Cannabidiol or CBD for short is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana plants. The main difference between CBD and THC, is that CBD does not have any of the psychoactive effects that THC does, which means that CBD on its own does not get you 'high'. While there are many high CBD strains, they all have their unique characteristics and varying ratios and percentages of CBD and THC.
High CBD strains are most commonly used for their therapeutic benefits, which some people use to deal with physical conditions such as muscle spasms, chronic pain and inflammation. It may also be used to treat mental conditions such as anxiety, stress and insomnia. Strains that have high CBD levels also contain varying amounts of THC ranging from less than 1%, up to 15%. In some cases THC can be an added benefit, especially when dealing with pain related conditions. Whereas in other instances users may want none of the psychoactive effects associated with weed and therefore high CBD, low THC strains are best. So really, its about finding the best high CBD strain strain for your individual needs.
What are the best high CBD strains?
Harle-Tsu
The indica dominant Harle-Tsu is a cross between Harlequin and Sour Tsunami offering a tangy, sweet and spicy taste. It’s one of the most famous but rare high CBD strains on the market, but don't despair, we have managed to secure the genetics at MSNL seed bank. This strain can produce bud with up to 24% CBD and only 1% THC, which will give you almost zero psychoactive effects but all of the goodness from the high CBD content. It yields up to 500g/m2 so if you are looking for a medical marijuana strain to grow you wont be short of CBD cannabis flower with Harle-Tsu. And finally, its effects have been known to help with pain relief, muscle relaxation and have mood enhancing properties without any fear of the THC induced anxiety you might experience with other strains.
| THC%: | 1%-2% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | 20%-24% |
| Climate: | Temperate, Warm, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions: | Arthritis, Depression, Inflammation, Insomnia, Migraine, PTSD, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Harlequin x Sour Tsunami |
| Effects: | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Citrus, Pine, Spicy |
| Terpene: | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene |
ACDC
The balanced hybrid strain ACDC is a cross between Cannatonic and another unknown hybrid. It has an impressive 20% to 24% high in CBD but low THC levels of around 0.5% to 1%. The THC is nowhere near enough to trigger a high so you will feel pretty much no effects whatsoever except for the relaxation and calmness that the almost pure CBD offers. ACDC weed is often used by for relieving symptoms of muscle spasms, insomnia and inflammation. The taste is a mixture of herbs and spices. There are clear notes of pepper, which s is balanced by lemon and pine.
| THC%: | Less than 1% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | Mid October |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | 50/50 |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | 20%-24% |
| Climate: | Temperate, Warm, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions: | Insomnia, Muscle Spasms, Pain |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Cannatonic x Unknown |
| Effects: | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Citrus, Earthy, Herbal |
| Terpene: | Myrcene, Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene |
Ringo’s Gift
Sativa dominant Ringo’s Gift is a cross between ACDC and Harle-Tsu. People often make the mistake of thinking that the strain got its name from the Beatles musician Ringo Star, when in fact Ringo's Gift was actually named after, the late, great Lawrence Ringo. He was a CBD pioneer known for his work in breeding medicinal strains to increase their CBD levels above what was at the time available, so it’s only fitting that this high-CBD strain be named after him. Ringo's Gift began with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC. These days, however, it often has 20-24% CBD and 0.5% THC. Ringo's Gift isn't just about the supremely high CBD levels, it is also known to be one of the best tasting high CBD weed strains with flavors of spicy hash, wood and mint. At MSNL we loved the plant so much that we decided to launch our very own autoflowering version by crossing these famous genetics with a ruderalis.
| THC%: | Less than 1% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | June, October |
| Yield: | 300-400gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Sativa Dominant Ruderalis |
| Height: | Short: 60cm-100cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | 20%-24% |
| Climate: | Temperate, Warm, Arid, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions: | Anxiety, Inflammation, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Autoflower Feminized |
| Genetics: | Unknown CBD x Auto Pounder |
| Effects: | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Pine, Woody, Citrus |
| Terpene: | Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene |
Charlotte’s Web
Sativa dominant Charlotte’s Web is of unknown parentage. It has up to 17% CBD and up to 1% THC. As such it is a super high CBD strain. There is no high whatsoever. It’s all about the long-lasting pain relief. Charlotte’s Web was named after Charlotte Fiji. She was a little girl who suffered from severe seizures. This strain’s efficiency literally changed her life. It also tastes good. The flavour is a base of wood, topped by sage, pine and lemon.
Harlequin
Sativa dominant Harlequin is a cross between Colombian Gold, Thai Sativa, Nepali Indica and Swiss Sativa. It has up to 15% CBD and also up to 15% THC. This makes it a very unusual amongst the high CBD strains. The 1:1 ratio is highly regarded by people suffering from chronic conditions. It is, however, important to be aware that the THC content will trigger a strong buzz. It could even be classed as a mild high. The flavour has a base of earth and wood. This is topped with fruits, herbs and spices.
| THC%: | <10% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | October |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Sativa Dominant |
| Height: | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | 10%+ |
| Climate: | Tropical, Temperate, Warm, Arid |
| Medical Conditions: | Anxiety, Arthritis, Depression, Epilepsy, Muscle Spasms, Pain |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Colombian Gold x Thai x Swiss Sativa |
| Effects: | Creative, Energising, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Herbal, Pine, Peppery |
| Terpene: | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene |
CBD Queen
Sativa dominant CBD Queen strain is a cross between Northern Lights #5, Haze and Juanita La Lagrimosa. It has about 10% CBD and about 5% THC. This makes it royalty among high CBD strains. The reason is that it has the perfect “golden ratio” of 2:1. The THC content may create a slight mental fizz. It’s really more about delivering some quick pain relief. It’s the CBD content which really matters. The taste of CBD Queen is mainly hashy. with a bit of Skunk and a touch of citrus.
