08/08/2022

How To Legally And Successfully Sell CBD Online

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Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has seen a boom in sales over the past half-decade. It is now one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.

The popularity of Cannabidiol, better known by its acronym CBD, has increased dramatically over the past half-decade. It is now one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States.

The U.S. CBD product sales increased from $108m in 2014 to $ 1.6 billion in 2021. This number is expected to rise to nearly $ 2 billion by 2022.

It is not surprising that online sales have driven most of the growth in response to the coronavirus pandemic which has impacted all industries in the country. In 2020, the United States accounted for the highest sales of CBD products.

Online sales are growing rapidly and CBD is becoming more popular. This presents exciting opportunities for CBD online businesses, especially those who want to expand into ecommerce.

The movement towards CBD e-commerce is already underway. Cannabidiol (CBD), sales through the ecommerce channel in the United States are expected to rise to over six billion dollars by 2026.

For new and expanding business owners, however, selling CBD oil or other CBD-infused products online poses a few hurdles that must be overcome before you launch a website and get started with the marketing process.

It is worth learning about the legalities and rules surrounding the CBD industry, as well as the keyword research, SEO-optimized content and link-building required to stand out within this highly-competitive market.

An informed business can be confident about embarking upon a digital journey that will prove to be as profitable as it is fun. Take some time to learn more about how CBD is sold online.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is a well-known natural substance that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. It can be found in tinctures, edible food like gummies, oils, and body products such as balms, lotions, and oil.

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary mind-altering substance in cannabis, CBD is non-psychotropic. CBD can be extracted from hemp or marijuana plants. However, industrial hemp plants are the most popular for CBD extraction.

Amazingly, the human body has an endocannabinoid (ECS) system. This complex system is capable of producing its cannabinoids. It also transmits signals from cannabinoids like CBD to achieve homeostasis. Cannabinoids can bind with receptors throughout the brain and immune systems.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated how CBD can affect the ECS. A study published in Neurotherapeutics indicates that CBD may inhibit or activate ECS compounds. Anandamide absorption is one example of how CBD can benefit the body. A study on the Profile for Immune Modulation by Cannabidiol (CBD) found that CBD may also activate other immune system reactions.

Different types of CBD

Before a business can start selling CBD online, they will need to decide which kind of CBD they want to sell. It can be difficult to choose the right type of CBD for your business.

We have reduced the number of ingredients that can contain CBD to just three types:

CBD Isolate.

CBD isolate is the purest form, meaning that no other ingredients are used. It has no discernible taste or smell.

Full-Spectrum Hemp.

Full-spectrum hemp is different from isolate in that it contains all the cannabis plant compounds including cannabinoids, essential oils, and other cannabinoids.

These compounds all work together to increase the potency and produce what’s known as the ‘entourage’ effect.

Broad-Spectrum Hemp.

Broad-spectrum hemp can be described as a middle ground between full-spectrum and isolated CBD. It has the added cannabis plant compounds of the full spectrum, but little or no THC.

Broad-spectrum hemp, like full-spectrum, can deliver the ‘entourage’ effect.

The Numbers of the CBD Industry

Consumer interest in CBD products has steadily risen since 2016 due to their reported health benefits, partly because of their close association with cannabis plants.

The year 2018 was considered CBD’s breakout season. In the United States, the number of CBD consumers doubled, going from 2.6% to 4.8%. With the Baby Boomers leading the charge, this is a significant increase.

This number has risen steadily over the years, with the estimated annual CBD usage rate jumping to an astonishing 35%.

A Statista has shown that the top cannabidiol products among Americans as of 2020 are:

The US’s CBD product market is expected to reach $16 billion by 2025. This is an increase of $2 billion in 2018. Add to this the fact that 80% of Americans are aware of CBD and support its use, up from $2 billion in 2018. CBD is a promising niche for online businesses.

9 Steps to Start a CBD Business Online

Here are the nine steps to start an online CBD company if you’re interested in the lucrative niche of CBD sales.

