| The SAMHSA National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357. For suspected poisoning involving a child, adult, or pet, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. |
Very high CBD strains are cannabis varieties bred to produce much more cannabidiol than THC. The leading varieties advertise CBD between roughly 13% and 21%, and a few report figures above that.
Common examples include Solomatic CBD, Buddha Medikit CBD, CBD Auto 20:1, Charlotte’s Web, ACDC, and Cannatonic.
Each strain has a different CBD-to-THC ratio, and that ratio often provides more useful information than CBD percentage alone.
Choosing the highest number on the shelf is not always the best approach. Ratios, genetics, THC content, and batch-specific laboratory results provide a clearer picture.
I will explain below how the leading strains compare and what buyers should check before choosing one.
What are Very High CBD Strains?
Very high CBD strains are cannabis varieties developed to produce cannabidiol as the main cannabinoid instead of THC. Older CBD strains were once considered notable at around 5%.
Modern breeding has pushed some advertised levels above 20%.
A complete strain description should cover five points:
- CBD concentration
- THC concentration
- The ratio between CBD and THC
- Minor cannabinoids
- The terpene mix that influences aroma and flavor
Some strains contain very little THC, while others provide nearly equal amounts of CBD and THC. CBD Auto 20:1 sits at the strongly CBD-dominant end. Cannatonic is much closer to a balanced variety.
The percentage on a label is only a starting point. Genetics, plant differences, growing conditions, and testing methods can all affect the final results.
Label Accuracy Warning: Treat CBD label claims carefully. In a 2017 study published in JAMA, researchers bought and tested 84 CBD extracts from 31 companies, sold online as oils, tinctures, and vaporisation liquids. Only 30.95% contained CBD within 10% of the label claim. 26.19% contained less CBD than stated, and 42.85% contained more. THC was also detected in 18 of the 84 samples, at up to 6.43 mg/mL, in products that did not list it.
Which Cannabis Strains Have The Highest CBD Levels?
Before reviewing the list, it is important to explain where the numbers come from. The CBD and THC percentages below are advertised by seed banks and retailers.
They are not independent test results for every available batch. Actual flower may vary, sometimes by a wide margin.
Use these amounts to compare how different strains are marketed rather than treating them as guaranteed results. Plant genetics, cultivation methods, harvest timing, storage, and laboratory procedures can all affect the measured cannabinoid levels.
1. Solomatic CBD
- Advertised CBD: up to 21%
- Advertised THC: THCA consistently below 1%
- Advertised ratio: 22:1 CBD to THCA
Solomatic CBD is one of the most CBD-focused varieties on the market. It was developed from Diesel CBD Auto and Asia CBD Auto genetics. The strain was bred around high CBD and low THC from the beginning. It was not first developed for THC and then adjusted later.
To note: THCA converts to THC when heated, and US compliance testing accounts for that conversion. A flower advertised at “under 1% THCA” is not automatically under 0.3% total THC.
Its reported aroma combines fruit with earthy and woody notes. This gives the strain a more distinct flavor than the mild taste often associated with CBD-rich flower.
2. Buddha Medikit CBD
-
Advertised CBD: up to 20%
-
Advertised THC: around 1%
-
Advertised ratio: described by the breeder as 1:20 THC to CBD
Buddha Medikit CBD sits close to the advertised 20% CBD mark while maintaining relatively little THC. This places it in the same strongly CBD-dominant group as Solomatic CBD.
Growers commonly describe citrus, mango, lemon, and pine in its aroma. These notes give the strain a recognizable identity beyond its cannabinoid percentages.
The advertised amounts should not replace batch-specific testing. Actual CBD and THC levels may differ between individual plants, growers, harvests, and laboratories.
3. CBD Auto 20:1
- Advertised CBD: 10% to 20%
- Advertised THC: 0.3% to 0.85%
- Advertised ratio: roughly 20:1
CBD Auto 20:1 states its intended ratio directly in the name. This makes it a useful example when explaining CBD-dominant cannabis.
A 20:1 ratio means the strain is expected to contain around twenty times more CBD than THC. This is among the most CBD-heavy balances available in commercial cannabis.
The 20% CBD number describes the amount of cannabidiol present. The ratio shows how CBD compares with THC. For buyers who want limited THC exposure, the ratio is often the more useful measurement.
