High strength, super strength, ultra strength… with so many different types of CBD available, which one is best for your needs? Find out here.
When you first start taking CBD, you're usually advised to 'start low and go slow'. This is because some people appear to metabolise CBD more slowly than others, and need only a low dose to notice an effect.
The benefits of CBD are not immediate. CBD takes time to reduce pain and inflammation, for example, if you are suffering from chronic pain, your first dosage of CBD won't immediately reduce that pain, but in a few weeks, that pain will plateau and will be kept at bay to a more manageable level.
Gradually increase the dose if you need to; you may want to revisit your dose each week, for example, until you find a level that works best for you. The CBD dose at which you finally arrive will vary depending on the strength of the product, how you respond, and the reason you are taking it.
Here is an example of a possible routine for starting CBD dosage for beginners.
- Week 1 – 10mg per day
- Week 2 – 10mg per day – no effect, boost dosage
- Week 3 – 15mg per day
- Week 4 – 15mg per day – slight drowsiness, reduce the dosage
- Week 5 – 12 mg per day
- Week 6 – 12 mg per day – the correct amount, the pain has reduced, and there are no side effects
Taking CBD is safe, it doesn't have critical side effects, but it should always be taken with precaution. You should also ensure you have spoken to your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking another medication. Take a look at our why choose CBD for more information.
How much CBD oil should I take?
The recommended strength of CBD is dependent on a few factors, including gender, weight, age and your reasons for taking CBD.
The more you weigh, the less likely a smaller dosage of CBD will have an effect on you, and because the effect is also associated with metabolism, the older you are, the less likely CBD will have an effect. Although this is true, we still recommend starting off slowly, as everyone has a different reaction to CBD oils.
There are many reasons for taking CBD oil, from lifting moods and improving sleep to help those suffering from inflammation and pain. For whatever reason you choose to take CBD oils, the dosage will be different. For example, someone choosing to take CBD oil to improve their sleep will likely need a lower dosage of CBD compared to someone suffering from chronic pain.
At Healthspan, we have different dosages of CBD for you to consider, but to make things simple for you, we have created a table that summarizes the products we have to offer and their strengths.
| Strength | Suggested Daily Dosage | Total mg per Capsule | |
Capsules | CBD Oil Capsules 192mg / 384mg | Low to Medium | 1-3 Capsules | 6.4mg |
CBD Oil Capsules 450mg / 900mg | High | 1-2 Capsules | 15mg | |
| Strength | Suggested Daily Dosage | Total mg per Drop | |
Drops | CBD Oil Drops 260mg | Low to Medium | 1-6 drops, 3 times per day | 0.87mg |
CBD Oil Drops 520mg | Medium to High | 1-6 drops, 3 times per day | 1.73mg | |
CBD Oil Drops 1000mg | Very High | 1-5 drops, 3 times per day | 3.33mg | |
CBD Support Group
Want to know more about CBD and what it can do for you, from the people who use it?
Check out the Healthspan CBD Support group on Facebook.
What is the difference between CBD capsules and drops?
Choosing whether to use CBD oils or CBD capsules comes down to personal choice. Deciding to choose CBD oils means that you have more dosing control, which is a major benefit for those using CBD for the very first time. CBD oils can also be absorbed quickly into the body, as the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream via the small blood vessels in the mouth.
The difference with CBD capsules compared to CBD oils is that capsules contain a precise dose of CBD, making it easier for you to get your daily dose of CBD. However, CBD in capsule form may take slightly longer to have an effect in the body, as it must pass through the digestive tract before entering the bloodstream.
Whatever form of CBD you choose, they both have the same effect and will help for whatever reason you are taking CBD.
If you would like to find out more about the types of CBD, see our guide on CBD oil forms.
Medium to high-strength CBD oil products
Those new to CBD will tend to start with a product that provides less than 10mg per dose. If you prefer to take a capsule, then our 384mg CBD Oil Capsules are the one for you. They will provide 6.4mg of a 'high-strength' oil in which CBD is blended with olive and hemp oil. If you are taking the product to promote general wellbeing, you may only need to take one of these – for example at night. When necessary, you can increase the dose to two or three capsules, at intervals throughout the day.
If you prefer to take drops, then a typical starting product is our 260mg CBD Oil Drops. Containing CBD infused into a carrier oil to provide an overall strength of, for example, 2.75%. This means that CBD makes up 2.75% of the total product and the other listed ingredients, such as hemp seed oil, make up the remaining 97.25%.
