CBD is becoming an increasingly popular wellness ingredient around the world. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill in the USA propelled its popularity to new heights through the legalization of industrial hemp.
But what about the state of CBD in the Land Down Under? CBD is hard to find in Australia, with few CBD oil shops operating in the online space.
The CBD industry is just starting to take hold in the country, and there is still a lot of misinformation about accessing CBD oil. Finding a trustworthy and reputable CBD oil store is key to finding products that are safe, pure, and effective.
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What Is The Legal Status Of Oil In Australia?
As of 2016, CBD oil is legal in Australia if it contains 98% cannabidiol and less than 2% of other cannabinoids present in cannabis.
However, until 2021, it was classified as a Schedule 4 drug, so the only way to legally obtain CBD was with a prescription from a health professional.
Last year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) changed CBD from a Schedule 4 substance (prescription-only) to Schedule 3, approving over-counter sales of low-dose CBD products.
However, the process of having CBD products TGA-approved for over-the-counter sales is lengthy, so CBD oil shop options are still very limited. It’s likely to still be some time before we see CBD products become as widely available and easily accessible as in the USA.
Shopping For CBD Products In Australia
Since the TGA has yet to approve any Schedule 3 CBD products, finding a CBD oil store with pure and effective CBD products is challenging.
Sure, there are a few companies online selling CBD “under the radar,” however, many of these products are low-quality, rendering them ineffective and potentially unsafe.
Shoppers should also consider that because Australia’s CBD market is still fairly new, there isn’t a lot of variety in terms of CBD offerings in pharmacies and health stores. For a wider range of CBD products, it’s ideal to check online CBD shops from other countries, specifically the U.S.
America is ahead of Australia in the CBD market, with more relaxed laws allowing retailers to sell different types of CBD items in varying potencies.
Premium Jane is a highly reputable American CBD brand with a loyal customer following, and they’ve recently expanded into Australia. Granted, their Australian CBD formulas are limited given current regulations, but it’s a top-notch CBD oil shop with premium-quality CBD offerings.
Tips For Buying CBD Oil Online In Australia
Currently, it isn’t recommended to buy CBD oil online in Australia unless you have a prescription. But the good news is that laws are changing, and Australian regulators are feeling the pressure to make CBD more easily accessible to those that need it.
For now, shoppers must keep their wits about them when shopping for CBD products. Quite a few unscrupulous companies operate in the CBD space, selling low-quality, inconsistent CBD formulas.
A recent study reviewed thousands of products from nearly 200 CBD brands and found that only 7% of companies conduct proper lab testing to test for heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins. Furthermore, only 12% had all products fall within acceptable potency variance levels,
Here are a few tips for finding high-quality CBD products:
- Certificates of Analysis (CoA): Look for CoAs, which verify that products have been independently lab tested for purity, potency, and safety. Specifically, these lab reports should confirm the absence of heavy metals and other contaminants.
- Be Wary of Therapeutic Claims: CBD has various potential therapeutic effects. However, it is not a magical cure-all. Any company that markets it as such is untruthful, which raises many questions about overall quality.
- Check THC levels: Depending on local state laws, ensure that THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.35% – 1%.
- Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation and whether the company has a good standing in the market. It’s best to shop from brands that have a proven track record and are known for delivering high-quality CBD formulas.
Final Thoughts On Online CBD Shops In Australia
The CBD market is still strictly regulated in Australia, with limited access to CBD products. Although laws are changing, it’s still a bit of time before we see CBD become as readily accessible as it is in the U.S.
For now, it’s best to shop from international brands, like Premium Jane, which offers a large selection of high-quality CBD formulas.