How do you know how much CBD an oil really has? Perhaps you’ve seen it indicated on a jar, or heard of concentrations like “10%” or “40%,” and wondered what that means exactly. The truth is, understanding the percentage of CBD in an oil can make a big difference when choosing the right product for you.
In this tour we accompany you step by step so that you can discover how to calculate that percentage, why it is useful to know it and how to choose the level of concentration according to your own needs or those of your pet. Because yes, there are also formulas designed for your animals.
What does the percentage of CBD in an oil represent?
The percentage of CBD that appears on the label of an oil indicates its concentration: that is, what proportion of the total content corresponds to cannabidiol, which is the main active component of this type of product. For example, if you see that a bottle says that it contains 10% CBD, that means that of every milliliter of oil, a specific part (that 10%) corresponds to pure CBD.
This piece of information may seem small, but it is very useful. Thanks to it you can more clearly estimate what level of concentration you are acquiring and if it fits what you need. For example, 5% represents a lighter and more progressive option, while 30% or 40% indicate a much more concentrated formula. This does not mean that one is better than another: each person has a different profile and what works for some is not necessarily the most suitable for others.
Ultimately, the percentage helps you understand the strength of the oil you’re considering and make more informed comparisons with other available options.
How is CBD percentage calculated?
Although as a user you can see the percentage of CBD already indicated on the label, it is interesting to understand where that number comes from. Manufacturers don’t estimate by eye: they use a very specific formula based on the amount of CBD added to the carrier oil and the total volume of the bottle.
To explain it practically, imagine that you have a CBD oil with 10% concentration. If the bottle is going to contain 10 ml of oil, you would need to have 1000 mg of CBD to reach that percentage (because 1000 mg / 10 ml = 300 mg/ml → 30%).
This same principle applies regardless of the size of the container. For example, for a 30% oil in a 30 ml bottle, 9000 mg of CBD would be needed (because 9000 mg / 30 ml = 300 mg/ml → 30%).
Understanding this calculation allows you to have more clarity about what you are getting in the oil. Now, in real terms, this type of estimate can also be influenced by factors such as the purity of the CBD extract, the density of the carrier oil, and there is even usually a very small margin of error that is usually reflected in the laboratory analysis certificates of the oils. Still, knowing this method helps you get a clear idea of what that percentage on the label represents, and allows you to compare products with greater criteria to identify how much CBD it offers you.
How to interpret labelling?
The labels on CBD oils may seem simple, but they hide valuable information that you should know how to interpret. When you see a product say “10%,” “20%,” or “40%,” that sums up the CBD concentration, but it doesn’t always tell you how many milligrams it contains in total. And that figure can vary if the bottle is 10 ml, 30 ml or more.
That’s why, while the percentage gives you a quick clue about the concentration, we recommend that you also check the total amount of CBD expressed in milligrams. This will help you understand how much CBD is actually in the entire package. In other words, 20% in 10 ml is not the same as 20% in 30 ml: the first will have 2000 mg, the second 6000 mg.
In the case of Maionais products, all oils come in 30 ml containers. This makes it much easier to compare concentrations, because the volume is constant and only the amount of CBD varies.
What percentage of CBD to choose?
Once you know how to read the percentage on labels and how it’s calculated, the natural question arises: which one is right for me? And the answer is that it depends. There is no single right concentration for all people, because every body, lifestyle, and goal is different.
Here are some factors that can help you find your way around:
Individual tolerance
Everyone responds differently to CBD. If you’ve never tried a CBD oil before, you may want to start with a low concentration and watch your body do with the product. Conversely, if you already know these oils well and know how they work for you, you’ll likely feel more comfortable choosing an intermediate or high strength option.
Activity level and lifestyle
Those who have intense days or go through moments of high demand, sometimes prefer more concentrated formulas. On the other hand, if you are looking for something to complement your day to day with discretion, you may find a gentler and more constant option more convenient. Think about your routine and choose a product that integrates naturally into it.
