Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments.
Better known as CBD, it is one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa (1).
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, and causes the sensation of getting “high” that’s often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
It’s gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies confirming it may help treat a variety of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety.
CBD products
The passing of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act means some products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are now prescription medicines only.
Cannabidiol Key points
- Products that meet the definition of a CBD product (see below) are prescription medicines
- Ministry of Health approval is not required to prescribe, supply or administer products for medical purposes if they meet the definition of a CBD product
- Medical practitioners and pharmacies are allowed to import CBD products, as are persons or companies holding a licence to sell medicines by wholesale
- Individual patients may import CBD products provided they meet the requirements for importing prescription medicines (see below) but not any other cannabis based products
- A maximum of three months’ supply is allowed on a prescription for CBD products.
CBD is a substance found in cannabis that has potential therapeutic value, with little or no psychoactive properties.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is no longer a class B1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. It is a prescription medicine under the Medicines Act 1981.
As with all prescription medicines, patients must have a prescription from an authorised prescriber to import or use CBD products. If you are interested in using CBD for a medical purpose, please talk to your doctor.
More on CBD products
CBD is no longer a controlled drug. In addition, to increase access to CBD products, while minimising risks, a small amount of tetrahydrocannabinols and other psychoactive related substances are now permitted as contaminants in CBD products. In CBD products, the amount of tetrahydrocannabinols and psychoactive related substances must not exceed 2 percent of the total CBD tetrahydrocannabinol and psychoactive related substances content in the product.
This change to the control of CBD products is in response to advice the Government received from the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs. It is important to note that medicinal cannabis products such as Sativex are not CBD products (refer Prescribing cannabis-based products).
Further information on prescribing medicinal cannabis and CBD products can be found on Prescribing cannabis-based products.