High CBD Strains

High CBD cannabis strains have become exceptionally popular. Unlike cannabis strains that have been bred to express high concentrations of THC and low concentrations of other cannabinoids, CBD seeds have been specifically primed to produce plants rich in cannabidiol. As a result, CBD-dominant cannabis strains have very unique effects and properties.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of well over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. When it enters the human body, CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS); a regulatory system that promotes homeostasis by mediating countless biological processes.

Unlike THC and certain other cannabinoids, however, CBD doesn’t have a high affinity for CB1 or CB2 receptors of the ECS. Instead, studies suggest it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a more complex and indirect fashion. While there’s still a lot we do not know about CBD and its mechanism of action, research suggests it might act on some of the following receptors (by either binding to or blocking them):

• 5-HT1A (serotonin receptors)
• TRPV1 (vanilloid receptors)
• GPR55 (orphan receptors of ECS)
• PPAR (gamma receptors)

Studies have also shown that CBD is an anandamide reuptake inhibitor, meaning it temporarily boosts the concentration of this endocannabinoid in our body by competing for molecules that help to transport and metabolise these compounds.

Why is CBD so Popular?

High CBD cannabis strains have become extremely popular in recent years for many reasons.

First and foremost, CBD has been the subject of numerous studies focusing on the compound’s beneficial properties. The positive results of some of these studies have paved the way for a growing interest in CBD as a dietary supplement. As such, people use CBD in hopes that it can benefit mood, tension levels, appetite, sleep-readiness, skin, sensitivity and discomfort, metabolism, and much more.

Second, CBD has gained a lot of popularity because it doesn’t produce the same intoxicating, euphoric “high” that we typically associate with cannabis. Hence, it’s become increasingly sought-after by individuals who are interested in cannabis' potential benefits, but don’t want to get high. The fact that CBD isn’t intoxicating also means it usually doesn’t fall under the strict regulations of THC-rich cannabis varieties/derivatives. Many countries, for example, have legalized or decriminalised (at least to some extent) CBD seeds and CBD products.

Finally, another major reason CBD has become so popular is due to the massive industry being built around it. CBD’s potential benefits, and the fact that it is far less strictly regulated than other cannabis products, means companies are able to develop myriad products aimed at people from all walks of life. Some popular CBD products on the market include:

• CBD tinctures and oils
• CBD capsules
• CBD isolate
• CBD sports supplements
• CBD topicals; e.g. creams, lotions, lubricants, transdermal patches, and more.

High CBD vs high THC strains

Today’s high CBD and high THC cannabis strains can look and smell very similar. But it hasn’t always been that way. Typically, CBD was found in higher concentrations in hemp; a cannabis variety bred to express low THC levels, and typically used for industrial purposes (for its fibres, etc.). Unfortunately, traditional hemp varieties produce small flowers with little resin; not ideal for today’s CBD companies looking to produce extracts with high concentrations of CBD, terpenes, etc.

As the industry for CBD has grown, cannabis breeders have caught on to the rapid increase in demand for high-yielding and highly concentrated CBD strains. As a result, many of today’s CBD strains look just like their THC-rich cousins, sporting a smaller stature and smaller stalks/branches than hemp, and the ability to rapidly produce bigger, more resinous flowers—perfect for creating rich and complex resins.

In that sense, the difference between today’s THC and CBD strains really comes down to their chemical composition. Most notably, THC strains typically only contain trace amounts of CBD (anywhere from 0.5 to 1% is pretty standard). CBD strains, on the other hand, can contain up to 30% cannabidiol and varying levels of THC (ranging from less than 1% to equal amounts of THC and CBD).

Due to this sharp difference in chemical composition, CBD strains also produce very different effects than regular THC-rich cannabis strains, which we’ll outline more below.

Does smoking a high CBD strain make you high?

No. Smoking a high CBD cannabis strain won’t get you high, as most varieties contain only trace amounts of THC. If you live in an area where cannabis is legal, however, you may be able to buy/grow CBD strains with higher concentrations of THC. These strains, on the other hand, will get you high, although many users find their effects to be much more mellow than those of THC-exclusive strains.

What does it feel like to smoke CBD?

CBD strains generally make for a very relaxing and soothing smoke. Some users liken the effects of smoking CBD-rich cannabis to those of drinking a small glass of red wine, but your individual experience will vary depending on your body chemistry and, obviously, the strain you’re smoking.

Keep in mind that the effects of CBD are very subtle, especially when compared to those of a THC strain. Don’t expect any sudden rushes of euphoria, couch-lock, or the munchies. In fact, if you’re very used to high THC cannabis, the effects of a CBD strain may seem barely noticeable to you.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

Finding a precise answer to this question is difficult. Every person is different, and the way your body processes and metabolises CBD (or any other compound, for that matter) may vary greatly from someone else's.

CBD is metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450, an enzyme responsible for breaking down the vast majority of drugs (both recreational and prescription) we consume on a daily basis. How long CBD stays in your system depends on how much of it you take, whether you do so in combination with other substances that are broken down by cytochrome P450, and your body's individual metabolic rate. In general, CBD has a half-life of roughly 2–5 days, but it could stay in your body for longer in some cases.

What is considered a high CBD strain?

The answer to this question is very subjective. At Zamnesia, we consider any strain with a CBD content of 5% or more to qualify as a high CBD strain. While that might not sound like a lot, it’s important to remember that CBD is naturally far less common in cannabis than THC. One of the main reasons for this is that, for the last 40 years, cannabis breeders have really just focused on developing strains loaded with THC and thus capable of producing a strong, long-lasting high.