4. Charlotte’s Web
- Advertised CBD: roughly 10% to 20%
- Advertised THC: under 0.3% as currently grown for hemp
- Advertised ratio: around 30:1
Charlotte’s Web brought CBD-focused genetics to public attention. The Stanley brothers bred it in Colorado, and its low THC is what allows it to meet the legal definition of hemp, which in turn is why the extract could be sold across state lines as a supplement.
It was named after Charlotte Figi, a young girl with a severe seizure disorder whose story received national attention in 2013.
Buyers should understand that Charlotte’s Web refers to both a hemp variety and a company brand. You will see a THC figure of around 0.5% attached to this strain. That traces to a November 2013 statement from Josh Stanley, who described the plant then as 0.5% THC and 17% CBD. That was the medical-marijuana-era plant, before the hemp framework existed. The crop grown for hemp today tests under 0.3%.
Check the label, ingredient list, and laboratory report before assuming every product with this name has the same cannabinoid balance.
5. ACDC
-
Advertised CBD: roughly 14% to 24%
-
Advertised THC: typically 0.5% to 1.5%, with some batches near 0.2%
-
Advertised ratio: commonly 20:1, with 22:1 from SC Labs testing
ACDC is a Cannatonic phenotype selected for very high CBD and low THC. It remains one of the best-known CBD-dominant varieties. Typical ACDC tests above 0.3% THC; US federal law classifies most of it as marijuana rather than hemp, even though it is not intoxicating.
Two products sold under the ACDC name may not contain the same cannabinoid amounts. Buyers should review the laboratory results for the exact batch rather than relying on the strain name alone.
6. Cannatonic
-
Advertised CBD: 6% to 17%
-
Advertised THC: 6% to 12%, though many sources put typical THC lower, at 2% to 6%
-
Advertised ratio: marketed near 1:1
Cannatonic differs from most strains on this list because it can contain a meaningful amount of THC. Many batches test close to an equal balance between CBD and THC.
The 1:1 figure is an average of a scattered population, not a specification. Roughly half the plants come out near 1:1, about a quarter come out high-CBD and low-THC, and about a quarter come out high-THC and low-CBD.
This makes Cannatonic different from strongly CBD-dominant strains. It is not simply a lower-CBD version of them.
Anyone specifically looking for very little THC should consider another option. Cannatonic may still cause clear intoxication because of its THC level.
It is also an important parent strain. Several later CBD-rich varieties, including ACDC, are connected to Cannatonic genetics.
7. Purplematic CBD
-
Advertised THC: less than 0.5%, reported as THCA on some listings
-
Advertised ratio: approximately 34:1
Purplematic CBD combines an advertised high CBD concentration with very little THC. The plant may also develop the purple coloring suggested by its name. The aroma is earth, pine, and red fruits, with a sweet and herbal flavor carrying pine and mint.
In my opinion, the ratios carry more information than percentages; then a 34:1 strain at 17% CBD is a more interesting proposition for a THC-sensitive buyer than a 20:1 strain at 20%.
Aroma, flavor, plant structure, freshness, and laboratory quality all contribute to the final product. The actual cannabinoid amounts should still be checked on the certificate for the specific batch.
8. Joanne’s CBD
- Advertised CBD: Around 13% to 18%
- Advertised THC: 0.25% to 0.75%
Joanne’s CBD is a variety bred around low THC and CBD dominance. The flavor is sweet orange and citrus with hints of spice.
The Juanita parentage is a nice piece of history: it is credited as the first cannabis strain to reach 15% CBD, and it won multiple awards for its effects and low THC. Session, a descendant of Kalijah, was added to fix Juanita’s poor yields.
This tradeoff is important. A buyer who wants to limit THC may prefer a strain with slightly less CBD and a lower THC result.
The largest CBD percentage does not automatically make one strain more suitable than another. Both cannabinoid amounts need to be reviewed together.
9. Tatanka Pure CBD
-
Advertised CBD: 9% to 14%
-
Advertised THC: 0.15% to 0.25%, and per the breeder never exceeding 0.25%
Tatanka Pure CBD was developed from Elixir Vitae and Medical CBD genetics. Tatanka Pure CBD has the lowest CBD ceiling on this list and the lowest THC by a clear margin.
This strain clearly shows why CBD percentage alone can be misleading. Compare Tatanka’s published range against a strain advertised at 20% CBD and 1% THC. Even at Tatanka’s 14% ceiling, the second option carries four times the THC. For a buyer who is THC-sensitive or worried about exposure, that difference may matter more than the extra cannabidiol.
The aroma is unusual: caramel with a contrasting bitterness that confuses the palate at first and finishes pleasantly.
