What is a High CBD Percentage? Understanding CBD Potency in Hemp Products

Key takeaways

1. CBD percentage depends on the amount of CBD relative to the volume or weight of your product. 
2. CBD hemp flower potency tops out at around 20-22% CBD by weight.
3. The CBD percentage of manufactured products depends on the extracts used

Table of contents

• Understanding CBD Percentages
• Factors Affecting CBD Potency
• Benefits and Considerations of High-CBD Products
• How to Choose High-CBD Products

In an economy where money may be tight, we understand why folks gravitate to products with higher CBD content. Our pains and aches don’t respect, nor do they abide by our budget. That’s why sometimes you have to do a little digging and make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck. This blog post will explore CBD percentages, help you read product labels better, and help you find high-potency products.

Understanding CBD Percentages

Before we can define what constitutes a high CBD percentage, it’s essential to understand how CBD content is measured. The percentage of CBD in a product refers to the concentration of CBD relative to the total volume or weight of the product.

In CBD oils and topicals, CBD percentage is typically expressed as milligrams per unit of volume. In oils, you’ll typically see mg/mL, and in topicals, you’ll see mg/oz. For example, Sunset Lake’s 30mL bottle of 1500mg CBD oil has a concentration of 50mg/mL, or 5% CBD.

In the case of dried hemp flower, the percentage refers to the amount of CBD by weight. So, a cultivar advertised at 20% CBD should contain 200mg of CBD per gram of flower.

What Constitutes a High CBD Percentage?

The definition of “high CBD” can vary depending on the type of product and its intended use. However, here are some general guidelines:

CBD Oils

• Low potency: Less than 5% CBD (or 50mg/ml). You’ll find our 750mg and 600mg Pet CBD oil in this range.
• Medium potency: 5-15% CBD (50-150mg/ml). The rest of Sunset Lake’s CBD Oils fall into this category. If we tried to make high-potency oils with our full-spectrum hemp extract, the USDA would no longer consider them legal hemp products.
• High potency: 15-20% CBD (150-200mg/ml). Generally, you’ll only see broad-spectrum or isolate-based CBD oils fall into this category.

CBD Flower

• Low: Less than 10% CBD: You generally won’t find hemp flower in this range, but you may find recreational cannabis flower here.
• Medium: 10-15% CBD: Hemp flower in this range is a good starting point for new users.
• High: 15-20% CBD: Most hemp flower you’ll be able to find online will be in the 15-20% range. That’s due to factors like growing factors, genetics, and light abundance.
• Very High: Over 20% CBD: Sunset Lake has been known to produce hemp flower in this range. The only thing that separates 20%+ flower from the rest is genetics. Without good hemp flower genetics, this potency is impossible to achieve.

CBD Edibles and Topicals

For these products, potency is usually measured in milligrams of CBD per unit (e.g., per gummy or per ounce of cream). A high CBD content might be 25-50mg per edible. CBD topicals will generally be in the 100-200mg per ounce range. Though potency really depends on the use cases for both products.

For example, if you find an extra-strength rub, its potency may be as high as 500mg per ounce.

Factors Affecting CBD Potency

Several factors can influence the CBD percentage in a product:

1. Genetics: Specifically thinking about hemp flower and CBD percentages, genetics are the biggest determining factor. Sunset Lake only farms well-known genetics from Oregon CBD Seeds and Colorado CBD Seeds. 
2. Cultivation Methods: Growing conditions, including soil quality, climate, and harvesting time, can affect the CBD content in hemp plants.
3. Extraction Techniques: Different extraction methods can yield varying levels of CBD concentration.
4. Product Formulation: The way manufacturers formulate a product will impact its final CBD percentage. For instance, when we combine CBD distillate and MCT oil to make CBD oil, we lower the CBD percentage. However, we make the end product usable. There are always some tradeoffs during formulation.

Benefits and Considerations of High-CBD Products

High-CBD products may offer more potent effects and potentially greater therapeutic benefits. Some users report stronger relief from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and inflammation with higher-potency products. However, let’s note that more isn’t always better.

Your optimal CBD percentage may vary greatly depending on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the condition you’re addressing.

When using high-CBD products, start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effects. This approach, known as “low and slow,” helps minimize the risk of side effects and allows you to find your optimal dosage.

How to Choose High-CBD Products

When shopping for high-CBD products, consider the following tips:

1. Read Labels Carefully: Look for products that clearly state the CBD content in milligrams and the serving size.
2. Check for Certificates of Analysis (COAs): Reputable brands will always provide third-party lab results that verify the CBD content and purity of their products. You can find ours here.
3. Research Brands: Choose products from well-established companies with positive customer reviews and transparent manufacturing practices.
4. Consider Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum products contain other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, which may enhance the effects of CBD through the “entourage effect.”

Conclusion

Understanding CBD percentages is crucial for making informed decisions about CBD products. While a high CBD percentage can offer more potent effects, it’s important to remember that the right potency for you depends on various individual factors.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new CBD regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.