Unfortunately, if you want to buy CBD oil, Priceline won’t sell it to you over the counter. Actually, you won’t be able to find any chemists in Australia that sell CBD oil at the present time. Priceline does sell hemp oil products, but don’t be confused – they don’t contain any CBD.
There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. After all, they’re both often derived from the same plant. However, despite their similarities, there are some key differences. CBD oil comes from the leaves, stalk, and flowers of the hemp plant where a high CBD concentration can be found. Hemp oil, on the other hand, is made from the seeds of the plant which contain virtually no CBD[1]. While hemp oil offers its own benefits in the form of fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and nutrients, it doesn’t have the same potential stress, anxiety, and pain-relieving benefits as CBD oil.
CBD oil is entirely legal to sell and buy in Australia. Back in 2020, it was given approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (the TGA) for sale over the counter as a low-dose medicine[2], and since 2021, it has been legal for chemists to sell CBD oil with no need for a prescription to customers.
Related: Is CBD Oil Legal in Australia 2023?
So, you may ask, why is buying CBD oil in Priceline impossible while buying hemp oil is a breeze?
As hemp oil doesn’t contain any CBD it isn’t heavily regulated, and that’s why you can find it for sale on the shelves in Priceline. CBD oil, on the other hand, is heavily regulated and TGA approval has yet to be given to brands. Due to the bureaucratic processes involved, it takes a long time for medicinal products to become available in pharmacies in Australia.
It’s worth noting, too, that even when CBD oil becomes available on Priceline’s shelves, it will only be in a low-dose format. The TGA permits a maximum dosage of 150mg per day which is more than sufficient for most users, with many recent studies[3] showing positive effects from dosing at just 25mg per day.
With all of that in mind, if you’re keen to buy CBD oil in Australia now, and want to get started on a regular dose, it’s a good idea to make your purchase from online brands that have already gained offshore approval.