Guidance for using CBD oil in Australia
Everything you need to know about safely using CBD oil.
With any medication, knowing the ins and outs of how to properly take what you've been prescribed or purchased over the counter is key to responsible treatment, and it’s no different for cannabinoid (CBD) products like CBD oil.
So what does the research about CBD oil tell us? And how do you know how much to take, and how to take it?
We spoke with Dr Hamish Black, GP and nib Group Medical Advisor, to learn more.
What is CBD oil used to treat?
In recent years CBD oil has become a treatment option for a range of medical concerns, opens in a new tab, including:
Nerve pain
Arthritis pain
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Chronic pain
Seizures and epilepsy
Anxiety
Insomnia
Managing cancer treatment symptoms
Palliative care
However that’s not to say that CBD oil has been proven to effectively treat these conditions. “It’s a common misconception that the studies on the effectiveness of CBD oil are conclusive", Hamish explains.
“While it is currently prescribed for a range of conditions, further research is needed to know what, if any, benefits there are.”
What is the research on how best to use CBD oil?
“There is limited evidence supporting the use of cannabinoid products, opens in a new tab, and you’ll often find that methodologies and results amongst researchers vary,” Hamish explains.
Due to limited information on the right dosages to avoid side effects, it's hard to draw firm conclusions on the best way to use CBD oil and other medicinal cannabis products for treating specific medical issues.
"It's important to consult with your healthcare professional who can provide guidance on how to use CBD oil and other medicinal cannabis products safely and effectively for your individual needs,” Hamish advises.
Possible side effects of CBD oil
Like all prescription medications, CBD oil and other medicinal cannabis products do come with the risk of side effects, opens in a new tab. The extent of the side effects can vary from person to person, as well as by product and dosage. Typically, side effects from CBD products are more common with higher dosages, like the ones used to treat conditions like epilepsy, but they can be experienced regardless of the dosage. These side effects can include:
Difficulty concentrating and thinking
Dizziness
Balance disturbance
Memory problems
Drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Decreased or increased appetite
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
“There’s more research needed into the potential long-term side-effects of using CBD oil,” says Hamish. “Most evidence on the potential long-term adverse effects of cannabis, opens in a new tab is based on recreational use, which may not apply to medicinal cannabis use.”
How to take CBD oil safely
There are many different ways you can use or take CBD oil, though many of them will not be available in Australia as it currently stands. Some of the most common delivery methods are swallowing capsules containing oil and topical applications like balms directly applied to the skin. It's important that you consult with your healthcare professional before taking CBD oil. They’ll advise you on the best way to take it, the correct dosage and how frequently to take it.
Can it be used with other medications?
Many people assume that CBD oil, and other cannabinoid products, are safe to take with other medications, but that isn’t always the case. These products have been known to interact with both over-the-counter and prescription medications, opens in a new tab and may lead to unwanted side effects. This doesn’t mean that you can’t take CBD oil if you are taking other medications, just consult your doctor or pharmacist about the impacts it could have on the efficacy of the medication and your health and wellbeing.
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.
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Is it legal to access CBD oil in your state or territory?
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In partnership with
Dr Hamish Black
Dr Hamish Black has been a medical practitioner for more than 25 years. In addition to his role as nib group medical advisor, he still spends two days a week practising as a GP. He has spent many years working in emergency departments and in rural Australia, including a stint with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Hamish also loves karaoke and dancing (though not that well at either, he says!), with Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry being his karaoke favourite.