How to buy the best CBD oil in Australia - A 10-Step Guide:
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Summary:
At Chronic Therapy, we like to keep our patients up-to-date with the latest developments regarding the regulation of CBD oils in Australia!
- CBD oil is a prescription medication in Australia.
- MCT oil is generally the preferred carrier oil.
- The optimal concentration of CBD oil is 100mg/ml (good value for money and bioavailability).
- Full-spectrum CBD oil contains <2% THC, which works synergistically with CBD to make the medication more effective (entourage effect).
- An e-script allows patients to order CBD oil online or purchase it from any cannabis dispensing pharmacy in Australia.
If you believe that CBD oil would benefit your condition, we would recommend booking a consultation with a Chronic Therapy doctor today. Our doctors will help you get the best CBD oil for your specific needs.
- What is CBD?
- What effects does CBD have on the body?
- Is CBD Legal in Australia?
- Differences Between CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum CBD, Full Spectrum CBD)
- Best CBD Carrier Oil
- Concentration of CBD in Cannabis Oils
- Medical CBD vs Imported Black Market CBD in Australia
- How to Get the Cheapest CBD oil in Australia
- Doctors Who Prescribe CBD Oil Near Me
- Frequently asked questions
1. What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes both marijuana and hemp plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD is not intoxicating and does not produce a "high." CBD has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects on various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation [1].
2. What Effects Does CBD Have on The Body?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signalling system that plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, such as pain, mood, appetite, and sleep [2]. CBD is thought to have a wide range of potential therapeutic effects, including
- Reducing inflammation and pain [3]
- Alleviating anxiety and stress [4]
- Providing neuroprotective properties [5]
- Reducing seizures in certain types of epilepsy [6]
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of CBD in treating various conditions.
3. Is CBD (oil) Legal in Australia?
Yes, in 2016 CBD became a legally prescribable medication in Australia. Most CBD oils are Schedule 4 prescription medications. For a CBD product to be classified as Schedule 4 prescription medication, the CBD product must meet the following criteria set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA):
- Consist of at least 98% or more CBD.
- The other 2% must be naturally occurring cannabinoids, such as THC.
- An example of a common schedule 4 medication is antibiotics.
In 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) down-scheduled certain CBD products to become Schedule 3 over-the-counter (OTC) CBD medications, theoretically making them more accessible to the public. A few manufacturers are conducting stage 3 clinical trials for CBD capsules which can be used for Sleeping disorders. They are expected to become available in late 2023.
All cannabis medications that contain more than 2% THC are schedule 8 prescription medications (controlled substances). This includes medicinal cannabis.
Currently, there aren't any legal nonprescription CBD products. The only way to access medical cannabis products legally in Australia is by obtaining a prescription from a doctor. If you're an appropriate patient, this can easily be done by booking a video consultation with one of our qualified medical practitioners.
4. Differences Between CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum CBD, Full Spectrum CBD)
CBD Isolate
Often called “Pure CBD” as it does not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes or healthy fatty acids found within the plant. CBD isolate oil is normally more expensive than broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD oil.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Includes all of the plant's cannabinoids and other chemical compounds, excluding THC.
Full Spectrum CBD oil
Commonly referred to as “whole-plant CBD oil”. Full spectrum CBD oil includes all of the plant's cannabinoids (including THC) and other chemical compounds. Patients often experience increased beneficial effects from these medications. This is known as the entourage effect , which refers to the combination of multiple cannabinoids creating a better therapeutic effect when compared to a pure isolate.
5. Best CBD Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are used to dilute the concentrated CBD extract and make it easier to ingest. CBD carrier oils play a role in absorption, taste and price of the medication. Finding the best carrier oil is subjective, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading to find out more.
| Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil | |
|---|---|
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( )
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High Solvency (can have a high concentration of CBD), |
|
( )
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Absorbs quickly |
| Some people experience nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. | |
| Hemp Seed Oil | |
|---|---|
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( )
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Has Antioxidants, Fiber & Omega-3, |
|
( )
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More expensive than MCT oil, |
| Lower solvency than MCT oil, | |
| Many black-market suppliers sell Hemp Seed oil as CBD Oil. | |
| Avocado Oil | |
|---|---|
|
( )
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Absorbs relatively quickly (both orally and topically), |
|
( )
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Most expensive carrier oil, |
| Much thicker than other oils, | |
| High allergy risk (comparatively). | |
| Olive Oil | |
|---|---|
|
( )
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Rich in antioxidants, |
| Lower solvency than MCT oil, | |
| Dissolves slower than MCT oil, | |
| Many dislike the taste. | |
6. Concentration of CBD in Cannabis Oils
Different CBD oils have varying concentrations of CBD per ml of liquid. The concentrations vary drastically between prescription CBD oils available in Australia. CBD oil concentrations range between 10-200mg/ml.
