By Anastasia Myronenko
In this ultimate guide to the most potent CBD oils and tinctures on the market, we will talk about the strength and potency of CBD products from a consumer’s perspective. While many factors distinguish various CBD products, power remains the kicker that still determines both the cost and therapeutic effectiveness.
Moreover, the concept of CBD strength often gets misinterpreted, and several questions need to be clarified. First, how does one measure the strength of a CBD oil or tincture? Second, should the strength really matter for a CBD user? And, finally, what are the unique properties of CBD oils and tinctures? This ultimate guide will leave no unanswered questions or concerns on CBD oils and tinctures. Moreover, we will present you with the list of the top strongest CBD oils and tinctures available on the market in 2020 for your wellness needs.
What is actually CBD? What does it do to human health?
Cannabidiol, which is most commonly referred to as CBD, is basically a plant extract, one of the many compounds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. People frequently confuse CBD with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the notoriously famous compound of the Cannabis Sativa. However, CBD is not psychoactive at all, and won’t make you behave “high.” On the contrary, supposedly, cannabidiol will bring you a string of health benefits.
We use the word “supposedly” because the research on cannabidiol is still ongoing. Numerous labs across the world regularly test CBD to provide further proof of its benefits. So far, the available test results look very optimistic. In particular, the use of CBD shows promising returns even to such complicated neurological conditions as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis with very few side effects.
Are CBD products legal in the European Union and the United Kingdom?
All CBD products, including CBD oils and tinctures, are entirely legal in the European Union and the United Kingdom, provided they contain no more than 0.2% THC. However, quality CBD oils typically have zero THC percentage due to sophisticated extraction technologies and strict production control. You can easily find CBD oils sold online and offline in departments of health or food supplements.
Does CBD oil appear in drug tests?
In fact, CBD is never tested in conventional drug tests. If you buy legitimate CBD products that do not contain THC, they will not show up on any kind of a drug test. Yet, the keyword here is “legitimate.” As the CBD industry is basically in the early development stage, buying from CBD oils from unknown companies is quite risky. Such oils might appear impure and contain more than 0.2% THC.
How can CBD products help me?
Among the most common effects of CBD products are chronic pain treatment, relaxation, and stress reduction.
More people turn to CBD for chronic pain management. This is mainly because CBD is not addictive and reasonably safer than traditional prescription pain drugs. Since both animals and humans show high tolerance to cannabidiol, it is literally impossible to overdose on CBD oil.
Numerous clinical research has also backed the positive effect of CBD on the reduction of inflammation and the ability to improve sleep. Therefore, if you take CBD oil after a training or workout session, it will definitely help you relax. CBD oil will loosen you up and warm your muscles. Consequently, it will be much easier to cope with the pains of a hard training session.
At present, CBD is possibly the most famous for its anti-anxiety effect, which is the best-supported aspect of the research on cannabidiol. Hence, a growing number of people use CBD oils and other products with cannabidiol before important big events, such as meetings or public speaking.
CBD oils, CBD oil drops, CBD tinctures, CBD hemp extracts… What to choose?
CBD oil is typically extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and subsequently filtered for human use. Hence, the appropriate name is actually “hemp CBD oil.” Also, you may encounter the reference to “cannabis oil,” however, this is gradually incorrect. CBD oils are generally recommended to improve sleep, reduce stress, and relax.
CBD extracts are recommended for customers looking to receive the benefits of the whole hemp plant in the natural form, with no additions. CBD extracts are not quite the same as CBD oils. They are also known as CBD paste and remain an even more powerful source of cannabidiol.
CBD oil drops are very popular for their convenience. They typically act as a smart regulation mechanism. Due to their fast action, CBD oil drops can be used both as a daily supplement as well as against the sudden acute symptoms. Also, CBD oil drops can become a smart and discreet way to get an urgent cannabidiol dose when needed.
Unlike CBD oils, CBD tinctures or CBD oil tinctures carry cannabidiol on an alcohol base. Despite both CBD oil and CBD tincture having similar holistic properties, CBD tinctures are digested easier. Apart from that, CBD tinctures usually have a better taste.
How do I take CBD oils and tinctures?
