On the 18th of May 2020, the Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee invited public submissions for its new 

inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria

. This article outlines BudHerd's response to the terms of Reference listed for the Inquiry. 

Budherd.com.au is an online resource dedicated to educating and spreading awareness of the health and benefits of cannabis for Australians.

We are thankful for the opportunity to provide a submission to the 

Inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria

(a) Prevent young people and children from accessing and using cannabis in Victoria

As the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia, cannabis is already widely accessible for young adults in the current state of prohibition. 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

, 3.8% of the adult population aged 15-64 years or the equivalent of 188 million people have used cannabis at least once in 2017

Legalise cannabis sales for adults (21 years and over)

By legalising the sales of cannabis for adults, it would reduce the risk for adolescents by:

Severe penalties should apply for anyone supplying or selling cannabis to a person under the age of 21.

Advertising of cannabis products could be regulated to prevent branding and appeal targetted towards teenagers.

plain packaging had reduced the appeal of cigarettes amongst adolescents

, advertising and marketing aimed at the younger market should be forbidden.

Several studies have been undertaken into countries with legalised cannabis and the rate of adolescent use. Although there have been mixed results - recent reports indicate legalisation does not necessarily encourage adolescent use.

Although an overdose on cannabis products is not possible, accessibility to children is still an important factor to consider. Aside from restricting sales to children below legalised age, we believe a number of factors should be addressed.

Packaging and warning labels for children

Packaging should be regulated to ensure products do not appeal to children and should include warning labels to indicate that the product may induce psychoactive effects.

This is particularly important for cannabis edibles, especially when presented in confectionery format. 

Child-proof packaging and seals may also be a possible solution for products with high potency.

As with the storage of alcohol, cigarettes and pharmaceutical products, caretakers should be made aware of the implications and ensure cannabis products are kept out of reach of children. This may be presented as a part of cannabis education campaigns.

Along with public education and childproof packaging - education for medical practitioners, poison support centres and emergency departments may also be required.

Reiterating on the fact that even though overdose on cannabis products is not possible, these preventions should still be in place to reduce the possibility of intoxication for minors.

Cultivation of cannabis plants around children

. Instead, it contains its acidic precursor - THCA. Only through heat (decarboxylation) will THCA be converted to THC.

Based on this fact, live cannabis plants present a low threat to children. However, we believe the following policies should still be considered:

 have proven the effectiveness of cannabis for reducing seizure frequency, especially for supporting childhood epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome.

Down-scheduling medical cannabis products would simplify the process for patients and hopefully reduce the associated costs.

(b) Protect public health and public safety in relation to the use of cannabis in Victoria;

According to a survey conducted by the University of Sydney

, less than 3% of medical cannabis users sourced cannabis legally between 2018-2019. The rest of the patients are placing themselves at risk by sourcing their products from the black market, or worse - the possibility of a criminal conviction by growing it themselves.

Cannabis cultivation and manufacturing regulations

By regulating the cultivation and manufacturing guidelines, it would reduce the use of unsafe materials and chemicals such as synthetic plant growth regulators.

Remove medical cannabis approval bottleneck

Medical cannabis patients are increasing at a significant rate year on year. Based on a report by FreshLeaf Analytics, Australia is estimated to have 25,000-30,000 active medical cannabis patients by the end of 2020

By down-scheduling or legalising cannabis, the bottleneck in medical approvals via the ODC can be omitted to simplify the process for accessing medical cannabis. 

We strongly believe allowing access to medication in an affordable and timely manner is crucial for the health and well-being of Victorians.

Based on the current ACT cannabis laws, Victoria should improve upon its cannabis use policies:

(c) Implement health education campaigns and programs to ensure children and young people are aware of the dangers of drug use, in particular, cannabis use;

Education and public awareness campaigns should be considered to inform Australians on the effects and risks associated with cannabis use. 

report conducted post cannabis legalisation in Denver, United States

 provided some insight into a successful cannabis education campaign. The findings showed 75% of the teenage respondents were discouraged from using cannabis after being exposed to the campaign.