  1. Find your CBD niche and products.
  2. Learn the laws and regulations surrounding CBD.
  3. Create a comprehensive CBD business plan.
  4. Order your business documents.
  5. Find your CBD supplier.
  6. Find the best ecommerce platform.
  7. Your site should be built.
  8. Specify shipping and payment terms.
  9. Promote your business.

1. Find Your CBD Niche and Products.

You can buy CBD anywhere you look. Entrepreneurs will attempt to capitalize on consumer interest when it is high.

Which should you sell? The trendy stuff or the classics? That’s up to you. Look at the market opportunities in the specific niches first before assessing the overall market.

These are the most in-demand:

  • CBD-infused foods/beverages.
  • Supplements/wellness products.
  • CBD-based cosmetics.
  • CBD products for pets

Next, zoom in on the product types. These vary based on how CBD is consumed.

  • Drops and sprays. The main ingredient in both is CBD oil. It is a decarboxylated hemp/hemp flower mixed with a carrier oil. Sprays and drops can contain flavoring agents or other compounds to make them more enjoyable to consume.
  • Capsules and pills: A capsule or a pill containing cannabinoids is wrapped in gelatin or soft gel capsules to make it easier to digest. This form of CBD may also be more appealing because it is often used as an alternative to prescription medicine.
  • Vape cartridges and CBD vapes: These products are popular with recreational marijuana users as well as those who enjoy vaping socially. This method is preferred by CBD users who are looking for pain relief. It absorbs CBD faster than the blood system via inhalations.
  • Tinctures: CBD-based tinctures are made by mixing cannabinoids and alcohol, or any other strong solvent. CBD tinctures may also contain additional herbs. Although tinctures may not be very flavorful, they are highly popular among people who want to quickly experience the benefits of CBD.
  • Topicals and patches: Designed to target pain points such as the back, joint or menstrual muscles, CBD patches, and topical ointments are best for those who don’t like hemp flavors or prefer external applications.
  • CBD edibles: There are many options for CBD edibles. These include gummies, candy, and chocolate as well as honey sticks. They make hemp seem less medicinal and more like a wellness treatment. In 2019, 3 of 4 chefs recognized CBD-infused food to be a hot trend.

2. Learn the laws and regulations surrounding CBD.

CBD Marketing is all about legality. Failure to adhere to the rules — federal or state laws and regulations — could lead to severe penalties.

The legal department has been hampered by the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug. CBD merchants are concerned about FDA regulations. If you want to sell CBD online, you might be curious about what your options are regarding advertising and marketing.

Let’s address some of your questions:

This question will depend on where you live, whether you are selling CBD online from a cannabis or hemp plant, as well as what products you plan to sell. Online sales are restricted to CBD products derived from hemp.

The FDA’s authority over food, drug and cosmetic products, devices, pet food, dietary supplements, and food regulation was not affected by the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Many states have amended their state drug laws to exclude hemp from their state’s controlled substances act while adopting the FDA position regarding certain CBD-derived products. Some states prohibit the consumption and sale of CBD. Some states restrict the type of CBD products that can be sold within their borders or require specific licensing.

You must ensure you comply with all state laws regarding CBD products if you plan to sell or promote CBD products online. You can keep your shipping zone safe by implementing product-based shipping limitations.

What rules and regulations do I need to follow?

The Farm Bill was passed at the close of 2018. It legalized commercial hemp production in the United States. This means that you can legally grow industrial hemp in the United States with a license issued by the USDA or state. You can then sell hemp-derived CBD products where the laws and regulations permit.

However, there are restrictions:

  • You can’t use more than 0.3% THC in the hemp you are using for CBD production. Higher concentrations of THC are automatically considered marijuana plants and subject to stricter regulations. THC content is further restricted in some states to 0.0%.
  • When produced and sold through regulated cannabis markets, CBD from marijuana plants can be legalized in 15 states.