10. Remedy
- Advertised CBD: 12% to 18%
- Advertised THC: 0.3% to 1%
- Advertised ratio: from 22:1 to 28:1 depending on source
Remedy is a CBD-dominant strain with relatively low advertised THC. The aroma is lemon and pine, with citrus peel, honey, and wood also reported, on a myrcene-led terpene profile.
The strain is less widely grown than ACDC or Charlotte’s Web. As a result, finding a consistent supply may be more difficult.
Products sold under the same strain name may also come from different growers and genetic lines. Review the package information and laboratory certificate before assuming one batch will match the advertised range or a previous purchase.
11. Ringo’s Gift
-
Advertised CBD: roughly 10% to 20%
-
Advertised THC: highly phenotype-dependent, from under 1% up to around 7%
-
Advertised ratio: 1:1 up to 24:1, with 2:1 the most commonly retailed form
Ringo’s Gift is named after Lawrence Ringo, a California breeder involved in early work with CBD-rich cannabis. The strain comes from a cross between Harle-Tsu and ACDC.
Reported ratios run from around 1:1 to 24:1 depending on the seed line and individual plant. In the balanced expressions, THC can reach 7%. Describing this strain’s THC as simply “low” is misleading: a 1:1 Ringo’s Gift will feel very different from a 24:1 one, and the balanced version can intoxicate.
The laboratory results for the specific product provide the most reliable comparison. The aroma leans earthy and woody with a nutty note, driven by myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
How Much CBD Is Considered Very High?
The meaning of very high CBD has changed as cannabis breeding has developed. Strains containing around 5% CBD were once considered notable. Some modern varieties now advertise levels above 20%.
A general way to categorize CBD levels is:
- Below 5% CBD:Lower CBD concentration
- 5–10% CBD:Moderate CBD levels
- 10–15% CBD:High CBD range
- 15%+ CBD:Very high CBD category
These categories are useful for general comparison, but percentage should not be treated as the only important measurement.
A strain with 20% CBD and very little THC differs greatly from one with the same CBD level and 5% THC. The headline number may match, but the overall cannabinoid balance does not.
How Do You Choose A Very High CBD Strain?
Choosing a very high CBD strain requires more than finding the largest percentage on the label. Compare CBD, THC, ratios, genetics, terpenes, and laboratory results together.
| Factor To Check | Why It Matters | What To Look For |
|---|---|---|
| CBD Percentage | Shows how much cannabidiol the strain contains | Strains above 15% CBD are generally considered among the highest CBD categories |
| CBD:THC Ratio | Explains the balance between the two major cannabinoids | 20:1, 10:1, and 1:1 profiles offer different cannabinoid structures |
| Lab Testing | Confirms actual cannabinoid levels | Verified CBD and THC results rather than label claims alone |
| Genetics | Influences cannabinoid expression and cultivar identity | CBD-dominant, balanced, indica, sativa, or hybrid backgrounds |
| Terpene Profile | Adds information about aroma and strain characteristics | Citrus, fruity, earthy, woody, or spicy profiles |
Health and Safety Warning: Anyone taking prescription medicine should ask a pharmacist or doctor before using CBD. Avoid CBD and cannabis if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, below the legal age, or managing liver disease or raised liver enzymes.
Why Does The CBD:THC Ratio Matter More Than CBD Percentage?
CBD percentage shows how much cannabidiol a strain contains. The ratio explains how CBD and THC compare with each other.
For many buyers, the ratio provides more useful information.
| Ratio | What it means | Example from this list |
|---|---|---|
| 34:1 | Very strongly CBD-rich, trace THC | Purplematic CBD |
| 24:1 | Strongly CBD-rich in its best phenotypes | Ringo’s Gift (top end only) |
| 20:1 | Strongly CBD-rich with very little THC | CBD Auto 20:1, Solomatic CBD |
| Near 1:1 | Similar levels of CBD and THC | Cannatonic |
A 1:1 strain testing at 15% CBD may also contain around 15% THC. That amount can cause clear intoxication.
Cannatonic can test around 12% CBD alongside 6% to 12% THC. Purplematic CBD tests at 17% CBD with under 0.5% THC. The CBD figures are in the same broad territory. The THC exposure is not remotely comparable, and one of those two can get you meaningfully intoxicated.
This is why buyers should read the ratio alongside the individual percentages.
