Cannabis oil – a concentrated extract from the cannabis plant – is increasingly used in Australia for various therapeutic purposes. This article explains everything about cannabis oil in Australia: what it is, how it’s used, legal status, and how to obtain it safely. Cannabis oil contains cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and/or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and in Australia it falls under the category of medicinal cannabis.
Medical experts define medicinal cannabis (which includes oils, sprays, capsules, etc.) as “a cannabis product that is prescribed by a registered healthcare practitioner to relieve the symptoms of some medical conditions”. In simple terms, cannabis oil in Australia is a prescribed medicine derived from cannabis plants, typically used for pain, epilepsy, cancer symptom relief and other conditions, but only with doctor supervision.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil (often called medical cannabis oil) is a phytotherapeutic product made by extracting oils from the cannabis plant. It usually contains varying levels of CBD (non-psychoactive) and THC (the compound that causes a “high”), depending on the formulation. CBD oil (high in CBD, low in THC) is common for medicinal use. The term “cannabis oil” can refer to any cannabis extract used for health reasons. In Australia, medicinal cannabis products – including oils – are high-quality, lab-tested formulations where cannabinoid content is precisely measured. They may come as tinctures (liquid oils with droppers), capsules, sprays or even topical creams. The primary goal is relief of symptoms under medical guidance, not recreational use. Unregulated cannabis (illegal street cannabis) is not considered medicinal; it is untested and may contain harmful contaminants.
Figure: Cannabis plant leaves, the source of medical cannabis oil in Australia. The cannabis plant produces over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids (with THC and CBD being the most studied). In Australia, cannabis oil is specifically used in a medical sense. As the Cancer Council Australia notes, “medicinal cannabis refers to a range of quality assured, pharmaceutical cannabis preparations, for the relief of a medical condition and must be prescribed by a doctor.”. This distinguishes it from illegal marijuana. In short, cannabis oil in Australia means doctor-approved cannabis extracts used as medicine, not loose drug usage.
Is Cannabis Oil Legal in Australia?
Medical cannabis (and thus cannabis oil) is legal in Australia but highly regulated. That means you can legally use cannabis oil for treatment only with a valid medical prescription. Recreational cannabis (for non-medical use) remains illegal in most of Australia outside the Australian Capital Territory. In practice, this means you cannot buy cannabis oil over the counter or from dispensaries like you might in some other countries. Instead, patients must go through official channels to get cannabis oil.
Key points on legality and regulation:
- Prescription required: You must have a doctor’s prescription to legally access cannabis oil in Australia. HealthDirect Australia emphasizes that “you must have a prescription from your doctor” to use medical cannabis. Without a script, possessing or buying cannabis oil is illegal.
- TGA approval: Cannabis oils for patients are usually accessed via the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access or Authorised Prescriber schemes. Doctors apply online through TGA, and approvals typically come within a few days. The patient then takes the prescription to a pharmacy (chemist) for dispensing.
- No over-the-counter sales: Even though low-dose CBD (a cannabis oil derivative) was down-scheduled to allow potential over-the-counter pharmacy sales in 2021, no products have been approved yet. In other words, while the law theoretically permits selling low-dose CBD oil at pharmacies, no Australian product has met the strict approval standards. So in practice, there’s no legal way to simply “buy cannabis oil at the chemist” without a prescription. As an ABC News report explains, TGA’s rules were changed to allow pharmacist-only CBD oil, but “so far, no product containing CBD has been approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods,” meaning pharmacies still don’t stock it without prescription.
- Illegal if unprescribed: Any cannabis oil purchased online or sold “for sale in Australia” without a prescription is illegal. Australians have faced penalties for importing or selling unapproved cannabis extracts. A CBD Vets Australia guide notes that “selling or supplying locally made cannabis products is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967,” and that “sale of CBD products without a veterinary prescription is illegal”. Although [17] refers to pets, the legal principle applies broadly: unapproved (non-prescription) cannabis oils violate federal narcotics laws.
- International treaties: Australia is bound by UN drug conventions that limit cannabis use to medical and scientific purposes. This reinforces the prescription-only status for cannabis oil.