The regulatory process for cannabinoids is complicated. FDA-approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based prescription drug. FDA bans the FDA from making any claims or drugs about CBD products. The FDA prohibits the marketing of CBD products as dietary supplements or adding cannabinoids to food.

Are there edible CBD products on the shelves right now? Is it illegal?

The truth is that CBD products’ legal status isn’t uniform across state and federal laws. Some CBD products, like dietary supplements and foods, are legal under certain state laws. However, the FDA bans such products.

Although CBD is not allowed in food, or to be used as a dietary supplement by FDA, enforcement actions against CBD sellers are limited to warning letters to sellers who make serious drug or health claims.

Let’s recap:

Selling federally

The FDA does not allow CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC to be considered controlled substances. However, CBD-derived products are not allowed to be added to food or used as dietary supplement. Enforcement has been limited to the extent that no health or drug claims are made.

Sell statewide

Statewide laws differ. While some states allow all CBD products to be sold, others limit the products that may be legally sold. Even though the federal limit is 0.3%, some states ban CBD products containing more than 0.3%. You may need to label and test your products, and you might also have licensing requirements for retailers.

If you have any questions about CBD product sales in your state, it is a good idea to consult a local lawyer.

3. A comprehensive CBD business plan is essential.

A solid business plan is essential for any business.

Your business plan can be your guide for keeping up to date with changes in regulatory policies, conflicts of operational priorities, and new business opportunities fueled by market demand. It’s also the document that financial supporters and other stakeholders want to see.

Here are the essential elements of your business plan to support ecommerce CBD operations.

  • Market analysis: This is the first step in your market research. It provides enough information about your market size, competitors, and other market variables to help you make better decisions about pricing, product positioning, and overall market strategy.
  • Make a Compliance plan: The laws and regulations governing CBD products in the United States and Canada are constantly changing. A plan is essential to ensure your business stays on top of any regulatory changes and remains in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Select your brand name and confirm your product range. Describe how your brand name differentiates you from your competition. Also, briefly recap the CBD niche that you intend to target. Briefly describe the product range of your company, with a focus on its quality and competitive parameters.
  • Calculate your financing needs: Determine how much money you will need to launch your business. These can be broken down into one-time prelaunch investments (e.g. commerce website design, inventory purchases, product design/branding), and ongoing monthly expenses (e.g. inventory restocking/handling/packaging shipping/marketing, taxes, etc.). You should always add more padding to cover ‘unplanned expenses’ because they will occur. Next, calculate how many sales and how much time you will need to break even each month. Estimate how much runway you will need if you are self-financing. Prepare figures that compare your expected expenses and profits if you plan to invest later. Also, set goals for CPA (cost-per-acquisition), AOV (average order value), sales conversion rates, and customer retention rates.
  • Include a realistic marketing strategy: A Marketing Plan outlines your strategy to increase awareness about your CBD brand, acquire new customers and foster repeat purchases. This is a key document that must be a) data-backed and b) realistic, and c) specific to each channel. Writing a solid marketing plan takes a lot of research and time. This early investment will pay off in the form of a lower budget and better marketing results down the line.

4. Get your business documents in order

You will need multiple licenses to sell CBD online.

  • You will need a regular business license to incorporate your business and register it with the state. For your newly formed company, you will need an EIN/TIN from the IRS.
  • Reseller license: You may need a certificate (or a license) to sell CBD to wholesalers. This license allows you to purchase products wholesale without having to pay sales tax. You can also collect sales tax from customers once you have obtained the license.
  • CBD distributor license, retailer license, and/or product registration: Many states require CBD retailers to obtain a CBD or Hemp product license before they can sell CBD products to customers in their state. Regulators may also require that individual CBD products be registered. Even if your products are sold online, these licenses and registrations might be required.

5. Find your CBD supplier

Finding a trusted CBD supplier is the most important step in your ecommerce business. There are several reasons why this is so.