100mg/ml is generally considered the sweet spot for CBD oils based in MCT oil. Oils that have a lower concentration than 100mg/ml tend to offer poor value for money. In 2023 some CBD oils which are dosed at 200mg/ml have become available. Be aware that the body often can’t absorb this concentration of CBD unless it is taken with a meal that is extremely high in fats.
7. Medical CBD vs Imported Black Market CBD in Australia
Legality and travel: With a valid prescription, it is legal for patients to use medical-grade CBD oil and travel with the medication within Australia. In contrast, using imported black market CBD oil can lead to legal repercussions.
Quality and purity: Prescription medical CBD products available through authorized healthcare providers in Australia are subject to strict quality control and regulation. This ensures their safety, purity, and consistency. On the other hand, imported black market CBD products may not adhere to these stringent standards, potentially containing contaminants such as heavy metals or inaccurate levels of CBD and THC.
Risk of THC content and driving: While prescription CBD oil (isolate and broad spectrum) is non-intoxicating and should not impair your ability to drive, black market CBD oil may contain unknown or inconsistent levels of THC. This can result in unintentional intoxication and legal issues if a patient is found driving under the influence.
By choosing prescription medical CBD over imported black market CBD, patients can ensure they are using a legal, high-quality, and safe product while minimising the risk of unintentional THC exposure and associated legal complications.
8. How to Get The Cheapest CBD Oil in Australia
There are two things that should be considered when buying CBD oil in Australia.
Ensure you receive an electronic prescription (e-script).
When consulting with an authorised medical practitioner, ensure you receive an electronic prescription for your CBD oil. E-scripts provide the flexibility to buy CBD oil online from any pharmacy in Australia and have it delivered directly to your home. This is crucial, as different pharmacies may have varying markups for cannabis medications.
Some cannabis clinics won't send you the electronic prescription and will make you buy CBD online through them at a more expensive price.
Calculate the cents paid per milligram of CBD in the medication.
CBD oil costs between 6-25c/mg. If you are being charged 9c/mg or above, you may want to send your script to another pharmacy for an additional quote.
(Price of the Medication) ÷ (Total milligrams of active compound)
Medicines with lower concentrations of CBD are often cheaper to buy but tend to be worse value for money.
9. Doctors who prescribe CBD oil near me
Telemedicine has allowed AHPRA registered doctors who can prescribe CBD oil to connect with Australian patients nationwide. Patients can now access CBD oil from anywhere in Australia with a stable internet connection, they do not have to be near the prescribing doctor to be screened for medicinal cannabis products.
Chronic Therapy has streamlined the process of getting cannabis-based medications in Australia, such as CBD oil.
- Free Online Pre-Screening Survey – this prescreening questionnaire has been designed by our team of doctors to determine if patients are suitable for medical cannabis in Australia.
- Book a consultation with a Chronic Therapy Doctor - You will be sent a text and email to join your consultation 20-min before it starts. Simply click the link to join the Teleconsultation. Make a booking.
- Speak with a Chronic Therapy Doctor - Our doctors will assess you to determine the suitability of cannabinoid medications. If you are a suitable patient you will be sent an Electronic Prescription as well as a link to purchase your medications from our partnered pharmacy.
- Buy CBD oil and have it delivered to your door - Your medication will be delivered straight to your doorstep.
We know that living with a chronic condition is difficult, this is why we have made receiving treatment simple. We connect patients to a dispensing pharmacy that offers the highest quality medications at the lowest prices! These medications are available to you to buy once you have obtained a prescription.
We value your privacy. All medication are sent with discreet, plain packaging. If this treatment seems suitable and you are happy with your first month’s results, you can book a follow-up consultation with your doctor (all via video chat) from our website.
Book a Consultation
10. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I drive while using CBD oil?
2. Which conditions may benefit from CBD?
3. CBD oil side effects
4. CBD Oil Dosage
5. Hemp oil vs CBD oil
6. Can I get CBD Oil at Chemist Warehouse?
References:
- World Health Organization. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
- Aizpurua-Olaizola, O., Elezgarai, I., Rico-Barrio, I., Zarandona, I., Etxebarria, N., & Usobiaga, A. (2017). Targeting the endocannabinoid system: future therapeutic strategies. Drug Discovery Today, 22(1), 105-110.
- Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 1(7), 1333-1349.
- Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.
- Hampson, A. J., Grimaldi, M., Axelrod, J., & Wink, D. (1998). Cannabidiol and (-)Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are neuroprotective antioxidants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 95(14), 8268-8273.
- Devinsky, O., Cross, J. H., & Wright, S. (2017). Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(21), 2011-2020.
- 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.