Understanding CBD Oil: A Complete Introduction
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of over 100 naturally occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its more famous cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce intoxicating or psychoactive effects. This means that using CBD oil will not make you feel "high" or impaired in any way.
CBD oil is made by extracting cannabidiol from the cannabis or hemp plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil such as MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil. The resulting product is a concentrated liquid that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), added to food and drinks, or applied topically to the skin.
How CBD Oil Is Made
The production of high-quality CBD oil involves several key steps. First, hemp plants are cultivated and harvested. In Australia, industrial hemp must contain less than 1% THC (or 0.3% in some states) to comply with regulations. Once harvested, the CBD is extracted from the plant material using one of several methods.
CO2 extraction is widely considered the gold standard in the industry. This method uses pressurised carbon dioxide to pull CBD and other beneficial compounds from the plant. It produces a clean, potent extract without the use of harsh chemical solvents. Other extraction methods include ethanol extraction, which uses food-grade alcohol, and oil infusion, one of the oldest techniques where plant material is heated with a carrier oil.
After extraction, the crude oil may undergo further refinement through processes called winterisation (removing waxes and fats) and distillation (isolating specific cannabinoids). The final product is then tested by independent laboratories to verify its cannabinoid content, purity, and safety.
The Endocannabinoid System
To understand how CBD works in the body, it helps to know about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Discovered in the early 1990s, the ECS is a complex cell-signalling system that exists in all mammals. It plays a role in regulating a wide range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, pain sensation, and immune response.
The ECS consists of three core components: endocannabinoids (naturally produced cannabinoids in your body), receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the body), and enzymes (which break down endocannabinoids after they have carried out their function).
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), while CB2 receptors are more common in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. Unlike THC, which binds directly to CB1 receptors, CBD interacts with the ECS in a more indirect way. Research suggests that CBD may influence the ECS by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down, allowing them to have a greater effect on the body. CBD may also interact with other receptor systems, including serotonin and vanilloid receptors.
Types of CBD Extract
CBD oil products generally fall into three categories based on their chemical composition. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, including other cannabinoids (such as trace amounts of THC, CBG, and CBN), terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. Many researchers believe these compounds work together synergistically in what is known as the "entourage effect," potentially enhancing the overall therapeutic benefits.
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum but with one key difference: the THC has been completely removed. This option may appeal to individuals who want the potential benefits of the entourage effect without any THC exposure.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, containing 99% or more pure cannabidiol with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant compounds. This is the most refined form and may be preferred by those who want to avoid all other cannabis compounds entirely.
CBD Oil in Australia
In Australia, CBD is classified as a controlled substance under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). As of February 2021, low-dose CBD products (containing up to 150mg of CBD per day) were down-scheduled to Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine), which theoretically allows them to be sold over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription. However, as of early 2025, no Schedule 3 CBD products have been approved and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
In practice, most Australians access CBD oil through a prescription from a doctor, either via the Special Access Scheme (SAS Category B) or through an Authorised Prescriber. Higher-dose CBD products remain classified as Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine). All CBD products available through legal channels in Australia must meet stringent quality standards set by the TGA, including TGO 93 requirements for medicinal cannabis products.
It is important to note that purchasing CBD oil from overseas websites and importing it into Australia without a valid prescription is illegal. Only products obtained through legitimate Australian medical pathways are guaranteed to meet the country's safety and quality standards.
Is CBD Oil Safe?
CBD is generally considered to have a good safety profile. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in a 2017 report that CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential, and that it is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. However, like any therapeutic substance, CBD can cause side effects in some people, including fatigue, changes in appetite, dry mouth, and diarrhoea.
CBD can also interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolised by the liver enzyme CYP450. If you are taking any prescription medications, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before using CBD oil.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.