For rapid absorption, hold the drops under your tongue for a couple of minutes before swallowing. If needed, the dose can be increased to the manufacturer's recommended maximum (e.g. 25 drops daily) taken at regular intervals throughout the day.
If the maximum dose of a high-strength product does not meet your needs, you may want to switch to a super-strength product.
Medium to high-strength CBD oil is effective for those suffering from symptoms such as nausea and migraines, but they are also effective for improving overall health.
CBD Oil Drops 260mg
Filter-clear, peppermint-flavoured CBD oil
- 2.75% high-strength CBD oil in easy-to-use drops
- Filter-clear and purified for no yucky taste
- Perfect for newcomers to CBD who dislike swallowing capsules
CBD Oil Capsules 384mg
Perfect for newcomers to CBD
- 6.4mg CBD oil per capsule, 384mg total CBD per pack
- Olive oil carrier aids CBD absorption in the body
- Added vitamin D for muscle health and immunity
Super strength CBD oil products
When it comes to to super strength CBD capsules, these usually provide 15mg CBD per capsule, and the recommended dose is one to two capsules taken daily with water. These capsules therefore provide a maximum of 30mg CBD per day.
A bottle of super strength CBD oil drop will typically contain a CBD concentration of around 5%. This means that CBD makes up 5% of the total product and the other listed ingredients, such as hemp seed oil, make up the remaining 95%. Because super strength CBD drops are more concentrated, you get a higher amount per drop.
A typical dose is one to six drops up to three times daily, which you hold in your mouth for a while before swallowing. Do not exceed the manufacturer's maximum recommended intake (for example, 21 super strength drops) spread throughout the day.
If you find that you need to take a lot of drops per day, you may prefer to switch to a more concentrated oil. Not only will this reduce the number of drops you need, it will likely save you money and help reduce painful chronic symptoms.
CBD Oil Drops 520mg
5.5% super-strength CBD oil
- Filter-clear and peppermint-flavoured
- No yucky taste
- Ideal for experienced CBD users who dislike swallowing capsules
CBD Oil Capsules 900mg
Our strongest CBD oil capsules
- 15mg distilled CBD per capsule
- Super strength for experienced users
- Delayed release capsule for improved absorption
Ultra strength CBD oil products
Ultra strength CBD oil drops are usually more than twice as potent as super strength drops and typically have a 10-11% CBD concentration. These are ideal for experienced users who want to increase their dose or take fewer drops or capsules during the day.
The disadvantage of some strong CBD products is that, the more concentrated they get, the stronger and more grassy they taste. You can get around this by choosing a product that is filter-clear: this produces a purified oil with a less strong taste.
Adding a flavour such as peppermint will also help to ensure the CBD oil tastes pleasant. All Healthspan's CBD drops products are filter-clear and peppermint-flavoured.
CBD Oil Drops 1,000mg
Highest strength, best value
- Our strongest CBD oil
- Lowest cost per mg in the Healthspan range
- Peppermint flavour – no yucky taste
Does ultra strength CBD oil get you high?
No, CBD oil does not get you high. CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from industrial hemp plants that naturally contain only trace amounts of the psychoactive molecule THC, which is responsible for the 'high' or 'stoned' effects of marijuana.
Good-quality CBD supplements that are made to pharmaceutical standards contain only traces of THC. This will be confirmed by independent laboratory tests for each batch, as well as a certificate of testing provided via a clickable link on the manufacturer's website.
What is the maximum dose you can take?
Take care not to exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose without talking to your doctor.
CBD oil strength watch points
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance on the dose and frequency of use of their product, as this guidance is based on the CBD concentration present. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose except under medical advice and supervision.
If you have any medical conditions or are taking any prescribed drugs, always speak to your doctor before using CBD and check for interactions with your medication. If you are taking an over-the-counter medicine, ask your pharmacist's advice. If they are unable to help, there is a useful drugs interaction checker which includes cannabidiol at drugs.com.
If you are subjected to drug testing, for example at work or because you take part in an elite competitive sport, it's important to know that any CBD product can contain a trace of the cannabinoid THC. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned all cannabinoids except for cannabidiol (CBD).2
Discover all of the CBD oil we have available from Healthpan, including CBD oil for menopause and nighttime drops.