The following topics should be covered for youth education:

(d) Prevent criminal activity relating to the illegal cannabis trade in Victoria;

 a total of 66,296 consumer cannabis related arrests in Australia. By allowing personal use and cultivation, we will be able to keep consumers out of the criminal justice system. This will prevent life long criminal implications on medicinal and recreational users, and reduce the burden on prisons and courts.

As more cannabis products appear on the legal Australian market, product prices will become more competitive for consumers. By reducing the demand for cannabis products in the black market, illegal trade could potentially be minimised.

As mentioned previously - based on a report by the University of Sydney

, less than 3% of medical cannabis users sourced cannabis legally.

Legalising medical cannabis and having more readily available products would ensure patients do not risk breaking the law to source treatment for their ailments.

The following restrictions should remain upon legalisation to govern cannabis related criminal activities: 

(e) Assess the health, mental health, and social impacts of cannabis use on people who use cannabis, their families and carers;

A baseline should be set and a framework established to monitor the health and social impacts of cannabis post legalisation.

BudHerd's response to the terms of Reference listed for the Inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria

Inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria - Submission by BudHerd

Submission: Inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria

CBD products are quickly gaining popularity among Australian medical patients. CBD is known to have an assortment of therapeutic benefits and relieve an array of medical conditions. Although most popular in oil form, edibles like gummies provide an alternative method of consuming CBD.

In this article, we will outline some background on CBD gummies, how they are made and how you can access them in Australia.

CBD (aka Cannabidiol) is one of the many chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike 

, which is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not make you high.

We have no doubt you have already heard of the many health benefits of CBD. From relieving symptoms like pain, inflammation, seizures & epilepsy, to helping with PTSD, depression, anxiety and more. 

CBD oils are currently the most common CBD product in the Australian market. The oil is created by isolating and extracting the CBD from a 

, and then further processed by diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

 for a more in-depth article on CBD oils.

CBD gummies are precisely what they sound like - a CBD edible in a gummy candy form.

CBD gummies are generally more accessible and discrete delivery method compared to other forms of CBD. Smoking cannabis flower or using vape pens is still somewhat controversial and sometimes known to have negative health impacts. Some patients may also dislike the taste of CBD oil or are unable to swallow capsules. 

This is where CBD gummies shine - they are discrete enough to consume in public and are easily chewed and swallowed, just like a regular gummy.

Once the CBD gummy is consumed, it is absorbed by our gastrointestinal system and works its way to our liver and through to our circulatory system. The CBD is then released and interacts with tiny receptors within our 

 - altering our mood and bodily functions.

As our digestive system works at a relatively slow pace, it usually takes around 30 - 60 minutes for the effects to kick in. However, edibles are also one of the longer lasting delivery methods, with effects generally lasting longer than when inhaling or taken sublingually (tinctures).

CBD by itself is non-psychoactive and will not give you the high or intoxicating effects associated with marijuana. The main psychoactive compound found in cannabis is THC, which is another cannabinoid found in marijuana plants. 

There are three types of CBD products on the market:

In general, CBD isolate and broad-spectrum gummies contains little to no THC, and will not make you high. Refer to the manufacturers labelling to determine whether the product is free of THC.

CBD has recently gained mainstream popularity due to its alleged therapeutic properties and medical applications. Recent research has demonstrated huge potential into supporting a variety of conditions including:

As a side note, there may be some potential 

 products. We strongly encourage our readers to consult a GP or a specialist clinic prior to administering any CBD products.

CBD gummies are generally made using the classic gummies recipe -  sugar, glucose syrup, flavouring, citric acid, gelatin and food colouring. The secret ingredient, of course, is the added CBD extract.

Extracting CBD from cannabis is a complex process, usually involving using some form of solvent to separate the active compounds from the raw plant. Below are a few different methods of CBD extraction:

Once the CBD is extracted, further processing is done to combine the CBD isolate and gummy formula into the final product.

