If you are interested in growing weed or cannabis generally, you have probably heard of CBD or Cannabidiol and its many derivatives (CBD oil, ingredients, capsules, skin-care products, and even vapes). Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive (it does not make you stoned), which is why it can be legally sold now in many countries around the world. In the UK, for example, you will see displays of CBD products at the pharmacy counter, although it is still illegal to supply cannabis.
CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid. As is the case for so much research on cannabis, there is still an enormous amount to learn about this fascinating compound. CBD produces effects in the body that treat pain, seizures, addiction and anxiety, to name a few. CBD is a safe, mild and effective treatment for the treatment of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Another essential area of research concerns the treatment of seizures. Last year, the FDA approved a cannabis-derived drug to treat two rare forms of epilepsy.
Best CBD strains for your grow
If you would like to grow weed for medicinal purposes, look for a strain with high levels of CBD and minimal levels of THC - the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes the user to feel high. Depending on how growers try to maximise THC production, there are also strains with high CBD content specially selected to provide therapeutic advantages without levels of THC poisoning.
Research on CBD suggests that it has much to offer in terms of the treatment of epilepsy and chronic pain, and a range of psychological disorders, such as stress, anxiety and depression.
If you would like to take advantage of the many wonderful benefits of cannabis with high levels of CBD, read our list of the top five best CBD strains, all of which can be bought at Weedseedsexpress:
1. ACDC
ACDC features an exceptionally high ratio of 20:1 CBD:THC and therefore ideal for medicinal use and will not get you high. The strain has been recommended by the renowned Dr William Courtney, the medical expert specialising in the uses of marijuana, after receiving a sample of seeds from the Spanish company called Resin Seeds, the first Cannatonic breeder.
Effects
ACDC typically contains between 16% and 24% of CBD and between 2% and 6% of THC. The unusually high CBD content indicates that ACDC could be used in the treatment of chronic pain, seizures, and anxiety. The most common terpenes found in ACDC include b-caryophyllene, b-pinene, and a-pinene, which give the flowers their sweet, herbaceous flavour.
Growing
ACDC can be cultivated either indoors and outdoors and features pale green buds that are tight but fluffy and covered with some orange hairs. It is a compact, bushy plant with leaves so thin they feel like feathers when you brush against them.
The strain is capable of growing up to four feet, so requires a platform for additional support, so make sure you have something to prop it up as it grows.
Tip: check our feminized ACDC strain seeds
2. Harlequin
Harlequin is a variety with a high CBD content which has strong genes with Nepali Indica, Thai Sativa, Swiss Sativa and Colombian gold. It is a Sativa-dominant strain that typically maintains a steady ratio of 5: 2 CBD / THC. Scientific tests performed on Harlequin samples revealed that the strain contained between 8% and 16% of CBD content and between 4% and 7% of THC.
Effects
The well-defined balance of CBD and THC means that Harlequin is an ideal candidate to treat many medical and psychological conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain, headaches, fatigue and stress. Valuable terpenes include a-pinene, myrcene, and b-caryophyllene, which gives this variety an appealing earthy aroma with notes of mango and citrus.
Growing
Grow inside in a controlled environment to maximise the CBD content. Keep a close eye on humidity levels and harvest quite early as cannabidiol typically degrades at a much faster rate than THC.
Maximise yields by using a proper training method, such as Low Stress Training (LST) or Screen of Green (SoG).
Tip: check our high quality Harlequin strain seeds
3. Alpine Star CBD
Due to the high CBD level, this CBD-rich cannabis strain is great for making CBD oil. Research has shown that CBD can be used to soothe an abundance of ailments such as joint pain, chronic pain, anxiety, nausea, acne, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
Reading tip: check the best weed strains for CBD oil
Effects
CBD is also often used to equalise the mental and physical high of THC, making these effects much less noticeable. Some medical users need a considerable amount of cannabis to fight aches and pains. This is why a variety of marijuana, such as Alpine Star, that has low THC levels is essential, to prevent these users from being perpetually stoned! By consuming more CBD, the effects of THC will be much less noticeable, so that users can continue to carry out their daily tasks.
Alpine Star contains a minimal amount of THC so that no psychoactive effects will be experienced. One can experience a very relaxed feeling after consuming without being bothered by couch-lock or any other form of physical or mental high. Alpine Star reportedly results in very light euphoria, heightened sociability and sharpness, a zen brain and relaxation. Some report a tingling sensation that gradually spreads over the body.
Growing
Alpine Star is ideal for growing indoors, although it also thrives outdoors. It is a relatively straightforward plant to cultivate. Trim the leaves regularly for better light penetration.
Tip: check our high quality Alpine star CBD strain seeds
4. Cannatonic
Cannatonic is definitely one of the best and most popular CBD-rich strains that consists of 50% Sativa and 50% Indica. The strain was created by crossing the Reina Madre and the NYCD. This cross does not always guarantee an exact ratio between THC and CBD. The plant can produce buds with a THC/CBD ratio of 1 to 1. This is ideal for users who are looking for high CBD content and want to take advantage of the benefits of THC. It is estimated that about half of all plants have this ratio. Other plants will either supply more than 4% CBD or be THC-rich with a lower CBD percentage.
Effects
Cannatonic produces virtually no medical side effects. Dark green and resinous, the flavour offers a blend of pine and hops with floral and citrus notes.
Growing
Cannatonic has a reputation for producing excellent yields. Optimise your chances by ordering high-quality seeds from a reputable stockist, such as Weedseedsexpress.
Tip: check our high quality Cannatonic strain seeds
5. CBD Purple Kush
The last strain in this top 5 with the best high CBD strains is the CBD Purple Kush. The popularity of this marijuana strain is because of its myriad benefits. It is suitable for the treatment of nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite. A preferable way to take Purple Kush for medicinal benefits is by consuming it in the form of sweets, pills, and brownies. These methods have equally long-lasting effects, and they are suitable for treating chronic pain.
Effects
Kush has THC composition ranging from 17% to as much as 27%. With 100% Indica genetics, it provides a slow and relaxing full-body stone. Other positive purple weed effects such as inducing euphoria, relaxation and feelings of relaxation. Purple Kush can also be used to treat depression, arthritis, and anxiety.
Growing
We recommend growing Purple Kush indoors, with a hydroponic system if possible, to maintain the correct pH balance.
Tip: check our CBD Purple Kush autoflower seeds
Get the best seeds for CBD strains at Weedseedsexpress
Besides this top 5 with the best CBD strain seeds, Weedseedsexpress offers a wide range of high CBD species to be grown at home. Here you can think of Strawberry CBD, CBD Kush and CBD White Widow.
Curious? Check all our high CBD strain seeds!