Co-founder, Luke Johnston, who had been battling aggressive metastatic colon cancer since 2012, sadly died in 2016. In an honest and candid interview conducted by WellspringCBD, Johnston outlined his battle with cancer and how it helped establish the company.
Johnston and his family researched heavily into CBD and its potential therapeutic effects. They later came to find that CBD offered incredible relief against the aches and pains of chemotherapy – this alone became the spark that ignited the company’s flame.
Fast forward to 2019 and Johnston’s vision is still ongoing with co-founder Eliot Harris at the helm.
With over 50 separate CBD products spanning over eight different categories, which includes waxes, tinctures, capsules, vape oils, and topicals, Highland Pharms have amassed a huge arsenal ready for you to try.
What Does Highland Pharms Sell?
Highland Pharms offers a huge selection of CBD products, ranging from drops, tinctures, and vape oils to softgels, gummies, and water-soluble capsules.
Most of the products on offer can be found in many other CBD company ranges and its all-natural ethos is generally a common vision shared amongst most CBD companies.
There are, however, some variances to the products that you wouldn’t usually come across elsewhere, particularly the inclusion of Curcumin C3 Complex in its water-soluble capsules.
Number |
Product |
Total CBD |
Potency |
Cost per mg CBD |
Link |
1
|
Highland Pharms CBD Drops – Tinctures
|
250 – 15000 mg
|
10 – 125 mg/mL
|
$0.05 – $0.16
|
|
2
|
Highland Pharms CBD Softgel Capsules
|
450 – 3000 mg
|
15 – 100 mg/capsule
|
$0.06 – 0.11
|
|
3
|
Highland Pharms CBD Vegan Capsules
|
3000 mg
|
100 mg/Capsule
|
$0.06
|
|
4
|
Highland PharmsWater Soluble CBD Capsules
|
150 – 600 mg
|
5 – 20 mg/Capsule
|
$0.21 – $0.44
|
|
5
|
Highland Pharms CBD Gummies
|
200 – 400 mg
|
10 – 20 mg/gummy
|
$0.17 – $0.20
|
|
6
|
Highland Pharms FX Vape Oils
|
750 – 1500 mg
|
50 mg/mL
|
$0.12 – $0.13
|
|
7
|
Highland Pharms Hemp Plus Vaporizer Oil
|
250 – 495 mg
|
16.5 – 16.67 mg/mL
|
$0.16 – $0.20
|
|
8
|
Highland Pharms Therapy + Hemp Cream
|
100 – 200 mg
|
1.67 mg/mL
|
$0.40 – $0.50
|
|
9
|
Highland Pharms Therapy+ Extra Hemp Lotion
|
400 – 800 mg
|
3.33 mg/mL
|
$0.14 – $0.18
|
|
10
|
Highland Pharms Crystals 999
|
999 mg
|
99.9%
|
$0.06
|
|
11
|
Highland Pharms Hemp Wax Crumbles
|
300 – 750 mg
|
30% – 75%
|
$0.11 – $0.37
|
|
12
|
Highland Pharms Wax Dabs
|
700 mg
|
70%
|
$0.11
|
|
13
|
Highland Pharms Shatter Extra 950 Plus Full Plant Terpenes
|
950 mg
|
95%
|
$0.08
|
|
14
|
Highland Pharms CBD Extract
|
90 – 2700 mg
|
10%
|
$0.20 – $0.33
|
|
15
|
Highland Pharms CBD Pet Treats
|
300 – 450 mg
|
5 – 15 mg/treat
|
$0.17 – $0.25
|
|
1. CBD Oils & Tinctures
CBD oils are the quintessential product all CBD companies carry.
When it comes to Highland Pharms, these tinctures are made from a high-end full-spectrum extract, rich in various cannabinoids and terpenes above and beyond just CBD.
