High-Potency CBD: Maximizing Therapeutic Benefits

As CBD grows in popularity for its therapeutic effects, high-potency CBD products with concentrations up to 100mg per serving are emerging to meet consumer demand. But are these potent CBD oils, tinctures and edibles superior for health benefits? Understanding how CBD works, evaluating the pros and cons of high-potency CBD, and how to shop smart can help you decide if a maximal strength product is right for your needs.

How CBD Works in the Body

Unlike THC that causes a high feeling, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system involved in regulating functions like pain, anxiety, inflammation and sleep. CBD does not bind directly to endocannabinoid receptors. Instead, it impacts signaling molecules like anandamide that bind to receptors to trigger their effects. For example, CBD may increase levels of anandamide, which binds to CB1 receptors to tamp down pain signals. The complex ways CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other signaling pathways is still being researched.

The Case for High-Potency CBD

With CBD, more does not necessarily mean better. Using the lowest effective dose is recommended for safety and cost. However, there are several reasons some may opt for a high-potency CBD product:

Faster Results

Higher CBD concentrations can lead to faster onset of effects. This may benefit those using CBD for acute symptoms like pain and anxiety attacks.

Severe Symptoms

Those with more severe symptoms or disorders may find a high dose delivered in a single serving helps manage symptoms better. High-potency CBD may benefit conditions like epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, opioid addiction, and neuropathic pain.

Body Size and Weight

People with larger body sizes and weight may need a stronger CBD dose to feel the same effects as someone smaller.

Built Up Tolerance

Some users report building up a tolerance over months of CBD use, requiring a higher concentration product to achieve the same benefits.

Potential Risks of High-Potency CBD

While generally well-tolerated, high doses of CBD could increase the risk of side effects like diarrhea, drowsiness, irritability, nausea and appetite changes. High doses may also negatively interact with certain medications. Researchers also don’t fully understand the effects of consistently consuming high levels of CBD over months or years.

Tips for Using High-Potency CBD

Those opting for maximal strength CBD can maximize benefits and minimize risks by:

Starting low – Get the lay of the land with a lower potency product first before increasing concentration.

Consulting a doctor – Discuss using high-strength CBD with your healthcare provider, especially if taking medications.

Following dosage – Carefully follow dosage guidelines and never exceed recommended serving sizes.

Monitoring effects – Keep track of how your symptoms respond to high-potency CBD along with any side effects.

Avoiding additives – Steer clear of CBD products with unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients that could cause reactions.

Being patient – It can take consistent use to feel the full effects. Avoid frequently upping your dosage.

What Makes a Quality High-Potency CBD Product

With an unregulated CBD market, it’s vital to carefully scrutinize any high-dose CBD product you consider. Hallmarks of a quality high-potency CBD oil, capsule or gummy include:

Organic Hemp Origin

CBD should be sourced from organic, non-GMO hemp grown without pesticides or contaminants. Domestic U.S. grown hemp is ideal.

Clean Extraction Method

Quality CBD extracts are produced through ethanol extraction or CO2 extraction, not cheaper methods that can leave toxic solvent residue.

Independent Lab Testing

Reputable CBD companies submit every batch of product to an independent lab to verify CBD levels match the label claim.

Full Spectrum Format

Full spectrum CBD retains beneficial plant components like terpenes and other cannabinoids that enhance therapeutic effects compared to CBD isolate.

cGMP Compliant Facility

Brands should use a cGMP certified facility to adhere to strict FDA standards for quality manufacturing processes.

Solid Brand Reputation

Look for established brands with transparency about their hemp sourcing, manufacturing, and lab testing. Read reviews to gauge effectiveness and any adverse reactions.

Dosing Recommendations for High-Potency CBD

There are no standard CBD doses due to limited research. While doses up to 1500mg per day are generally considered safe for healthy adults, it’s smart to start low and increase slowly. When using high-potency CBD, dosing recommendations are:

Learn with low potency – Try a 10-25mg CBD product for 1-2 weeks before increasing potency.

Start below label dosage – Begin at 1⁄4-1⁄2 of the recommended serving size when trying a higher potency product.

Increase slowly – After 1-2 weeks, go up incrementally by 25 percent if desired effects are not achieved.

Maximum per serving – Do not exceed the recommended single serving size listed.

Don’t make big leaps – Only increase CBD dosage by small increments over multiple weeks. Avoid doubling or tripling your dose.

Track effects – Keep notes on symptom changes and any side effects to find your optimal dose.

Finding your “sweet spot” CBD dosage takes patience, self-observation and discipline. Work closely with a knowledgeable doctor to use high-potency CBD in the safest manner possible if you choose this route for maximizing benefits.

The Future of High-Potency CBD

While anecdotal evidence and small studies point to advantages of high-dose CBD for some, large scale research on safety and efficacy is still needed. Possible areas of focus include opioid addiction treatment, chronic inflammatory conditions, and seizure disorders. If future studies confirm benefits outweigh risks, high-potency CBD oils, edibles and capsules could become more widely integrated into therapies for severe or treatment-resistant conditions. But consumers should approach these products cautiously and be realistic about purported benefits until further clinical evidence is available.

Conclusion

Early research indicates high-potency CBD may offer faster, more powerful relief for some conditions. However, quality, safety and finding the right dose are paramount. Work with a knowledgeable physician and start low when exploring high-strength CBD. Look for reputable brands using best practices around organic hemp sourcing, clean extraction methods, third party testing, and cGMP standards. While high-potency CBD may hold promise for those needing robust effects, more human studies are required to fully confirm therapeutic benefits and risks.