In summary, cannabis oil itself is not banned if used medicinally, but it’s only legal with doctor oversight. Any other use or sale is against the law. In South Australia and other states, government FAQs reiterate this: for example, SA Health states that legislative changes “do not make cannabis products available over the counter without a prescription” and patients cannot access cannabis products for smoking or recreational use.
Health Benefits and Uses of Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil is used in Australia to help manage symptoms of various medical conditions. Its main active components can have effects like pain relief, reducing inflammation, or controlling seizures. However, evidence varies by condition. According to official health sources, some potential uses include:
- Chronic pain management: Many patients seek cannabis oil for persistent pain. Medical practitioners note most patients ask for cannabis (often oil) for pain relief. Some studies suggest certain neuropathic pain may improve with THC/CBD products, though evidence is still emerging.
- Epilepsy (especially in children): Highly purified CBD oil is an approved treatment for rare pediatric epilepsies. Australia has two registered drugs: Epidyolex (CBD oil) for severe epilepsy in young children, and Sativex (a spray with THC+CBD) for MS spasticity. This highlights that CBD-rich cannabis oil can be effective against seizures in Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, which is why Epidyolex is ARTG-registered in Australia.
- Multiple sclerosis: The THC:CBD spray (nabiximols/Sativex) is approved in Australia for MS spasticity. Though it’s a spray, it exemplifies cannabis extract use for muscle spasm relief. CBD oil alone is also often sought by MS patients for pain and stiffness, with some evidence of benefit.
- Cancer symptom relief: As mentioned below, cannabis oil is often used to ease cancer-related symptoms (nausea, appetite, pain). While it does not cure cancer, many cancer patients report reduced chemotherapy nausea or pain when using THC/CBD oils under supervision.
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: There is moderate evidence that cannabis extracts can help relieve refractory chemotherapy nausea. For example, some guidelines allow THC products for intractable chemo-vomiting when standard meds fail. This is often a reason oncologists consider prescribing a small dose of cannabis oil.
- Other conditions: Research and anecdotal use cover glaucoma, insomnia, PTSD, appetite stimulation, etc. Australian clinical guidance notes ongoing studies for many uses. The WA Health website lists that research shows possible benefits for childhood epilepsy, MS, chronic pain, chemo-nausea, and appetite in AIDS, but emphasizes that evidence is limited and larger trials are needed.
It’s important to stress: cannabis oil is usually not first-line therapy. Australian guidelines (TGA and medical societies) advise using it only after conventional treatments have failed. Doctors weigh potential benefits against side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, etc. listed by WA Health) and the fact that many benefits are not yet conclusively proven. For instance, the Cancer Council Australia clearly states there is “currently no evidence that medicinal cannabis… can treat or cure cancer or inhibit cancer growth”. In other words, cannabis oil is not a cure; rather it is used as a palliative or adjunctive therapy.
Cannabis Oil and Cancer in Australia
Many Australians wonder if cannabis oil can treat cancer. The honest answer: no evidence it cures cancer, but it may help symptoms. Cancer Council Australia and oncology groups point out that cannabis oil (containing cannabinoids) has no proven anticancer effects in humans. No clinical trials have shown it shrinks tumors. However, cannabinoids like CBD and THC can alleviate some cancer-related issues: they can stimulate appetite, reduce pain, and curb nausea/vomiting from chemotherapy. For example, healthdirect notes medical cannabis (including oils) is used to “help chronic pain, cancer symptoms and epilepsy.”. This reflects common use: cancer patients often use it to ease treatment side effects, not to fight cancer itself.
In Australia’s medical system, cancer patients with refractory symptoms can apply for medicinal cannabis via TGA schemes, but as a last resort. The Cancer Council’s 2021 position says that “existing published, peer-reviewed evidence does not support the therapeutic application of cannabis in cancer care”. It encourages any use to be carefully documented by doctors for safety data, since real-world experience is still being collected. In practical terms, if a patient asks about cannabis oil for cancer, doctors might consider it for pain or nausea relief under special access, but they will not claim it will cure the cancer.
Getting a Prescription for Cannabis Oil
If you want cannabis oil in Australia, the key step is a medical consultation. Here’s the typical process:
- See a doctor or specialist: First, talk to your GP or a specialist about your condition and symptoms. Explain why you think cannabis oil might help (e.g., chronic pain, epilepsy, chemo side effects). The doctor will review your medical history and other treatments tried.