Highland Pharms Hemp Oil Drops
$39.95 – $799.95
Highland Pharms CBD Drops – Tinctures 25 – 120 mL
Total CBD : |
250 – 15000 mg |
Potency: |
10 – 125 mg/mL |
Cost per mg CBD : |
$0.05 – $0.16 |
Extract Type : |
Full- Spectrum |
Flavors : |
Strawberry, Mint, Natural, Olive Oil |
THC Content: |
<0.3% |
Highland Pharms’ Hemp Oil Drops show an abundance of cannabinoids in its full-spectrum CBD extract. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) for these drops indicate seven different active cannabinoids present in the product, which includes:
- CBD
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabigerol acid (CBGA)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
In case you’re worried about the concerned with the THC content, you needn’t worry – the amount of THC is less than 0.3% (dry weight), which makes these drops/tinctures legal in all 50 states and isn’t enough for you to feel an intoxicating, mind-altering “high”.
The range of strengths spans across low, medium, high, and ultra-high – we usually recommend lower strengths (250 mg/500 mg) for newcomers to CBD as higher strengths could cause nausea, dizziness, and discomfort if you’re not used to ingesting these types of product.
2. CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are made by injecting the CBD-rich oil listed above into a premeasured gel capsule shell.
Capsules are easier to use, provides a consistent dose of CBD, and are easier to take with you on the go than a CBD oil. Highland Pharms makes three capsules — a regular softgel capsule, a vegan-friendly formula, and a capsule with water-soluble CBD extract.
A) Highland Pharms CBD Softgel Capsules
$49.95 – $169.95
Highland Pharms CBD Softgel Capsules 30 Count
Total CBD: |
450 – 3000 mg |
Potency: |
15 – 100 mg/capsule |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.06 – 0.11 |
Extract Type : |
Full-spectrum |
THC Content: |
<0.3% |
Highland Pharms’ CBD capsules have been designed for your convenience –they can be carried around and taken discreetly, as well as being completely odorless.
Consumers often prefer softgel capsules over hardshell capsules for the simple reason that they’re better at breaking down in the body’s digestive system, which makes them ideal for CBD users looking for quicker delivery of CBD.
Highland Pharms’ softgel capsules come in five different sizes: 450 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg, and 2250 mg, all of which cater to both newcomers and seasoned CBD users alike.
Though not specifically labeled, these softgels are vegan-friendly – so if you’re living a plant-based lifestyle, they can be a staple part of your daily supplement intake.
B) Highland Pharms CBD Vegan Capsules
$169.95
Highland Pharms CBD Vegan Capsules 30 Capsules
Total CBD: |
3000 mg |
Potency : |
100 mg/Capsule |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.06 |
Highland Pharms has crafted an incredibly potent capsule product – the company advises that this strength is only for users who require a relatively large serving size and are “higher than the average weight of a full-size adult”.
As opposed to their softgel sibling, these capsules come as two-piece capsules often referred to as hardshells – these capsules aren’t as easily absorbed via the digestive system as their softgel sibling.
As stated on the packaging, these capsules are vegan-friendly and are a perfect CBD supplement to incorporate into your daily routine.
C) Highland PharmsWater Soluble CBD Capsules
$65.00 – $125.00
Highland PharmsWater Soluble CBD Capsules 30 Capsules
Total CBD: |
150 – 600 mg |
Potency : |
5 – 20 mg/Capsule |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.21 – $0.44 |
If you see “water-soluble” on a CBD product’s packaging, expect the price to go up considerably.
Water-solubility – or, rather, the act of formulating hydrophobic cannabinoid extracts into nanoemulsions that aren’t afraid of fully absorbing into the body – is a relatively new phenomenon that’s been met with its fair share of detractors and supporters.
What’s worrying about Highland Pharms’ water-soluble products (and other similar ones on the market) is that bold statements of improved bioavailability are, in itself, revolutionary and has the potential to change the entire CBD landscape.
Highland Pharms claims that its water-soluble products take things one step further by turning its oil-based extract into a water-soluble powder that “allows your body to take in virtually all of the CBD and other cannabinoids for your body’s benefit”.
This is all well and good, but the company provides absolutely no evidence to support this, not even a research paper or case study citation – these claims need to be substantiated with some form of scientific proof to provide some form of legitimacy.
The company does, however, include research and studies on Curcumin C3 Complex, an extract taken from the root of a plant named Curcuma longa (turmeric), which is infused in these products.
