The benefits of CBD oil are no secret. Once known only among a handful of Australians, this relatively obscure medicine has burst into the mainstream in recent years thanks to its diverse physical and mental health benefits.
What is CBD oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more common tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive derivative. It won't get you high when you ingest it. But it works wonders in other ways as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues.
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Although the World Health Organization states that “to date, there is no evidence of public health problems associated with the use of pure CBD,” there are some side effects to be aware of.
But how many of these CBD oil benefits and side effects are just false myths or promises preached by friends of friends who are “actually doctors or whatever,” and how many are backed up by science?
Let's clear the smoke.
Benefits of CBD Oil
Pain relief
Cannabis has been used to treat pain for thousands of years, and research suggests that cannabidiol may be the compound that exerts this effect.
Some studies have shown that CBD oil can be an effective treatment for chronic pain associated with malignant diseases such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. This is mainly due to the way CBD oil interacts with neurotransmitters, but it has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2022 study concluded that Sativex nasal spray, which contains both CBD and THC, may help reduce muscle pain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and a 2021 study also showed early signs that CBD oil may provide pain relief for people with rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia.
CBD oil for arthritis is also a popular treatment, but the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD have only been scientifically verified through non-human studies and anecdotal research on a variety of animals.
However, these studies acknowledge that further research is needed in this area.
Mental Health and Mood Disorders
CBD oil has been shown to reduce symptoms of various mental and mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and PTSD, by blocking frightening memories.
CBD oil for anxiety, CBD oil for ADHD, CBD oil for depression and CBD oil for sleep are some of the most popular uses in Australia.
Insomnia is a common symptom of these illnesses, and CBD oil also has a powerful effect on sleep.
Scientists don't fully understand why, but CBD oil can help you fall asleep faster, and in high doses it can extend REM (rapid eye movement) sleep latency, decreasing the time it takes to reach the REM sleep stage.
Neurological effects
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved CBD products as a treatment for several conditions that cause seizures, and it has also proven effective in reducing symptoms of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy.
Good for the skin
Thanks to cannabidiol's anti-inflammatory properties, some studies suggest that it may also have anti-itch and anti-aging properties, and may be used to treat conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and even skin cancer.
Better Sex
The sexual benefits of CBD oil are less well-studied but are much discussed. Thanks to its ability to reduce anxiety and improve mood, CBD oil can increase libido and even enhance pleasure during sex.
Other Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil has been known to have a positive effect on heart health, help drug addicts quit drugs by reducing withdrawal symptoms, and even prolong life.
CBD Oil Side Effects
CBD oil does have some side effects and drawbacks that affect different people to different degrees.
In some people it can cause reactions such as diarrhea, appetite or weight changes, dry mouth and fatigue.
But overall, the science says it's safe to use.
The risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low, but it has been reported.
One Australian study also found that, unlike THC, it doesn't negatively affect driving ability.
However, as always, exercise caution when mixing substances, as they can interact with alcohol and prescription medications in different ways.
How to use CBD oil
If you decide that CBD oil is worth trying, it can be taken in a variety of ways: inhaled, sublingual (under the tongue), orally (capsules or edibles), nasal spray, topical cream on the skin, or transdermal cream or patch designed to pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream.
CBD Oil Australia: A Journey to the Medical Field
CBD Oil in Australia – Is it Legal?
CBD oil is legal in Australia as of 2015, as long as the product itself contains at least 98% cannabidiol and less than 2% of other cannabinoids found in cannabis. However, sales restrictions mean it can be hard to get hold of locally.
First, the Therapeutic Goods Administration classified CBD oil as a Schedule 3 substance in 2020, meaning only low-dose products can be sold and, in theory, only over-the-counter in pharmacies.
However, to date the TGA has not approved any products available without a prescription.
Is it legal to buy CBD oil online?
No, because it's legally considered a medicine and can't be bought outside a pharmacy. But that doesn't stop people from buying it. The downside is that the products are often mislabelled, making them harder to trust. The TGA has a guide to warn people what to look out for:
How much does CBD oil cost in Australia?
If you have a prescription, be prepared to spend a lot on CBD oil products.
The average patient who uses CBD oil for daily treatment can expect to pay between $4 and $15 per day, or up to $300 per month.
Who is an authorised prescriber of CBD oil in Australia?
Rules vary from state to state. In most jurisdictions, any doctor can prescribe medical cannabis or CBD oil, but they must get permission from the TGA and state or local health department to do so.
Some jurisdictions are more permissive than others: in Victoria, for example, any doctor or nurse can prescribe cannabis or CBD oil to patients for any condition without additional certification.
Can I get CBD oil from my doctor?
Once you receive a prescription for CBD oil from your doctor, you'll need to go to a registered pharmacy or cannabis store to get your product. Not all pharmacies carry CBD oil or medical marijuana, so you may have to shop around if you want to buy directly.
Can you drive with CBD oil in Australia?
Technically, it's up to you. And legally, it's not, but times are changing and proposed new laws in Victoria would change driver drug testing to measure impairment rather than whether it can be traced in the body.
Is CBD oil for pets legal in Australia?
Australian vets can prescribe CBD oil, but there are some conditions: At least 98% of the total cannabinoids in the formulation must be cannabidiol. The only cannabinoids other than cannabidiol must be those that occur naturally in cannabis. Owner consent must be obtained to try unlicensed and potentially harmful treatments. Patient responses and side effects must be properly monitored.
Will CBD oil show up on an Australian drug test?
Yes, whether the drug test is saliva, hair, or urine, CBD oil can be detected as a cannabis derivative.
Is CBD oil covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, no.
When will Chemist Warehouse stock CBD oil?
Sooner than you think! Chemist Warehouse has signed a deal with medical cannabis supplier Cannatrek in 2021.
How to make CBD oil
Legally we have to say: Don't do it.
How to use CBD oil
What is the best time to take CBD oil sublingually?
The answer, of course, depends on what you're using your medical CBD oil for. If you're looking to ease anxiety and feel calmer, you'd use it in the morning. If you're using it to help you sleep, you'd obviously take it before bed. Your doctor may prescribe specific doses to treat other conditions.
How much CBD oil should a beginner start with?
Again, this also depends on why you are using CBD oil. If you are using it without a prescription and without a doctor's advice, always start with the smallest amount possible.
How long after taking CBD oil can I drink water?
If you take CBD oil orally with a dropper, it will take some time to be absorbed. It should be absorbed within about 60 seconds.
How long does CBD oil last?
This varies depending on the dosage, strength of the product, and the individual, but generally the effects last anywhere from a few hours up to six hours.
Can I take CBD oil with alcohol?
Well, that's definitely not recommended. CBD oil can increase the effects of alcohol and make you feel nauseous. The combination can also make you feel very drowsy or even nauseous, so be careful.
What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
Believe it or not, hemp is actually a different type of cannabis than the cannabis we consume to get high or take CBD oil from. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, similar to how sesame oil is extracted from sesame seeds. Hemp is a type of cannabis sativa plant. While hemp does contain THC, it's very low — less than 0.3 percent in fact. CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the leaves, stems, and flowers of a variety of cannabis plants.
Scientific Research on CBD Oil
While the benefits and side effects of CBD oil are a relatively new topic of scientific research, a wealth of research exists. Now that you're armed with the knowledge, you have the power to make your own decisions. Do it safely and enjoyably.
Aleksandra Briszczyk is Deputy Editor at VICE Australia. Follow her on Instagram.