Typically CBD oils and tinctures come in a dropper bottle, and such packaging specifies the amount of CBD in every drop. From there, you can figure out how many drops to use. Yet, sometimes it is harder to calculate how much CBD contains each drop when the packaging only specifies the amount of CBD in the entire bottle. Hence, one should perform additional calculations.
Typically, one drop of CBD oil or tincture equals approximately 0.05ml. Therefore, a 10ml CBD oil bottle contains roughly 200 drops. If the packaging says that a 10ml CBD oil bottle holds 1000mg CBD, then each drop contains 5mg of cannabidiol. If you decide to consume 20mg of CBD per day, then you should take four drops.
The crucial advice for consuming CBD oils and tinctures is not to swallow them immediately. Several studies have shown that the oral bioavailability of CBD is just about 5%, which is critically low. It means that only a fraction of cannabidiol that you swallow with a CBD oil or tincture will eventually reach the target body areas and bring the therapeutic benefits. Therefore, try keeping the oil under your tongue longer, preferably 2 to 5 minutes to preserve the CBD strength. This method should save CBD from a quick breakdown by digestive enzymes.
How much CBD should I take?
It depends on several factors. Among them are individual body weight and body chemistry, as well as the condition you want to treat. Obviously, there are numerous variables to consider before determining the appropriate CBD dosage. Hence, it is important to talk to your doctor prior to consuming CBD products, especially if you mix them with other drugs.
However, even if your doctor doesn’t provide any recommendation for the use of CBD, it is better to start with a smaller dosage, for example, with 20 to 50mg a day and steadily raise it. In a week, you can already increase the CBD dosage by 5mg and continue doing so every following week until the symptoms of your conditions improve; for example, when pain becomes bearable. At the same time, one should keep track of how much CBD you take and whether the symptoms improve.
Strong CBD oils vs weak. Is there a seizable difference?
Obviously, the present-day CBD market charges much higher prices for the oils with higher CBD concentration. Yet, the question arises: does strength really matter? If yes, how much?
The truth is that there is still no right answer when it comes to cannabidiol. A dose that perfectly works for one person might turn completely ineffective for another. Numerous factors make CBD experience entirely subjective. They include individual body parameters, metabolism, as well as how efficient is the bioavailability of different ways of CBD consumption. Yet, cannabidiol users aren’t in the dark completely. Strength matters in terms of efficacy. Basically, it works the following way. The stronger is a CBD oil or tincture, the higher is its potency, and the more effects it typically produces.
The next question is, what counts as a strong CBD oil or tincture? There are several opinions. Some experts maintain that anything below 50mg CBD per milliliter (or approximately 2.5mg CBD per drop) has an insignificant effect on the body. Others suggest that cannabidiol concentration should be even higher, starting from 100mg CBD per milliliter (or about 5mg CBD per drop).
Apart from the concentration of CBD per se, other aspects also matter. For example, Myron Ronay from BelCosta Labs, Southern California’s premier licensed Cannabis analytical testing lab, maintains that broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils have the preference over CBD oils isolates. This is because CBD acts most efficiently when it takes advantage of the so-called “entourage effect” with different cannabinoids and terpenes interacting between themselves in the oil. Other researchers also maintain that full-spectrum CBD oils have higher efficiency compared to CBD oil isolates with the same concentration of cannabidiol.
As a general rule, strong CBD oils and tinctures are recommended for experienced cannabidiol users, already familiar with CBD. Nevertheless, the option of taking high concentrated oils could also suit CBD newcomers wishing to increase their daily CBD input, provided they take a lower dosage. Hence, our guide should be useful for all the people interested in trying strong CBD oils.
Alphagreen’s Curated List to the Strongest CBD Oils
High Strength Pure CBD Oil 20% by Arima
Price: £99.00
CBD Content: 2000mg per 10ml
CBD Type: Full-spectrum
Test Analysis: On the product page
Ingredients: Organic Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Cannabis Sativa L. Seed Extract
Delivery: Worldwide
Find High Strength Pure CBD Oil 20% by Arima and other high-strength CBD oils on Alphagreen
High Strength Pure CBD Oil 20% by Arima accommodates the maximum strength cannabidiol formula. This potent oil is an excellent choice for experienced CBD users wishing to increase the daily cannabidiol intake. However, CBD novices can also try the product in small doses. Arima makes sure that no harmful additives, such as hormones or GMOs, appear during the production.