- Clinical assessment: The doctor must assess if cannabis oil is appropriate. Australian guidance recommends it only when other treatments have failed. The patient’s case and risk factors (mental health, heart disease, pregnancy, etc.) are evaluated.
- TGA application: If the doctor agrees it’s reasonable, they submit an online approval request to the TGA. There are two main pathways: the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or the Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme. Most patients go via SAS Category B (for “other” patients). Some clinics use authorised prescribers for specific conditions (like pediatric epilepsy). The ADF notes that once a doctor applies, “approval usually takes 24-48 hours.”.
- State approvals: In some cases, state health authorities must also approve (e.g. SA requires a state controlled-substances authority for Schedule 8 THC products). New digital systems (e.g. SA’s single online portal) have made this smoother.
- Prescription and dispensing: Once approved, the doctor writes a legal prescription (usually on special paper) for cannabis oil. You take it to a pharmacy (chemist) to be filled. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation explains: “your doctor completes a prescription that can be filled and dispensed at an authorised pharmacy”. In WA for instance, any pharmacy can dispense it once the prescription is issued. The pharmacist will likely order the specific cannabis oil product from a licensed supplier and give it to you as a private prescription (no PBS subsidy).
Patients often pay thousands of dollars, since no cannabis products are PBS-subsidized. For example, chronic pain patients report spending $300–$500 per month for cannabis prescriptions. These costs must be paid by the patient.
In short, you can’t just walk into a pharmacy and “buy cannabis oil.” You must have a doctor involved at every step. The doctor’s role is crucial – they apply to TGA and ensure the product is right for your condition. Only a legal pharmacy (chemist) can then dispense the product. Any so-called “online cannabis oil store” without prescription is illegal and unregulated.
Where to Buy Cannabis Oil in Australia
Because cannabis oil is a prescription medicine, the only legal way to “buy” it is through a pharmacist. Here’s what Australians need to know:
- Authorized Pharmacies (Chemists): Once you have a valid prescription, you fill it at an authorised pharmacy (also called a chemist). For example, Western Australian authorities state that doctors can write cannabis prescriptions and “Prescriptions for medicinal cannabis can be dispensed at any pharmacy in Western Australia.”. Most other states follow similarly – licensed chemists can order in the prescribed product.
- Medical Cannabis Clinics: There are specialized clinics around Australia staffed by cannabis-trained doctors. These clinics help patients through the TGA process and often offer telehealth. They effectively serve as middlemen: you consult them online, they handle approvals, and then you get a prescription to fill at your local pharmacy. This is one “online” route to cannabis oil, but note it still requires doctor approval.
- Online Purchase Caution: Beware of online sites or social media ads claiming “cannabis oil for sale in Australia.” Legitimate suppliers will always require a prescription. Any website selling cannabis oil without asking for your prescription is operating illegally. Such products can be contaminated or mislabelled. The ABC investigation notes that without ARTG approval, over-the-counter CBD is not yet truly available. So if a site offers “buy cannabis oil online Australia” without medical oversight, it’s likely a black-market product.
- Veterinary Pharmacies (for pets): As described below, veterinarians can prescribe CBD oil for dogs. These are filled at vet dispensaries or pharmacies with vet scripts, not general sale. Owners should not try to buy “dog cannabis oil” online either without a vet’s prescription.
Tips for Buying Safely:
- Always use a pharmacy or approved clinic. Do not purchase from overseas online sellers or non-medical shops.
- Check product quality: a pharmacy will provide a GMP-grade product that has been tested. Illicit oils may have unknown potency or toxins.
- Keep records: Since cannabis oil is tightly regulated, keep your doctor’s paperwork and pharmacy receipts. Report any adverse effects as requested by your doctor.
In practice, most Australians obtain cannabis oil via their doctor and local chemist. If you search “where to buy cannabis oil in Australia,” the answer given by law is: at a pharmacy only with a prescription.
Cannabis Oil for Dogs and Pets in Australia
Interest in giving cannabis (CBD) oil to pets has grown. However, Australian laws for veterinary cannabis are even more restrictive than for humans. Currently:
- Veterinarian’s prescription required: CBD oils for dogs are classified under veterinary regulations. Only a veterinarian can administer, prescribe or dispense a Schedule 4 cannabis product to an animal. Owners should never give a pet cannabis oil without a vet’s advice.