You must first ensure that your CBD products are not made from marijuana plants. These products contain a higher THC content, which makes them illegal in some states. They can only be sold through licensed marijuana markets. All hemp that is grown in the United States must be tested for THC content. This is required by federal and state law. You should ensure that the supplier you work with has a third-party certificate (COA), which can be used to verify that each batch of hemp or hemp-derived ingredients is tested for THC.

Reputable wholesalers often conduct lab testing and can provide a COA detailing the THC content of a product and proving that it is free of contaminants. It is crucial because many states require products to be tested for other contaminants as well as THC. A lack of a detailed COA can be a red flag.

Some states may require CBD products to be tested for:

  • Pesticides.
  • Pathogens.
  • Residual solvents
  • Heavy Metals.
  • Aflatoxins.

Second, the quality of your CBD products will have an impact on customer satisfaction and your CBD brand’s reputation.24% said that the product’s ability to produce the desired effect was their main reason for purchasing CBD.

Your brand’s ability to provide detailed certificates of analysis for every product sold will improve consumer confidence. Other priorities for buyers include ingredient quality, price, concentration, and method of consumption (e.g. oil, edible, vape).

Because CBD production is still under-regulated, there could be products on shelves without CBD content.

These sham manufacturers and brands, who speculate on CBD’s popularity, are making it more difficult for legitimate CBD companies to enter the market. The New York Times article on the origins and popularity of CDBs summarizes it all: 

“The compound is often misunderstood as snake oil. This is a scam. Even though promising research is beginning to be done on CBD’s full potential, it is still being used as bait.

You don’t want to be a scammer when you start a CBD brand. This is why you need to do your research when evaluating different CBD manufacturers. You should not only request or perform independent product testing. Also, you should evaluate potential wholesalers based on these criteria:

  • Source and origin of hemp
  • Certifications and licenses are required
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
  • Method of extraction.
  • Review from other entrepreneurs
  • Pricing.
  • Extra services (e.g., labeling, dropshipping).

6. Find the Perfect Ecommerce Platform.

You’ll need to find a reliable CBD supplier. Your tech infrastructure can positively impact your customers’ satisfaction with your brand, just like high-quality products.

Due to CBD’s regulatory status, not all ecommerce platforms allow you to create an online CBD shop. There are still some great options.

BigCommerce.

BigCommerce is the best platform for selling CBD products online. The platform and FDA compliance solutions have proven to be a huge success for many Vaping websites, which has in turn attracted many CBD companies to the platform. BigCommerce is simply a better platform than any other when it comes to providing everything you need to start selling CBD online.

BigCommerce provides a variety of B2C ecommerce features to CBD wholesalers and manufacturers. We offer global CBD businesses an integrated ecommerce solution that allows them to quickly start and scale their business.

BigCommerce is trusted by CBD suppliers and brands to market its products and reach a wide audience. Saas combines everything you need for an online store. The best part is that you can create your own CBD store.

BigCommerce eliminates the guesswork and combines everything an online business might need to succeed, from branding and design to optimization and marketing. Our payment gateways allow for easy online transactions and offer outstanding support. We also have a mobile-friendly layout. The BigCommerce platform makes it easy for CBD marketers to manage their returns and have their products featured on multiple websites.

Shopify.

You are eligible to receive a great set of core commerce features that will allow you to launch your digital operations. This includes design templates and integrated shipping tools.

CBD products are not eligible for the Shopify Payment Method. You will need to approve a third-party processor.

3dcart.

3dcart, another ecommerce platform, allows digital CBD and other vape-related businesses. Similar ecommerce solutions are offered by them: shopping cart software, embedded “buy” button, and full-scale website builder. They also offer themes, unlimited bandwidth, and payment processor support.

Their website backend is complex and requires a lot of learning. 3dcart might not be the best choice for beginners in coding.

