CBD Oil Strength Explained: How to Choose the Right One
Deciphering a CBD bottle can often feel like you’ve been transported back to a high school maths lesson. Obscure labelling can make newcomers reluctant to pick up a bottle and give it a try. Questions like:
- What if I buy the wrong one?
- What if it’s too strong?
- What if it isn’t strong enough?
These are all completely valid concerns. CBD oil is an investment—you don’t want to waste money on something too strong for everyday use or too weak to be effective. Having CBD oil strength explained properly will help you find the perfect balance for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What’s the difference between 500mg and 1000mg of CBD?
- What is the strongest CBD oil?
- What strength CBD oil should you use?
What Does Strength Mean in CBD?
The strength of a CBD product refers to the concentration of cannabinoids within it. CBD oils typically blend these cannabinoids with a carrier oil—most commonly MCT oil or hemp seed oil. The strength indicates how much CBD is present compared to the carrier oil.
For edibles, the strength refers to the amount of CBD per serving—for example, per gummy or chocolate piece.
CBD Oil Strength Explained: CBD Percentage vs. Milligrams (mg)
CBD strength is usually displayed as either a percentage or in milligrams (mg). The mg value represents the total weight of CBD in the product.
If a CBD oil is marked as 5%, that means 5% of the total contents are CBD, and the remaining 95% are carrier oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. To calculate mg, you also need to know the bottle’s volume:
- 10ml bottle at 5% CBD = 500mg total CBD
- 10ml bottle at 10% CBD = 1000mg total CBD
If you double the bottle size to 20ml but keep the same 10% concentration, each drop still contains the same potency, but the bottle holds twice as much product overall.
When comparing oils, always check both the CBD concentration (%) and the bottle size (ml) to determine the true strength.
Read more: How to take CBD oil
What Strength Is 500mg CBD Oil?
A 10ml bottle containing 500mg of CBD equates to a 5% strength. Each drop (approximately 0.05ml) contains around 2.5mg of CBD. A typical starting daily intake is between 20–30mg, which equals roughly 8–12 drops.
The maximum recommended daily dose by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is 70mg—or about 28 drops of a 500mg oil.
What’s the Difference Between 500mg and 1000mg of CBD?
A 1000mg CBD oil is twice as strong as a 500mg oil if both bottles are the same size. Using the same 10ml example:
- 500mg = 2.5mg per drop
- 1000mg = 5mg per drop
So, to achieve a 20–30mg dose, you’d only need 4–6 drops of 1000mg oil compared to 8–12 drops of 500mg.
However, if the 500mg bottle is 10ml and the 1000mg bottle is 20ml, they’re effectively the same strength—the latter just contains more volume.
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What Strength CBD Do I Need?
When selecting your CBD strength, think about your goals, tolerance, and body composition. Factors that can influence how CBD affects you include:
Height & Weight
Taller or heavier individuals often need a higher dose. CBD is distributed throughout your bloodstream, so the more blood volume, the more diluted the concentration becomes.
Age
As metabolism slows with age, CBD stays in the system longer. You might need to take slightly less as you get older.
Sex
Early research suggests that men and women might experience CBD differently—men may see more metabolic effects, while women might experience more behavioural changes. However, more studies are needed.
Experience Level
If you’re new to CBD, start low (e.g., 5% or 500mg) and increase gradually. Once you understand how your body responds, you can adjust your strength or dose.
What’s the Strongest CBD Oil?
Some brands sell high-strength oils—such as 5000mg CBD per 30ml. That’s roughly 8.3mg per drop. However, these are often much more expensive for only marginally higher potency.
When comparing products, always look at:
- Total mg of CBD per bottle
- CBD per drop or dose
- Carrier oil quality (MCT or hemp seed oil)
- Added botanicals (e.g., Ashwagandha, Turmeric, or Terpenes)
- Third-party lab testing for purity and potency
Remember, the strongest CBD oil isn’t always the most effective. Quality, cannabinoid profile, and supporting botanicals often matter more than sheer concentration.
Read more: Benefits of CBD
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil Strength
Understanding how to read CBD labels means you can purchase with confidence. Strength should always be clearly displayed—both in mg and percentage. If it’s missing, that’s a red flag.
You don’t have to buy the highest strength to get results. For most users, consistent dosing and a high-quality, well-tested formula make a much bigger difference than raw potency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 500mg strong enough for beginners?
Yes—500mg in 10ml (≈5%) is a common starting point. Begin around 20–30mg per day (≈8–12 drops) and adjust gradually.
How many mg are in one drop?
For a 10ml bottle, one drop is about 0.05ml. That’s ≈2.5mg per drop for 500mg/10ml and ≈5mg per drop for 1000mg/10ml.
Do I need the strongest oil to get results?
No. Consistent dosing, verified lab tests, and a good cannabinoid profile usually matter more than maximum strength.