- No commercial pet CBD products: The APVMA (Australian pesticides regulator) has not registered any cannabis-based pet medicine. This means there are no fully approved CBD pet oils available for direct sale. The only option is a compounded product made by a pharmacist specifically for an animal patient, under a vet’s script.
- Legal restrictions: As CBD Vets Australia notes, “Sale of CBD products without a veterinary prescription is illegal”. Furthermore, “selling or supplying locally made cannabis products is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967”. In plain terms, even if you find an online “CBD oil for dogs” store, those oils are not legally sold in Australia. If caught selling or buying such products, one can face penalties.
- Penalties and safety: Any unapproved product could harm pets (wrong dosage, contaminants). If a vet prescribes CBD, they must ensure it complies with Poisons Standard (Schedule 4) and get state approvals as needed. Pet owners should only use oils from their vet’s clinic or an authorized pharmacy.
- Efficacy: There is some evidence CBD can help pets with anxiety or pain, but it is still experimental. Always consult a veterinary professional.
In summary, while people do ask “can I give my dog cannabis oil in Australia?”, the legal and safe answer is: only if your veterinarian prescribes a veterinary-approved CBD oil. Do not attempt to buy generic cannabis oil for your pet.
Cannabis Oil in South Australia
South Australia (SA) follows the federal laws on medicinal cannabis. Key points for SA residents:
- Legal prescription with approval: Since 2016, doctors in SA can prescribe medicinal cannabis (including oils) for medical purposes. They must obtain TGA approval and state controlled-substance approval. SA Health explains that “medical practitioners in South Australia can legally prescribe medicinal cannabis products with Commonwealth approval and relevant State approval”. In practice, this often means using the TGA Special Access Scheme online system. (SA has a patient access pathway for doctors to guide this process.)
- Schedule classification: In SA, CBD-dominant products (98%+ CBD) are Schedule 4; high-THC products are Schedule 8. Both require a prescription. No cannabis oil is available without a valid doctor’s Rx.
- No OTC or self-cultivation: South Australian authorities clarify that legislative changes “do not make cannabis products available over the counter without a prescription.” Patients “will not be able to access medicinal cannabis products for smoking or for recreational use.”. Also, “people cannot legally grow their own cannabis for medicinal use” in SA – so no home oil-making is allowed.
- Dispensing: Once approved, the process is the same: the script is filled by a pharmacist. SA also notes there’s a single online TGA/SAS application system, easing paperwork.
- PBS and cost: Medicinal cannabis is not subsidised under the PBS in South Australia (or anywhere else). Patients pay privately.
So in SA, “cannabis oil South Australia” means the same prescription-only system. You must see a doctor, get approvals, and then the pharmacy will supply the cannabis oil product. No local pharmacy stocks it without that process.
Cannabis Oil in Western Australia
Western Australia (WA) has a similar framework with a few local notes:
- Who can prescribe: In WA, any medical or nurse practitioner can prescribe medicinal cannabis if approved. Importantly, WA doctors must obtain both TGA approval and state permit for Schedule 8 (THC) products. However, for CBD-only products (Schedule 4), only TGA approval is needed. The WA site explains: “In Western Australia, it is illegal to sell, supply or possess CBD only products, without a doctor’s prescription”. In practice, GPs and specialists in WA can initiate cannabis oil treatment if they think it’s appropriate, much like elsewhere.
- Dispensing at pharmacies: Once a prescription is issued in WA, “any pharmacy in WA” can dispense it. This means chemists across the state can order in the product. As noted above, all medicinal cannabis products (including oils) in WA must be dispensed via private prescription – none are on the PBS.
- Driving laws: A unique WA point: it’s an offence to drive with any THC in your system, even if prescribed. So patients should be careful if their cannabis oil contains THC.
- Local cultivation: WA follows federal rules – home growing is not allowed despite national cultivation laws. Only licensed growers produce WA-sold cannabis oil.
In summary, “cannabis oil Western Australia” is fully legal with prescription. WA essentially replicated the federal system and allows local pharmacies to dispense to approved patients.
