All products containing cannabidiol (CBD) were restricted to those who had a prescription when it was first legalized here in Australia in 2015. This requirement has been changed as of 2021.
Initial legislation regarding CBD was cautious and required that prescription holders only access the cannabinoid. However, to allow for greater access, the regulators have made it legal for the public to purchase low-dose CBD products without the need to be approved by a doctor.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rescheduled CBD to Schedule 3 of Australia's Poisons Standard. As a result, schedule 4 substances can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor, while Schedule 3 substances can be sold over-the-counter by pharmacists.
Industry welcomed the news. CBD products must still be listed in Australia to demonstrate safety, efficacy, and quality. This is seen as problematic by some in the industry.
Oliver Horn, CEO of Elixinol and a CBD producer in the nation, stated Hemp Industries Daily that the TGA's approach was not consistent with the global trend...or European regulatory frameworks recently established in Europe. [Where] product suppliers must demonstrate strict safety standards, but not efficacy,
Many players could be prevented from entering the market by the mandate to deliver efficacy.
He stated that "the consequence is likely to occur that the vast illegal supply CBD products from online sellers into Australia will continue."
The ruling of the TGA is still in effect for the moment. The TGA's ruling is still in development. However, industry pressure may force the organization to modify its CBD rules to align with other countries in the next year.
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Article credit to https://cbdhealthandwellness.net
