Cannabis oil is an extract derived from the cannabis plant. The oil is extracted and refined to manufacture therapeutic medicines which are believed to have a range of benefits on certain health conditions. Cannabis oil may benefit patients who dislike swallowing capsules or using edible forms of cannabis.
What is cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil is a concentrated or refined extract from the cannabis plant, typically combined with a carrier oil. This helps the extract to be absorbed by the body more easily. Cannabis oils are available in Australia, containing a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) or as CBD-only oils. These oils are known for their potential therapeutic benefits for a range of medical conditions, delivering efficient relief when taken in the proper dosage in conjunction with other treatments. In Australia, cannabis oil is legal for patients with valid prescriptions from a registered medical professional.
Cannabis oil manufacturing process
Cannabis oil is manufactured by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Carrier oils are mixed with the extract to help the body absorb the cannabinoids. Cannabis oil products are then stringently tested for quality before becoming available for prescription.
Extraction
There are several different extraction methods for cannabis oil. The first is CO2 extraction, where carbon dioxide is cooled and pressurised until it liquidises. This liquid gets pushed through the cannabis plant, and the oil is separated from the CO2, resulting in a concentrated extract. Another method is heating cannabis in olive oil to activate and extract the cannabinoids. The oil is then strained to leave only the extract behind. Solvent extraction is also a method of obtaining cannabis oil. In this method, cannabis plants are soaked in ethanol to strip the cannabinoids. When the ethanol is heated, it evaporates and leaves the oil. A more recent method is called resin extraction. This involves using direct heat and pressure to extract oil without leaving residual solvents. Manufacturers may use different methods to extract cannabis oil, depending on their products and resources.
Carrier oil
Once cannabis oil is extracted, it needs to be combined with a carrier oil. This helps dilute the oil, dissolve cannabinoid molecules, and help the body absorb the oil. They may also help preserve the cannabis oil and maintain its potency and freshness. Popular carrier oils include grape seed, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), coconut, and olive oil. Some manufacturers may choose certain oils based on their added health benefits, taste, and consistency. When discussing cannabis oil treatments with your doctor, ensure you mention any allergies you may have to certain oils. This helps your doctor find you the right product.
Testing and quality
Before being ready for sale, cannabis oil is tested thoroughly for quality and safety, like all medicines. Aside from initial inspections and permits for the facility in which the oil is produced, the product itself needs to be quality-assured before going out to pharmacies and doctors. Manufacturing facilities must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure products align with Australia’s strict cannabis production standards. The product will also undergo quality testing in various stages of production before it is approved for prescription. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of medicinal cannabis in Australia, but most of the available medications are unregistered. These unregistered products can still be prescribed if doctors obtain special approval from the TGA.
How does cannabis oil work?
The Cannabis plant consists of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate functions such as appetite, pain, and your immune system and exists in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. Cannabinoids in cannabis oil bind to receptors in your endocannabinoid system to produce certain effects. The main types of receptors in your system are CB1 receptors, found in your central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, located around your peripheral nervous system. When THC-dominant cannabis oil enters your system, it can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can produce a ‘high’ effect. However, CBD interacts a bit differently with these receptors, and CBD-only products do not come with psychoactive properties.
How is cannabis oil used?
Cannabis oil is used to treat a variety of medical conditions in conjunction with other treatments and medicines. Their potential health benefits are believed to deliver calming and pain-reducing effects. The medicine is typically ingested, which allows for direct absorption into your bloodstream. Cannabis oil is primarily packaged in bottles or containers with a syringe for easy dosage. Patients extract the specified dose and release the medication from the syringe or dropper. This method allows for precise dosing of the product.
Why are cannabis oil products prescribed?
There is research to support the use of prescribing cannabis oil for a range of conditions. According to current Australian regulations, any licenced medical practitioner can prescribe cannabis oil if they feel it will benefit their patient’s condition and they have approval from TGA to do so. Cannabis oil products may be prescribed if a patient is experiencing chronic health issues and if they have been unsuccessful with other treatment pathways. Your doctor will also factor in your medical history, as well as other medications you may be taking. This helps form a comprehensive background, which helps determine the best treatment for your condition. Cannabis oils come in a range of THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, balanced, and CBD-only options, which suit a variety of patient needs.
What types of cannabis oil are there?
There are three main types of cannabis oil products which are CBD-dominant, balanced THC/CBD products and THC-dominant. CBD-only oil products don’t elicit psychoactive effects on patients. On the other hand, products containing THC may result in a ‘high’ effect. For this reason, consulting with your doctor is vital to receiving the right prescription for your unique lifestyle and treatment needs.
CBD oil
There are many CBD-only oils available for patients, as well as oils containing a mix of CBD and THC. The TGA has also approved the sale of low-dose CBD over the counter, however, they are yet to approve specific products. In terms of legality, it is legal in Australia to drive and work with CBD in your system, whereas this is not the case for THC. This means CBD-only treatments may be useful to patients who drive regularly or need to comply with certain work drug policies.
THC oil
THC oil is known for its benefits but also for its psychoactive effects. Taking THC oil may result in impaired cognitive function, even when combined with CBD. Currently, most parts of Australia have banned the use of THC products when driving and working, meaning it is illegal to do either with THC in your system. THC often takes days or even weeks to fully leave your system, which may pose an issue for those who need to regularly use a vehicle or heavy machinery. In this case, your doctor can discuss CBD-only alternatives.
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