As CBD continues to gain popularity for its potential health benefits, many merchants are eager to tap into this lucrative market. However, platforms like Amazon, a giant in the online retail space, have stringent policies regarding CBD sales, particularly in the United States. From Amazon’s strict policies to navigating alternative eCommerce platforms, this guide provides essential insights for merchants aiming to sell CBD in the digital marketplace successfully.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Key Takeaways
Can I Advertise CBD on Amazon?
How Can You Sell CBD on Amazon Without Violations?
Where Else Can You Sell CBD Online?
Key Takeaways✔ Amazon prohibits the advertising and selling of CBD products on its platform due to regulatory constraints. ✔ To avoid violations, sellers use indirect terms and comply with Amazon’s policies by not listing CBD explicitly. ✔ Merchants can sell CBD through Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or by creating a custom website with proper payment processing setups. |
Can I Advertise CBD on Amazon?
Short answer? NO.
If you’re looking to expand your CBD business and considering Amazon as a platform for advertising, you might want to pause and reassess your strategy. As of now, Amazon maintains a clear and strict policy regarding selling cannabidiol (CBD) products. This decision mirrors the legal complexities and diverse regulations surrounding CBD in various regions.
Amazon’s Stance on Controlled Substances and CBD
Amazon’s policy states that all products sold must adhere to prevailing laws and regulations, including a controlled substance ban. The company categorizes controlled substances as illegal drugs, including but not limited to cocaine and heroin.
Furthermore, Amazon extends this prohibition to drug paraphernalia and products associated with CBD due to its Schedule I Controlled Substance classification, which means it has a high potential for abuse.
Despite CBD’s federal legality in the U.S. following the 2018 Farm Bill, the varying state laws on CBD and the regulatory risks posed by products containing over 0.3% THC have led Amazon to maintain a strict no-CBD policy on its U.S. platform.
How Sellers Get Away With Selling CBD on Amazon?
While Amazon’s explicit prohibition against the sale of CBD products stands firm, a 2019 Washington Post investigation revealed that purchasing the prohibited compound on the online retail giant’s site is not only possible but surprisingly straightforward.
In a detailed examination, The Post acquired 13 products from Amazon, and upon testing by Evio Labs — a company specializing in cannabis industry product analysis — 11 were found to contain CBD. Remarkably, one of these products even contained a trace amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the the psychoactive component in cannabis plants responsible for getting people high.
This investigation highlights a significant gap in the enforcement of Amazon’s policies against CBD sales, forcing the retail giant to to mitigate the issue, including the use of advanced algorithms designed to detect and remove listings that may hint at the presence of CBD. Despite these efforts, the challenge persists, illustrating the complexities involved in policing a marketplace as vast and diverse as Amazon’s. The company’s proactive steps, such as removing violating listings, conducting investigations with sellers, and enforcing strict penalties against policy violations, underscore its commitment to maintaining compliance and integrity within its platform.
How Can You Sell CBD on Amazon Without Violations?
Selling CBD products on Amazon can feel like navigating a minefield, given the platform’s strict policy against the sale of CBD. Despite this, some sellers have found ways to list their products without explicit violations, even if the path is fraught with risks and requires a deep understanding of Amazon’s regulations. Below are strategies and considerations for sellers aiming to offer CBD or hemp-related products on Amazon.
Art of Listing
Creating an Amazon product listing that complies with the platform’s policies while attracting potential customers is crucial. Sellers must avoid using prohibited terms such as “CBD” in their product titles, descriptions, and images. Instead, many opt for alternative phrases like “hemp oil drops” or “hemp extract supplements,” which do not immediately attract Amazon’s scrutiny but can still appeal to informed consumers.
Backend Keywords
Sellers can utilize backend keywords to improve their product’s visibility for those explicitly searching for CBD-related items. By including terms such as “CBD,” “cannabidiol,” and “marijuana” in the invisible backend keywords section of their listing, sellers can help their products appear in relevant searches without displaying these terms directly to customers or Amazon’s monitoring systems.
Messaging and Claims
Amazon closely monitors product listings for claims that could imply a medical benefit, especially those related to severe health conditions. Sellers must avoid suggesting that their products can cure, treat, or alleviate symptoms of diseases. Instead, focusing on general wellness benefits, in compliance with dietary supplement standards, is advisable to prevent account suspension.
Demonstrating Credibility and Quality
Trust is paramount in the CBD market. Sellers should leverage certifications, such as a Certificate of Analysis (COA), to demonstrate their product’s quality and safety. Including a QR code linking to additional product information or the seller’s website can further enhance credibility. Showcasing customer reviews, press mentions, or other forms of social proof in the product description can also help build confidence among potential buyers.
Marketing and Branding
Effective marketing and branding are essential for standing out. Before launching on Amazon, sellers should invest time in understanding their target audience, crafting a brand identity that resonates with their lifestyle, and developing compelling packaging and sales copy. Hiring professionals, such as graphic designers and copywriters, can significantly improve the quality of the product presentation and the effectiveness of the marketing message.
Where Else Can You Sell CBD Online?
Selling CBD products online is complex, partly due to the regulatory environment and restrictions on platforms like Amazon. However, several eCommerce platforms have risen to the challenge, offering robust solutions for merchants looking to sell CBD products. These platforms, combined with the partnership of high-risk merchant account providers, pave the way for compliant and successful CBD sales online.
eCommerce Sites for CBD Sales
Selling CBD products online is complex, partly due to the regulatory environment and restrictions on platforms like Amazon. However, several eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce, have risen to the challenge, offering robust solutions for merchants looking to sell CBD products. These platforms, combined with the partnership of high-risk merchant account providers, pave the way for compliant and successful CBD sales online.
Building a Custom Website
Building a custom website remains a viable option for merchants with specific needs or those looking for the highest degree of customization. This route allows complete control over the shopping experience, from product listings to payment processing.
For those seeking a more personalized approach, building a custom website presents a unique opportunity. CannaMack specializes in creating bespoke websites tailored to the needs of CBD businesses. Our expertise in web development, combined with an in-depth understanding of the CBD market and regulatory compliance, allows us to deliver solutions that not only look great but also perform exceptionally in the competitive online marketplace.
With CannaMack, you can establish a distinctive online presence that stands out, offering your customers a seamless, secure, and engaging shopping experience.
Unlock Your CBD Business Potential with CannaMack
Finding the right marketing agency is pivotal for businesses looking to thrive in the competitive online space. This is where CannaMack, a specialized cannabis dispensary marketing agency dedicated to helping your CBD business flourish, comes into play. Ready to make your mark in the CBD industry?
Contact CannaMack now and set your brand on the path to unparalleled growth and success.