| THC%: | <10% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | Early October |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Sativa Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | 10%+ |
| Climate: | Warm |
| Medical Conditions: | Insomnia, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Northern Lights #5 x Haze x Juanita La Lagrimosa |
| Effects: | Calming |
| Taste: | Lemon, Skunk, Citrus |
| Terpene: | Limonene, Myrcene, Humulene |
Cannatonic
Balanced hybrid Cannatonic is a cross between MK Ultra and G13 Haze. It has 12% CBD and 7% to 15% THC. The THC content is enough to promote a mental lift. It’s debatable whether this can be classed as a high. As this ebbs, the CBD will provide long-term relief. The taste of Cannatonic is sweet but tangy. It has clear notes of pine, citrus and wood.
| THC%: | <10% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | Early October |
| Yield: | 300-400gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | 50/50 |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | 10%+ |
| Climate: | Temperate |
| Medical Conditions: | Inflammation, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | G13 Haze x MK Ultra |
| Effects: | Relaxing |
| Taste: | Woody, Spicy, Pine |
| Terpene: | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene |
Mandarin CBD
A cross of Mandarin Haze and a CBD clone, Mandarin CBD has an average CBD level of 14% with THC levels hovering between 5-10%. It's the ideal strain for anyone wanting a the benefits of CBD while still retaining some of the mild psychoactive effects that THC brings. Users often turn to strains like this when they want a better sleep without too much of the THC related effects. With the most dominant terpenes being Caryophyllene and Limonene you can expect a smooth smoke with a strong citrusy taste and lingering spicy flavor.
| THC%: | <10% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 10-12 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | Early October |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Sativa Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | 10%+ |
| Climate: | Warm |
| Medical Conditions: | Anxiety, Depression, PTSD |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Mandarin Haze x CBD Clone |
| Effects: | Calming |
| Taste: | Orange, Citrus, Pepper |
| Terpene: | Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
Pennywise
Indica dominant Pennywise is a cross between Harlequin and Jack the Ripper. It has up to 15% CBD and also up to 15% THC. This means that it can deliver a noticeable lift. Some people might call it a moderate high. The flavor is gloriously rich and complex. It has base notes of coffee and spices. This is topped by a combination of candy sweetness, citrus lemon and fresh herbs.
Sour Tsunami
Sativa dominant Sour Tsunami is a cross between Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel. It offers up to 11% CBD and up to 10% THC. One the one hand, this means that Sour Tsumami is definitely one of the high CBD strains. On the other hand, it means that the CBD:THC ratio is very variable. The flavour, however, is constant. It is, of course, diesel. This is combined with wood, pine and citrus.
What's the strongest strain of CBD?
The highest CBD level is between Harle-Tsu, ACDC or Ringos Gift. All three have been tested with CBD percentages around the 24% mark. However, when we talk about the strongest strain, do we mean high CBD level or the strongest effects? And if we mean effects is that CBD effects, THC effects of both combined?
All of these three strains contain less than 2% THC so there will be almost no psychoactive effects whatsoever. For some that's great, but if you want a strain that has the sedative and relaxing effects of THC, paired with the effects of CBD then Harlequin could be considered the strongest, because it has a 1:1 ratio and can produce up to 15% CBD and 15% CBD in the same flower.
What is the best CBD strain for pain?
There isn't a one size fits all answer for this, because what works for one person may not work for another. However, according to Health Central a 1:1 CBD and THC ratio may offer the best effects for chronic pain. Both Harlequin and Pennywise have a 1:1 ratio with CBD and THC levels around 15%.
What is the best CBD strain for anxiety?
According to research on CBD and THC ratios, cannabis derived medicine with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC was the best ratio at reducing anxiety. However, some people may still experience THC induced anxiety, in which case switching to a very low THC strain such as Harle-Tsu may be the solution.
Is CBD better with sativa or Indica?
Generally indica strains tend to have higher levels of CBD and tend to offer a more relaxing and sedative effect. Whereas sativa strains typically have a lower ratio of CBD compared to CBD but offer a more uplifting and energetic high. It depends on the effects that you want from the THC as to whether indica or sativa dominant CBD strains are best. If you want a more sedativa effect then go with indica, but more a more energetic, creative feeling choose a sativa.
Will CBD show up on a drugs test?
No CBD on its own will not show up on a conventional in a drug test, and even if it does, it is legal in most countries and even allowed in the majority of sports. Most drug tests only look for THC, so if the strain you are smoking contains any THC this will show up.
Do CBD cannabis strains get you high?
CBD is a cannabinoid found in marijuana plants, however, unlike THC it does not get you high. When you hear the term 'high' it refers to the psychoactive effects that THC has on our brains causing impaired cognitive functions and slowing down our our thought processing, whilst also releasing dopamine (the feel good hormone). CBD works in a very different way, although it interacts with our endocannabinoid system, it does not activate the CB1 receptors in the same way that THC does, however, it is still able to prevent the body from feeling pain.
