CBD Legality in Australia

CBD became legal in Australia in 2016. However, there are stringent restrictions imposed on producing, prescribing, and consuming CBD products. This includes barring access to CBD products not listed on the Australian Register Of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) without special permission through government-provided schemes. Anyone in Australia can access CBD products legally through a valid prescription if their doctor believes the treatment is appropriate to a patient’s medical condition. However, the exact permissions and processes to obtain medicinal CBD may vary depending on your state or territory. Little Green Pharma (LGP) is a trusted provider of quality CBD products that treat a variety of conditions in tandem with other medical treatments. We also offer valuable resources and education about CBD products for prescribers (link to doctors page) and pharmacists.

Is CBD legal in Australia?

CBD is legal in Australia, subject to specific regulations. Medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia since 2016 as part of nationwide legislation, although only patients with a prescription could receive it. Low dose CBD was reduced to a Schedule 3 (pharmacist-only medicine) in 2021, allowing certain CBD products to be accessed over the counter, without a prescription, albeit with strict approval processes. Even with these new legislations, manufacturing, distributing, or consuming CBD is heavily regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal CBD products must meet strict quality and safety standards to protect patients from harmful substances or ineffective treatments. Patients must also be aware that even though prescription CBD is legal in Australia, it is still considered illegal in certain countries, so travelling overseas with CBD may cause difficulties.

How do laws surrounding CBD vary in Australia?

CBD product regulations in Australia exhibit regional nuances, varying across states and territories. While the overarching legality permits CBD derived from hemp with low THC content, the specifics diverge. For instance, some states require permission from the relevant health authority as well as the TGA before doctors may prescribe CBD. Regulations impact product labelling, permissible THC levels, and marketing claims. There are certain laws that are consistent across all states, such as driving with THC in your system. Unlike CBD, THC has a psychoactive effect which may impact cognitive function. It is legal to drive while being treated with CBD, but some products contain traces or low amounts of THC. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for both consumers and businesses to navigate the diverse landscape effectively. Staying informed about local laws ensures compliance and a clear knowledge of the permissible sale and usage of CBD products throughout Australia. 

Which CBD products are legal in Australia?

Legal CBD products in Australia predominantly include those derived from hemp with low THC content. These come in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more. These medicines contain no more than 0.3% THC, which falls within the legal framework. However, the only way to access these products is through a valid medical prescription from a doctor. Although the TGA has legalised certain non-prescription CBD medicines, they have yet to approve any products.

Which types of CBD products are legal in Australia?

There are three main types of CBD products – full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD oil comes from the entire cannabis plant. These CBD products could also contain up to 0.3% THC. This amount of THC is typically not enough to cause the psychoactive effect commonly associated with THC. Full spectrum CBD products may be more effective than other types because they contain all cannabis plant compounds. Broad spectrum CBD has all cannabinoids except THC. It undergoes regular extraction processes, but THC is removed in the final stage. CBD isolate only contains CBD. It is sometimes regarded as a ‘pure’ CBD product because it doesn’t have other cannabinoids or terpenes. When CBD isolate is processed, CBD is filtered out and then chilled, removing all other chemical compounds. The benefit of using CBD isolate products is the lack of THC, meaning you can typically drive and work while receiving treatment. 

Little Green Pharma provides accessible, affordable cannabis medicines in Australia, including CBD products. Our products meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adhere to the stringent Australian quality standards. We even have a world-class GMP-licensed medicinal cannabis facility in Denmark (EU). We ensure our products are of pharmaceutical grade and reliable. 

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