The ingredients of High Strength Pure CBD Oil 20% by Arima include full-spectrum cannabidiol. “Full-spectrum” means that CBD is not isolated from other beneficial compounds of the cannabis plant, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytocannabinoids. Together, they generate the beneficial “entourage effect”, which enhances the properties of all the interacting cannabis compounds, including CBD. Therefore, full-spectrum CBD products typically show stronger health effects, especially compared to CBD isolates. Arima carefully monitors the selection of natural ingredients as well as enriches its CBD oils with valuable terpenes.
We love High Strength Pure CBD Oil 20% by Arima for being suspended on a nourishing olive oil carrier. At present, olive oil remains in the top list of the most famous dietary supplements. First, it is abundant in antioxidants, which help to prevent cellular damage by free radicals. When the body accumulates too much of those substances, the “oxidative stress” might happen, leading to the development of dangerous conditions. Antioxidants efficiently neutralise free radicals and keep them at a minimal level.
Second, olive oil remains among the primary sources of healthy fats in the famous Mediterranean diet, also known as “the standard in preventive medicine”. Third, some research maintains that olive oil facilitates the treatment of depression and anxiety. Other studies suggest that regular consumption of olive oil might prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, people following the Mediterranean diet tend to have a higher life expectancy and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
We love the Arima brand for being the reputable CBD producer for years. The company partners with Sativa Group PLC, which cultivates high-quality cannabis plants. Therefore, Arima releases CBD oil of superior quality, carefully lab tested in the UK. The company’s experts regularly research the natural power of CBD and control the quality of the incoming raw materials.
Infinity CBD Extra Strong CBD Oil Drops 20%
Price: £79.99
CBD Content: 2000mg per 10ml
CBD Type: Full-spectrum
Test Analysis: On the product page
Ingredients: Full-spectrum CBD Distillate, Olive Oil
Delivery: The United Kingdom
Find Infinity CBD Extra Strong CBD Oil Drops 20% and other and other high-strength CBD oils on Alphagreen
Infinity CBD Extra Strong CBD Oil Drops 20% stand out among the easiest ways of CBD consumption. Though their action is not that imminent compared to CBD vapes, still CBD oil drops are very efficient in terms of absorption. Usually, it takes about 12-15 minutes to feel the CBD effects lasting for about six or seven hours. Therefore, CBD oil drops also suit people suffering from acute sudden symptoms and pains. Some customers dislike the grassy taste of full-spectrum CBD oils; however, they can easily add them into food and drinks. The only caution is to avoid hot fluids since cannabidiol breaks down at high temperatures.
The ingredients of Infinity CBD Extra Strong CBD Oil Drops 20% include full-spectrum CBD carried on olive oil. Infinity’s cannabidiol remains incredibly close to nature since it preserves all the beneficial terpenes, flavonoids, minor cannabinoids, and waxes, which contribute to the most powerful entourage effect. Overall, full-spectrum CBD oil drops are perfect for people willing to experience the benefits of the whole hemp plant in the natural form.
We love Infinity CBD Extra Strong CBD Oil Drops 20% for the convenience in use alongside the potent effect on human health. A couple of the extra-strong drops is enough to apply sublingually in the mornings and evenings. Users have to place CBD oil drops under the tongue and hold for about a minute before swallowing. It’s a good idea to observe the daily reaction to cannabidiol and write it down in a diary, especially for CBD novices.
We love the Infinity CBD brand for the customer-oriented approach to product creation. The company actively cooperates with active CBD users and medical cannabis bloggers. They consult the company’s researchers about the latest CBD trends and uniquely personal experiences. Besides, the Infinity CBD team effortlessly works to release original CBD solutions to deal with the growing stress of daily lives. The company’s edible CBD products and cosmetic lines deserve particular attention. Besides, Infinity CBD takes testing seriously. The company makes sure that its products do not contain herbicides, artificial dyes, heavy metals, parabens, nicotine, pesticides, solvents, and other toxins.
