Legalizing CBD across all 50 states has triggered a boom in the CBD industry. As the landscape stabilizes, there’s never been a more opportune time to dive in and reap substantial profits. Government regulations are still in flux, with an increasing emphasis on the purity of hemp produced by manufacturers.
Conducting thorough research before trusting any product labeled “CBD” is crucial. Seek out trustworthy products that you can confidently market. The industry offers abundant opportunities for profit. Here are five primary strategies to launch an online CBD venture.
Understand the Federal and State Laws
Just like any emerging product, the governing rules are constantly evolving. From a federal perspective, CBD can be sold legally as long as the THC content in your products does not exceed 0.3%. At this moment, no federal license is required to retail CBD.
However, state laws can differ. Certain states prohibit the sale of CBD that’s extracted from marijuana plants. To avoid any legal issues, it’s recommended to use CBD products made from hemp. As every state has its rules for CBD sales, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your state’s laws before setting up your business to ensure full compliance.
Advertise Your CBD Business on the Internet
The paramount step in selling CBD online is effectively promoting your enterprise. A common apprehension among many is the possibility of their accounts being suspended or restricted by major payment processors such as PayPal and Stripe, especially due to the marketing of CBD products.
The stringent regulations surrounding the CBG vs. CBD industry make it exceedingly challenging, if not seemingly unachievable, to advertise through traditional channels. Notably, corporations like Google and Facebook prohibit paid advertisements promoting CBD products, with Google’s restrictions being tighter than Facebook’s. Nonetheless, there are viable strategies to efficiently market your CBD business online.
Search for a Certified Supplier
Owing to the lack of FDA regulation for CBD, the quality of CBD products can vary widely. Thus, seek out a reliable CBD supplier who provides high-quality products like tinctures, oils, and hemp items, and possesses either state or federal sales certification.
To maintain quality assurance, it’s necessary that an independent laboratory has evaluated the supplier’s products. Confirming the authenticity of the product’s Certificate of Analysis is key to delivering the safest and most effective product to your customer.
Pinpoint your Target Audience
Despite the best of your efforts, it’s practically unachievable to cater to every demographic. Understanding your target audience is key for a victorious brand launch. Everything about your product, from its packaging to its marketing, will be determined by who your customers are. Recent surveys show that millennials and women are the main users of CBD. You can either focus on these known consumers or cast a wider net to capture new customers.
Select a Suitable Payment Processor for CBD
The CBD industry is often classified as “high risk” due to continuous regulatory complications. As a result, numerous payment processors opt to bypass CBD sellers to reduce their operational hazards. However, this does not mean that you’re left without alternatives. You can collaborate with specialized payment processors that are adept at managing high-risk businesses and can facilitate customer payments.
Take BigCommerce for instance. It allows CBD enterprises to select from a pool of 65 payment gateways, enabling transactions in more than 100 countries through approximately 250 local payment methods. It’s beneficial to understand how these payment processing mechanisms function specifically for CBD companies.
Endnote
Embarking on any business venture comes with its own set of rules and regulations, but the burgeoning CBD market presents an opportune moment to dive in. The industry is presently in a state of flux, providing ample opportunities for you to carve your own niche.