As with other confectionery products, the ingredients used in CBD gummies may vary. Some offerings may contain additives such as preservatives and artificial ingredients. 

Patients with allergies and vegan requirements may be able to find products more suited to their needs. Look for organic products made with real sugar and natural flavourings.  

Similar to other cannabis products, access to CBD products requires TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval. 

The process usually involves a consultation with a medical practitioner to determine your eligibility based on your medical history and condition. If CBD product is deemed suitable by the doctor, they will apply for approval on your behalf through the TGA.

Once approved, the doctor will provide you with a valid prescription and outline the process to obtain the CBD product depending on your state.

process for accessing CBD products in Australia here

Since CBD gummies come in different shapes and forms, it is hard to tell whether you are purchasing the right product. Below are a few points to consider when selecting the right CBD gummy brand.

As CBD is extracted from cannabis, the source of the raw plant can have a huge effect on the end product. In our opinion, organically source will contain less toxins, pesticides, and other residuals that may affect the quality of the end product, and will be better for the environment.

As mentioned earlier, organic ingredients would be ideal for patients which may be sensitive to artificial flavouring and colours. 

There may also be soy-free, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan options to suit different dietary requirements.

Most CBD gummy products will specify the amount of CBD per serving (E.g. 10mg CBD per gummy).

To get the best bang for your buck, work out the total serving size and CBD per mg vs the product price - but keeping into consideration the product quality as mentioned above.

Most reputable companies will have their product cannabinoid content lab tested by a third party. This ensures you are actually getting the CBD content that is advertised on the product. 

It is best to avoid products which do not stipulate individual cannabinoid content or simply specifies “cannabis extracts” as the ingredients.

Since the amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act in 2016, Australian patients have been able to access CBD products. 

CBD products and cannabis patients are steadily increasing year on year

 - with more than 100 different CBD products available in Australia since the start of 2020.

However, there are still limited CBD gummy products available for patients in the current market. The only accessible methods might be through 

importation with the help of a medical practitioner

We can only hope as cannabis laws mature in Australia and catch up with the rest of the world, more CBD products will become available for Australian patients.

CBD gummies are delicious and packed full of CBD. Find out more on the health and medicinal benefits of CBD gummies and how to access them in Australia.

CBD Gummies - What, Why and How to Access in Australia

 confuse a lot of people, and it’s not surprising. 

They are all derived from the cannabis plant, but the extraction process and end product are very different. In this article, we will go into a bit more depth on the differences between the oil types, the alleged benefits and their accessibility in the Australian market.

Before we dive into hemp oil, we should first quickly clarify the differences between hemp and marijuana. In short, both hemp and marijuana are terms used to classify certain cannabis varieties or characteristics. 

” is used to define cannabis varieties which have a THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) content of 0.35% or less (percentage regulation may vary by State). THC is another cannabinoid similar to CBD - however, THC contains psychoactive properties, and is the main culprit behind the high associated with cannabis use.

Due to hemp's low THC content, it is often used for industrial purposes such as food, rope and fibre. CBD content in hemp varieties may vary, and 

 are sometimes used as a part of the extraction process to produce CBD products.

”, on the other hand, is the term used to classify cannabis varieties which normally contain a higher THC content. Hence the term marijuana is commonly associated with recreational users who may want to experience psychoactive effects.

Hemp oil refers to a product extracted from the flower and leaves of the hemp plant, isolating the CBD content. Hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, which does not contain cannabinoids such as CBD. 

The main cause of confusion is when hemp oil is sometimes used to refer to hemp seed oil. We will go into a bit more detail on the differences between hemp oil and hemp seed oil in the sections below.

Hemp seed oil is produced by cold-pressing the seeds from the hemp plant to extract the oil. The oil extracted from hemp seeds are high in antioxidants, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, but contains virtually none or only tiny traces of cannabinoids. As such, hemp seed oil does not induce any psychoactive effects and are legally accessible in Australia.

