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If you’re reaching for cannabidiol (CBD) oil, odds are you’re looking for:
- pain relief
- better sleep
- relief from other symptoms while avoiding the intoxicating effects of cannabis or specific pharmaceutical medications
That being said, it’s also nice to know that what you’re reaching for is strong enough to make a noticeable difference for your symptoms.
Keep reading to learn about the strongest CBD oils and how to safely use and shop for them.
We’ll also suggest a few of the best strong CBD oils.
What’s considered ‘strong’ when it comes to CBD?
You can find CBD products — whether broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or CBD isolate — in a number of different potencies. While there’s no one definition of “strong” CBD, we consider high potency to be at least 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD per 1-milliliter (mL) serving.
However, keep in mind that CBD affects everyone differently, so what feels strong to you may not feel as potent to another person. That’s especially true if you’re brand new to CBD.
How we chose the strongest CBD oils
Each product in this article contains at least 50 mg of CBD per mL of product.
There are lots of high-potency products out there, so we narrowed things down with criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = $101–$200
- $$$$ = over $200
Healthline’s picks of the strongest CBD oils
Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 750 mg per 15-mL bottle, 3,000 mg per 60-mL bottle, or 6,000 mg per 120-mL bottle
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $–$$$
This full-spectrum CBD oil is made from organic hempseed oil and organic coconut MCT oil (an important note for those with tree nut allergies).
Lazarus Naturals grows their non-GMO hemp in central Oregon. They use ethanol to extract cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and filter the resulting product to remove impurities before third-party testing.
Reviewers are happy with the quality and strength, saying it helps them with sleep and even helps with recovery after workouts.
This brand has an assistance program that offers 60 percent off to veterans, people on long-term disability, and households that qualify as low income.
Flora Sophia Botanicals Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,800 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available by email
Price: $$$
This product uses full-spectrum, ethanol-extracted hemp, mixed into organic MCT and organic hempseed oil. This oil also uses coconut as a main ingredient.
Reviewers are particularly happy with how well this oil worked for their anxiety and sleep.
Flora Sophia offers discounts for veterans and low-income households on an individual basis.
Through their Chronic Care Program, they also offer discounted bulk pricing for people who use a large amount of CBD to help manage chronic health issues.
Finally, the company also has a program for those in treatment for breast cancer or in recovery and have an economic need.
CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil, Max Plus Strength
Use code “healthline” for 15% off sitewide.
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 5,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $$$$
This oil from CBDistillery is made with U.S. Hemp Authority-certified, non-GMO industrial hemp. It’s grown in the United States using what the brand says are natural farming practices.
Like the others we’ve looked at so far, this oil is made with MCT oil and full-spectrum CBD.
Reviewers are satisfied with the quality but have rated the pricing on the less-than-satisfied side of things; this CBD oil is at the top of our pricing guide.
CBDistillery offers a 30% discount to Veterans, active Military, and Service Officials.
Medterra CBD Oil, 3,000 mg
Use code “health15” for 15% off
- CBD type: Isolate
- CBD potency: 3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $$$
This Medterra oil is made using CBD isolate, making it a good option if you want to avoid THC altogether.
Formulated with coconut-derived organic MCT Oil, Medterra’s CBD oil is non-GMO and made in the United States.
The brand says their plants are organically grown and guaranteed to be free of contaminants.
The website explains that they use a carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction process to draw CBD from the plant material and filter out unnatural substances.
Reviewers seem highly satisfied with this product, some calling it a “game changer.”
Charlotte’s Web Maximum Strength CBD Oil
Use code “HEALTH15” for 15% off or choose the subscription option for 25% off of your first order, now until 2/14.
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,800 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available online
Price: $$$
This oil is Charlotte’s Web’s highest concentration of CBD per mL. It’s made from U.S. Hemp Authority-certified hemp without additives or dyes. To extract CBD for this oil, Charlotte’s Web uses a CO2 extraction process.
Because Charlotte’s Web CBD oils are whole-plant extracts, they include beneficial compounds like phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.
Charlotte’s Web offers a discount for veterans.
This oil is available in some bold flavors like mint chocolate, lemon twist, and orange blossom.
NuLeaf Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,800 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available online
Price: $–$$$$
NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil is a whole-plant extract that offers a number of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s made using full-spectrum hemp extract and organic virgin hempseed oil.
