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How to start an online CBD business – Create a website to sell CBD online.

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How to start an online CBD business – Create a website to sell CBD online.

POSTED ON MARCH 13, 2019 BY ALEX

where can you buy hemp

13
Mar

Build a complete website with our eCommerce solution for Vape Shops & CBD sellers.

The CBD Market Offers Vast Opportunity

In the last few years, CBD oil has grown from a niche, sometimes outlawed alternative treatment to a multimillion-dollar market. The explosive growth rate suggests that by 2025 the CBD market will expand to over $10 billion. As more people unlock the benefits of CBD, the medical community and lawmakers alike are taking notice. CBD is used on a daily basis by millions of people, and because of the credibility given to it by doctors, researchers, and lawmakers who support it, more people are trying CBD for the first time every day.

Whether you use CBD yourself or you’re just interested in the industry, now is a fantastic time to enter the market and open your own online CBD store. Sapling has everything you need to handle this unique industry and tap into the huge opportunities offered by the CBD market. You’ll have access to the most powerful eCommerce tools available for starting your store, reaching your customers, and getting the brand recognition that leads to a successful business.

Sell CBD Online

Understanding CBD and CBD Products

There is a lot of confusion around CBD products due to its relationship with marijuana, so let’s go over the facts. CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound found in all cannabis plants. What makes CBD oils different is that they do not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. CBD itself is completely non-psychoactive, meaning it does not affect the brain like THC does. Instead, CBD provides several positive health effects that have been thoroughly documented, although the FDA has not yet evaluated these claims.

Misunderstandings about CBD have led to legal problems for various companies in some states, but fortunately the difficult times have passed as CBD is now understood and valued throughout the US. Today, it is legal to sell CBD nationwide as long as it remains within the minimum THC limit of 0.3%, which is a negligible amount that does not affect the brain. If you want to sell CBD online, you can start your business without issues as long as you follow a few simple rules (like getting any required licensing and not making direct medical claims on your website).

People take CBD for a variety of reasons including severe or painful conditions and anxiety relief. Everyone who uses CBD also has their own preferred method of taking it, which can be anything from vaping it to swallowing a pill. As a CBD seller, it’s important for you to understand the types of CBD products available and how they are used, as well as which types of customers the different products appeal to.

how to sell CBD


CBD Tinctures

A tincture is a concentrated extract made by soaking herbs in very strong alcohol for long periods of time, or in the case of CBD tinctures, by combining natural hemp oil with alcohol or another solvent. Tinctures are administered by placing a few drops of the liquid under the tongue. Only a small amount is needed for a dose because they are so highly concentrated. This method of administering CBD appeals to people who want the fastest way to take CBD and feel its effects quickly.

CBD Edibles

Edibles are all types of food containing CBD, and can include gummies or chews, hard candies, chocolate, cookies, and even beverages. Edibles are popular among customers who like to take their CBD in the form of a tasty treat. Since edibles are food products, they’re subject to additional regulations that vary by state. These include food safety regulations as well as packaging requirements like childproof containers.

CBD Isolates

An isolate is a pure substance that has been extracted from its source and refined into a powder. CBD isolate has been processed to remove all the other natural plant substances such as chlorophyll and wax and leave only pure CBD behind. Isolates are colorless and flavorless and can be used in a similar way to tinctures, or can be added as an ingredient to infuse CBD into a variety of foods and beverages. Isolates are popular with customers who like to mix their own CBD products at home.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are just like any other gelatin capsule or softgel: a fast, convenient way to administer a dose of its ingredients. Capsules are quicker to use than tinctures and isolates, and are often favored by customers who want to avoid edibles or just want to take CBD in a familiar way. Many people are used to taking multivitamins or medications in capsule form, so capsules are often a natural starting point for customers new to CBD.

CBD Vaporizers and Vape Concentrates

Inhalation is a popular method for CBD delivery because, much like with tinctures, the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and so provides immediate effects. CBD concentrates can be vaped similarly to nicotine e-liquids, so vape supply stores often expand into CBD or vice versa (learn more about selling vape online). Traditional smoking methods like water pipes are also popular, but some CBD retailers find these products troublesome due to drug paraphernalia laws (regardless of their use with legal CBD) and the difficulty of shipping complicated glass items.

CBD Topical Formulations

A CBD topical formulation is a cream, salve, lotion, gel, or other preparation made to be rubbed into the skin. These products can be applied directly to inflamed or painful areas similar to other pain relief ointments. They also provide an alternative for customers who don’t like to take CBD orally. These treatments can also include other ingredients like menthol to provide a cooling sensation. CBD can also be used in massage oils.

CBD Patches

Patches are another method for absorbing CBD through the skin. Similar to nicotine patches and various types of pain relief patches, CBD patches gradually release their ingredients into the body over the course of the day. Customers prefer CBD patches when they need to maintain a low, consistent dosage throughout many hours, or just for the convenience of patches over other methods. Patches are also useful when a person won’t have access to other CBD products during the day or won’t have a chance to take them.

