How to Get Medicinal Cannabis or CBD in Australia? (Updated in 2025)
Soubhik ChakrabartiFollow us on 
Cannabidiol is currently a trending molecule that you can easily find on the online market or in some land based outlets in Australia. All around the world, people confirm that CBD is a product that can help them in many different ways. With MiisterCBD, you’ll know more about the Australian laws and potential deliveries in your country with or without a script. Moreover, we analyzed many official documents for you to know how and where to buy CBD oil products in Australia
A Definition of CBD in Australia
Before we dive deeper into the article, it's essential to understand a few terms related to CBD oil:
- Cannabinoids: Types of chemical compounds that are present in the cannabis and hemp plants. The cannabis plant's flowers and leaves create these compounds, and CBD and THC are two of the 114 that have already been identified. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system and cause a range of effects.
- Cannabidiol: Commonly known as CBD, cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids found in the highest quantities in cannabis plants, along with THC.
- THC: Also called Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is one of the most common cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Unlike CBD, it causes psychoactive effects to those who ingest it.
- Cannabis: Cannabis is a plant that can be consumed in different ways for recreational or medicinal purposes. In Australia, the regulations regarding cannabis for recreational purposes vary from one state to another.
- Hemp: Hemp is a strain of cannabis that has low THC content (usually under 0.3%). Historically, these plants were used to create paper, ropes, or garments. Nowadays, it's used as a medicinal plant.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Every human has an ECS responsible for keeping the body in homeostasis or balance. Its receptors interact with the cannabinoids to ensure the different parts of the body operate at their best capabilities.
Hemp CBD Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil: The Differences to Know
You may have come across products labelled as Hemp CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil and believe these are the same, but they aren't. In fact, according to the TGA, Hemp CBD Oil is the natural extract from the cannabis plant that contains different cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. On the other hand, the TGA defines Hemp Seed Oil as oil that usually doesn't have cannabinoids and is produced by pressing the cannabis seeds.
Some Facts About CBD & Medical Cannabis Industry in Australia
The Commonwealth Poisons Standard lists CBD and THC, which means Australians can't buy these compounds or products containing them over the counter. Due to this, it's only possible to purchase these products at a pharmacy in Australia, as long as:
- The products contain the maximum recommended daily CBD dose (150mg).
- The packs must include a maximum supply of 30 days.
- CBD must comprise 98% of the cannabinoid content in the product.
Is CBD Legal in Australia?
There is a lot to be said about the legislation of CBD and any other cannabis component in Australia. We can start by clarifying that cannabis itself has been decriminalized by the Australian government in 2016, however, you must understand that decriminalized does not mean the same thing as legal – it simply means that even though it is not legal to purchase or consume cannabis, it is not considered a crime.
Australia is actually expected to become one of the leading growers of industrial cannabis, but the plant itself, and especially CBD is still very much controlled. The good news is that in December 2020, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that low-dose cannabidiol items are now available to be sold over-the-counter.
What are the most important points to take into consideration regarding CBD in Australia?
- CBD is considered a medicine, and you can only use it for medical purposes;
- The Australian health authorities allow CBD products as long as the content of other cannabinoids (especially THC) is lower than 0.2%;
- Australia has a medical cannabis program, which is where CBD is inserted;
- It is not allowed to import CBD to Australia;
- There is a positive shift going on currently in Australia regarding the legalization of cannabis;
- Since 2016, the industrial cultivation of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes has been legalized;
- Since February 2021, CBD oil items have been accepted as an over-the-counter medicine and can be sold without prescriptions as long as they contain less than 150mg/day of CBD.
In case you are interested in purchasing CBD medicines that contain a higher daily dosage than the one mentioned above, you’ll need to speak with your doctor. He or she will consider the treatment options available and in case CBD is one of them, they can prescribe it to you. While it’s possible to buy these products in a pharmacy, your doctor might have to apply for a special access scheme for you to be allowed to purchase it. The answer to this application usually takes 2 business days.