The studies presented on the product page states that Curcumin C3 Complex combats free radicals, protects the immune system, and provides the body with anti-oxidants.
Though this information is very useful, we’ve found the exact same studies and information word-for-word on another CBD website – unfortunately, we’re not quite sure who copied who.
3. CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are the most common form of a CBD edible you’ll find. They’re easy to make (CBD isolate infused in a gummy base), and offer all the same benefits as a CBD oil or CBD capsule, but in a much more enjoyable format.
CBD gummies are also the preferred way to use CBD with children.
A) Highland Pharms Gummies
$39.95 – $69.95
Highland Pharms CBD Gummies 20 Count
Total CBD: |
200 – 400 mg |
Potency: |
10 – 20 mg/gummy |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.17 – $0.20 |
Extract Type : |
Full-spectrum |
THC Content: |
<0.3% |
Highland Pharm gummies are full-spectrum and contain all-natural ingredients, which includes the coloring as well.
The colors are organic concentrates of apple, carrot, pumpkin, and blackcurrant, masking the bitter and earthy taste of hemp with a sweeter, more succulent flavor, which is why Highland Pharms also markets these products for children as well as adults.
Because these gummies are made from pectin, a natural substance found in fruits, and not with animal-derived gelatin, these gummies are vegan-friendly.
The gummies come in two strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg.
4. CBD Vape Oils
CBD-infused vape oils offer the fastest onset of effects and provide a unique experience of their own. Highland Pharms makes two vape oils — one with PG, and one without.
PG stands for propelyne glycol — which is one of the main ingredients in a vape oil responsible for producing the thick, white plume of cool vapor when heated.
A) Highland Pharms FX Vape Oils
$99.95 – $179.95
Highland Pharms FX Vape Oils 15 – 30 mL
Total CBD: |
750 – 1500 mg |
Potency : |
50 mg/mL |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.12 – $0.13 |
Highland Pharms has ditched the use of propylene glycol (PG) and substituted it with vegetable glycerin (VG) in its vape oils.
VG is a natural non-toxic, odorless, and colorless substance taken from vegetable fats and is characterized by its sweet taste – vape users have noted that VG causes a slightly weak throat hit and a much larger vape cloud when exhaled.
Each product in the FX line has a different aroma derived from individual terpenes, which gives each one its own unique smell. The Chill FX Vape Oil, for instance, includes a spicy, floral aroma taken from linalool, a naturally-occurring terpene found in numerous flowers and spice plants.
No substantial long-term research has been done on VG and how it affects the lungs when vaped; however, the FDA has deemed it safe for human consumption due to it being hypoallergenic and non-carcinogenic.
Each bottle (no matter which one you ultimately choose) comes in either 15 or 30 mL options – the former gives you approximately 250 drops and the latter gives you approximately 525 drops depending on how much you use at any given time.
These oils also double up as an oral drop, making them fairly versatile. The company advises you to place under the tongue for around 90 seconds and then swallow for the best results – you can hold for less time if you’d prefer.
Price-wise, these products aren’t the cheapest, nor are they the most expensive. The additional terpenes are the only aspect where the price rise is understandable, though not wholly justified. There are other vape products on the market doing similar to Highland Pharms for a lesser cost.
B) Highland Pharms Hemp Plus Vaporizer Oil
$39.95 – $99.95
Highland Pharms Hemp Plus Vaporizer Oil 15 – 30 mL
Total CBD: |
250 – 495 mg |
Potency : |
16.5 – 16.67 mg/mL |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.16 – $0.20 |
Both of these options include an impressive variety of flavors, some of which are rare finds amongst CBD companies.
The most intriguing flavors are the terpene-infused Amnesia Haze and Maui Wowie, which are only exclusive to the 15 mL bottle size option – the company also lists White Rhino as a flavor but isn’t available in the dropdown options menu.
The 30 mL option comes in Mint, Natural, and Strawberry and does not include any terpene-infused product flavors – the higher price is for the bottle size only.
In terms of potency, you’re looking at roughly the same between the two – just slightly less for the larger bottle.
5. CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are useful for supporting chronic joint pain, muscle pain, skin conditions, and much more.
HIghland Pharms makes two topical CBD products — both of which are designed to be all-purpose CBD-infused topicals. The Hemp Cream is a little better for joint or muscle pain, and the lotion is better for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis instead.
A) Highland Pharms Therapy + Hemp Cream
$50.00 – $80.00
Highland Pharms Therapy + Hemp Cream 60 – 120 mL
Total CBD: |
100 – 200 mg |
Potency : |
1.67 mg/mL |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.40 – $0.50 |
Highland Pharms notes that its Therapy + Hemp Cream has a “rich and creamy base” with “the finest ingredients added for your skin’s nourishment and rejuvenation”.
The product comes in two different sizes: 60 mL (2 oz) and 120 mL (4 oz), each containing 100 mg and 200 mg of CBD respectively. We recommend purchasing the 120 mL jar as it’s 10 cents cheaper per mg of CBD.
The formulation includes eucalyptus and rosemary – the former has been proven as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, whilst the latter contains several compounds that contribute to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect [1,2].
B) Highland Pharms Therapy+ Extra Hemp Lotion
$70.00 – $1100.00
Highland Pharms Therapy+ Extra Hemp Lotion 120 – 240 mL
Total CBD: |
400 – 800 mg |
Potency : |
3.33 mg/mL |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.14 – $0.18 |
Highland Pharms explains that it “only uses the finest natural oils, butters, and therapeutic-grade essential oils” in its CBD lotions to provide the user with hemp CBD-infused “natural relief” as needed.
In the ingredients list, we noticed Optiphen Plus, a preservative that contains a liquid blend of phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, and dehydroacetic acid. It has been widely accepted as safe due to its lack of formaldehyde, paraben, or halogens.
Potassium sorbate and citric acid are also included in this product – the former is commonly used in skincare products and its toxicity has been deemed as almost non-existent [3].
We won’t mark this product down for the inclusion of Optiphen Plus, nor will we mark this product down for the use of potassium sorbate and citric acid – all lotions and creams need some type of preservative to protect it from fungus and each aforementioned ingredient poses no harm to the user upon application.
6. CBD Concentrates
There are a few different types of CBD concentrates you can get depending on what compounds were allowed to remain in the extract. CBD crystals contain 99.9% pure CBD isolate, while shatters, waxes, or pastes maintain various fractions of the sterols, esters, fatty acids, or other components of cannabis resin.
Highland Pharms has an impressive range of CBD concentrates in its arsenal to choose from.
A) Highland Pharms Crystals 999
$60.00
Highland Pharms Crystals 999 1 g
Total CBD: |
999 mg |
Potency: |
99.9% |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.06 |
Extract Type: |
Isolate |
THC Content: |
<0.3% |
At a staggering 99.9% per mg/g, these crystals are incredibly potent – however, it’s worth pointing out that one of the third-party test results came back as showing 88.11% per mg/g, which contradicts what Highland Pharms claims are in the product.
However, we do understand that maintaining an overall 99.9% per mg/g for each product is challenging – even for the most well-established CBD company – and there will be cases where anomalies occur sporadically during the manufacturing process.
Overall, these crystals are very versatile due to its odorless and flavorless composition, which allows you to mix it in with foods and drinks, as well as vape oils and other CBD products.
B) Highland Pharms Hemp Wax Crumbles (Full-Spectrum)
$49.95 – $139.90
Highland Pharms Hemp Wax Crumbles 1 gram
Total CBD: |
300 – 750 mg |
Potency : |
30% – 75% |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.11 – $0.37 |
Highland Pharms boldly introduces these products as “not like other CBD products marketed as a dab” due to their all-natural formulation with no other ingredients added, “except a small amount of grapeseed oil for enhanced taste and moist consistency”.
Research on grapeseed oil is limited – however, studies show that it’s “rich in phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and vitamins”, as well as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties [4].
These wax crumbles come in three different strengths: 300 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg. We recommend starting with the lowest strength if you’re just starting out.
