The legalities of medicinal cannabis in Australia and the dangers of black market products
In Australia, the regulation of veterinary and agricultural chemicals is overseen by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), an independent statutory authority. The APVMA is responsible for assessing and registering veterinary products, including those containing cannabis or cannabinoids, which are classified as veterinary medicines.
At present, the APVMA has not registered any veterinary products containing cannabis (including hemp). However, veterinarians are legally permitted to prescribe unregistered cannabis-based products for therapeutic use in animals. If you’re considering CBD as a treatment option for your pet, it’s essential to consult with your vet about the available options.
Although vets can prescribe unregistered cannabis products, these must comply with specific legal guidelines. Products containing CBD must adhere to the entry for ‘cannabidiol’ in Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard. To meet these regulations, CBD products must contain at least 98% CBD and no more than 2% of other cannabinoids, such as THC.
As a Schedule 4 substance, CBD can only be dispensed with a prescription. It is illegal to sell CBD products without one, either online or in stores.
CBD oil and hemp seed oil—what’s the difference?
Contrary to common belief, CBD oil and hemp seed oil are not the same product. Misleading marketing and misinformation often blur the lines between the two, but they have distinct origins and uses.
CBD oil can be extracted from the flowers and leaves of the Cannabis Sativa plant and contains cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This interaction can provide various therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved mood, and regulation of the immune system.
In contrast, hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant and contains little to no CBD. While it lacks the therapeutic effects associated with CBD, hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids and other nutrients, making it a superb nutritional supplement.
Hemp seed oil can support your pet’s skin health, coat, and joints but should not be confused with CBD oil’s medicinal properties.
Read more here about the differences between CBD oil and hemp seed oil.
The risks of buying CBD without a prescription
It’s illegal to sell CBD or other cannabis products without a prescription in Australia, whether online or in physical stores. Despite this, there is widespread misinformation and false advertising around CBD, hemp, and medicinal cannabis products.
Many products sold on the black market as CBD are often mislabeled and do not contain the advertised therapeutic levels of cannabidiol (CBD). In some cases, these products may include significantly lower amounts of CBD than stated or none at all.
More concerning is the presence of various levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, which can be highly toxic to pets, particularly dogs, who are especially sensitive. Ingestion of even small amounts can lead to severe health complications in animals, including disorientation, vomiting, and in extreme cases, seizures.
In addition to incorrect labelling, these unregulated cannabis products frequently contain harmful contaminants. Studies have shown that black market CBD products can be tainted with dangerous substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents used in extraction processes. These toxins pose significant risks not only to pets but also to human consumers, potentially leading to a range of health issues, from minor irritation to serious long-term damage. Without proper quality control, the consumption of these illicit products becomes a hazardous gamble.
Your pet deserves the best care
Consult your veterinarian for a prescription for CBD to ensure your pet receives safe, regulated, and legally compliant treatments.
At Kindred, we offer high-quality CBD products specifically formulated for pets. You can trust that our CBD products meet the highest standards of quality, as each batch undergoes rigorous third-party laboratory testing to guarantee safety, purity, and potency.
We are available to answer any questions or address concerns you may have, ensuring that you and your pet feel supported every step of the way.