Certain doctors are authorized prescribers, which means that they don’t require an additional approval from the TGA to prescribe medicinal marijuana to any patient.
So, Can You Legally Buy CBD Oil in Australia?
The answer is yes, if you are consuming it for medical reasons. The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia is the governmental entity that is in charge of regulating CBD, deeming it a controlled substance under poison and drug laws, thus falling under the medical cannabis program.
As explained before, there are specific rules about the type of CBD oil you can purchase at pharmacies in Australia. Along with the need for a prescription, Australians can only buy enough supply for 30 days with a maximum daily dose of 150mg or less. This rule is in place for all cannabis products that contain cannabinoids. Take time to learn more about legislation of CBD oils in Australia.
Where to Buy CBD Oil in Australia?
To access CBD oil in Australia (which is actually considered as medical cannabis), you have to get a prescription from a health professional. Different ways exist to obtain this script but the easiest is to find a local cannabis clinic. Here you will get all the information to know exactly where you can buy CBD oil.
Getting a Prescription for CBD Oil in Australia
People are allowed to obtain CBD through an authorized prescriber or via the Special Access Scheme. There are certain cases as well where the patients can acquire CBD through clinical trials. The CBD allowed for consumption in Australia must contain a maximum of 0.2% THC.
You should also take into consideration that, since the CBD market in Australia is relatively new, there isn’t a lot of variety in terms of items in the pharmacies.
Any medical practitioner can issue a prescription for CBD oil as long as it's listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). In cases where the patient needs a different type of product that is unauthorised, the prescribing entity can apply for the Special Access Scheme. There are three pathways to access these products, and the patient should discuss with their medical practitioner which option is better suited.
Buying CBD Oil in Australia Over-the-Counter (in a Pharmacy)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the over-the-counter sale of low-dose CBD products at pharmacies in 2021. However, it's not easy to find CBD for sale in these locations because the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) has yet to approve these products.
The ARTG's approval determines the safety and quality of CBD products, which in turn requires the producers or manufacturers to guarantee that their products meet these strict criteria. As such, for the time being, only two products have received approval from ARTG: Epidyolex and Sativex.
Nevertheless, this lack of availability of CBD for sale in pharmacies might change soon. The Chemist Warehouse CBD oil might quickly become available as the pharmacy chain network firmed an agreement with Cannatrek.
Cannatrek specialises in the research, cultivation, and manufacturing of plant-based medicine. Together with the Chemist Warehouse, this company aims to develop new CBD products and bring them to the Australian market.
Buying CBD Oil in Australia From a Local Cannabis Clinic
Since CBD oil is only legally available at pharmacies or through the assistance of clinics, you won't find any Australian CBD store that sells regulated products. This happens because the TGA wants to ensure Australians access safe, controlled, and high-quality CBD oil.
Prescribing CBD oil for patients is reserved for doctors already under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Still, other medical professionals may apply to the TGA's Special Access Scheme to receive approval for a patient, which usually remains active for 12 months.
You can contact doctors who are Authorised Prescribers through CBD clinics, many of which allow patients to have Telehealth and Text Telehealth consultations. Along with the first medical consultation, you may require follow-up appointments.
These consultations may also cost differently, depending on the clinic you visit. We recommend contacting the clinics described below to understand the associated costs or if you require a referral before having an appointment.
Where to Find Cannabis Clinics Near Me in Australia?
List of Some Best Rated Cannabis Clinics in Australia
| Clinics | Where | Online Booking | Prescription Cost | Notes |
| Cannvalate | Mebourne | Yes | 95 AU$ | Free eligibility test |
| eCS Clinic | Mebourne | Yes | On demand | In person or Telehealth |
| MiDispensary | Sydney | Yes | 580 AU$ | Cost for a Year |
| Cannadoc | Sydney, Melbourne | Yes | 290 AU$ | Referral preferred |
| Plantmed | Brisbane | Yes | 400 AU$ | Referral preferred |
Buying CBD Oil Online in Australia
As stated before, the only legal route to buy CBD oil in Australia is with a medical prescription at a pharmacy or clinic. Nevertheless, many Australians opt to import CBD into Australia through online shops to circumvent the usually lengthy process of obtaining a prescription.
