A Buyer's Guide to CBD Oils in Australia

Despite CBD's surging global popularity, accessibility remains limited in several countries, Australia included. Although Australia has sanctioned low-dose CBD oil (containing 98% CBD), these products must be stocked in brick-and-mortar pharmacies, as they must first undergo a rigorous screening process.

Given the absence of CBD products on Australian store shelves, many Australians turn to online platforms for their purchases. This comprehensive guide will provide information about CBD's legal status in Australia, where you can procure CBD oil, a thoughtfully curated list of the top ten CBD oil products available to Australians, advice on CBD dosage, and much more.

This serves as your all-encompassing educational resource for obtaining CBD oil in Australia.

What is CBD oil?

Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids. THC is famous for its intoxicating effects, while CBD, another prominent cannabinoid in cannabis, is non-intoxicating. A CBD oil made from hemp plants contains less than 0.3% THC.

Because CBD doesn't cause a high, it's considered safe for athletes and approved by global organizations like WADA. Research shows CBD may positively impact various bodily systems, offering anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antioxidative, and neuroprotective benefits. People use CBD for both health issues and overall well-being.

CBD oil comes in three forms: full-spectrum (with all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids), broad-spectrum (excluding THC), and isolate (pure CBD without other plant compounds).

Does Australia allow CBD oil?

CBD is legally available for medical and recreational use without a prescription in many European countries, the USA, and Canada. It is found in health food stores, cbd oil supermarkets, pharmacies, and online.

Australia's CBD regulations have been slower to evolve, classifying it mainly as a medicinal substance. On February 1st, 2021, Australia permitted over-the-counter sales of low-dose CBD in pharmacies, requiring a minimum of 98% CBD and no more than 2% other cannabinoids. Buyers are limited to a maximum daily purchase of 150mg and must be 18.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) sets specific criteria for CBD products to qualify for non-prescription access in Australia (TGA). Meeting these criteria can be expensive and time-consuming, deterring many CBD companies.

Consequently, no over-the-counter CBD products are available in Australia; the only accessible CBD products there require a prescription, such as Sativex and Epidiolex. Due to this complexity, many Australians have resorted to online sources for CBD purchases, though there is a risk of customs confiscating even low-dose CBD products.

Can you buy it?

Presently, purchasing CBD oil over the counter is not viable in Australia due to the absence of approved CBD products. The approval process for introducing additional CBD products into the Australian market can be protracted, potentially spanning several years before local pharmacies can provide a selection of CBD products compliant with TGA regulations.

During this interim period, many Australian consumers resort to online international retailers for their CBD acquisitions, notwithstanding the potential risk of customs confiscation upon the products' arrival in the country.

CBD oil selection process

We have carefully selected a set of well-regarded CBD brands that currently offer shipping to Australia. In the sections below, we showcase their exceptional products.

In creating our list of the top ten brands, we assessed them based on the following criteria:

• Transparency (the availability and ease of access to third-party testing for purity and potency).
• Value (the cost per milligram of CBD).
• Reputation (customer reviews and product ratings).
• Provenance (their practices for hemp cultivation or sourcing and incorporating organic ingredients in their formulations).

CBD buying tips for Australians

If you're in Australia and contemplating an online CBD purchase, it's vital to prioritize product safety and quality. One of the most reliable methods to ensure you're getting value for your investment is verifying third-party purity and potency tests. Purity tests check for harmful contaminants in the product, while potency tests confirm whether the CBD concentration matches the label or falls within an acceptable range. You can usually find third-party test results in the product description or lab results page.

Remember, you need access to the lab results to have confidence in the label's accuracy.

CBD oil: How to take it

If you're new to CBD oil, it's valuable to know that there are several consumption methods for this compound. Sublingual drops provide one of the quickest and most straightforward approaches. You place the oil under your tongue, allowing it to sit for up to a minute before swallowing. With this method, you can begin experiencing the effects in as little as 15 minutes. The area beneath your tongue contains a mucous membrane that efficiently absorbs CBD, enabling it to enter your bloodstream more swiftly than when it passes through your digestive system.

Alternatively, you can blend CBD oil or tincture into your food or beverages. Add the desired number of drops to a smoothie or your morning coffee. However, when ingesting CBD in this manner, it may take longer to take effect, as the cannabinoid must undergo metabolism in your digestive system before reaching your bloodstream. Moreover, this metabolic process may reduce the quantity of available CBD, resulting in a lower amount reaching your circulation.

What is the best CBD oil dose?

There are no universally recognized dosage guidelines for CBD oil except for FDA-approved medications like Epidiolex. However, many CBD brands provide their own recommended dosages on their websites. The appropriate amount of CBD to use can also vary depending on the particular condition being treated.

For instance, experts often recommend approximately 40 mg of CBD daily to manage chronic pain. In the case of anxiety, research suggests that higher doses in the range of 300 mg to 600 mg may be effective. A commonly followed approach begins with a low amount and gradually increases until the desired effects are achieved.