How much CBD should you look for in a strain?

Note that a little goes a long way with CBD, and that, in most cases, you really don’t need to be taking huge doses to get the results you’re looking for. In general, we recommend going "low and slow" when first taking CBD. If after several weeks you decide you'd like to experiment with higher levels of the cannabinoid, you can do so.

Where to find the best high CBD strains online?

Unlike some of the other questions on this list, this one is easy to answer; at Zamnesia, of course! We love all things cannabis, and are constantly updating our list of curated CBD cannabis seeds from the world’s best seed banks. Regardless of your needs and or preferences, we guarantee you’ll find the perfect CBD strain at Zamnesia!

A selection of our best-selling high CBD cannabis strains

If you’re eager to test out a CBD strain but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. Below is a handpicked selection of our favourite high CBD cannabis strains.

CBD fix by Zamnesia Seeds

Our team of expert breeders created CBD Fix in response to the rising demand for quality CBD strains capable of producing big, resinous buds. And that’s exactly what CBD Fix does. A sativa-dominant strain, CBD Fix does really well in big, outdoor spaces, but can easily be trained to grow in a tent or small indoor setup. It flowers over 11 weeks and can produce harvests of up to 550g/m² indoors or 750g/plant outdoors.

Best of all, its flowers boast a CBD level of up to 7% CBD, consistently low THC levels of under 1%, and a delicious aroma that combines herbal and pine notes with delicate, sweet lemon undertones. If you’re looking for a high CBD strain that delivers great harvests and delicious aromas/flavours, look no further than CBD Fix.

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CBD Fix (Zamnesia Seeds) Feminized

(38)

Parents: CBD rich clone

Genetics: Indica-dominant

Flowering Time: 10-11 weeks

THC: 0-1%

CBD: 7%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Royal highness by Royal Queen Seeds

Royal Queens Seeds has quickly grown to be one of the most reputable European seed banks, and with good reason; the team at RQS consistently produces some of the best strains on the market. And Royal Highness is no exception. A 60% sativa-dominant hybrid bred by crossing Respect 13 and Juanita la Lagrimosa, Royal Highness is truly something special. It boasts a big, dank aroma characterised by a strong skunky overtone laced with sweet hints of fruit.

But flavour aside, where Royal Highness really reigns is in cannabinoid production. With a CBD content of 12% alongside 14% THC, its effects are very balanced and cerebral, producing a subtle boost of energy without the overwhelming euphoria typically associated with a THC-rich sativa. If you love using cannabis throughout the day but still want to be productive, creative, and focused, this strain is the perfect solution.

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Royal Highness (Royal Queen Seeds) feminized

(95)

Parents: Respect 13 x Juanita la Lagrimosa

Genetics: 40% Indica / 60% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

THC: 14%

CBD: 12%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Atlant CBD by VIP Seeds

VIP Seeds has long been one of our favourite seed banks. Atlant CBD, available as feminized seeds, is one of the brand’s most popular CBD strains, largely because it is one of the most potent CBD varieties on the market today.

Atlant CBD is a sativa-dominant hybrid that grows extremely well both indoors under LED lighting and outdoors under the sun. While its potency can vary from one phenotype to another, some Atlant CBD varieties clock in at an incredible 21% CBD. Its THC levels, on the other hand, consistently stay below the 1% mark, and its aromas and flavours combine sweetness with herbal, pine, and lemon notes. Given its high CBD level, we recommend Atlant CBD to experienced users seeking a concentrated final product.

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Atlant CBD (VIP Seeds) Feminized

(28)

Genetics: 30% Indica / 70% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

THC: 0-1%

CBD: 21%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Sweet Pure CBD by Sweet Seeds

Sweet Seeds is renowned for its extremely potent THC marijuana strains. With Sweet Pure CBD, however, this iconic seed bank has made its mark on the CBD world, offering a potent cultivar with great aromas and flavours, and exceptional growth characteristics.

A CBD-rich Diesel cross, Sweet Pure CBD consistently produces up to 15% CBD with only trace amounts of THC (under 1%). It produces very mild, mellow effects that are soothing and physically relaxing, without interrupting your ability to function. It flowers over around 9–10 weeks and is capable of producing up to 500g/m² indoors or 600g/plant outdoors.

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Sweet Pure CBD (Sweet Seeds) Feminized

(15)

Parents: Diesel x CBD strain

Genetics: 40% Indica / 60% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

THC: 0-1%

CBD: 15%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Swiss Dream Auto CBD by Kannabia Seeds

Switzerland has a long, rich hemp-growing tradition. And with this strain, the expert breeders from Kannabia have paid homage to the country’s many great CBD treasures in a fast-flowering, easy-to-grow package.

Swiss Dream Auto is, as the name suggests, an autoflowering CBD strain. It goes from seed to harvest in just 9 weeks and produces an exceptional bounty, especially for an auto (300g/m² indoors and up to 150g/plant out). Most importantly, its CBD levels consistently reach the 20% mark, making it an excellent strain for users looking to create potent extracts and topicals.

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Swiss Dream Auto CBD (Kannabia) feminized

(11)

Genetics: Ruderalis/Indica/Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks from seed to harvest

THC: 0-1%

CBD: 20%

Flowering Type: Autoflowering

CBD — A way for everyone to enjoy cannabis

High CBD strains offer a simple and enjoyable way for people from all walks of life to get familiar with cannabis and enjoy its benefits. While we at Zamnesia love cannabis in all its forms, we believe CBD is the perfect way for people to reap the rewards of this ancient plant without the euphoria—which, let’s face it, isn’t for everyone.