CBD-Rich Cannabis Strains

Luke Sholl

Veteran Cannabis Journalist & CBD Expert

Luke Sholl

Last updated: March 8th, 2022

Traditionally, the THC content has been the sole indicator of a strain’s potency and quality, but this is changing as the merits of the other cannabinoids, and particularly CBD, are being scientifically recognised. THC is the cannabinoid largely responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, and is still the most sought after compound by recreational users for its trippy qualities. For this reason, most breeders have focused on pushing THC levels, but neglected other cannabinoids such as CBD.

THC has been shown to hold its own qualities, but it is CBD that has moved into the spotlight for its wide range of qualities. Particularly the absence of any psychoactive effects makes CBD attractive for a wide range of applications, as it has been successfully given to people without causing a high. As a result, cannabis seed breeders are now producing many new strains that exhibit high levels of CBD.

With mainstream media picking up CBD stories, awareness about the potent qualities of this cannabinoid is spreading. The legalisation of recreational cannabis in a number of U.S. states has further made CBD rich stains widely available. However, not all users are lucky enough to buy from dispensaries or coffeeshops. For this reason, many take it into their own hands and grow their own supply, from which they create their own tinctures and concentrates.

What is considered a high CBD strain?

CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, the second most prevalent and important cannabinoid found in cannabis, after THC. When looking at a strain’s cannabinoid content, it is quite common to find a THC content ranging from around 12 – 25 percent, with anything at 20 or more being considered very strong. This is not the case when it comes to CBD; any CBD content level that is 4 percent or higher is considered a high CBD strain. While already 1% CBD is much better than nothing, strains with upwards of 20% CBD have emerged in the last few years.

What does CBD do?

Initially, it was always thought that CBD only acted to modulate and dampen some of the effects of THC – giving breeders good reason to cast it aside. It is true that CBD alters the way THC interacts with our body, but not necessarily in a negative way. It counteracts some of the unwanted side-effects that can come with high doses of THC, as well as prolonging its effects.

Furthermore, CBD has no negative side effects, does not damage the body or mind, is not addictive, and cannot be overdosed on.

Rich In CBD - The Ultimate Strains

The following 5 strains are ones that have been shown to have a very high CBD content, and are well suited for those who are looking to produce their own CBD-product. They are highly recommended.

CANDIDA (CD-1)

This strain has been specifically developed to produce very high CBD-levels with a minimum amount of THC. Candida (CD-1) produces up to 20% CBD, which is absolutely insane. The THC-levels fall below 1%, which means that this strain doesn't develop significant psychoactive effects. Candida (CD-1) is a mix of two famous CBD-rich strains, ACDC and Harlequin.

Candida (CD-1) exhibits two main phenotypes. The first one is an indica-dominant pheno that develops a significant amount of CBD and tends to grow an abundance of buds. The second pheno is sativa-dominant, which can be slightly harder to grow, but it still produces a quality product when treated correctly. The average indoor yields amount to 400g/m², and the flowering phase lasts for 9 weeks.

SWEET PURE CBD

Professional breeders gathered ‘round and reached an accord to hybridize a high-quality Diesel strain with a CBD-rich plant. This resulted in a super sweet strain coined as Sweet Pure CBD. It’s a sativa-dominant plant that provides growers with a solid amount of CBD ranging between 8–15%. The THC-levels are very low, reaching 0.4–1% depending on the phenotype.

Indoor growers shall be blessed with 400–500g/m² of Sweet Pure CBD buds. Outdoors, this variety produces approximately 375–600g/plant. The flowering phase lasts for around 9 weeks, which is required to develop those perfectly ripe buds, drenched in cannabinoids. Outdoor growers should harvest this strain during the end of September.

FAST EDDY

To produce this strain, breeders hybridized Cheese, Juanita La Lagrimosa, and ruderalis plants into a single autoflowering hybrid. Fast Eddy develops around 9% of THC, which is a small amount, but significant enough to induce psychoactive effects. It also develops high CBD-levels, which complements the experience with superb entourage effects. 

From seed to harvest it takes Fast Eddy only 8–9 weeks to produce ripe buds, filled with amazing cannabinoids and terpenes. No wonder Fast Eddy received its name. Indoor growers will receive around 400–450g/m² of buds, while outdoor growers shall receive around 80–130g/plant. It’s a short plant, that delivers high-quality bud.

CBD FIX AUTO

If one wishes to grow some weed to receive a solid CBD fix, this strain is the perfect fixer. CBD Fix Auto, as the name suggests, is an autoflowering variety that develops a solid amount of CBD that reaches 7-15%. The plants contain less than 1% of THC, making this strain virtually non-psychoactive. The parent strains of this variety are Northern Lights Auto and a CBD-rich phenotype. 

Indoors, CBD Fix Auto develops approximately 325g/m² of bud. Outdoor cannabis gardeners shall obtain around 120g/plant. It’s a relatively short plant that reaches 60–120cm in stature, depending on the phenotype and environmental conditions. It takes this sativa-dominant autoflower 7 weeks to finish its lifecycle, from seed to harvest.

Swiss Dream Rosé Auto CBD

Kannabia continues to bring the cannabis world top-shelf products. And if you love your CBD, you will appreciate Swiss Dream Rosé Auto CBD. This one has cannabidiol levels exceeding that of most strains, at 17%. As for its THC content, it’s less than 0.6%, so don’t expect to get blazed on this one. 

With this specimen, holistic users can make the most of the cannabis plant's relaxing, wellness-promoting effects. If growing this plant indoors, you only need to wait 10 weeks to get up to 500g/m². Outdoors, up to 200g/plant of CBD-rich bud is achievable.

Give some love to CBD

While it may not get you high, numerous studies and anecdotal accounts have brought CBD’s potential into the limelight. And these five strains are a strong testament to what an industry-leading CBD cultivar should feature.

When it comes to choosing which of these strains to try first, simply follow your gut—all promise to offer quality yields and good levels of CBD.