With the growing interest in cannabis in Australia, many people are looking for ways to buy weed safely. Whether you're exploring legal CBD products or considering your options, understanding how to protect yourself from scams and identify quality products is essential.
This guide covers the key safety considerations, red flags to watch for, and how to ensure you're getting quality products from reliable sources.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
Cannabis laws vary by Australian state and territory. THC products remain illegal for recreational use across Australia. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always understand and comply with your local laws before making any purchasing decisions.
Common Cannabis Scams to Avoid
Upfront Payment Scams
Scammers ask for full payment via untraceable methods (cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers) and then disappear without delivering products.
- • Only accepting cryptocurrency or gift cards
- • Asking for "shipping fees" after initial payment
- • No refund or satisfaction guarantee
- • Pressure to pay immediately
Fake Social Media Vendors
Instagram, Snapchat, and Telegram are full of accounts claiming to sell cannabis. These are almost always scams or law enforcement operations.
- • New accounts with few followers
- • Stock photos of products
- • Too-good-to-be-true prices
- • Aggressive DM solicitation
Contaminated or Fake Products
Some sellers offer products that are synthetic cannabinoids, contaminated with pesticides, or completely fake CBD/THC products.
- • Unusually cheap prices
- • No lab testing or certificates
- • Packaging that looks unprofessional
- • Products with no brand or source information
Law Enforcement Operations
Some online cannabis "sellers" are actually law enforcement operations designed to identify and charge buyers.
- • Too perfect reputation with no verifiable reviews
- • Willing to ship anything, anywhere
- • Asking for personal identifying information
- • Requesting to meet in person for transactions
Safety Checklist: What to Look For
✓ Signs of a Legitimate Operation
Professional website with proper security (HTTPS), privacy policy, and terms of service
Real email addresses, phone numbers, and physical address (if applicable)
Third-party Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for products
Detailed descriptions, ingredients, dosage information, and source
Prices that align with market averages—not too cheap or unrealistic
Verifiable reviews from real customers, including some constructive criticism
Multiple payment methods with buyer protection
Clear policies for returns, refunds, or issues with orders
How to Identify Quality Cannabis Products
🌿 For Flower Products
Quality Indicators
- • Dense, well-trimmed buds
- • Vibrant colours (green, purple, orange hairs)
- • Visible trichomes (crystals)
- • Strong, pleasant aroma
- • Slightly sticky texture
- • No visible seeds or stems
Warning Signs
- • Brown, dried appearance
- • Hay or musty smell
- • Visible mold or mildew
- • Crumbles to dust
- • Chemical smell
- • Suspiciously low price
🍬 For Edibles & CBD Products
Quality Indicators
- • Professional, sealed packaging
- • Clear dosage information
- • Ingredients list
- • Batch numbers for traceability
- • QR codes linking to lab results
- • Manufacture and expiry dates
Warning Signs
- • Homemade-looking packaging
- • Vague or missing dosage info
- • No ingredients list
- • Copied branding from known brands
- • Unrealistic THC/CBD claims
- • No way to verify authenticity
🧪 For CBD Oil
Quality Indicators
- • Third-party lab test results available
- • Clear CBD concentration per ml
- • Extraction method disclosed (CO2 preferred)
- • Full ingredient transparency
- • Type specified (full/broad spectrum, isolate)
- • Proper glass dropper packaging
Warning Signs
- • No lab testing available
- • Vague concentration claims
- • Unknown extraction method
- • Medical claims (illegal for CBD)
- • Unrealistically cheap prices
- • Plastic packaging
Understanding Lab Test Results (COAs)
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document from an independent laboratory that verifies what's in a cannabis product. Learning to read COAs helps you verify product quality and safety.
What a COA Should Include:
📊 Cannabinoid Profile
Shows the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. This should match what's on the product label.
🦠 Microbial Testing
Confirms the product is free from harmful bacteria, mold, and other pathogens.
🧫 Pesticide Screening
Shows the product is free from harmful pesticides and chemical residues.
⚗️ Heavy Metal Testing
Confirms absence of lead, mercury, arsenic, and other harmful heavy metals.
🧪 Solvent Residue
For extracts, confirms no harmful solvents remain from the extraction process.
📅 Batch Information
Date of testing, batch number, and lab identification should all be present.
Protecting Your Digital Privacy
Use Secure Payment Methods
Prefer payment methods with buyer protection. Be wary of any site that only accepts cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Protect Your Information
Only provide necessary shipping information. Be cautious with any site asking for excessive personal details.
Check Website Security
Ensure the website uses HTTPS (padlock icon). Never enter payment info on unsecured sites.
Avoid Social Media Transactions
Never buy from random social media accounts. These are almost always scams or law enforcement.
Legal Ways to Access Cannabis in Australia
🏥 Medical Cannabis
Since 2016, medical cannabis has been legal with a prescription through the TGA's Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber pathway.
- • Must have a qualifying medical condition
- • Need a prescription from an authorized doctor
- • Products dispensed through authorized pharmacies
- • Fully legal and quality-controlled
💊 Over-the-Counter CBD
Low-dose CBD products (max 150mg/day) are available from pharmacies without prescription since February 2021.
- • Available from licensed pharmacies
- • Maximum 150mg CBD per day
- • Must be Schedule 3 approved products
- • THC content must be below legal limits
For more details on cannabis legality by state, read our comprehensive guide: Is Weed Legal in Australia? Complete 2026 Guide
Shop With Confidence at Mullaways Medical
We prioritize transparency, quality, and safety. All our products come with detailed information and our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Browse Our Products →Summary: Stay Safe
✓ Do:
- • Research thoroughly before purchasing
- • Look for third-party lab testing
- • Check for realistic pricing
- • Read customer reviews
- • Use secure payment methods
- • Understand your local laws
✗ Don't:
- • Trust random social media sellers
- • Pay with untraceable methods
- • Fall for too-good-to-be-true prices
- • Ignore red flags
- • Share unnecessary personal info
- • Rush into purchases