Kaneh Oil Drops Orange 20%
Price: £132.00
CBD Content: 2000mg per 10ml
CBD Type: Broad-spectrum
Test Analysis: On the product page
Ingredients: 88% Hemp Seed Oil, 10% Full Spectrum Extract (Cannabis Sativa L.), 2% Natural Orange Flavouring
Delivery: The United Kingdom
Find Kaneh Oil Drops Orange 20% and other high-strength CBD oils on Alphagreen
Kaneh Oil Drops Orange 20% contain all-natural ingredients. The company obtains its premium quality CBD with the safest CO2 extraction method, which protects cannabidiol and other vital cannabinoids. Kaneh follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards from the early steps of hemp cultivation to the latest stages of the production process. This potent product helps to maintain the wellness balance and makes a great addition to a daily health routine.
The ingredients of Kaneh Oil Drops Orange 20% include hemp seed oil, which is a great dietary addition for outstanding nutrition properties. Hemp seeds are rich in amino acids, antioxidants, omega 3 and 6, phospholipids, and plant-based protein. Moreover, they are abundant in minerals, such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. According to the Pharmacogn review (8(15): 52-60), hemp seed oil especially benefits the skin. The report suggests that it can facilitate the treatment against eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Also, hemp seed oil hydrates inflamed skin, enhances skin texture, and facilitates skin glow.
We love Kaneh Oil Drops Orange 20% for the delightful orange flavour, which adds the product a personal touch. The flavour goes particularly well with hemp seed oil. Apart from skin treatment, hemp seed oil positively affects the immune system and heart health. Since hemp seeds contain GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid), rich in the lipase enzyme, it helps to prevent heart disease. In particular, GLA removes plaque build ups from blood vessels. Besides, it helps to reduce weight and decrease sugar cravings, working as a natural appetite suppressant. As for fatty acids, numerous studies have shown that they improve arrhythmias and reduce blood pressure.
We love the Kaneh brand for the particular dedication to skincare products and specialising in CBD cosmeceuticals. The company has efficiently proven that nature and science can perfectly work together to enhance the quality of human lives. Kaneh’s founders actively promote the long-lasting rejuvenation through the combination of the best natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. Besides, the company is very conscious of the product’s packaging and works to eliminate plastic. Kaneh uses bamboo lids and glass as well as puts its soaps into reusable aluminium containers.
CBD Hemp Oil 20% by Hemply Balance
Price: £94.00
CBD Content: 2000mg per 10ml
CBD Type: Broad-spectrum
Test Analysis: On the product page
Ingredients: Cannabinoids, hemp seed oil
Delivery: Worldwide
Find CBD Hemp Oil 20% by Hemply Balance and other high-strength CBD oils on Alphagreen
CBD Hemp Oil 20% by Hemply Balance is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. The company employs a unique extraction process, which utilises the best parts of the hemp plant, such as small flowers and leaves. Besides, the oil does not contain palatable chlorophylls and unnecessary lipids. Also, Hemply Balance particularly focuses on the increase in the products’ bioavailability. Therefore, CBD Hemp Oil 20% has excellent absorption rates.
The ingredients of CBD Hemp Oil 20% by Hemply Balance boast a rich cannabinoid formula. In a similar manner to full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum one is abundant in flavonoids and terpenes. At the same time, it is completely THC-free, which means that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been purposefully removed during the production process. Still, broad-spectrum CBD oils generate the entourage effect, though not that powerful as in the case of full-spectrum CBD products. However, many people prefer broad-spectrum CBD ranges to avoid occasional THC traces on random drug tests.
We love CBD Hemp Oil 20% by Hemply Balance for the ultimate strength. This concentrated CBD oil generates sufficient health effects for both people suffering from chronic conditions and imminent injuries. A couple of the Hemply Balance’s oil drops per day facilitates the recovery from various painful conditions, as well as anxiety, gastrointestinal disturbances, and sleepless nights.
We also love the company’s approach to the cultivation of hemp. Though cultivated in Sweden, the cultivation practices originate from Colorado, USA. The hemp is grown far from highways, big cities, and the related pollution. Hence, the end product is 100% natural, organic, non-GMO hemp.
