Struggling to pick the right CBD strength? Use this cbd potency chart to quickly compare mg per serving, typical effects, and who each level best fits. In minutes, you’ll learn how to read labels, run an accurate mg comparison, and choose product potency with confidence—without guesswork.

Educational only: CBD can interact with medications and isn’t right for everyone. Talk to a licensed healthcare professional before using, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking prescriptions.

What “CBD Potency” Really Means

Potency tells you how much cannabidiol (CBD) is in a serving or in 1 mL of oil. It’s usually shown as total mg in the container and mg per serving.

  • Total CBD (mg): The amount in the entire bottle or package (e.g., 1,500 mg CBD in 30 mL).
  • Concentration (mg/mL): Total mg ÷ bottle size in mL. This helps compare tinctures.
  • Per-serving mg: Gummies, capsules, and softgels list mg per piece (e.g., 25 mg each).

Cannabinoid Spectrum

  • Full-spectrum: CBD + other cannabinoids + ≤0.3% THC (hemp). Often more “rounded” effects for some users.
  • Broad-spectrum: THC-free but retains other cannabinoids and terpenes.
  • Isolate: Pure CBD, no other cannabinoids.

Onset & Duration (Typical)

  • Oils under tongue: 15–45 min onset, 2–6 hours duration.
  • Gummies/capsules: 45–90 min onset, 4–8 hours duration.
  • Topicals: localized effects; onset varies.

CBD Potency Chart

Use the chart below as a practical strength guide. Everyone is different—start low, go slow, and adjust with care.

Serving Strength CBD per Serving (oral) Typical Oil Concentration (mg/mL) Who It’s For Notes
Micro / Low 2.5–10 mg 5–10 mg/mL First-time users; sensitivity to supplements Subtle, gentle effects; easy to titrate up
Light 10–20 mg 10–25 mg/mL New to CBD; daily wellness routines Balanced entry point for most adults
Moderate 20–40 mg 25–50 mg/mL Experienced users seeking stronger effects Increase gradually; assess daytime drowsiness
Strong 40–80 mg 50–100 mg/mL Seasoned users comfortable with CBD Monitor for interactions and side effects
Extra-Strong 80–150+ mg 100–200+ mg/mL Very experienced users with guidance Not recommended for beginners

How to use this cbd potency chart

  1. Pick your starting range (often Low or Light).
  2. Match your product’s per-serving mg to the row.
  3. Try a consistent dose for 3–7 days, then reassess.
  4. Adjust slowly by 2.5–10 mg increments as needed.

CBD Strength Guide: Accurate Label Reading and Math

To make a fair mg comparison across brands and formats, convert everything to mg per serving and mg/mL for oils.

Formulas

  • Oil mg/mL: Total mg CBD ÷ bottle mL
  • Per-drop estimate: mg/mL ÷ ~30 drops (typical) = mg/drop
  • Topical mg/mL: Total mg ÷ container mL (or mg/gram)

Real Examples

  • Tincture: 1,500 mg in 30 mL → 1,500 ÷ 30 = 50 mg/mL. One 1 mL dropper ≈ 50 mg; one drop ≈ 1.7 mg (50 ÷ 30).
  • Tincture (lower strength): 600 mg in 30 mL → 20 mg/mL. Half dropper (0.5 mL) ≈ 10 mg.
  • Gummies: Label says 25 mg each. Half gummy = 12.5 mg.
  • Softgels: 30 mg each. Two softgels = 60 mg.
  • Topical: 500 mg in 50 mL → 10 mg/mL.
Tip: Brands sometimes highlight total mg in the bottle. Always check per-serving mg to understand true product potency.

Step-by-Step Dosing Strategy (General Guidance)

There’s no one-size-fits-all dose. The steps below help you experiment safely.

  1. Start low: Begin with 5–10 mg once daily for 3–7 days.
  2. Go slow: If needed, increase by 2.5–10 mg every few days.
  3. Track: Log time, dose, product type, and how you feel (alertness, calm, unwanted effects).
  4. Split doses: Some prefer dividing the daily amount (e.g., morning and evening).
  5. Pause and reassess: If you feel groggy or off, step down or take a break.

Some people also use a body-weight range for orientation (e.g., roughly 0.25–0.5 mg per kg), but real-world response varies widely. Personal response, product type, and timing matter more than weight alone.

Experience: A Real-World Example

Maya, a 38-year-old marathon trainee, wanted calmer evenings without grogginess. She started with a 600 mg/30 mL oil (20 mg/mL). For one week, she took 0.25 mL (~5 mg) after dinner. Week two, she moved to 0.5 mL (10 mg). That felt right—noticeable calm, clear head. On tough training days, she added 0.25 mL earlier in the afternoon for a total of ~15 mg. She logged doses and stayed consistent, checking for unwanted effects before changing anything.

Choosing the Right Product Form

Oils/Tinctures

  • Flexible dosing; easy mg adjustments.
  • Faster onset under the tongue.
  • Best for fine-tuned titration.

Gummies & Capsules

  • Pre-measured, consistent servings.
  • Slower onset; longer duration.
  • Good for routine, once- or twice-daily use.

Topicals

  • Localized application.
  • Check mg per mL/gram for real potency.
  • Often combined with other formats.

Safety, Interactions, and Quality Checks

  • Possible side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, digestive upset, appetite changes.
  • Interactions: CBD may affect how your body processes certain meds (CYP450). Talk to your clinician, especially with blood thinners, seizure meds, or antidepressants.
  • Quality: Buy hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC by dry weight) with third-party lab reports (COA) verifying cannabinoids, contaminants, and per-serving mg.
  • Legal: Laws vary by state. Check local regulations before purchasing.

Quick Label Checklist

  • Per-serving mg clearly listed
  • Total mg in container
  • Bottle size (mL) for oils to compute mg/mL
  • Full-/broad-spectrum or isolate specified
  • Third-party COA: cannabinoids, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides
  • Lot number, manufacture date, and expiration

FAQs

What is considered a high-potency CBD oil?

Many consider 50–100 mg/mL “strong” and 100–200+ mg/mL “extra-strong.” Always confirm per-serving mg and start with the lowest effective amount.

How many mg should beginners start with?

Common starting points are 5–10 mg once daily. Maintain the same dose for several days, then increase slowly if needed.

How long until I feel the effects?

Tinctures under the tongue: about 15–45 minutes. Gummies/capsules: 45–90 minutes. Duration and intensity vary by person and product.

Can I use CBD every day?

Many adults use CBD daily. Monitor how you feel, keep doses consistent, and consult a healthcare professional—especially if you take medications.

How do I compare two products fairly?

Convert both to per-serving mg and, for oils, mg/mL. This allows a clear mg comparison regardless of bottle size or marketing claims.

Conclusion: Put This CBD Potency Chart to Work

With this cbd potency chart, you can read labels confidently, run a quick mg comparison, and choose the right product potency without guesswork. Start low, go slow, and track your response—then fine-tune to your goals.