How to Make Cannabis Oil in Australia
Some people wonder “how to make cannabis oil in Australia” at home. It’s important to emphasize legality first: making your own cannabis oil is illegal without proper licenses. Australian law (Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 and Poisons Standards) does not permit individuals to extract cannabis oil at home, even if for personal medical use. For example, SA Health explicitly states people “cannot legally grow their own cannabis for medicinal use; even if it has been prescribed for them.”. By extension, extracting oil from a plant you grew is also illegal.
Licensed producers, on the other hand, must meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards to legally make cannabis oil for patients. These facilities use scientific methods (e.g. CO₂ or solvent extraction) under strict controls. An unlicensed person attempting to make cannabis oil could face prosecution.
Practically speaking, if you’re seeking cannabis oil in Australia, don’t try DIY extraction – it will break the law. Instead, focus on obtaining a prescription through legal channels. If you come across online DIY guides for “how to make cannabis oil”, remember they involve illegal activities like growing cannabis and using flammable solvents, which are all prohibited. Always rely on a medical prescription and pharmacist to provide a safe, legal product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is cannabis oil legal in Australia?
A: Yes, but only as a prescribed medicine. Medical cannabis products (including oils) are legal under Australia’s Special Access and Prescriber Schemes. You must have a doctor’s prescription and TGA approval. Without this, possessing or using cannabis oil is illegal. Recreational cannabis remains largely illegal (except ACT). - Q: Where can I get cannabis oil in Australia?
A: You can only obtain cannabis oil through a pharmacy (chemist) with a valid prescription. First, see a doctor who will apply to the TGA. Once approved, your prescription is filled at an approved pharmacy. There are no retail stores or casual sources. Any legitimate product will come via your doctor and a pharmacy. - Q: Can I buy cannabis oil online in Australia?
A: Not directly. You might book a telehealth doctor and then receive the prescription by mail, but this still requires a doctor’s approval. Be cautious: websites claiming “buy cannabis oil online Australia” without prescription are illegal vendors. Only buy through regulated channels (doctor + pharmacy or authorized clinic). - Q: Does the PBS subsidise cannabis oil?
A: No. Medicinal cannabis, including any cannabis oils, are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Patients must pay the full cost privately. - Q: Can cannabis oil cure cancer in Australia?
A: There is no evidence that cannabis oil cures or treats cancer itself. It may ease cancer-related symptoms (pain, nausea) for some patients, but it is not a cancer cure. Always follow standard cancer treatments and consult your oncologist. - Q: Can I use cannabis oil for my dog?
A: Only with a vet’s prescription. Vets can prescribe CBD oil for dogs under strict regulations. Owners should not give pets human cannabis oil products. Always ask a veterinarian for advice, as giving pets any cannabis product without oversight is illegal and unsafe. - Q: Where to buy cannabis oil in Australia?
A: There are no over-the-counter outlets. The only place to legally get it is a licensed pharmacy, after your doctor writes a prescription. Think of it like any other prescription medication: you can’t buy it on the street or online without medical authorization. - Q: How is cannabis oil used?
A: It’s usually taken orally. The most common method (about 80% of prescriptions) is using a dropper to place oil under the tongue (sublingual) or in capsules. This provides a slow and steady effect. Some products (like Epidyolex) are mixed into food. Spray forms exist (like Sativex for MS), but smoking cannabis products is strongly not recommended or prescribed. Always use the oil exactly as your doctor directs.
Conclusion
In summary, cannabis oil in Australia is a useful therapeutic option only within the medical system. It is not an over-the-counter supplement, but a prescription medicine regulated by the TGA. Always consult a qualified doctor to discuss if it’s right for you (or your pet). The key steps are: get informed, talk to your GP or specialist, and if approved, have your prescription filled at a pharmacy. Stay on top of the latest regulations and approved products. Australia’s policies may evolve, especially around CBD oils, so keep up-to-date with trusted sources. Use cannabis oil responsibly and legally to get the potential benefits while minimizing risks.
Enjoyed this guide? Feel free to share it with someone who has questions about cannabis oil Australia. If you have experiences or questions, leave a comment below – your feedback helps others understand this complex topic. Always remember: when in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist!