We love the Hemply Balance brand for the distinguished Swedish approach towards production and design. The brand was created and launched in Sweden by entrepreneur Emil Sandin. Prior to that, he spent some time in California studying cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, diets, and health. Eventually, he decided to launch his own CBD brand in Sweden. There, he discovered that the local CBD market seriously lacked safe and affordable cannabidiol-infused products. Besides, many companies behaved in a “shady” manner by failing to present lab analysis or the percentage of cannabinoids on the containers.
Today, the philosophy of the Hemply Balance brand relates to the eternal search of the “sweet spot” or a perfect balance, when nothing is too much, and nothing is too little. The company focuses on producing top quality broad-spectrum cannabidiol, lab testing, and advanced bioavailability.
Naturecan 20% CBD Oil
Price: £99.99
CBD Content: 2000mg per 10ml
CBD Type: Broad-spectrum
Test Analysis: On the product page
Ingredients: Broad-spectrum Terpenes, Organic MCT Oil
Delivery: Worldwide
Find Naturecan 20% CBD Oil and other high-strength CBD oils on Alphagreen
Naturecan 20% CBD Oil is 100% organic and designed to shower customers with health benefits. The product features broad-spectrum CBD, without THC traces. Organic MCT oil is used as a carrier for cannabidiol. The daily dosage of this potent product should not exceed five drops per day.
The ingredients of Naturecan 20% CBD Oil include organic MCT oil, one of the most common types of carrier oils for cannabidiol. Unlike natural olive oil or hemp seed oil, MCT oil is obtained artificially either from coconut or palm kernel oil. The abbreviation of MCT means “medium-chain triglycerides”, or specific fats of medium-length chains. MCTs are digested more easily compared to other molecules in food and thus facilitate faster absorption of CBD.
Today, many sportsmen and fitness lovers appreciate MCT oil for its fat-burning properties. The medium-chain triglycerides never break down when moving from the liver to the stomach. Hence they enter cells faster and get subsequently utilised as an energy source. Some studies suggest that MCTs can boost performance and ease up the exercising routine by reducing lactate buildup in athletes.
We love Naturecan 20% CBD Oil for the combination of CBD with MCT oil, which improves the effectiveness of cannabidiol. A lot of manufacturers appreciate the benefits of MCT oil for CBD production, such as the improvement in bioavailability and the speed of absorption. Indeed, an MCT carrier prevents CBD molecules from breaking down in the digestive system.
We love the Naturecan brand for a strict approach to lab-testing. The company has zero-tolerance for any sort of chemical involvement, including pesticides and GMOs. Each product undergoes three-stage lab testing to ensure the best product quality. Naturecan is a proud member of the top cannabis industry associations – the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) and the Association for The Cannabinoid Industry (ACI), which work for the increase of transparency within the CBD industry in the UK.
The brand is also remarkable for the innovative product selection. At the moment, the company’s website offers CBD edibles, such as brownies, chocolate, cookies, nut butter; CBD oils of different strengths; CBD tablets, CBD capsules, and multiple CBD topicals. Besides, the company sells vitamin supplements and non-CBD vegan options. The brand is well-known throughout the UK, and Naturecan products are popular among TV personalities and sportspersons.
Bottom Line
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the strongest CBD oils and tinctures! Here is a brief summary of the key issues to remember about strong CBD products:
- Strong CBD products, such as oils and tinctures with the concentration between 20-30%, are a better fit for experienced CBD users or people suffering from severe symptoms, such as anxiety and pain.
- Even such customers should use tiny doses of ultra-strong CBD oils and tinctures.
- One should be careful when choosing a strong CBD product and select only respected producers. The maximum level of THC should not exceed 0.2%. For practising athletes, such level should remain exclusively 0.0%.
- Always inquire for a Certificate of Analysis from an independent laboratory. The product should be clean from artificial dyes, heavy metals, herbicides, nicotine, parabens, pesticides, solvents, synthetic cannabinoids, and toxins.
Anastasiia Myronenko
Anastasiia Myronenko is a Medical Physicist actively practicing in one of the leading cancer centers in Kyiv, Ukraine. She received her master’s degree in Medical Physics at Karazin Kharkiv National University and completed Biological Physics internship at GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Germany. Anastasiia Myronenko specializes in radiation therapy and is a fellow of Ukrainian Association of Medical Physicists.