7. Create Your Website.

You can reduce the time it takes to develop a website by choosing an ecommerce platform instead of open-source ecommerce software or custom development.

The solution provider will handle hosting, infrastructure, and other aspects of your CBD operation. All you need to do is design your store and list your products.

Customize your design.

Have you ever been inspired by numbers to paint? The modern ecommerce platform’s design experience is very similar. Instead of starting from scratch, you can use a theme — your set, which will help you map the final store look.

However, you can still be creative by changing colors, layouts, fonts, and other visual elements, or adding new elements to your online store.

Designing a CBD ecommerce store is a challenge.

  • It is important to display key product information prominently. Customers will be interested in the following: product specifications, dosage/strength, and hemp origin. This information should be easily accessed for each product type and not make any claims about health or drugs. CBDistillery gets straight to the point and highlights product ingredients and suggested uses:
  • Be careful with the navigation. CBD is still relatively new, so expect to see a lot of first-time customers. These people will require extra assistance, which is not the case for regular users. Your site navigation should be designed to suit their journey. You can create descriptive product categories and subcategories. Add product descriptions.

Your product descriptions in the CBD space should go beyond being convincing. Your product descriptions should also be:

  • Accurate and factual.
  • It is devoid of any drug or health claims.
  • It is free of jargon and clichés.

CBD Marketing: FDA prohibits businesses from claiming that their CBD products can “diagnose,” treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Don’t make big claims, even if it sounds appealing. Also, it is important to remember that reviews by customers that make any medical or drug claims about your product are prohibited. You should monitor reviews and report any inappropriate claims.

Don’t make product descriptions too complicated. Every store visitor is not a CBD expert and will not be familiar with the industry jargon. While you should provide detailed product information, it is important to avoid using industry jargon, niche chemical terms, and references from CBD pop culture.

Upload product photos.

Two important aspects of ecommerce photos are:

  • As a brand extension, act as if you were a part of it.
  • Help sway customers’ purchase decisions.

90% of Etsy customers stated that quality product images are a key factor in their purchasing decisions. Hire a professional photographer to take a series of product-only or lifestyle images for your brand if you have the funds. Even those with limited funds can take amazing ecommerce photos.

8. Establish shipping and payment terms

You have to plan how your products will reach new owners after you’ve designed your store layout.

Your shipping policy.

Shipping Is essential for ecommerce customers — you don’t want to disappoint them in this department. These are the questions you need to ask to determine the best shipping policy for your CBD company.

  • What is the minimum threshold for free shipping? For 79% of US consumers, “free shipping” is a strong incentive to shop online more. However, do people become upset if there’s no such option? Generally, more than a third of consumers will be upset when there isn’t complimentary shipping for orders above PS135 ($150). Based on the expected average order value, establish a reasonable threshold for your brand.
  • Are you planning to charge a variable fee for shipping? A smaller retailer can reduce their logistics costs by charging a weight-based or destination-based shipping fee. They can also alienate customers: 50% of abandonments occur when shipping/tax costs are too high. How do you fix it? If you are going to use variable fees, provide estimated shipping costs and a delivery calculator option.
  • What is the best delivery time? While Amazon Prime Next-Day Delivery is a huge draw for most people, few other brands offer the same level of service across the country. Choose your battles. You can limit same-day delivery to your state/city only. If you are offering express delivery, set the right expectations.
  • Which logistics company is the best? Some carriers may not have clear policies about CBD shipping. Make sure you do your research. UPS, for example, allows the shipping of CBD-infused hemp products. However, they also state they “reserved the right to dispose of any shipment containing Marijuana or Hemp products which Shippers are prohibited to ship, which UPS is not authorized, which UPS states it will not accept or which UPS has a legal right to refuse.” This isn’t very comforting.
  • What are the legalities of shipping CBD-based products or hemp across state lines? It is legal to ship CBD oil over state lines, provided it comes from hemp and not marijuana. There are however some states that have a lower THC limit. Research the regulations of each state before shipping across state lines. Each state has its regulations regarding product types and paperwork.

