The Complete Guide to CBD in Australia

May 19, 2020
Posted by Alexandra Poznyak

CBD - what is it, why you might just love it and why on earth can we not buy it off the shelf yet? Only in the last few years has CBD hit the natural medicine scene - and it’s a real game-changer. CBD is a cannabinoid, extracted from Cannabis plants, with the potential to change lives by treating a myriad of symptoms from the assortment of modern society’s most common illnesses and ailments.

How Did We Stumble Across This Wonder-Extract?

The history of CBD starts in 1940, organic chemist Roger Adams becoming the first to successfully extract CBD molecules. From then, it took a while for the world to catch on, but in 2011 Charlotte Figi’s parents were one of the first to use CBD as a last resort to treat her epilepsy - once the world saw her miraculous improvement - CBD became the next big thing.

Wait - how can Cannabis be the source of a miracle molecule? - we’ve been taught for so long that cannabis is bad! Plot twist - the cannabis plant is an absolute bounty of beneficial substance and it’s important to know exactly which kind of plant and which extract provides and causes which effects on the human body and mind. The part of Cannabis that gets you ‘high’ is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - which is completely different from CBD (cannabidiol).

Read More: History of CBD

The Difference Between THC and CBD Is Huge

While THC gives you a ‘high’, CBD does nearly the opposite, invoking calming and soothing effects. CBD is also the cannabinoid that provides a multitude of therapeutic benefits - anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety just to name a few. From that shortlist, you might be starting to guess the ways in which CBD can be beneficial to almost anyone in this day and age.

Read More: The Difference Between CBD & THC

How Do You Know If You Might Need CBD?

To name a few, CBD has shown promising results in treating skin conditions and diseases, managing symptoms of both PMS and Menopause, epilepsy, eating disorders, Heart conditions and disease and pain management in many forms.

Let’s Delve Further Into the Common Uses & Benefits of CBD

The safest ways to take CBD are edibles, oil tincture, capsules, transdermal patches, topically in creams and oils. A method of taking CBD that is popular but carries the usual issues that come with inhaling is vaping it.

CBD is emerging as a very attractive alternative to opioids when it comes to pain relief - finally giving those suffering chronic pain a safe option with little to no side effects.

Read More: CBD Oil - Uses & Benefits

So, Great, You Say - But How Do I Actually Get My Hands On It?

Ok so the bummer is, you can only get CBD via Australia’s Special Access Scheme - as with other medicinal cannabis products. It’s not readily available over the counter - but remember is it very possible to get hold of it if you need it!

Getting access to CBD in Australia starts with research, then a discussion with a doctor, some forms and picking up a prescription. If you need help figuring out what to ask for or who to ask - we operate a toll-free number (1300 420 402) during business hours that helps Australians make the connections and gain the knowledge they need to access this brilliant medicine. If CBD sounds like the thing for you - don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

What Types of CBD Are Available in Australia?

There are three kinds of products on offer via the SAS in Australia. These are synthetic CBD, CBD isolate, and full plant extracts. While we never recommend synthetic substances (because really, when was synthetic ever a good idea?), the other two options both pose their own benefits and unique effects.

CBD and ‘The Entourage Effect’ - What Does It Mean?

The best explanation of the Entourage Effect is to think about how different people you know make you feel and act differently. Also, think of how the people you know, act differently around different groups of people. Cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) and terpenes (like Myrcene, Limonene and beta-caryophyllene used in The Cannabis Co products) produce different and heightened effects in the human body depending on the unique combination with each other. It's the nuances of this Entourage Effect that makes the different strains and effect-specific types of cannabis possible. In parts of the world where Cannabis is legalised and more readily available, you’ll find a plethora of cannabis variations, all made to help with specific symptoms, conditions and designed to deliver specific effects. There are very exciting possibilities being presented concerning the combination of CBD and various terpenes.