The brand’s organic hemp plants are grown in Colorado and are made with a CO2 extraction process to secure a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other phytonutrients.
This brand offers assistance programs for veterans and active military personnel, first responders (police officers, paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters), nurses and medical providers, low-income household members, and more.
Fab CBD Oil, 2,400 mg
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off your first purchase
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 2,400 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available online
Price: $$$
This oil is made from organically grown full-spectrum hemp, MCT, and flavoring the company says comes from natural sources.
Reviewers are thrilled with the taste and texture of this oil. This oil is available in flavors such as citrus, mint, natural, berry, and vanilla.
This brand doesn’t appear to have an assistance program at this time, but it does offer a rewards program.
While a lab report is available online for the 1,200 mg oil, if you want to see one for the 2,400 mg oil, you’ll have to contact the brand directly.
Veritas Farms Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture, 2,000 mg
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 15% off
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 2,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: Available online
Price: $$$
This non-GMO, cruelty-free, full-spectrum hemp oil is made from hemp grown on the brand’s Colorado farm.
It’s suspended in organic coconut oil and organic essential oils, with their unflavored tincture featuring subtle notes of pine, citrus, nut, and an “earthy flavor” the company says can be expected from full-spectrum CBD.
There are also sweet and tangy flavors available in peppermint, citrus, strawberry, and watermelon.
Reviewers are largely big fans of this product, with less-than-satisfied reviewers usually commenting on flavor preferences.
There doesn’t seem to be any assistance programs currently, but this brand does offer a rewards program.
How to shop for CBD
For now, the FDA doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products.
You can avoid purchasing CBD products that are misrepresented or mislabeled by looking for products that come with an up-to-date COA from a reputable third-party lab.
Once you have the COA, review it to make sure the amount of CBD and THC that’s in the product matches what’s advertised.
Contaminant testing results are another important area to review. These vary by brand, but in general, it’s good practice to keep an eye out for testing results for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.
It’s also always a good idea to make sure you’re buying from a company that’s transparent about where they grow their hemp and how they produce their products.
This information should be readily available on the brand’s website so you can review before buying.
How to use CBD oil
CBD oils can be used by placing them under your tongue using a dropper (most CBD oils come with one) or by mixing them into drinks and food.
Shake the bottle before dropping the dose under your tongue. If you’re looking for maximum absorption, keep it under your tongue for 30 seconds to a few minutes before swallowing.
To store, safely secure the cap on your CBD oil and keep it in a dry, cool place. You can also stick it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
CBD dosage
To learn how many drops to use, follow the recommended dose provided by the manufacturer or your doctor.
Proper serving sizes for CBD vary widely depending on individual factors, like:
- intended use
- body weight
- metabolism
- body chemistry
The four factors listed above should be considered on a case-by-case basis as CBD can work differently on individuals.
It’s always best to start with a small dose so that, if needed, you can increase it over time until you reach your preferred results.
Doses should be spaced at least 4 to 6 hours apart but can be taken at any time of day. Of course, if you’re looking to improve sleep, take it before bed.
The immediate effects of CBD typically happen within 30 to 90 minutes. Depending on your preferred method of administration, the immediate effects may vary.
Long-term results may take a number of weeks to accomplish.
Safety and side effects
Though research suggests CBD is pretty safe to use, some people experience side effects. These include:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
If you decide to mix CBD oil into drinks and food, this may affect absorption. If you take it with a high fat meal,
It’s a good idea to avoid touching the dropper to your mouth to prevent bacterial contamination and to safeguard the quality of the oil.
If you take any medications or supplements, talk with your doctor before trying CBD.
Learn more about how CBD can interact with medications.
Is stronger CBD oil better?
It may take some trial and error with CBD oils at varying potency levels to decide if stronger CBD oil is best for your needs.
Side effects may be more likely at higher doses.
A
The CBD safety conclusion and dosage range provided are specific to the patient populations included in the studies.
It’s important to point out that the
The WHO report cited discussed many studies on CBD in a variety of specific patient populations.
Takeaway
Although there’s no one definition of the “strongest” CBD, we consider high potency to be at least 50 mg of CBD per 1-mL serving.
Remember to start with a small dose so that you can increase the dose and frequency over time until you reach your desired effect.
Talk with your doctor before trying any CBD products.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.