CBD High Strength

Our Guide To High Strength CBD Oils

Table Of Contents:

• Introduction
• What Determines High Strength CBD Oil?
• Full-Spectrum CBD
• CBD Oil Concentrations
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Summary

Introduction

For our CBD veterans out there, a high strength CBD oil might be right up your street. And, at Alphagreen, we’re more than happy to provide- with a selection of full-spectrum, high strength CBD products out there for you to choose from. And because we believe that variety is the spice of life, we have a selection of different strengths (all potent enough for those high-quality CBD lovers out there) for you to try.

What Determines High Strength CBD Oil?

The concept of what a strong CBD oil is often gets misinterpreted. To keep it simple, a strong CBD product is one which:

• Is full-spectrum
• Has a high concentration

So, let’s discuss these two factors in a little more detail.

Full-Spectrum CBD

A full spectrum CBD product tends to contain all the cannabinoids typically found within the hemp plant. This tends to include THC (at low doses- less than 0.3%), CBD, flavonoids, terpenes and other phytocannabinoids. But how does this make the product stronger?

Well, it’s all down to synergy.

Firstly, because a full-spectrum CBD product contains, even trace, amounts of THC, it’s immediately stronger than a product that doesn’t, ie: broad-spectrum CBD (which has all the cannabinoids except THC) and CBD isolate. Because of this small amount of THC, the CBD product can better mimic the qualities of the original hemp plant. This is known as the ‘entourage effect’; when a CBD product is made stronger because all its ingredients work better together, on a synergistic level.

‘The Entourage Effect’ and The ECS

Because all these cannabinoids can promote each others’ qualities, working with each other, CBD can act better with our endocannabinoid system (ECS)- this is the system which promotes balance and modulation.

In fact, the ECS controls most of our inner processes, which CBD can help to modulate. Three major molecules form the endocannabinoid system: ECS receptors (which are bound to- they’re dotted all over the body), endocannabinoids (molecules, produced by the body, which bind to ECS receptors) and cannabinoids (molecules produced by the hemp plant, which promote activity in the endocannabinoid system).

The ECS receptors in question are formed by two different types of receptors- CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are typically found in the brain and central nervous system. They’re responsible for controlling many of our psychological processes, from memory to cognition to perception, and more. On the other hand, CB2 receptors tend to be situated in the immune cells, gut lining and even parts of our bone marrow. CB2 controls our peripheral nervous system- involuntary processes, such as immunity, inflammation and digestion.

CBD and THC

Another great example of the ‘entourage effect’? THC can directly bind to CB1 receptors, potentially ‘flooding’ the system. Even if THC levels are low, when taken without any CBD, THC can cause anxiety and paranoia in some individuals. This is because THC, despite being a cannabinoid, tends to mimic the effects of endocannabinoids- binding freely to each and every ECS receptor.

With CBD present, studies have shown that THC tends not to ‘flood’ our ECS receptors, because CBD can ‘protect’ the system against THC’s adverse effects.

This happens because CBD ‘blocks’ they way THC acts in the amygdala, preventing it from binding excessively to CB-R receptors in the brain. If we’re being technical, CBD has been shown to promote the activity of anandamide in the system, which actually binds (and blocks THC binding to) CB-R receptors in the brain. This is useful for those sensitive to THC, even in trace amounts. CB-R has been shown to activate areas of the brain associated with reward, cognition, memory and pain perception.

When THC prolifically binds to CB-R receptors, it can overstimulate and overwhelm them, leading to increased levels of paranoia (due to the upsetting of the balance between neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA)- which can activate the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for our ‘anxiety response’.

Interestingly, when the endocannabinoid, anandamide, binds to these CB-R receptors in the brain, it can help to stimulate the release of feel-good neurotransmitters. This is because anandamide binds to these receptors in moderation. These neurotransmitters include GABA and glutamate, in balance- and this can have feel-good effects, limiting anxiety and promoting wellness.

Synergy

So, not only are CBD’s qualities intensified in a full-spectrum product; the cannabinoids present (especially CBD and THC) can inhibit each other’s negative effects. Ethan B. Russo talks about the different types of synergy in his scientific report, appropriately named ‘Taming THC’. Within, he elaborates on the nature of the ‘entourage effect’ and how each cannabinoid can be strengthened in the presence of another. He claims that when cannabinoids work in synergy, they can be 2-4 times more potent than when they act alone.

CBD Oil Concentrations

CBD concentration is also important when we consider the strength of a product. A high concentration of CBD usually means a stronger product. And when we talk about concentration, what we mean is really: how many milligrams of CBD is in the product. The higher, the stronger. Usually as milligrams increase, so does the potency of the product.

While how much CBD you should take is dependent on a wealth of factors- from how sensitive you are to cannabidiol to weight and gender. Typically, however, a high concentration of CBD is usually between 1500-3000mg in a 30ml bottle. A CBD product can also go as high as 7000mg.

To work out a single dosage within any product is pretty simple. If one single drop of oil is 0.05ml (on average) a 30ml bottle will contain 600 drops (30 divided by 0.05). Then to work out the potency of one drop of CBD- if the bottle is 1500 mg, then each drop will have 2.5 mg of CBD (1500 divided by 600).

If you’re wanting a higher concentration of CBD, per day, you can calculate how many drops you need, according to this method! If we lead by the example above, four drops equal 10 mg of CBD a day!

Above all, to get a clearer idea of how much CBD a day might work for you- try out this dosage calculator. It always helps to be certain.

Conclusion

While CBD doesn’t have many common or well-known side effects, it’s always best to be certain about upping your CBD concentration and potency.

If you do choose to embark on your high-strength CBD journey, how about trying out some of our premium high strength products? Our CBD is potent, good quality and handpicked- meaning the only worry you’ll be left with is how many drops you’ll need, per day, to fulfil your CBD fix!