CBD oil and other medicinal cannabis products have received a lot of attention in the past few years, both in Australia and overseas. So, what’s the deal with medicinal cannabis in Australia, and why is there so much talk about CBD oil in particular? To give us a better understanding of this complex subject, we spoke with Dr Hamish Black – GP and nib group Medical Advisor – to help tackle some of the biggest questions you might have about CBD oil.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant that contains cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-psychoactive compound that is often diluted with a carrier oil to create a supplement that is safe for consumption.
The cannabis plant contains both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which are generally used in Medicinal cannabis as the main active ingredients. THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and is what produces the ‘high’ often associated with its use, but you don’t experience this same sensation with CBD because it is not psychoactive. The CBD found in products like CBD oil has often been derived from the hemp plant or manufactured in a lab.
How does CBD oil work?
CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is part of the body that helps to regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain. CBD modifies how the ECS functions to create a response within the body, such as reducing pain. For example, it can slow down the effect of enzymes in the body that break down your naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and when they are active in the body for longer periods, which is what is supposed to cause the therapeutic effect.
“Research about CBD oil is ongoing, and although more studies are necessary, initial results indicate that it relieves pain by affecting pain receptors in the brain and spine, and by reducing inflammation,” says Hamish.
Possible health benefits of CBD oil
“It’s commonly believed that studies have conclusively shown CBD oil will do more good than harm for multiple conditions, including chronic pain, but that isn’t true,” says Hamish. “While it is currently prescribed for a range of conditions, further research is needed to know what, if any, benefits there are.” While the evidence is still unclear and there is no specific list of conditions it is prescribed for, CBD oil is sometimes used to manage used to manage:
Symptoms related to cancer treatment, such as nausea and reduced appetite
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Epilepsy
Palliative care
While the list of potential use cases is quite long, research is still in its infancy with limited scientific research to back up these claims. The TGA recommends only using medicinal cannabis when other treatments have failed to manage the conditions and symptoms.
The TGA has also recommended some restrictions on how CBD oil is prescribed based on limited research into its effectiveness. For example, if considering prescribing CBD for anxiety they recommend a one-month trial as many people react differently to CBD products.
There is a lot of research from the University of Sydney into what conditions are best treated with Medicinal Cannabis and ultimately to produce medicines from this research.
Possible side effects of CBD oil
"One of the most common myths about CBD oil is that because it’s derived from a plant, it can’t do any harm,” says Hamish. However, CBD can have a range of impacts on the body, from affecting how other medications work to increasing blood thinning, as well as impacting liver enzymes, if the dosage is high enough.
Other possible side effects include:
Difficulty concentrating and thinking
Dizziness
Balance disturbance
Memory problems
Drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Decreased or increased appetite
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Patients shouldn't drive or operate heavy machinery while they’re taking CBD oil. It also isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant, people with psychotic or mood disorders and people with unstable cardiovascular disease. If you're using CBD oil, especially if your doctor didn't prescribe it, then make sure you tell your doctor if they prescribe any new medication in the future.
Alternatives to CBD oil
There are many alternatives to CBD oil in Australia, depending on the condition you’re wanting to treat. This is the reason that it is generally only prescribed by doctors when all other options have been tried.
Alternatives to CBD oil include omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation, herbal remedies like chamomile and passionflower for anxiety or stress and practicing meditation for mental health.
Prescription treatments including pain relief, mood stabilisers or even medical devices may be recommended to manage your specific condition.
It’s best to speak to your doctor about your treatment plan and any side effects you’re experiencing to find a solution that works for you.
Is CBD oil legal in Australia?
CBD oil is legal in Australia, but it is a controlled substance. Medicinal cannabis was legalised in Australia in 2016, but most medicinal cannabis products are ‘unapproved’, meaning they don’t appear on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). In practice, this means that your doctor will need to access special pathways to get medicinal cannabis products like CBD oil for patients.
As of 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) changed CBD oil from Schedule 4 (prescription only) to Schedule 3, which means you can access low-dose CBD products (max.150 mg daily dose) over the counter at your local pharmacy.
However, there are currently no approved products on the ARTG registry that meet the Schedule 3 criteria, and the approval process can take upwards of two years.
For now, Australians who wish to obtain a CBD product will need to talk to their doctor. “If your doctor believes you could benefit from CBD oil, they can apply to the TGA for approval to write you a script,” Hamish advises.
For more information on the use of CBD oil and other medicinal cannabis products in Australia, visit the government websites:
You can also find information about the specific laws in your state by visiting:
The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been provided to you by your medical practitioner.