It’s worth noting that one of the reasons casual CBD users shy away from waxes is the extra expense needed to experience them – the need for a wax vape pen or a dab vaporizer can be on the expensive and inconvenient side.
Despite this, dabbing CBD waxes is an incredibly effective method of delivering CBD to the body – just make sure you have sufficient equipment to use them.
C) Highland Pharms Wax Dabs (Broad-Spectrum)
$79.95
Highland Pharms Wax Dabs 1 gram
Total CBD: |
700 mg |
Potency : |
70% |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.11 |
Highland Pharms boldly exclaims that these products are “an amazing 80% moist broad-spectrum CBD wax” with additional natural terpenes available in Orange Crush and Straw-Nana flavors – though there is still a slightly noticeable earthy taste.
According to its COA, the Orange Crush variant contains an additional 1.13% of CBN and 6.90% of CBG combined with 70.70% of CBD.
Furthermore, according to the Straw-Nana COA, this product contains 75.12% CBD, 7.4% CBG, 1.4% CBN, and small amounts of CBDA.
PLEASE NOTE: The company claims that these products are broad-spectrum, but the COAs state trace amounts of THC, which makes them a full-spectrum product. This kind of false labeling is detrimental to the credibility and reliability of the company.
D) Highland Pharms Shatter Extra 950 Plus Full Plant Terpenes
$79.95
Highland Pharms Shatter Extra 950 Plus Full Plant Terpenes 1 gram
Total CBD: |
950 mg |
Potency : |
95% |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.08 |
From the outside looking in, CBD shatter and CBD wax look very much alike. However, shatter is oftentimes translucent and extremely brittle due to the extraction and cooling process – it won’t be as messy as wax either.
As for potency and strength?
Shatter and wax products are no different from each other and can both each reach the same levels of potency – the only difference, as mentioned previously, is their appearance and texture.
Highland Pharms claims that its shatter product is at least 95% pure, but has been known to reach 98% purity – the fairly reasonable $79.95 price point reflects this.
E) Highland Pharms Raw Hemp Extract
$30.00 – $550.00
Highland Pharms CBD Extract 1 g – 10 g
Total CBD: |
90 – 2700 mg |
Potency: |
10% |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.20 – $0.33 |
Extract Type: |
Controlled Spectrum |
THC Content: |
<0.3% |
Highland Pharms’ Raw CBD Hemp Extract comes in two different options: A syringe and a jar.
The company states that it carries the “raw” extract due it to being “the purest, most natural form there is” and in its natural state, “the extract has around 100 cannabinoids and around 400 trace compounds” – approximately 200 of which are terpenes.
8. CBD for Pets
CBD has just as much to offer our four-legged companions as us. CBD pet products are used to support separation anxiety, chronic pain, digestive inflammation, skin conditions, and much more in our beloved pets. CBD products are perfectly safe and healthy for use with dogs, cats, and even horses.
At the moment, Highland Pharms only makes CBD dog treats. We hope to see the compamy broaden their CBD pet lineup in the future.
A) Highland Pharms CBD Pet Treats
$75.00
Highland Pharms CBD Pet Treats 30 – 60 Treats
Total CBD: |
300 – 450 mg |
Potency : |
5 – 15 mg/treat |
Cost per mg CBD: |
$0.17 – $0.25 |
CBD products for pets have become a breakthrough success over the past year or two, particularly for pet owners looking to capitalize on the potential it has as a health and wellbeing supplement.
Highland Pharms has only just expanded its CBD range to include pet products and offers its line to “virtually any animal” – the intended use for the Pet Treats+ Small option is for animals weighing in at 25 pounds or less and the intended use for the Pet Treats+ Large is for animals weighing in at 25 pounds or more.
The company recommends that you start with one treat per day and observe how your pet reacts to it – if they become lethargic or low in energy, reduce to dose to half a treat and continue to keep an eye on their behavior.
Both product options cost a total of $75.00 each, which is a fairly reasonable price for the larger option; however, the smaller option is only 5 mg per treat (300 mg in total for 60 treats) at $0.25 per mg of CBD.