribed. For example, someone with severe chronic pain may require a higher dose compared to an individual using CBD oil for mild anxiety symptoms.

The patient's body weight is another critical factor, as it can influence how the body metabolises and responds to the medication. Generally, heavier individuals may require a higher dose to achieve the desired effects.

The concomitant medications a patient is taking can also impact the CBD dosage. Certain medications may interact with CBD, altering its effectiveness or causing potential side effects [5]. Therefore, a healthcare provider needs to consider all other medications a patient is taking before deciding on a CBD dosage.

The type of CBD oil - whether it's an isolate, broad-spectrum, or full spectrum can also influence the required dosage. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC, and can create an "entourage effect" where the compounds work together to enhance the overall effects. Broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains multiple compounds but without THC, while CBD isolate contains only CBD [5].

Finally, factors such as the carrier oil used in the CBD oil formulation. Different CBD carrier oils have varying levels of absorption.

The timing of the dose (on an empty stomach or after food) can affect absorption and thus alter the medication's effectiveness [5]. Both CBD and THC are fat-soluble. If you were to eat a meal containing fat before taking the CBD oil, more of the medication is absorbed when compared to taking the medication on an empty stomach.


5. How To Take CBD Oil

Administering CBD oil involves several crucial steps:

  • Carefully read your dosage instructions.
  • Using the provided dropper (normally located inside the CBD bottle), measure the dose as prescribed by your doctor. This dropper ensures you get the exact amount needed.
  • Place the dosage under your tongue. The area beneath your tongue (sublingual area) is rich in blood vessels, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
  • Hold the oil under your tongue for 30-60 seconds[^6^]. This waiting period is essential to allow sufficient time for the CBD to be absorbed.
  • After this period, swallow the remaining oil. Any CBD not absorbed sublingually can be absorbed through the digestive tract.

It's important to follow these steps precisely, as proper administration plays a key role in the effectiveness of the medication. The dosage instructions may also include times to administer the medication as well as if it should be taken on an empty stomach or after eating.


6. CBD Oil Consultation

If you're considering CBD oil as a potential treatment option, consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is crucial. Chronic Therapy offers a telemedicine platform that links patients to doctors capable of screening for cannabis medications via telemedicine. This platform allows you to consult with a healthcare provider from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for a physical visit to a clinic or hospital.

During the consultation, the doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and the health condition you're looking to treat with CBD oil. They will also discuss potential risks and benefits, ensuring you're fully informed about this treatment option.

Once the consultation is complete, the doctor can write an electronic prescription for CBD oil, if deemed appropriate. This prescription can be dispensed at any pharmacy in Australia, providing an easy and convenient way for patients to access their medication.

In addition to this, Chronic Therapy can also assist patients in purchasing CBD oil online and having it delivered to their homes. This service further streamlines the process, creating a comprehensive and hassle-free experience from consultation to medication delivery.

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7. Conclusion

CBD oil represents a promising therapeutic avenue for a myriad of health conditions. However, given its regulated status and unique dosage requirements, a consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before starting this treatment. The understanding of CBD oil as a medication, its legal status, appropriate users, dosage considerations, and administration is crucial for potential users.

Chronic Therapy's platform provides a convenient and accessible pathway for patients interested in exploring the therapeutic potential of CBD oil. By facilitating connections with qualified healthcare providers, Chronic Therapy enables individuals to receive professional guidance and appropriate prescriptions based on their individual health needs.

As science continues to explore and understand the therapeutic potentials of CBD oil, the landscape of its regulation, prescription, and use is bound to evolve. Staying informed and consulting with medical professionals ensures that you can make the most of this treatment option while prioritising your health and safety.

CBD oil is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its use and dosage should be individualised based on a person's unique health condition and circumstances. As we navigate the world of CBD oil treatment, it is the combination of scientific research, professional healthcare guidance, and personal health awareness that will lead us towards optimal health outcomes.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step. If you're considering CBD oil, take the first step by reaching out to a Chronic Therapy doctor today.

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References

  1. Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
  2. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). (2021). Access to medicinal cannabis products: steps to using access schemes. Retrieved from https://www.tga.gov.au/access-medicinal-cannabis-products-steps-using-access-schemes
  3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). (2021). Scheduling basics. Retrieved from https://www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-basics
  4. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). (2020). Joint ACMS-ACCS meetings: Final decisions on matters referred to an expert advisory committee, November 2020.
  5. MacCallum, C. A., & Russo, E. B. (2018). Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 49, 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
  6. Birnbaum, A. K., Karanam, A., Marino, S. E., Barkley, C. M., Remmel, R. P., Roslawski, M., ... & Leppik, I. E. (2019). Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy. Epilepsia, 60(8), 1586-1592. doi:10.1111/epi.16093