CBD oil is becoming more and more popular in Australia. Unfortunately, the amount of misinformation is also growing. Here, we’ll attempt to inform you of the current situation around prescription CBD oil.
CBD Oil and Pharmacies
As of February 2021, medicinal cannabis companies were legally able to sell low-dose CBD oil at pharmacies across Australia.
In order for them to do this, however, these products need to meet a number of requirements, including being registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
The products need to undergo clinical trials and prove to be safe and effective. This process can take up to a year. Then it can take up to another year to be approved. So low-dose CBD likely won’t make it to pharmacies until 2023 at the earliest.
CBD Oil and Prescription
Any doctor in Australia can prescribe CBD oil. The process is simple and involves just three steps:
- Know the requirements to be eligible
- Decide on an access pathway
- Get ready to speak with your doctor
Whether you choose a clinic, a new doctor, or your regular GP, your steps will be similar.
You’ll at first speak with your doctor, who will determine whether you’re eligible or not. If you are, and they’re an Authorized Prescriber (AP), they’ll write you a prescription right there and then. If not, they’ll apply for a prescription on your behalf.
While most clinics and doctors charge for appointments, it’s a simple application process for prescribers. You can expect it to be in the low hundreds of dollars, so if a doctor tries to charge you hundreds of dollars for an application, walk away and look elsewhere.
It takes an average of around two weeks from when you see your prescriber to you getting your medication.
Buying CBD Oil Online
You can buy CBD Oil online legally in Australia, as long as it falls under what is known as the Special Access Scheme. However, you’d still need a prescription from a medical doctor in order to be eligible to buy CBD Oil Adelaide or from elsewhere in Australia.
- Buying CD Oil Online From Overseas Companies. You can buy CBD Oil online legally in Australia as long as it fails under what is known as the Special Access Scheme. However, you’d still need a prescription from a medical doctor in order to be eligible.
- Buying CD Oil Online From Overseas Companies. There are a number of Australian websites that offer links to overseas sites selling CBD online. While many countries allow people to buy CBD oil online, buying it online from overseas and then having it shipped to Australia is illegal.
Many people in Australia take this option due to their perception of the cost in Australia. However, legally prescribed CBD oil in Australia is on par with many brands overseas.
Since 2020, customs in Australia have been seizing more and more shipments from overseas. There’ve been reports of the government sending letters to people informing them that their items have been confiscated.
While there were never any severe legal repercussions, it did create anxiety and likely isn’t worth taking the risk.
Choosing Your CBD Oil Products
Aside from finding a brand that ships to Australia, there are other factors to consider when choosing the highest quality CBD oil.
- 3rd-party testing: An independent and certified laboratory test verifies the priority of potency of CBD oil. A reputable CBD brand pays for this in order to reassure customers that they’re getting what they paid for.
- CBD type: A full-spectrum CBD oil product produces the best effects. Some people, however, may need to choose another option.
- Product potency: This is the amount of CBD contained in a dose. Since the dosage is different from person to person, you need to find the right dose for you and use a product with the appropriate strength/potency.
- Hemp source: As CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, the quality of the plant matters. Choose a brand that uses organic hemp and is clear about its growing process and hemp source.
- The reputation of the company: A reputable CBD brand has hundreds of reviews from satisfied customers and provides detailed information regarding its hemp source, 3rd-party testing, and more
Now you have an understanding of how you can buy CBD oil in Australia. Just remember that, no matter how you buy it, you’ll require a prescription. And that means that until it’s available to buy over the counter, you’ll need to go through a doctor.