CBD Knowledge
CBD oil percentage – what the percentage really means
By Vapor Spirit Fachteam

The percentage on CBD oil indicates how much cannabidiol (CBD) is contained in relation to the total contents of the bottle.
A 10% CBD oil contains 10 grams of CBD per 100 ml – in a standard 10 ml bottle, that is 1000 mg of CBD. The percentage therefore tells you something about the concentration, not automatically about the quality or about which oil is right for you.
In this guide you will learn how to read the percentages correctly, how many milligrams of CBD are in a single drop and what you should look out for when buying CBD oil in Switzerland.
What does the percentage on CBD oil mean?
The percentage describes the proportion of CBD in the total volume of the oil. The rest of the bottle consists of a carrier oil – at Vapor Spirit, high-quality organic hemp seed oil or MCT oil – as well as natural plant compounds such as terpenes and other cannabinoids.
Conversion at a glance (10 ml bottle, approx. 250 drops):
CBD oil strength | CBD per bottle | CBD per drop (approx.) | Suitable for |
5 % | 500 mg | 2 mg | Beginners, first experiences |
10 % | 1000 mg | 4 mg | Beginners & regular use |
15 % | 1500 mg | 6 mg | Intermediate users |
20 % | 2000 mg | 8 mg | Experienced users |
25–30 % | 2500–3000 mg | 10–12 mg | Very experienced users |
Rule of thumb: 1 ml corresponds to about 25 drops. One drop of 10% CBD oil contains around 4 mg of CBD.
What percentage of CBD oil is right for me?
To get started, a CBD oil with 5–10 % is usually recommended, as it allows you to adjust your individual amount finely and gradually. Everyone reacts differently to cannabidiol – body weight, metabolism and the body’s own endocannabinoid system all play a role.
The principle «Start low, go slow» has proven effective:
- Start low: a few drops of a 5% or 10% oil
- Increase slowly: adjust the amount in small steps over several days
- Observe: many users keep a short intake diary
If you already have experience with CBD and take larger amounts, a higher-percentage oil is often more practical and more economical: fewer drops, the same amount of CBD.
10% or 20% CBD oil – which is better?
Neither – what matters is the total amount of CBD in milligrams that you take per day, not the percentage on the bottle. 10 drops of a 10% oil contain the same amount of CBD as 5 drops of a 20% oil (approx. 40 mg each).
The difference lies in everyday use:
- 10% CBD oil: finer dosing, ideal for finding your amount
- 20% CBD oil: fewer drops needed, often better value per mg of CBD, practical when on the go
Percentage is not the same as quality
A high percentage alone does not make a good CBD oil. Other factors are decisive for quality:
Full spectrum instead of isolate
Full spectrum oils contain, in addition to CBD, the natural spectrum of the hemp plant: other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN, terpenes and flavonoids. These plant compounds work together – known as the entourage effect. A 10% full spectrum oil can therefore be perceived differently from a 20% isolate product.
Organic quality and origin
Hemp absorbs substances from the soil particularly well. That is why Vapor Spirit relies on Bio Suisse and Demeter certified Swiss hemp – without pesticides, without artificial additives.
Laboratory analyses
Reputable suppliers verify the CBD and THC content of each batch with independent laboratory analyses. This way you know that the percentage on the label is actually what is in the bottle.
Carrier oil
Whether organic hemp seed oil or MCT oil: the carrier oil influences taste and absorption. You can find an overview of all variants in the CBD oil comparison.
Calculating the CBD content yourself – here is how
Formula: (percentage × bottle contents in ml × 10) = mg of CBD per bottle.
Example of a 15% oil in a 10 ml bottle: 15 × 10 × 10 = 1500 mg CBD
For the content per drop, divide by the number of drops
(approx. 250 for 10 ml): 1500 mg ÷ 250 = 6 mg CBD per drop
CBD oil in Switzerland: the legal situation
In Switzerland, CBD products are legal provided the THC content is below 1 %. This means a higher limit applies here than in the EU (0,2–0,3 %). If you prefer an oil with no THC at all – for professional reasons, for example – you will also find THC-free organic CBD oil at Vapor Spirit.
Conclusion: it is the mg that count – and the quality
The percentage is a calculated value, not a seal of quality. What matters is how many milligrams of CBD you actually take – and that the oil comes from clean, controlled cultivation. Beginners are best off starting with 5–10 %, while experienced users choose higher concentrations. You can find all strengths in tested organic quality in the CBD oil range from Vapor Spirit.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the percentage on CBD oil
What does 10% mean for CBD oil?
A 10% CBD oil contains 10 g of CBD per 100 ml. In a 10 ml bottle, that is 1000 mg of CBD, or about 4 mg per drop.
What percentage of CBD oil should I take as a beginner?
For beginners, a 5% or 10% CBD oil is usually suitable. It allows you to adjust the amount finely and increase it gradually.
Is 20% CBD oil stronger than 10%?
Per drop, yes: one drop of 20% oil contains approx. 8 mg of CBD, one drop of 10% oil approx. 4 mg. However, the same daily amount of CBD can be reached with both oils – with the 20% oil you simply need half as many drops.
How many mg of CBD are in one drop?
As a rule of thumb for a 10 ml bottle with approx. 250 drops: percentage × 0,4 = mg per drop. A 15% oil therefore provides around 6 mg of CBD per drop.
Does the percentage say anything about quality?
No. The percentage only describes the concentration. What is decisive for quality is a full spectrum extract, organic cultivation, independent laboratory analyses and the carrier oil used.
What percentage of THC may CBD oil contain in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, CBD products with less than 1 % THC are legal. Vapor Spirit also offers
completely THC-free oils.
Legal notice
This article is intended solely for general information and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabidiol (CBD) is not a medicinal product; no healing or health claims are made. In the case of health complaints, a medical professional should always be consulted. CBD products are legal in Switzerland provided the THC content is below 1 %.



