Online CBD Sellers vs. Telehealth Prescriptions for Medicinal Cannabis

If you’re exploring medicinal cannabis for health purposes, you may be looking for the most convenient online option. But not all CBD is created equal. In fact, there is a stark contrast between illegal online CBD sellers and accessing cannabis via telehealth prescription. Understanding these differences is important for safe and appropriate treatment under the guidance of a medical professional – not via monthly subscription from a single-issue provider, even if it may be cheap and convenient.

While buying CBD at the click of a button may seem like a very convenient option that also beats the telehealth process on cost, it comes with a high risk to your health. You may think that CBD can be used similarly to supplements, after all, it is available online…? But unregulated cannabis products from unregistered sellers could contain dangerous, undeclared ingredients and vary in strength, putting your health at risk. Online CBD sellers lack oversight from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) [1].

They operate illegally, and buying from these black-market sellers means you do not know exactly what you will get. When you buy from an unregistered seller, you may also receive counterfeit products [2]. As they often look very similar to legitimate items, you may not even realise this. The risk with counterfeit products is, of course, the lack of quality control. Some sellers may also act as resellers of imported products that may be incorrectly labelled, further compromising your safety.

It is worth stepping back and considering, for a moment, whether self-administering cannabis is the best choice, especially if you are considering it due to affordability. Online cannabis sellers operate outside the medical system; there is no supervision or qualified guidance available. As a consequence, you may be using CBD products when other treatments may be more appropriate, or potentially start at too high a dose, again, risking serious harm [2]. Furthermore, there is no guidance on potential contraindications, such as certain medications and medical conditions and also no help if you need to adjust the dose or stop altogether.

Finally, while online CBD sellers may offer significant discounts, there are telehealth providers offering bulk-billed consults and others helping patients experiencing hardship. In fact, a lot of the providers I vetted offered some kind of access to more affordable or even free services for certain populations.

Ultimately, the risk of buying unregulated products from online CBD sellers is far greater than the cost savings and convenience you may get from eschewing a telehealth consult and prescription.

In contrast, using a high-quality telehealth provider and asking for help getting a prescription ensures medical guidance, supervision and the potential for follow-ups. The consulting doctor may also help you assess your need for medicinal cannabis and educate you on alternatives, side effects, and contraindications. There is also oversight by the TGA, as well as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) [3] and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) [4], which oversee health practitioners and GPs.

Essentially, if you go down the legal and regulated pathway, you significantly reduce your risks, even if the price may be higher. Getting an eScript for medicinal cannabis means you have access to TGA-approved products, which meet safety and quality standards. You will also be using CBD under medical guidance – only after the consulting doctor has assessed your need for it and after ruling out contraindications.

However, telehealth prescriptions for medicinal cannabis still come with certain caveats. For example, there has been a proliferation of single-issue telehealth providers and illegal advertising of CBD for patients. The problem with these practices is that they are not only unethical but also against guidelines and regulations [1]. It is best to avoid any telehealth services “pushing” subscription models for medicinal cannabis. You risk speaking to a healthcare professional who is pressured or incentivised to prescribe medicinal cannabis, without thoroughly evaluating your situation. They are also more likely to start you on a higher dose and simply keep the subscription rolling without reassessing your needs.

When you are evaluating medicinal cannabis as an option, perhaps for pain relief, it is worthwhile doing your research. You may potentially be embarking on a long-term relationship not just with the CBD product but with a provider, so take your time to make the best decision for yourself. When looking for a telehealth provider with higher-quality care, look out for the following:

• Opt for GP telehealth consultations where possible (not “just” AHPRA-registered medical professionals). Some providers use language such as this: “Nurse consult followed by doctor approval/ assessment.” If the site does not allow you to book with a GP specifically, they may not offer the same level of care. You can compare GP telehealth on our site or check out some of the highest-rated providers. Two of the most popular providers include Hola Health and Prime Medic.
• Comprehensive service offering. While some telehealth providers promote a subscription-based alternative medicine model, this may mean less emphasis on examining your individual situation and needs. It may be an option after a comprehensive consult with a GP. Some providers, such as Greencare, bridge the gap by championing in-depth health records evaluation and regular follow-ups. The provider also offers compassionate access for patients experiencing hardship.
• Check user reviews. This should go beyond just trusting the Google rating displayed on a provider’s site and digging into feedback on different sites, as well as reading some of the negative reviews. Often, information on problems with providers is buried between questionably positive reviews from first-time reviewers. You can also use MediCompare’s tools to identify vetted, high-ranking providers.
• If cost is one of your main considerations, you could opt for a provider offering bulk billing. For example, Abby Health offers fully bulk-billed consults with both GPs and NPs, and other providers offer after-hours bulk billing or rebates for specific populations.

In the world of medicinal cannabis, if it sounds too good to be true, well, it most likely involves unknown risks and dangers that can seriously compromise your health. There are legal, medically supervised telehealth options to access quality CBD products, including some more affordable options through partial bulk billing.

On the flipside, online CBD sellers or unethical telehealth providers may put your health at serious risk. It is best to avoid services that advertise CBD, use green leaf imagery, or focus on a single issue. The incentives for getting you signed up – and potentially on a higher dose than initially necessary – are simply too great. If they are turning CBD into their sole business, they are less likely to provide you with the nuanced individual care you deserve.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.

[1] https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/extent-of-non-compliant-medicinal-cannabis-clinics
[2] https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-10-17/cannabidiol-cbd-oil-cannabis-cannabioids-medicine-therapeutic/100536158
[3] https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
[4] https://www.racgp.org.au/