How to Sell CBD on Shopify: The Ultimate Legal Guide (2025)
The CBD industry is booming, projected to reach over $20 billion by 2025. For e-commerce entrepreneurs, this represents a massive opportunity. However, selling CBD (Cannabidiol) isn’t as simple as selling t-shirts. It involves navigating a maze of legal regulations, payment processor restrictions, and strict platform policies.
1. Understanding the Legal Landscape (The “Farm Bill”)
Before you open your store, you must understand the federal laws in your target market (primarily the US).
The 2018 Farm Bill: This bill legalized hemp-derived CBD at the federal level in the US, provided it contains less than 0.3% THC.
FDA Regulations: You cannot make unproven medical claims. Avoid words like “cure,” “treat,” or “heal.” Instead, focus on wellness and support.
State Laws: While legal federally, some states (like Idaho or Nebraska) have stricter local laws. You need a disclaimer on your site.
2. Shopify’s Specific Rules for CBD Merchants
Shopify allows the sale of hemp-derived CBD products, but you are not allowed to use “Shopify Payments” (their default payment processor).
To launch, you must complete the “Attestation for the Sale of Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products”. This is a form in your Shopify admin where you confirm:
You are not selling controlled substances (THC > 0.3%).
You comply with all federal and state laws.
You will not use Shopify Payments.
3. The Biggest Hurdle: Payment Gateways
Since you cannot use Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Stripe (usually) for CBD, you need a “High-Risk Merchant Account.”
Top CBD-Friendly Payment Gateways:
Authorize.net: A popular choice that integrates well with Shopify.
Digipay: Specialized in high-risk industries.
Bankful (formerly Pinwheel): Known for easy approval for CBD merchants.
Pro Tip: Expect higher transaction fees (usually 2-4%) because banks consider CBD a “high-risk” industry.
4. Setting Up Your Store for Trust
Trust is the currency of the CBD world. To convert visitors into buyers, your site needs specific trust signals:
Certificate of Analysis (COA): You must display lab results for every batch of product. This proves the CBD potency and ensures THC levels are legal.
Age Verification: Install an app like Real ID or AgeChecker to ensure no minors access your site.
Medical Disclaimer: Place a footer disclaimer stating your products are not intended to diagnose or cure any disease.
5. Marketing Your CBD Store (Without Facebook Ads)
Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and Google have very strict policies against CBD advertising. If you try to run standard ads, your account will likely be banned.
How to market safely:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Focus on keywords like “organic CBD oil,” “hemp gummies for sleep,” etc.
Content Marketing: Start a blog (like this one!) educating users on the benefits of terpenes, dosage, and extraction methods.
Email Marketing: Use Klaviyo to build a list. Email is owned traffic; no one can ban you there.
Influencer Marketing: Partner with wellness influencers on Instagram and TikTok who can review your product organically.
6. Shipping and Fulfillment
Not all carriers love CBD.
USPS: generally allows shipping if you have your documentation ready (COA).
FedEx & UPS: Have stricter contracts for hemp shipping. Check their current policies before printing labels.
Conclusion
Selling CBD on Shopify is entirely possible and highly profitable, but it requires diligence. By securing a high-risk payment processor, providing transparency through lab tests, and focusing on organic marketing, you can build a 7-figure brand in this growing niche.
