Is Phenibut Legal in Australia? Everything You
Need to Know About the Ban
Recently there has been some confusion about the status of Phenibut in Australia.
Some sources say the supplement is downright illegal, partially legal or only legal if you import from outside the country.
Naturally, this has many people frustrated and looking for answers. But all of that changes today.
Given The Supplement Doctor’s exclusive partnership with Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (Governing body of the Australian Government Department of Health), we will give you a definitive answer right now.
And not only will you know the current legal status of the supplement right now, by the time you finish this article you will also know the future legality of the supplement.
So buckle up. Your most burning questions will be answered in a few moments.
What is the Australia TGA?
First things first. What exactly is the TGA?
The TGA is the body of the Australia Government responsible for scheduling various drugs, supplements, herbal ointments and other health products for legal use in Australia.
In some ways, it is similar to the American FDA, except a bit less corrupt.
The bottom line is that the TGA determines what drugs and supplements are “scheduled” as restricted for consumption by the public. They make these scheduling decisions based on a supplement or drugs history of addiction, withdrawal, hospitalizations, clinical trial results and other health metrics.
Their scheduling code refers to a supplement or drug’s current status on the open market. Their scheduling code is as follows:
Schedule 1: Not currently in use
Schedule 2: Pharmacy Medicine
Schedule 3: Pharmacist only Medicine
Schedule 4: Prescription ONLY Medicine OR Prescription Animal Remedy
Schedule 5: Caution
Schedule 6: Poison
Schedule 7: Dangerous Poison
Schedule 8: Controlled Drug
Schedule 9: Prohibited Substance
Schedule 10: Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use
According to the TGA, the purpose of scheduling is to classify substances into groups (Schedules) according to the degree of risk that require similar levels of regulatory control to protect public health and safety.
Now in theory this is a very good thing. You obviously don’t want dangerous supplements to be marketed as “Therapeutic Cures”. This is simply senseless.
However, where the lines get blurred, especially in the United States, is how they determine what gets banned.
In the US, oftentimes the FDA decides which supplements or drugs are banned based on how much competition they will pose to a current drug already in the market. Unfortunately, the FDA and Large Pharmaceutical corporations are in bed together.
Sometimes, the FDA will ban any supplement, especially if it works, simply because it will steal market share from a Pharmaceutical company’s drug portfolio.
Don’t get me wrong, we definitely need governing bodies to help ensure the public’s safety.
But many times, what is determined to be legal and illegal is not always conducted in the most “transparent” way.
Now that you have that background, we can move on.
Phenibut Ban in Australia
Now onto the good stuff. The moment you have all been waiting for. It’s time to give you a definitive answer on the current legal status of Phenibut in Australia. This will silence the confusion.
As it stands right now, Phenibut is 100% legal in Australia.
You can buy it online and get it shipped to your door with no worries.
However, there is something that is absolutely vital for you to know…
Recently, the TGA recommended a proposal to Schedule Phenibut.
The committee recommended that Phenibut be considered a “Schedule 9” substance.
As a result of this, the committee conducted a review of the supplement to help pass a decision. their review concluded that the recommendation will pass with an implementation date of 1 February 2018.
What The Phenibut Ban in Australia Means for You
Given that the supplement will be classified as a “Schedule 9” supplement, Phenibut will be prohibited as of 1 February 2018.
This means that you legally cannot buy Phenibut marketed as a Therapeutic Substance on that date.
If you get your Phenibut imported, Australian customs may block the package and send it back to its country of origin if they catch it.
But before then, you are free to buy all the Phenibut your heart desires worry free as it is 100% legal.
So if you want to keep your Phenibut supply healthy before the Schedule 9 implementation date, you should stock up and buy Phenibut now before you lose your chance forever.
The clock is ticking so if you want to make a decision you should act now!
BobK says
Thanks for the information. If one has Imported the substance and is in possession of it after 1 February 2018, surely you are in trouble as you have possession of a prohibited substance. Should one dispose of the compound before then, or is the fact that you imported it while it was legal a mitigating factor?
Tanks for any info.
B.B.
thesupplementdoctor.com says
The letter of the law dictates that it is a prohibited substance as of Feb 1. Unfortunately, there aren’t any “grandfather” clauses that apply to controlled substances so you would technically be in possession of a “prohibited” substance.
That said, each state and territory has its own laws that determine how consumers can access a particular drug or substance. That largely depends on where you are located.
At the end of the day, you are free to make your own choices. Phenibut has helped many people, when used as directed, regardless of what any government says. To your question, if you do not want to be in possession of a prohibited substance, the answer is clear.
Randy says
Just curious, it’s Feb. 7. Has the ban been enacted?
thesupplementdoctor.com says
As of Feb 1, Phenibut in Australia is a schedule 9 substance.
Whether it is “banned” officially depends on the state you live in AUS.