Choose an ecommerce shipping option

Next, you will need to choose supporting shipping and fulfillment software. This tool can help you manage logistics, set shipping rates, create labels, and send updates to customers.

Your app should be integrated directly into your ecommerce platform to minimize errors and hassle. 

Check to make sure your pick is compatible with the carrier you intend to use.

Select a payment processor that supports CBD.

Due to ongoing regulatory chaos, the CBD industry has been deemed “high-risk”. Many payment processors have chosen to exclude CBD sellers to reduce operational risk.

You don’t have to give up, however. You can use a specialist payment processor to accept payments from customers. They are experienced in handling high-risk businesses.

9. Promote Your CBD Company.

Once your business is up and running, it’s time to start focusing on customer acquisition. The CBD industry is very popular right now. However, if you don’t have a solid marketing strategy in place, customers won’t flock on autopilot to your CBD products.

Concentrate on the content.

CBD products remain largely misunderstood. This is often due to misleading marketing by other brands and bogus medical claims made by gurus. Seeding quality content will help you build your first customer base.

Educate interested but skeptical buyers about:

  • Different product types.
  • CBD extraction methods
  • Possible side effects
  • Correct usage/dosage.
  • The entire hemp industry.

Invite industry experts to help you create better content than your competitors. Your blog and social media should be a focus since that’s where the majority of younger consumers look for product inspiration and information.

Use SEO to your advantage

To dominate search engine results, you must publish well-researched content. Google’s latest update,’ passing indexing‘, has made it easier for users to find the right information.

If I search for “What is the best CBD oil strength?” I get redirected to the highlighted result.

This is a great opportunity for CBD businesses, as it allows them to convert top-of-the-funnel clients with educational content. Because there is a lot of competition in SEO for CBD-related keywords, you can target long-tail keywords that are less searched to help build initial traffic and then work on further optimizations.

Get involved with influential people.

Patients advocacy is a major reason CBD has gained so much popularity.

Many celebrities and public figures today are passionate about CBD. Some even have their own CBD businesses. Finding credible advocates for your brand should not be a problem. Make sure you only partner with people who are committed to your brand and can talk about CBD with authority. Make sure that no claims of health or drugs are made about your products. Also, don’t forget mandatory FTS disclosures. Keep an eye on all the latest federal laws, regulations, and individual state and local government laws and regulations to make sure your communication meets any requirements.

4 Evergreen Issues CBD Businesses Are Facing

Entrepreneurs in the CBD industry have the opportunity to capitalize on the industry’s rapid growth, but they must also be prepared for unique challenges. Running a CBD business can be difficult because of the lack of FDA regulation, differences in CBD laws across states, and regulations at the state level.

This is especially true for:

1. Bank and Finance

Due to the above gaps in state laws, CBD businesses can be considered high-risk by financial service providers. When opening a merchant account, be prepared to walk and negotiate. Due to the poor reputation of the cannabis industry among certain FIs, it can be difficult to obtain additional financing through business loans.

Don’t despair, though. There are still hemp-friendly investors out there.

2. Payment processing.

Due to ongoing regulatory chaos, the CBD industry has been deemed “high-risk”. To minimize operational risk, most payment processors (including Paypal and major credit cards) have decided to exclude CBD sellers.

This doesn’t mean that you are out of options. You can use specialized payment processors to accept payments from customers. They are skilled in handling high-risk businesses.

These payment processors accept CBD transactions:

Kobe Digital allows CBD businesses to choose from 55 payment gateways. These payment gateways can be used in more than 100 countries and employ some 250 local payment methods. Learn more about payment processing for CBD businesses.

3. Business Insurance

The recent legalization and sale of hemp-derived products have been slowed down by insurance companies. They often prohibit CBD companies from operating or impose high premiums on them, just like conservative banks.