Hemp seed oil is often consumed or used as a part of cooking for its nutritional value. Users can also apply hemp seed oil directly onto the skin or as a hair conditioner.

The Legality of Hemp Seed Oil in Australia

Hemp seed oil production is regulated in Australia and must not contain over 50mg/kg of cannabinoids such as 

. Products containing over the regulated amount of cannabinoids are considered scheduled drugs in Australia. These ‘scheduled drugs’ are most commonly known as THC or CBD oils in the Australian market. 

There are some companies marketing ‘hemp seed oil’ which contain CBD. These are either due to mislabeling, mixed with CBD oil or have CBD isolates added as a part of the production process. 

The term ‘hemp oil’ is also sometimes used to refer to CBD oils. When the hemp flowers and leaves are used in the processing of oils, cannabinoids are also extracted. As the hemp plant contains low traces of THC and has a high CBD content, it is commonly used for 99% CBD isolate oils. 

Apart from CBD isolate oils, there are also broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils. Broad and full-spectrum CBD oil products contain other cannabinoids along with CBD. The only difference is full-spectrum oils will include THC and broad-spectrum do not. Generally speaking, full and broad spectrum oils are extracted from the marijuana plant, which produces higher amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Therefore, not all CBD oils are hemp oils or made from the extracts of the hemp plant.

In short, hemp oil can only be used interchangeably with CBD oil when referring to products extracted from the hemp plant such as CBD isolate oil.

CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the many cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Along with CBD and THC, there are over 100 

 which have a myriad of alleged therapeutic effects on the human body. 

CBD is popular amongst medicinal patients due to CBD’s non-intoxicating nature. THC, on the other hand, has psychoactive properties but can also be effective in supporting a range of medical conditions. 

The different types of CBD oils on the Australian market can cater to different users. Some prefer the clear-headed effect of CBD isolates, whilst other patients may be happy with a slight psychoactive effect of THC in full-spectrum products. 

The most common conditions supported by CBD include but not limited to - anxiety, depression, PTSD, seizures, epilepsy, pain, inflammation and nausea.

CBD oils are usually offered in a tincture form, taken by applying a few drops under the tongue. The effects are quickly felt by patients as CBD is absorbed by the blood vessels in the mouth.

 for more in-depth information background and benefits of CBD oil.

Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are currently scheduled drugs in Australia. Patients wanting access to CBD oils will require a prescription from a medical practitioner and approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 

You can also find out more on the process for 

accessing CBD oil in our complete CBD oil guide

How to Distinguish Hemp Seed Oil From CBD Oil

If you are unsure whether a product is Hemp seed oil or CBD oil, the first point of call would be to check the labels. If the ingredients are showing cannabinoids such as CBD or THC, it is technically not a hemp seed product, but a product of the cannabis flower and leaves. As mentioned earlier in this article, hemp seed oil products should contain virtually no traces of cannabinoids.

If you are specifically looking for the benefits of CBD oil, the product should ideally be from a reputable company. Ask your doctor or specialist clinic for recommendations and always check for lab tested results of the CBD content.

Find out the differences between hemp seed oil, hemp oil and CBD oil. Learn about the benefits, extraction process and the legality of the different cannabis oils in Australia.

Hemp Seed Oil vs Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

While there is a stigma associated with recreational cannabis in Australia, medical cannabis has been legalised since 2016. In this infographic, we explore the statistics surrounding the pattern and behaviours of medical cannabis patients in Australia.

The State of Victoria enacted legislation prohibiting the use of cannabis, with other states following shortly after.

1977 - Senate committee recommends decriminalisation

An Australian senate committee recommended the removal of criminal penalties for personal possession and use of cannabis.

1987 - South Australia decriminalises minor cannabis offences

South Australia introduces law for personal use offenders to receive a fine instead of jail time.

Several other states follow suit in later years.