CBD for Pets

CBD has been shown to have similar effects on animals as it has on humans, so it’s popular with people who have pets that suffer from pain or anxiety — even if the customer doesn’t use any CBD themselves. Since animals can have much more sensitive systems than humans, CBD oils for pets should be specially formulated to ensure their safety. CBD for pets can also come in flavors like fish and bacon to make it more appealing to cats and dogs.

Summary of CBD Products and Accessories You Can Sell:

  • CBD tinctures
  • CBD vaporizers and concentrates
  • CBD edibles
  • CBD topical formulations
  • CBD isolates
  • CBD patches
  • CBD capsules
  • CBD for pets

This list is a summary of hundreds of individual products which can all be sold quite successfully through an online CBD store. Customers will also need to restock their CBD products, including their preferred concentrates and delivery methods which could include numerous types of vaping accessories. If you build your CBD eCommerce website with advanced companies like Sapling, you can make the reordering process much easier for your customers by implementing a subscription service for needed products. You can also offer product bundles, like edible variety packs, CBD vape starter sets, and more.

CBD Products You can sell online

How to Choose a CBD Supplier

Choosing a CBD supplier is a very important decision that will affect the quality of your products, the satisfaction of your customers, and the reputation of your brand. Because of the famous health benefits of CBD, “fake” CBD oils are found in stores everywhere. These oils are considered not to be true CBD because they’re derived from hemp seeds, which contain very little CBD, rather than from the stalks and leaves of the plant where the most CBD is found. It’s crucial for your business that you choose a manufacturer that makes genuine CBD that will have the health effects your customers want — this way, you can immediately differentiate your business from the brands that provide no benefit and only seek to cash in on a trend.

When evaluating a CBD supplier, find out as much as you can about their manufacturing process. Remember that you want to sell CBD oil products derived from industrial hemp with a THC content of less than 0.3%, processed from the plant itself and not the seeds. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind when looking at suppliers.

How to Choose a CBD Supplier

Medical Claims

CBD retailers are not allowed to make medical claims on their websites, and neither are suppliers. Even though research has shown many potential benefits and most people who use CBD report positive effects from it, the FDA hasn’t yet evaluated these statements. CBD suppliers, including both wholesalers and consumer-level retailers, are required to display the FDA’s disclaimer on their website. If you’re looking at a supplier who makes medical claims about their CBD products, be aware that these statements have no FDA backing. Don’t choose a supplier based on medical claims — and if the supplier has particularly bold claims on their website (e.g. “cures cancer,”) you may wish to avoid that supplier entirely, as breaking this rule means the supplier may be breaking others as well.

Pricing

As a business owner, you should always look for ways to lower your costs as long as you don’t compromise on the quality of your merchandise. CBD suppliers’ pricing can vary greatly, and sometimes this is reflected in the quality of the product. For example, higher-priced CBD products are often more pure and potent — but this isn’t always the case. Make sure you learn as much as possible about the supplier so you can learn whether the quality of their products justifies the pricing. Likewise, stay away from suppliers who sell at abnormally cheap prices. These rock-bottom prices are almost always a sign of cutting corners and producing an inferior product.

Hemp Sourcing

Europe and the United States both have long histories of hemp farming due to the quality of products made from hemp, such as rope and textiles, even before CBD was understood. Today, the US and Europe are home to some of the best hemp farmers in the world, although not all European countries that grow hemp do so for CBD extraction. Other countries throughout the world also grow hemp for various uses that may not permit usage for CBD. Hemp farming was also banned in the US for over 50 years and is still illegal in some states. It is important that your CBD supplier obtains hemp from a reputable farm that produces high-quality crops such as those found in the US and Europe. If your supplier grows their own hemp, investigate to ensure they’re following industry best practices.

Extraction Method and CoA

There are a variety of processes that are used to extract CBD from industrial hemp, and the process used has an effect on the quality of the product. The best of these processes is CO2 extraction because it results in CBD oils that are free of contaminants, unlike other methods that can leave chemicals behind in the oil. Choose a manufacturer that uses CO2 extraction if at all possible. You should also be able to access a CoA (certificate of analysis) from the supplier that lists the exact levels of CBD, THC, and any other substances in the product. Different suppliers’ CoAs might look different, but always check for results from pesticide testing, microbiological testing (for mold and bacteria), and residual solvents testing (to identify any remaining chemicals from the extraction process). If the CoA isn’t posted on the supplier’s website, always request a copy before purchasing inventory.

Extra Services

Some CBD suppliers offer additional services like dropshipping and private labeling. While the quality of the product should come first, it’s also very helpful to know if a supplier can provide these services. If you’re planning on dropshipping your CBD products, this option is crucial to your business model. In addition, private labeling allows you to sell fully branded products with your own business name and logo, which helps you become established in the industry and start earning the trust of your customers.

