“How many milligrams should my CBD oil be?” is the question that trips up most first-
time buyers. A 1000mg bottle and a 5000mg bottle can look identical on the shelf but
deliver very different doses per drop — and cost very different amounts per milligram.
This guide explains how CBD oil strength actually works and picks the best tinctures
at each level.
How CBD oil strength works
The number on the bottle (1000mg, 1500mg, 3000mg) is the total CBD in the entire
bottle, not per dose. To find your per-serving amount, you divide that total by the
number of servings — or read the “mg per mL/dropper” figure on the label.
Two bottles of the same size can have very different strengths: a 1500mg bottle is
simply more concentrated than a 500mg bottle of the same volume. Higher concentration
means you need less liquid for the same dose.
Which strength do you need?
A rough framework (start low and adjust — individual needs vary widely):
- 500–1000mg — good for newcomers and lighter, occasional use.
- 1500mg — a popular “everyday” strength; enough concentration for regular use
without jumping to the high end. This is the most-searched sweet spot. - 3000mg+ — higher concentration for experienced users who want a strong dose in
fewer drops, or better price-per-mg value. - 5000mg — maximum-strength options for heavy regular users; usually the best cost
per milligram if you’ll actually use it.
Buying a stronger bottle doesn’t mean taking more — it means each drop delivers more,
so you use less liquid. Many regular users find higher-strength bottles more economical.
Understanding price-per-mg (the value metric)
Don’t compare CBD oils by sticker price — compare by cost per milligram. Divide
the price by the total mg. A 3000mg bottle often costs more upfront but less per mg
than a 1000mg bottle, which makes it better value if you’ll use that much. For
occasional users, a smaller bottle avoids waste.
Full spectrum vs. broad spectrum
- Full spectrum includes all hemp compounds plus trace (legal-limit) THC.
- Broad spectrum removes the THC while keeping other compounds.
Choose broad spectrum if you want to avoid THC entirely. (More on spectrum types in
our CBD gummies guide.)
Best CBD oils by strength
Best everyday (1500mg): CBDfx CBD Oil Tincture 1500mg
CBDfx’s 1500mg tincture hits the popular everyday sweet spot — concentrated enough for
regular use, from a well-reviewed brand with solid lab testing.
Check price → · $79.99
Best for beginners (1000mg): CBDistillery CBD Oil Tincture 1000mg
A trusted, budget-friendly 1000mg option — a sensible starting concentration if you’re
new to CBD oil and want a dependable brand.
Check price → · $59.99
Best high strength (3000mg): Medterra CBD Oil Tincture 3000mg
For experienced users who want a strong dose in fewer drops and better price-per-mg.
Medterra is known for clean, well-tested formulas.
Check price → · $28.99
Best premium: Joy Organics CBD Tincture Oil
Joy Organics is a premium, THC-free-focused brand with a strong reputation for quality
and transparency — a good pick if you prioritize brand trust and broad-spectrum
formulas.
Check price → · $99.95
Prices and availability change often — check the current listing and look for a
third-party COA before buying.
How to take CBD oil
Use the dropper to place your dose under your tongue and hold it there for 30–60
seconds before swallowing — this sublingual method is absorbed more efficiently than
swallowing outright. Start with the label’s lowest suggested serving, keep timing
consistent, and adjust over several days.
Want faster, water-compatible absorption? See our what is nano CBD guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1500mg CBD oil strong?
It’s a solid everyday strength — more concentrated than starter bottles, without going
to the high end. A popular all-purpose choice.
What does the mg number mean?
It’s the total CBD in the whole bottle. Divide by servings (or read mg-per-dropper) to
get your per-dose amount.
Is higher-mg CBD oil better value?
Often yes, on a price-per-milligram basis — but only if you’ll use it. Occasional users
may prefer a smaller bottle to avoid waste.
Should I get full or broad spectrum?
Broad spectrum if you want zero THC; full spectrum if you’re fine with trace, legal-
limit THC and want all of hemp’s compounds.
The bottom line
For most people, a 1500mg tincture like CBDfx is the everyday sweet spot;
beginners can start with CBDistillery 1000mg; heavy users get better value from
Medterra 3000mg; and Joy Organics is the premium, THC-free pick. Compare by
price-per-mg, start low, and buy lab-tested oils.
New to CBD formats? Learn about nano CBD, compare CBD gummies, or see our
CBD oil for dogs & cats guide for pets.
Disclosure: CBD Green Labs is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this
page, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before
using CBD, especially if you take medication or are pregnant or nursing.