What “CBD Potency” Really Means
Potency refers to how much cannabidiol (CBD) you get per serving. It’s typically measured in milligrams (mg). Higher mg per serving equals stronger potency.
Label Basics: mg vs. % and Bottle Size
- Total CBD: The whole bottle’s CBD amount (e.g., 1,000 mg in 30 mL).
- Concentration: mg per mL for oils (e.g., 33 mg/mL).
- Serving size: What you actually take (e.g., 1 mL dropper or 1 gummy).
- Percentage (%): Sometimes listed for concentrates; convert to mg for clarity.
Quick math: mg per mL = total CBD ÷ bottle mL. A 30 mL bottle with 900 mg CBD = 30 mg/mL.
CBD Potency Review: Weak vs. Medium vs. Strong at a Glance
Use this framework for a fast mg comparison across products.
Weak (Low) Potency
- Per serving: 5–15 mg CBD
- Typical oil concentration: 5–20 mg/mL
- Best for: First-timers, daytime use, high sensitivity to supplements
- Pros: Easier to fine-tune dose; generally budget-friendly
- Consider: May require multiple servings for desired effect
Medium Potency
- Per serving: 16–40 mg CBD
- Typical oil concentration: 20–40 mg/mL
- Best for: Moderate, consistent daily routines
- Pros: Good balance of effect and cost
- Consider: Start low, adjust gradually
Strong (High) Potency
- Per serving: 41–80+ mg CBD
- Typical oil concentration: 40–80+ mg/mL
- Best for: Experienced users who have titrated up
- Pros: Fewer servings needed; cost-efficient per mg
- Consider: Higher doses increase the chance of side effects and drug interactions
Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your Strength
- Define your goal. Daytime calm or winding down at night? Aim for the lowest dose that helps.
- Estimate a starting range. New users often start at 5–10 mg once daily. Sensitive users may begin with 2.5–5 mg.
- Use consistent timing. Try the same time daily for 3–7 days before changing dose.
- Titrate slowly. Increase by 5–10 mg every 3–7 days until you reach your target effect or side effects appear.
- Track it. Note dose, time, and how you feel. Adjust one variable at a time.
- Review interactions. If you take prescription meds (especially blood thinners or seizure meds), talk to a healthcare professional first.
Real-Life Story: Finding the Right Fit
When Erin, a 35-year-old graphic designer, tried CBD for the first time, she started with a 10 mg gummy in the afternoon. After a week, she noticed mild benefits but wanted a bit more support.
She switched to a 30 mL oil labeled 900 mg CBD (30 mg/mL). Erin took 0.5 mL (≈15 mg) nightly for five days, then increased to 0.75 mL (≈22.5 mg). That dose felt “just right”—steady, not heavy. Erin stuck with the medium range and only used a stronger product before occasional red-eye flights. Her takeaway: start low, titrate patiently, and match strength to the situation.
Product Types and How They Affect “Feel”
- Oils/Tinctures: Flexible dosing, faster onset when held under tongue for 60–90 seconds.
- Gummies/Capsules: Fixed dose per piece; slower onset (30–120 minutes).
- Topicals: Local application; potency based on mg per container and area covered.
- Softgels: Consistent dosing, easy to travel with.
Delivery method influences how quickly and strongly you feel a given mg amount. Start lower when switching formats.
Understanding Potency Testing and Label Accuracy
Reputable brands use third-party potency testing to verify CBD content and THC levels. Look for a recent Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited lab.
- Tests should list cannabinoids (CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids) in mg/mL or mg/g.
- Acceptable variance is typically within ±10% of the label.
- COAs should include batch numbers and test dates that match your product.
- Methods such as HPLC or UPLC are commonly used for cannabinoids.
Tip: If a 1,000 mg bottle tests at 750 mg, that’s under-potent. Consider returning it.
Cost Check: What You Pay Per mg
To compare value across brands, divide the price by total CBD.
- $60 ÷ 1,000 mg = $0.06 per mg (good value)
- $35 ÷ 300 mg = $0.12 per mg (less value)
Strong bottles often have better cost-per-mg, but only buy what you’ll actually use.
Quick mg Comparison Cheat Sheet
- Micro: 2.5–5 mg
- Low: 5–15 mg
- Medium: 16–40 mg
- High: 41–80+ mg
These ranges are general guidelines, not medical prescriptions. Your best dose is individualized.
Quality & Safety Checklist
- COA for each batch (potency, contaminants, and THC compliance ≤0.3% where applicable)
- Clear serving size and mg per serving on label
- Natural or minimal additives; avoid unknown “proprietary blends”
- Transparent sourcing (US-grown hemp), manufacturing date, and expiry
- Start low and monitor for drowsiness, GI upset, or dry mouth
Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take medications that interact with the CYP450 enzyme system.
FAQ
What potency should beginners choose?
Start with low potency (5–15 mg per serving) once daily for 3–7 days. Increase slowly if needed. Track how you feel before changing anything else.
How do I calculate mg per serving in oils?
Divide total CBD by bottle size to get mg/mL. Then multiply by your dose size. Example: 900 mg in 30 mL = 30 mg/mL. A 0.5 mL dose delivers ≈15 mg CBD.
Is stronger CBD always better?
No. Strong products deliver more CBD per serving but aren’t automatically “better.” The best choice is the lowest effective dose for your goal and sensitivity.
How can I verify label accuracy?
Check the product’s COA from an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited lab. Ensure the batch number matches your product and that CBD content is within ±10% of the label.
Will CBD interact with my medications?
CBD can interact with certain drugs (for example, some blood thinners). Consult a healthcare professional before using CBD if you take prescription medication.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen how weak, medium, and strong strengths compare, use this CBD potency review to match mg per serving to your needs, confirm accuracy with a COA, and titrate slowly. Start low, go slow, and choose the format you can take consistently.