Medicinal cannabis legalised at the federal level on November 1st, 2016

2020 - ACT removes penalties for minor cannabis offences

Australian Capital Territory introduces law allowing possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.

, the total number of active medical cannabis patients (patients who have seen a doctor or taken a prescribed medicine in a given month) saw a tremendous increase in numbers. The total active medical patients in December 2019 was 10,595, compared to only 1,680 at the beginning of the year.

The number Special Access Scheme (category B) through the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) also saw an increase from 2019. From January to May 2020, approvals averaged between three and four thousand per month.

Estimates based on the same report forecasts the active medical cannabis patients to roughly 25,000 - 30,000 by year-end.

The number of cannabis products available for doctors to prescribe reached 100 in the first quarter of 2020, growing from a total of 54 at the start of 2019.

Cannabis product categories also saw 2 new additions in 2020 - “creams” and “lozenges”. This brings it up to a total of 8 product categories available for doctors to prescribe for potential patients. The most common product type still belonging to oils (such as 

), with flowers and capsules in second and third respectively.

Main conditions treated with medical cannabis

Between 2018 and 2019, a survey was conducted to examine the patterns for medical cannabis use in Australian patients. The survey was conducted by the University of Sydney in conjunction with the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, gathering results of 1388 respondents[1].

Out of the respondents, the top 5 conditions treated using medical cannabis include:

The consumption methods for the same group of respondents are as follows:

Perhaps the most surprising statistic from the 2018 - 2019 period is that only 2.4% of respondents indicated they had sourced cannabis products legally from a doctor. Other patients resorted to growing their own or sourcing it from recreational dealers or illicit medical suppliers. When asked about the motivation for sourcing it illegally, respondents largely blamed disinterest or stigma associated with cannabis from medical practitioners.  

With ACT being the first jurisdiction to take a step in the right direction, we can only hope other states and territories will follow. The good news is a number of cannabis related inquiries submissions have been requested by the Australian government in recent years. This includes one currently open for Victorians until the  August 31st 2020 - ”

Inquiry into the Use of Cannabis in Victoria

We have no doubt with more community knowledge and discussions, Australia will slowly open up more accessible pathways to cannabis products.

Infographic exploring the patterns and behaviour of medical cannabis patients in Australia, from the number of patients to how they consumed and accessed cannabis.

Infographic: The current state of medical cannabis in Australia

Infographic: Current State of Medical Cannabis in Australia 

Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. There is no denying THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) as the most well-known cannabinoid, infamous for its psychoactive properties. CBD (Cannabidiol) has also risen to fame within the last decade thanks to its array of acclaimed health benefits.

, there are over 100 other recognised cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. 

In recent years, scientists are beginning to uncover more about the lesser-known minor cannabinoids. Although some findings are still inconclusive, the medical cannabis community are starting to see major potential in these minor cannabinoids.

THCV is similar to THC in terms of chemical structure, with some minor molecular differences.

Recent research suggests THCV is unique in which it does not activate the CB1 receptors when used in low doses. However, with higher doses, its behaviour changes and can induce psychoactive effects in users. The evidence for this trait is still limited and requires further study due to the small sample size.

The other subtle difference THCV has from THC is that it suppresses appetite. This is in contrast to THC - which is renowned to stimulate appetite, or bette known as “the munchies”.

In addition to the properties mentioned above, THCV has also shown promise in the following medicinal areas:

CBDV is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with a similar chemical structure as CBD. It is more actively found in higher ratios in 

. CBDV is also known to be more abundant in native landrace 

Similar to CBD, CBDV has shown great potential with its anti-convulsant properties to assist seizures and epilepsy amongst other conditions:

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) & CBDA ( Cannabidiolic Acid)

If you’ve ever wondered why cannabis is usually dried, combusted or cooked before consumption - it’s because of these two cannabinoids. THCA is the raw non-intoxicating compound usually found on live cannabis plants. Once the plant is dried or exposed to heat, THCA converts to THC. This process is known as “decarboxylation”.

