Scroll through any CBD oil shelf and you'll see numbers everywhere: 300mg, 1200mg, 6000mg, even 10,000mg. If you've ever stood there wondering what any of it actually means, you're not alone. Strength is one of the most searched — and most misunderstood — topics in CBD, so we've put together a straightforward guide to help you make sense of the label before you buy.
What Does the mg Number Actually Mean?
The mg figure on a bottle of CBD oil tells you the total amount of CBD in the whole bottle — not how much you get in a single drop. A 30ml bottle labelled 1200mg contains 1200mg of CBD spread across all 30ml of oil, usually blended with a carrier oil such as MCT (coconut-derived) oil.
You'll often see this expressed as a percentage too. To work out the percentage, divide the total mg by the bottle size in ml, then divide by 10. So a 30ml bottle containing 1200mg works out at roughly 4%. The higher the percentage, the more concentrated the oil, and the fewer drops you generally need to reach the same amount of CBD.
Working Out How Much Is in Each Drop
Most standard droppers dispense around 20 drops per 1ml. So for a 30ml bottle with 1200mg of CBD, that's roughly 600 drops in total, each containing around 2mg of CBD. It sounds fiddly, but once you know your bottle's numbers, it's simple maths — and reputable brands should always display both the total mg and the percentage clearly on the packaging, so you're never left guessing.
How to Choose a Strength
There's no single "correct" strength — it depends on your experience with CBD, your body, and simply what you're comfortable with. A few general pointers:
New to CBD?
A milder oil, such as our 300mg CBD Oil Drops, is a gentle way to get familiar with how CBD fits into your routine, without needing to measure out tiny fractions of a drop.
Already Using CBD Regularly?
Many existing users prefer a higher-strength oil so they can take fewer drops to reach their usual amount. Our 1200mg CBD Oil Drops are our best-selling strength for exactly this reason — a practical middle ground between mild starter oils and our maximum-strength options.
Want Fewer Drops, More Concentration?
For those who prefer a more concentrated bottle, our 6000mg CBD Oil Drops pack significantly more CBD into the same 30ml bottle, meaning fewer drops are needed to reach a given amount.
A Note on Daily Amounts
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that healthy adults do not exceed 70mg of CBD per day from food supplements. It's sensible to start low and become familiar with a smaller amount before considering anything higher, and to keep track of how many drops you're taking so you can stay within general guidance. CBD oil is a food supplement, not a medicine, so we can't advise on doses for specific health conditions — if you have any questions about how CBD might fit alongside your particular circumstances, your GP or pharmacist is the best person to ask, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication, or managing a medical condition.
Reading the Label Like a Pro
Whichever strength you land on, a few label checks are worth making before you buy:
Look for the total mg and the percentage listed together — if only one appears, or neither does, that's worth questioning. Check whether the product is broad-spectrum, full-spectrum or CBD isolate, as this affects the overall hemp extract profile. And look for evidence of third-party lab testing (a Certificate of Analysis), which confirms what's actually in the bottle matches what's on the label.
Finding Your Fit
Strength is a personal thing, and there's genuinely no harm in starting mild and working your way up as you get to know how CBD oil fits into your day. Whether that's our entry-level 300mg drops, our fan-favourite 1200mg, or a more concentrated 6000mg bottle, the most important thing is choosing an option that suits your routine and your comfort level.
Love Hemp CBD products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before use.