Many reputable Australian websites offer information about international online CBD shops where it's possible to buy CBD oil and import it to Australia. However, you must understand that this practice is illegal. In many cases, the customers often lose their purchase due to customs seizing them.
The companies behind these online shops may be reputable and licensed to produce and commercialise CBD oil in other jurisdictions, thus offering reassurance regarding their products' quality and safety standards. Nevertheless, since these products aren't yet regulated in Australia, your delivery might likely be confiscated before you receive it.
Suppose you still wish to opt for this purchasing option. In that case, we highly recommend that you conduct a thorough research about the CBD oil's manufacturer and confirm the documentation of the testing performed by third-party laboratories. It would be best if you also learned more about the company's reputation and whether other regulatory entities have approved it to conduct this business.
Here you will get more specific information about:
Some Tips in Case You Decide To Buy CBD Oil From Overseas Brands
In case you decide to purchase CBD online and get shipped to Australia anyway, you need to only consider reputable brands and to require all the documents about cannabidiol products. Here is a list of criterias we used to pick the best CBD companies from overseas:
- The overall quality of the products available,
- The sourcing and extracting methods used for the CBD itself,
- The production methods used to process the CBD,
- The certification of the products available (which must be given by a third-party laboratory),
- The detail of the information available about each product,
- The delivery destinations and delivery times,
- The quality of the customer support service,
- The prices of CBD products compared to the legal ones in Australia,
- The variety and safety of the payment methods available.
Best 4 Overseas CBD Brands (Reviewed in June 2025)
1. Kiara Naturals CBD
Kiara Naturals' products are made with naturally grown and pesticide-free cannabis which is responsibly sourced. This company also partners with third-party laboratories to ensure its products are of premium quality. With the aim of guaranteeing the high standards of products, safety, and consistency, this brand ensures that it is guided by the intention of promoting healthy lifestyles.
- PRO: Good variety of products
- CON: Only one payment method available
2. Naturecan CBD
With one of the highest ratings in the industry, Naturecan‘s range of products is excellent. This brand offers CBD oil, capsules, snacks, balms, and much more. Focused on offering premium, safe, and effective hemp derived hemp, Naturecan's items are made from hemp grown in the USA and that is tested by third-party laboratories.
- PRO: Wide range of products
- CON: Only 3 payment methods
3. Premium Jane CBD
The people behind Premium Jane believe in the natural power of hemp and have been working to offer some of the top-rated CBD products in Australia. With an interesting range of products, this company successfully grew its presence in the market and ensured its customers remained satisfied with what it provides.
- PRO: CBD products made from GMO-free hemp
- CON: Range of products is somewhat small
4. Endoca CBD
Endoca is one of the top online shops in the CBD industry, and its items speak for themselves. With a wide range of high-concentration CBD, this brand focuses on innovation and variety. All the options are made from organic hemp, are free from toxins, chemicals, and preservatives, and are tested by third-party laboratories.
- PRO: Products are extracted from organic hemp
- CON: Prices are in American dollars
What to Look for in CBD Sourcing in Australia ?
Cannabidiol has been rising in popularity in Australia over the past years. Whether you are from Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney, you probably know someone who is taking CBD or looking into it. But how can you find the top CBD products available in the country? And which of these options is the ideal one for you?
Cannabis Doctors Australia, which is presided by Dr Ben Jansen, have a great platform to help you discover how CBD can help you and what type of product and dose will be ideal for you. Moreover, there are several shops such as the ones mentioned in these lists and even others, such as Elixinol and Charlotte’s web, that offer high quality cannabidiol items for Australians.
