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Which Cannabis Strains Are High in CBD?

As one of the fastest growing industries in America, CBD has gone from taboo to trendy in just a few years! In fact, it is estimated that by 2022, CBD sales will hit somewhere around $1.8 billion dollars! In fact, all legal cannabis sales are expected to skyrocket – hitting a whopping $23 billion dollars by 2025! With CBD on the rise, it can be helpful to know which strains are high in CBD as well as the benefits of using high CBD/low THC strains.

CBD: A Brief Overview

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is just one of over 60 known cannabinoid compounds within the cannabis plant. Unlike its sister, tetrahydrocannabinol (AKA THC), CBD is non psychoactive. While CBD derived from hemp plants is legal in all fifty states (thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill), CBD harvested from marijuana plants is legal only in a select number of states.

What Are the Benefits of Smoking CBD?

When smoking high CBD strains, users will not feel the same mental high they would if they were smoking a strain high in THC (although the ‘body high’ may be greater). High CBD strains produce a clear and calming state, allowing users to have a smooth and relaxing experience. In fact, this cannabinoid may counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. This is why it is often used as a remedy by those who feel uncomfortably high and begin to experience anxiety from THC. In addition, high CBD strains also have many therapeutic and healing properties and can be used to help with things such as:

1. Mental Disorders – mood disorders, depression and anxiety
2. Pain Management
3. Inflammation – CBD is a great anti-inflammatory, making it great for conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis, also known as MS.
4. Sleep Disorders
5. Seizures
6. Addiction – while more research is still needed, current studies point to CBD as being helpful in treating certain addictions.

While there is no doubt that CBD has many beneficial effects, it is important to note that CBD is not a cure-all. Users should not stop taking their prescribed medications nor add CBD into their routine without first consulting a medical professional. The medical benefits and potential of this cannabinoid could be endless and studies are continually being conducted to discover the benefits and long term effects of CBD.  

Growing High CBD/Low THC Cannabis Strains

While some growers are focused on producing strains with high levels of THC, others are shifting their attention to strains with a high percentage of CBD. With CBD gaining popularity, the market is seeing more demand for these types of strains. So, what classifies a strain as high CBD?

In order to be considered ‘high CBD,’ marijuana strains must have a minimum of 2%-5% CBD. Hemp on the other hand is often grown with much higher levels, some even reaching between 10%-20%. When considering a strain to try, it is important to know whether you are looking for a hemp or marijuana strain.

Growing high CBD strains is almost identical to growing high THC strains as far as the care and maintenance go. If you truly want to grow a high CBD strain, it all comes down to good genetics. In every strain’s genetics – there is already a predetermined max amount of CBD it can produce. So, if high CBD levels are not in the strain’s genes, you will not be able to increase those levels. Many breeders, a term given to growers who specialize in seeds and cannabis genetics, have seeds for high CBD strains available for purchase online. There are also sites purely dedicated to strain genetics, and not only list the full genetics of the strain but also what company sells seeds for it.

What Are Some High CBD Hemp Strains?

Hemp is any cannabis strain grown with 0.3% THC or less. Because hemp has such low levels of THC, it has naturally high levels of CBD. This being said, there are still some strains of hemp that contain much higher levels of CBD and are regularly used for their therapeutic properties.

1. Charlotte’s Web – is one of the most well-known strains. Created by the Stanley Brothers, it is highly effective in treating seizures in patients suffering from epilepsy. This strain was available before medical cannabis was legally available to patients.
2. Cherry Wine – not only is this strain high in CBD, it also has a high terpene profile; this means that it possesses a lot of flavor! CBD levels can range from 15%-22%.
3. Lifter – this is known to be a reliable strain that consistently tests around 15% CBD.
4. Charlotte’s Cherries – a cross between Charlotte’s Web and Colorado Cherry, this strain tests around 15%.
5. Berry Blossom – this strain is popular among growers and tests between 12%-13% CBD.
6. Cobbler – this is another strain that has both high CBD levels and a high terpene profile. CBD ranges from 12%-20%.
7. Trophy Wife – another high tester, CBD levels can range from 15%-19%.
8. Chardonnay – this is another consistent strain, with levels ranging from 12%-15% CBD.

What Are High CBD Marijuana Strains?

If you live in a state that allows legal medical or recreational cannabis use, we have compiled a list of high CBD strains to watch out for! 

1. ACDC – has one of the highest CBD content with a 20:1 CBD:THC ratio.
2. Cannatonic – this strain has a CBD:THC ratio of 5:1.
3. Harlequin – one of the more well-known strains with a 5:2 CBD:THC ratio.
4. Sour Tsunami – another well-known strain, depending on how it is grown it can range from a 1:1 ratio or a 3:1 CBD:THC ratio.
5. Canna-Tsu – a great high CBD choice with a high terpene profile. Depending on the grower, it can either have a balanced 1:1 profile or a 5:1 CBD:THC ratio.
6. Stephen Hawking Kush – like most Kush’s, this is an indica dominant strain with a 2:1 CBD:THC ratio.

Next time you are at your local dispensary, think about trying one of these great strains! Check out our website for a list of shops near you and then tell us about your experience!