The same holds true for CBD, through decarboxylation, CBDA will slowly convert to CBD. 

As you may have guessed, the plant will need to be consumed or juiced raw in order to reap the benefits of THCA or CBDA.

CBDA has shown potential for the following areas:

THCA has shown similar properties including support for:

Cannabinol (aka CBN) is created as a by-product from the oxygenation and decomposition of THC. Put simply, THC degrades into CBN over time when exposed to oxygen and light. Hence why CBN is most commonly found on aged cannabis buds.

CBN has often been associated with causing sedative and drowsiness effects, however, other research suggests it is usually due to a synergetic effect when used in conjunction with THC[1]. 

There is another explanation by renowned cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo. He suggests the sedative effects may have been caused by sedative terpenes that are more abundant on aged cannabis, rather than CBN.

While more study is required to determine whether CBN is sedative on its own - there is already a great deal of reported therapeutic potentials of CBN:

CBGA is often referred to as the “mother of cannabinoids”. 

During the early stages of cannabis growth, CBGA is the sole cannabinoid present in the plant’s chemical makeup. As it matures, CBGA is converted into THCA, CBDA and CBCA. However, a small percentage of CBGA does not get converted and remains even after the plant flowers.

We’ve already touched on the process of decarboxylation and how THCA and CBDA convert into THC and CBD over time or through exposure to heat. The same can be said for CBG -  through decarboxylation, CBGA slowly converts into CBG.

Like many of the other minor cannabinoids, research for CBG is still somewhat limited. CBG by itself is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, and early findings are also showing potential for the following areas:

CBC is another cannabinoid stemming from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) in a similar manner to THC and CBD. As previously discussed, CBGA can convert into one of three possible major cannabinoids - THCA, CBDA or CBCA. As CBCA ages or exposed to heat, it breaks down into CBC (decarboxylation). 

CBC is non-psychoactive due to its inability to strongly bind to the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. This is the opposite of THC, which is able to bind and activate CB1 receptors to induce the “euphoric” high associated with cannabis use. However, it does bind well with other receptors such as TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are associated with pain perception.

As with other minor cannabinoids, CBC has demonstrated to show great potential in enhancing the overall therapeutic effects when used in conjunction with other cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. 

Research has also suggested CBC can support a variety of symptoms and conditions:

The State of Minor Cannabinoids in Medicine

Although still in its infancy, minor cannabinoids are slowly taking shape in the medical space. Thanks to a host of promising therapeutic properties and mostly non-intoxicating nature. 

There are still some barriers to cross before minor cannabinoids become mainstream. High demand and low supply along with expensive overheads to extract isolates can prove to be a minor roadblock. With more accessible technology, research and breeders 

 containing specific cannabinoids, the cost versus supply will gradually normalise.

These are exciting times for the medicinal cannabis industry as it matures with more research underway. We have no doubt minor cannabinoids will play a pivotal role in the years to come.

Discover a list of minor cannabinoids and their potential medicinal applications - including overview of CBN, THCV, CBG, THCA, CBDA and more.

Minor Cannabinoids with Medicinal Potential

minor cannabinoids with medicinal potential

There are over 400 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, with at least 100 of those being cannabinoids. 

When we consume cannabis, cannabinoids enter our system and interact with our internal body regulators. 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are two of the most prominent cannabinoids present in cannabis products. When we feel the “high” and medicinal effects after ingesting cannabis, it’s all thanks to these tiny compounds.

The differences in THC and CBD explained for Australians. This overview will outlines the effects, potential medicinal benefits and legalities surrounding these two cannabinoids.

Find, Explore and Learn all things cannabis.

Learn about cannabis

Submission: Inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria

CBD Gummies - What, Why and How to Access in Australia

Hemp Seed Oil vs Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Infographic: The current state of medical cannabis in Australia

Minor Cannabinoids with Medicinal Potential

THC and CBD Overview for Australians

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