Cannabidiol

What does it look like?

CBD is usually an oil but can also be infused into gummies and edibles. Other forms include:

• pills and capsules
• creams
• lotions
• ointments
• balms
• vape pens.

Other names

CBD, diet dabs

Other types of classification

Medicinal cannabis, cannabis, butane hash oil

How is it used?

CBD can be swallowed, eaten, vapourised and rubbed onto the body.

Effects of CBD

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

CBD affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
• environment (where the drug is taken).

CBD does not provide an intoxicating effect or high.²

There’s a lack of quality scientific research into CBD; however, we know people taking CBD have reported relief from a variety of conditions, particularly pain.²

The effects of CBD might include:

• Possible pain relief: Studies suggest CBD may be helpful in reducing chronic pain and reducing inflammation,³ Sand symptoms of rheumatic diseases, such as fibromyalgia, may improve with CBD.⁴
  
• Reduced anxiety: Some symptoms of anxiety disorder have been shown to improve with CBD use.⁵
  
• Relief from cancer treatment side effects: Side effects related to cancer treatment (like vomiting and nausea) may be reduced with CBD.⁶
  
• Treatment for seizures: Seizures linked to various health conditions may be treated effectively with CBD.^7-9 Epidiolex®, a prescription CBD product, has been listed on Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) scheme for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome – a severe form of epilepsy.⁷
  
• Possible improvement in sleep: CBD may help improve sleep in people with certain sleep disorders, however more research is needed.⁸

Common reported side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• drowsiness and fatigue
• dry mouth
• reduced appetite.⁹

Long-term effects 

Further research into the long-term effects of CBD is needed, but early reports indicate there’s no long-term toxicity from CBD.¹⁰

Tolerance and dependence 

CBD does not seem to have dependence-related effects.

Mixing CBD with other drugs

The effects of taking CBD with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and dangerous.

CBD + alcohol or THC: can increase drowsiness and sedation.¹¹

CBD + blood thinning medications (Warfin®): can cause higher levels of Warfin® to be present in the body, which may cause excess bleeding and haemorrhage.¹²

CBD and the law

Low dose CBD was recently changed from a Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicine to Schedule 3. This means you can access CBD products over the counter.¹³

Currently the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not approved any CBD products and the process could take a number of years.¹³

However, a GP can write a prescription for CBD and they no longer need to apply to the TGA via the Special Access Scheme. It also means people can now access imported CBD products online or from a cannabis access clinic.¹³