Payment Processors for CBD Stores

You’ll need to work with a high-risk payment processor. An industry is considered high-risk when there’s a greater-than-normal legal requirement or fraud potential related to the type of products being sold. High-risk payment processors are willing to accept the additional risk involved and provide payment processing for online stores in these industries.

High-Quality CBD Wholesalers

Whether you plan to stock inventory or sell by dropshipping, the quality of your supply chain makes all the difference. It’s also vital to choose a supplier that’s right for your business and can get your products to you in a timely fashion. Since the CBD industry is growing, it’s becoming easier to find good suppliers that will work well with you.

Here’s a sampling of CBD suppliers that can be a great solution for a new business.

cbd infusionz
diamond cbd
cbdistillery
blobal cannabinoids
blue-bird

Successful Stores Selling CBD Online

Online CBD Sellers Flourishing with Sapling

verias
livepure cbd
my cbd edibles
cbddrip
hempsual
bluntfarms

Online Store Themes for Selling CBD

Set Up an Awesome CBD Website in Minutes

coffee lover

Coffee Lover

An image-focused theme with plenty of Featured Product space on the front page. Coffee Lover’s relaxing brown and tan color scheme is perfect for natural, plant-derived products like CBD. The large homepage carousel is a great way to display promotional banners and announcements to your customers!

vape day

Vapeday Core

A powerful theme with tons of front-page image and banner space, plus built-in navigation that supports a large number of categories so you can easily sell all types of CBD products and accessories. Vapeday Core also includes bonus features like a free shipping countdown to encourage larger purchases.

How to Start Your Online CBD Store

Age Verification Options

While CBD itself has no minimum age requirement, some usage methods like vaping require the customer to be of legal age to purchase the needed products. You can instantly add age verification to your online store with 3dcart’s built-in popup confirmation, or use the advanced options available in the 3dcart Veratad connector.

Support for High-Risk Payment Providers

While CBD is legal to sell, it’s considered a high-risk industry by payment processors and many providers won’t work for sales of these products. 3dcart integrates with several payment providers that are happy to handle transactions for businesses in high-risk industries.

Full Suite of Powerful SEO Tools

Many of the most familiar online advertising methods aren’t available for CBD sellers — for example, Google and Facebook will not run CBD ads. A strong search engine optimization strategy is crucial. Sapling has the best built-in SEO features in the industry, all geared toward helping your website get listed fast and start gaining rank immediately.

Built-In Blog and Content Pages

Since SEO is so important for CBD sellers, you need a way to fill your website with high-quality content that will rank well in searches. With 3dcart, you can instantly add a blog to your site for posting the latest CBD news, studies, homemade edible recipes, product updates, and anything else you see fit. You can also create unlimited extra pages to provide vital information like your store policies, product purity guarantees, general CBD educational information and FAQs, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to sell CBD online?

It is legal to sell CBD products online in all 50 states of the US as long as the oil is sourced from industrial hemp and the THC content is below 0.3%. You must also comply with any additional regulations that are specific to your area.

How do I start a business selling CBD?

Your first step is to register your business in accordance with state and local laws, i.e. meet the standards for incorporation in your area or in the state in which you decide to incorporate your business. You must also obtain any licenses or permits required by the state your business is located in. These can include state licenses for the resale of cannabis products, local permits for keeping these products in stock, food licenses if you plan to make your own edibles, and others. Make sure you fully understand and are able to start your business in full compliance with all regulations and laws, otherwise you could face penalties later. You will also need to build an eCommerce website with a shopping cart provider that supports CBD sales. 3dcart is the perfect platform for an online store selling CBD, as it provides a complete online store builder as well as support for the high-risk payment providers you will need.

Can I sell CBD on Amazon, eBay, or other marketplaces?

CBD and related products are not allowed for sale on Amazon or eBay. You can occasionally find CBD products on eBay, but don’t take this to mean that the rules have changed — CBD product listings are taken down as soon as eBay notices them. Trying to sell CBD on eBay can cause problems for your account. Other marketplaces also forbid CBD products. This is why your most important tool for selling CBD online is your own fully branded eCommerce website.

How do I market a CBD business?

Currently, you cannot use Google or Facebook ads to sell CBD products. However, you can still maintain a strong social media presence by creating your store’s Facebook page and interacting with customers as much as possible. Also devote time to SEO, including content marketing (e.g. blogging) to help your business rank higher on search engines. Don’t become discouraged just because you can’t advertise on the two biggest online networks — there’s plenty more out there. Advertising isn’t completely shut off to you, as some providers do accept CBD ads and many websites will display them. You’ll just need to do a little research to find the right provider for your needs. 
This entry was posted in cbd businesscbd marketinggrowing a cbd businessUncategorized and tagged cbd for sale near mecbd marketingcreate a cbd websitehow to sell cbdhow to start a cbd business onlinehow to start a cbd companysell cbd products onlinewhere to buy cbd.

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