When searching for the top CBD products in Australia there are some things that you should always consider:
- The source and production methods of the hemp plant
- The extraction method used
- Whether the product has been tested by a third-party laboratory
- The type of CBD used: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, isolate
- And the concentration of cannabidiol
These are the main aspects that can guide you on whether the product is of high-quality and if it’ll be as effective as you want it to be. It’s always recommended that you consult your doctor before consuming CBD as it might interact with any medication that is already in your system, or cause side effects in your body.
Everything You Should Know Before Buying CBD Oil in Australia
Is CBD Oil Legal in Australia?
How to Get a Prescription for CBD Oil in Australia?
Does CBD Oil Show Up in a Drug Test in Australia?
Can You Buy CBD Oil Abroad and Get It Shipped to Australia?
Is It Legal to Buy CBD Oil Over the Counter in Australia?
CBD Reviews & Overview in Australia
Research about the effects of CBD on different health conditions has been taking place for several years. Some publications shed light on how this cannabinoid might be helpful for those suffering from various ailments.
For instance, CBD seems to be a promising solution for children with epilepsy caused by the Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Likewise, much research has been put into understanding how CBD decreases muscle pain and stiffness in those who have arthritis.
Nevertheless, these studies remain insufficient to fully understand the possibilities of taking CBD. In fact, many investigations were conducted in animal models, thus requiring further clinical trials in humans.
Regardless, those using CBD oil for their health seem to be reaping the benefits. By reading the evaluations of different CBD oils left by users, it's possible to see that many have enjoyed increased levels of relaxation, less muscular pain, and overall better quality of life.
Additionally, the TGA has been making efforts to continue developing the CBD market in the country, ensuring those seeking these products can find safe, controlled, and well-tested oils.
Conclusion About CBD in Australia
Even though Australia is a very forward country, the sale, and purchase of CBD itself is still very regulated. In order to buy any type of CBD in a clinic in Australia, you must have a medical prescription, as this molecule is regulated and allowed for medicinal use only.
Remember, the ideal cannabidiol product varies from person to person, as well as their needs. Depending on the type of goal you have with your CBD consumption, you might opt for an oral ingestion of CBD oil, or maybe a cream. The right option is to do some research and to book an appointment with a doctor specialized in the Australian cannabis industry.
Sources:
- https://www.tga.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis-importation-and-travellers-exemption
- https://www.odc.gov.au/hemp-products
- https://www.medicinalcannabis.nsw.gov.au/patients/your-doctor
- https://www.jneurosci.org/content/39/44/8762
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is CBD legal in Australia (2022)?
The short answer is yes, however you must be careful about the legislation. For the time being, a medical prescription is necessary to buy CBD products in Australia. In order to do so, you must get an appointment with your health professional and explain why you believe CBD would help with your health issues. Otherwise, you can import from certain shops abroad.
Where can I buy CBD oils in Australia?
It's possible to buy CBD oil in Australia through clinics and pharmacies, as long as you have a prescription for the product. You may also try to purchase CBD oil from overseas through online shops. However, you should note that this practice isn't regulated, and customs might seize your delivery at the border.
Can you purchase CBD online in Australia?
Several online shops sell CBD oil in Australia. Still, you must note that the Australian regulatory authorities don't approve these sellers. Even though these online shops might have received approval from other jurisdictions to manufacture and distribute CBD products internationally, customs might seize or confiscate your parcel at the border.
What are the potential benefits of CBD?
There is no proof that CBD can cure some diseases, but the amount of research done on this topic has been increasing for a while. Many people, all around the world, believe that CBD can be used for treatments. Anxiety, stress, autism, depression, epilepsy, migraines, and many more illnesses are always quoted in the scientific researches. CBD can also help you relax, sleep, or can simply be used for your wellbeing. All these properties and effects made the cannabidiol molecule trend in Australia.
How much does CBD cost in Australia?
The price of CBD varies widely and depends on a series of factors, such as: purity, concentration, production methods, and type of product. Although you can find CBD products that cost $30, you can also easily find products that are more pricey and can cost as much as $400.
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