High CBD Strains Are Not THC-Free
Most high CBD strains still contain some THC. Even hemp, which is legally limited to 0.3% THC in the United States, does not contain zero THC.
Several products marketed as CBD strains may also contain more than 0.3% THC. Buyers should understand three practical consequences.
A drug test may still return a positive result. Standard drug tests screen for THC metabolites rather than CBD. Regular use of low-THC flower may introduce enough THC to produce a positive result.
A 1:1 strain can cause intoxication. Cannatonic and other balanced strains may contain ordinary THC levels. They should not be treated as non-intoxicating CBD products.
Legal status depends on THC levels. In the United States, cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC is not classified as hemp. Laws also differ between states and countries.
Matching a Variety to What You Are Looking For
This section groups strains by cannabinoid balance rather than by health condition. Sorting strains under terms such as anxiety or pain could suggest they treat those conditions, which current evidence does not confirm.
Grouping them by CBD and THC levels provides clearer and more responsible guidance.
-
For the lowest possible THC. Look for a published ratio of 20:1 or higher and confirm the THC result in writing. Tatanka Pure CBD (0.15–0.25%), Purplematic CBD (under 0.5%), Joanne’s CBD (0.25–0.75%), and Charlotte’s Web (under 0.3% as hemp) sit at the lower-THC end of this list. Note that ACDC does not, despite its reputation.
-
For a balanced cannabinoid mix. Cannatonic is the standard example, along with 1:1 phenotypes of Ringo’s Gift. These can cause clear intoxication because they contain meaningful THC.
-
For daytime use. Focus on the THC figure rather than marketing language. A lower THC percentage matters more than whether a listing calls a strain daytime-friendly.
-
For a health reason. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using CBD. Do not select a strain to manage a medical condition based on a blog post, including this one.
Disclaimer: Experiences are subjective and should not be treated as guaranteed. Use cannabis products responsibly and consider your tolerance. Consult a healthcare professional when necessary.
How Are CBD-Dominant Strains Different From High THC Strains?
CBD-dominant and THC-dominant strains are bred around different goals. High THC strains are selected to increase tetrahydrocannabinol, while CBD-rich strains focus on cannabidiol and cannabinoid balance.
| CBD-Dominant Strains | High THC Strains |
| CBD is the main cannabinoid | THC is the main cannabinoid |
| Usually contain less THC | Bred for higher THC levels |
| Often selected around a target ratio | Often selected around potency |
| May range from 34:1 to 1:1 |
Usually strongly THC-heavy |
A CBD-dominant strain is not simply a weaker form of a THC-dominant strain. It represents a different breeding goal.
The aim is to produce a particular combination of cannabinoids rather than maximize THC. This is why the CBD ratio should be reviewed before CBD percentage alone.
Bottom Line
Very high CBD strains show how cannabis breeding has moved beyond a focus on THC alone. Breeders now develop cultivars for specific cannabinoid ratios, genetic traits, aromas, and growth patterns.
Some varieties contain high CBD with very little THC, while others offer a more balanced CBD-to-THC ratio. These differences can affect intoxication risk, legal status, drug testing concerns, aroma, and overall product consistency.
CBD percentage is only one part of the comparison. THC levels, cannabinoid ratios, genetics, terpene content, and batch-specific laboratory results all help explain why two CBD-rich strains may differ.
Whether you are researching established varieties or newer high-CBD genetics, reviewing the complete testing information provides a clearer basis for comparison.
Which CBD-dominant strain interests you most, and what factors guide your choice? Share your experience below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cannabis Strain Has The Highest CBD Percentage?
Some CBD-focused cultivars report CBD levels above 20%, including Solomatic CBD and other specially bred CBD varieties. Actual percentages can vary between samples.
Are High CBD Strains Always Low In THC?
No. Many high CBD strains contain very little THC, but some CBD cultivars have balanced CBD and THC levels.
What Is The Best CBD To THC Ratio?
There is no single best ratio. Common CBD-focused ratios include 20:1, 10:1, and balanced 1:1 profiles. The most suitable ratio depends on the cannabinoid profile someone is looking for.
Does Higher CBD Mean A Better Strain?
Not necessarily. CBD percentage is only one factor. A complete evaluation includes THC levels, CBD:THC ratio, genetics, terpene profile, and laboratory testing.
Sources
1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2661569
2. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp/frequently-asked-questions-faq?
3. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know?
4. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11025033/
6. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-should-know-about-using-cannabis-including-cbd-when-pregnant-or-breastfeeding
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9429743/