Body weight and metabolism
Factors such as weight or the speed with which your body processes substances can also influence how you perceive the concentration of a CBD oil. Although there are no hard and fast rules, people with higher body weight or slower metabolism may opt for higher percentages, while those with lighter builds or an active metabolism may opt for lower concentrations.
Maionais oils: available levels
In the Maionais catalog you will find different options for different user profiles:
15% to 20%
If you are looking for a balanced concentration, this range may be a good choice. Here you find, for example, Full Spectrum oil at 15% with melatonin, or Broad Spectrum and Isolate formulas with 20% CBD. They are versatile products, ideal for those who already have some experience or want an intermediate option with more consistency.
30% to 40%
For those who are already familiar with CBD oils and are looking for more potent concentrations, Maionais offers Full Spectrum 30% and Isolate 40%. These versions are designed for those who want to optimize each application, with more intense formulas that require less to provide the same proportion of CBD.
Concentrations in CBD Oils for Pets
If you share your life with a cat or dog, you may wonder if there are oils for them too. And the answer is yes: there are formulas specially designed for animals, taking into account their size, weight and sensitivity.
Unlike oils for humans, veterinary products use lower concentrations, adapted to the metabolism of dogs and cats. This allows for tighter and safer care.
3% CBD
This presentation is especially suitable for small cats and dogs. Its reduced concentration allows a gradual and careful application, ideal for animals with lower body weight.
6% CBD
Designed for medium-sized dogs, the 6% oil offers an intermediate alternative that adapts well to different breeds and contexts. As always, it’s important to observe how your pet reacts and consult with a veterinarian if in doubt.
Maionais pet oils are formulated with ingredients suitable for animals, and have been designed to be easily integrated into your care, always with veterinary accompaniment.
What type of extract does each oil contain?
In addition to the percentage, there is another important detail that can help you choose: the type of extract. This refers to how CBD has been obtained and what other compounds accompany it within the oil. You will find three types:
Full Spectrum
This type of extract contains all the natural compounds found in the plant of origin: cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and a minimum amount of THC (less than 0.2%), which is the legal limit allowed in Spain. The particularity of Full Spectrum is that these compounds act synergistically, that is, they enhance each other. This is called the “entourage effect”, a concept proposed by researchers such as Russo (2011), who argues that the whole has more value than the sum of the parts.
Broad Spectrum
In this case, the extract retains the main cannabinoids and terpenes, but completely removes the THC. Thus, it offers a complete composition, but without that particular component. It’s a good choice for those looking for a product with a wide range of compounds, but prefer to avoid even the smallest traces of THC.
Isolate
Finally, CBD isolate (or CBD Isolate) is the purest form. In this extract, everything that is not cannabidiol is eliminated, so the result is a product without other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. This option is interesting for those looking for simple formulas, or for people who want to avoid any interaction with these compounds.
Knowing what type of extract you’re choosing allows you to better align your expectations with the product, and more accurately assess what you’re applying.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to calculate the percentage of CBD in an oil, how to interpret it on labels, and what differences exist between concentrations and extract types, you have a stronger foundation to choose with confidence. Not only does this information help you shop wisely, but it also allows you to identify which oil is best for you or your pet.
Remember that at Maionais you will find a variety of CBD oils with different percentages, extracts and formats, all clearly labelled and designed to fit different needs. And if you still have doubts, you can always come back to this guide as a starting point to make a better decision.
References:
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- Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804. URL: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17712818
- McPartland, J. M., Duncan, M., Di Marzo, V., & Pertwee, R. G. (2015). Are Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin Negative Modulators of the Endocannabinoid System? A Systematic Review. British Journal of Pharmacology, 172(3), 737-753. URL: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25014393
- Pamplona, F. A., da Silva, L. R., & Coan, A. C. (2018). Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 9, 759. URL: www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00759/full
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- Russo E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