For your company’s safety, a solid insurance plan is essential. So don’t hesitate to get a plan from a -friendly insurer.

4. Differentiation from the Competition

It can be difficult to stand out among the slews of businesses that tout ‘cannabis as a customer attraction’. Even if you are selling high-quality, genuine cannabis products.

A 2017 Penn University study showed that 70% of online cannabinoid products had problems with labeling. More than 42% of CBD products had been under-labeled. This means that they contained more CBD. 26% of CBD products were not labeled correctly, meaning they contained more cannabinoids.

These events, along with misleading marketing claims and exaggerated claims about CBD’s effectiveness, can cause customers to be skeptical about new market entrants. You can win their trust by being positive when it comes to:

  • Transparency: Tell your customers where your hemp plants are grown and provide proper analysis certification.
  • Accuracy is key. Avoid untrue scientific statements, even if they seem promising for marketing. Make sure to verify your sources and invite experts to assist you in creating content and educational brochures. Be sure to ensure that advertisements, labels, and marketing materials are free from health and drug claims.
  • Storytelling: Telling your story can cement your brand’s mission and values. This will help you to build stronger emotional connections with your target audience.

Four Core Tips to Nurture Your CBD Business

Ecommerce businesses are still very young. Here are three things to do if you want your CBD company to grow, evolve, and be always ripe.

1. Ask for help.

The new CBD business owner will need to manage a lot between complicated regulations and operational issues. Although everything can be found on Google these days, it is possible to find inaccurate information. Don’t underestimate the importance of a mentor (aka someone who has walked the same path as you).

Forbes – Andre Bourque

“That’s what makes it difficult to excel in the cannabis industry. There’s no model of success right now. It’s a dynamic and changing industry that didn’t exist even a few years back.” This makes it difficult to find a mentor in the industry. But it is possible. It’s not impossible to find support and industry connections through non-profit organizations like CBD Alliance and National Hemp Association.

2. Be patient.

Ecommerce is a business that relies on rapid traction. There have been many stories of overnight success where a $500 Instagram ad generated $50,000 in sales within a single day.

Paid ecommerce ads in the CBD industry are not usually an option. Click-bait marketing may cause compliance issues. Content marketing and SEO take time. You will find many restrictions in the CBD industry. Take a deep breath and see what is possible.

3. Learn about the industry.

Despite or because of slow FDA responses, the CBD industry continues to evolve in contradictory directions. Some states, such as Texas, lifted the ban on selling edible CBD products in 2019, while others banned CBD-infused food and beverages last year.

Every week, market trends and consumer trends are changing. It can become difficult for CBD businesses to keep up with the latest trends. They must keep an eye on new trends among clients, changes in compliance requirements, and other industry happenings.

Many websites provide information on the latest developments in CBD industry news. These websites offer more CBD-based options such as Way of Leaf and traditional staples like Forbes.

4. Listen to your customers.

You must ensure that your CBD business grows by listening to your customers. Ask for feedback from your customers and pay attention to social media channels to learn what they think about your products.

The CBD market is rapidly growing and becoming more crowded. As the number of options increases, buyers are becoming more sophisticated. You can stand out and be successful by creating a trusted brand that customers can trust.

The Last Word

CBD is a fascinating product to trade. You can make a real difference by providing your customers with life-improving products. You must also educate the public, along with B2B partners, about the legal status of your products and whether or not they are connected to THC-dominant cannabis.

It can be difficult, but it is worth it when you consider the CBD industry’s future sales prospects. Grandview Research projects that the CBD market will grow at a compound annual rate of 22.2% between 2020 and 2025.

If you start your online CBD business today, you can also join that revenue pool.

Kobe Digital disclaims all liability about this material. For specific financial, legal, or professional matters, consult your attorney.

About the author

Kobe Digital is a unified team of performance marketing, design, and video production experts. Our mastery of these disciplines is what makes us effective. Our ability to integrate them seamlessly is what makes us unique.