One of the most common types of medicinal cannabis products is oil. Medicinal cannabis oilis a medicinal cannabis product typically made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using a solvent. The resulting oil contains high concentrations of cannabinoids, which can be used to treat various medical conditions.

In Australia, medicinal cannabis is generally used for the treatment of certain conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Medicinal cannabis oil may also help with such conditions by reducing inflammation, pain, nausea, and vomiting.

If you are considering using medicinal cannabis oil, it is important to speak to your doctor first. Medicinal cannabis oil is a regulated product in Australia and it is important to ensure that you are using a product that is safe and effective. Learn more about medicinal cannabis oils below.

What are Medicinal Cannabis Oils?

Medicinal cannabis oils are extracts from the cannabis plant. The main active ingredient in these oils is cannabidiol (CBD), which is a chemical compound that has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects.

The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in a range of functions, including pain perception, appetite, and memory.

While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that is most associated with the psychoactive effects of cannabis, CBD does not cause these effects. This means that medicinal cannabis oil products that contain CBD can be used to treat a range of conditions without causing intoxication.

How Can You Use Medicinal Cannabis Oil?

There are a number of different ways to take medicinal cannabis oil, including:

• Oral administration: This involves taking the oil by mouth. The oil can be taken directly, or it can be added to food or drink.
• Topical application: This involves applying the oil to the skin. The oil can be used to treat conditions such as skin inflammation or joint pain.
• Vaporisation: This involves inhaling the oil using a vaporiser. Vaporisers heat the oil to a temperature that causes it to evaporate, without causing combustion. This method of administration is thought to be more effective than smoking cannabis.

What Can Medicinal Cannabis Oil Treat?

Medicinal cannabis oil may be able to treat a range of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain: Cannabis oil may be able to relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation.
• Epilepsy: Cannabis oil has been shown to reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy, and may also improve quality of life.
• Anxiety: Cannabis oil may help to reduce anxiety by affecting the part of the brain that controls emotions.

What are the Pros and Cons of Medicinal Cannabis Oil?

As with most treatment options, there are pros and cons to medicinal cannabis oil. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Pain relief: Cannabinoids have been shown to be effective pain relievers. A recent scientific study found that cannabinoids may be able to reduce pain in people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
• Anxiety relief: Cannabis oil has been shown to reduce anxiety in animal studies. A human study found that CBD may be effective in treating social anxiety disorder.
• Simple administration: Medicinal cannabis oil can be taken orally, rubbed on the skin, or inhaled. This makes it a versatile treatment option for those who prefer not to smoke marijuana.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using medicinal cannabis oil, including:

• Short-term memory loss: Cannabis oil can cause short-term memory loss. This side effect is usually temporary and goes away when the person stops taking the oil.
• Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness after taking cannabis oil. This is usually due to the sedative effects of THC.
• Paranoia: Some people may feel paranoid after taking cannabis oil. This is most likely due to the psychoactive effects of THC.

Some other common side effects of medicinal cannabis oil are:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in mood

These side effects are typically mild and temporary. More serious side effects are rare. However, as with any medication, there is always the potential for adverse reactions. If you experience any severe side effects after taking medicinal cannabis oil, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Where Can You Get Medicinal Cannabis Oil?

In Australia, you can get medicinal cannabis oil from a specialised medical cannabis clinic, or from a doctor who is authorised to prescribe it. Medicinal cannabis prescriptions are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is the Australian government agency that regulates therapeutic goods, including medicinal cannabis products. In order to get a prescription for medicinal cannabis from a doctor, you will need to have a condition that is approved by the TGA. You can find a list of these conditions on the TGA website.

If you are interested in trying medicinal cannabis oil, it is important to speak to your doctor first. They will be able to advise you on whether it is suitable for your specific condition, and help you to access the product if they feel it is appropriate. After a consultation, they may be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis products such as CBD oil.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabis Oil

Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions concerning the use of medicinal cannabis oil in Australia.

What medicinal cannabis oils are legal in Australia?

There are two types of medicinal cannabis oils that are legal in Australia: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil. CBD oil is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, and can be used to treat a range of conditions. THC oil, on the other hand, contains small amounts of the psychoactive compound THC, and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

Do you need a prescription for CBD oil?

Yes, you need a doctor’s prescription to legally purchase CBD oil in Australia. However, like most medicinal cannabis products, it is important to note that prescriptions for CBD oil are only issued for certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The ability to access medicinal cannabis prescription medicines is thus limited.