Are you interested in selling hemp oil on Shopify but unsure if it’s allowed?
The answer is yes, you can sell hemp oil on Shopify, but there are some guidelines you need to follow.
With the increasing popularity of CBD products, many entrepreneurs are looking to tap into this market. However, the legalities surrounding CBD can be confusing and overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll explore the regulations and restrictions for selling hemp oil on Shopify and provide you with the information you need to get started.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can sell hemp oil on Shopify!
Can I Sell Hemp Oil On Shopify?
Yes, you can sell hemp oil on Shopify. In fact, Shopify began supporting the sale of hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol products in 2019. However, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of.
Firstly, you cannot use any POS hardware that requires the use of Shopify Payments to sell hemp oil in person. Instead, you need to use an external credit card terminal from your chosen payment gateway.
Secondly, Shopify only supports the sale of hemp and CBD products in the US (and possibly Canada). This means that if you’re based outside of these countries, you’ll need to research the laws and regulations in your own country before selling hemp oil on Shopify.
Thirdly, the CBD in your product must be extracted from female hemp and have less than 0.3% THC to be legal in the US. However, this law may differ in other countries and states, so it’s important to do your research.
Lastly, Shopify doesn’t provide payment processing for CBD as it’s considered high-risk by banks and processors. This means that you’ll need to find a third-party payment processor to process payments for your hemp oil products.
Understanding The Legalities Of Hemp Oil
Before selling hemp oil on Shopify, it’s important to understand the legalities surrounding this product. Hemp oil is derived from the hemp plant, which is a variety of the cannabis plant. While hemp is legal in the US under federal law, there are still some restrictions you need to be aware of.
Firstly, the hemp oil you sell must contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. This limit applies to all types of THC, including delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10. If your product contains more than 0.3% THC, it will be considered marijuana and will be subject to federal and state laws that regulate marijuana.
Secondly, you need to comply with all marketing laws in your jurisdiction and the jurisdiction of your customers. This means that you need to research the laws and regulations related to hemp oil in your state or country before selling it on Shopify. You also need to ensure that your marketing materials accurately reflect the benefits and limitations of your product.
Thirdly, Shopify only supports the sale of hemp and hemp-derived CBD products, not marijuana-derived CBD products. This means that you need to ensure that your products are derived from hemp, not marijuana.
Lastly, payment processing for CBD is considered high-risk by banks and processors, which means that you’ll need to find a third-party payment processor to process payments for your hemp oil products. It’s important to choose a reputable payment processor that understands the legalities of selling hemp oil and can provide secure payment processing for your customers.
Shopify’s Policy On Selling Hemp Oil
Shopify allows the sale of hemp oil products, provided that they are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC. However, there are certain guidelines that need to be followed to ensure compliance with Shopify’s policy.
Firstly, merchants who sell CBD products can only set up email-only order and shipping notifications. SMS notifications are not supported.
Secondly, before selling any CBD products, merchants need to carefully review and submit the Attestation for the Sale of Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products. This form can be completed by signing into the Shopify account as the store owner. The attestation process is automatic once the form is submitted.
Thirdly, merchants need to select and apply for a third-party payment gateway as Shopify Payments is not available for hemp or CBD products at this time. Shopify has partnered with third-party payment gateways that support the sale of certain hemp and/or hemp-derived CBD products, and the requirements for approval may vary for each gateway.
Lastly, merchants can only send notifications related to CBD products and shops by email. SMS messages aren’t supported. It’s important to note that hemp-derived CBD transactions are vetted more carefully by third-party payment gateways than other transactions, so the application and approval process might be more involved than usual.
Finding A Reputable Hemp Oil Supplier
When selling hemp oil on Shopify, it’s crucial to find a reputable supplier to ensure the quality and legality of your products. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy hemp oil supplier:
1. Look for suppliers who use organic hemp: Organic hemp is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, ensuring that your products are free from harmful chemicals.
2. Check for third-party lab testing: A reputable supplier should provide third-party lab tests to verify the potency and purity of their products. Make sure to review these tests before making a purchase.
3. Research the supplier’s reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers to gauge the quality of the supplier’s products and customer service.
4. Consider the supplier’s extraction method: The extraction method used by the supplier can impact the quality and potency of their products. Look for suppliers who use CO2 extraction, as it’s considered the safest and most effective method.
5. Check for compliance with regulations: Ensure that your supplier is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations in your country or state. This includes verifying that their products contain less than 0.3% THC and are derived from female hemp.
By following these tips, you can find a reputable hemp oil supplier that will help you sell high-quality and legal products on Shopify. Remember, it’s important to do your due diligence when selecting a supplier to protect yourself and your customers.
Marketing And Advertising Hemp Oil Products On Shopify
Once you’ve set up your Shopify store and ensured that your hemp oil products comply with all relevant laws and regulations, it’s time to start marketing and advertising your products to potential customers. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Use social media: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are great ways to reach a large audience and promote your hemp oil products. Make sure to create visually appealing posts that showcase the benefits of your products and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
2. Blogging: Creating a blog on your Shopify store is a great way to provide valuable information about the benefits of hemp oil and how it can be used. This can help build trust with potential customers and establish your brand as an authority in the industry.
3. Influencer marketing: Partnering with influencers in the health and wellness industry can be a great way to reach a larger audience and promote your hemp oil products. Make sure to choose influencers whose values align with your brand and who have a significant following.
4. Email marketing: Building an email list of interested customers is a great way to promote new products or sales. Make sure to provide valuable content in your emails and avoid spamming your subscribers with too many promotional messages.
5. Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimizing your Shopify store for search engines can help drive organic traffic to your website. Make sure to use relevant keywords in your product descriptions and blog posts, and focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to your customers.
By following these tips, you can effectively market and advertise your hemp oil products on Shopify and reach a larger audience of potential customers. Remember to always stay up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations and ensure that your marketing efforts comply with all applicable guidelines.
Tips For Successfully Selling Hemp Oil On Shopify
If you’re planning to sell hemp oil on Shopify, here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Research the laws and regulations in your country and state: It’s important to understand the legal landscape surrounding hemp oil in your area before you start selling. This will help you avoid any legal issues or penalties down the line.
2. Find a reliable supplier: Make sure you source your hemp oil from a reputable supplier who can provide you with high-quality, lab-tested products. This will help you build trust with your customers and ensure that your products meet legal requirements.
3. Create a professional website: Your website is the face of your business, so it’s important to make it look professional and trustworthy. Use high-quality images and clear, concise product descriptions to showcase your hemp oil products.
4. Offer excellent customer service: Providing outstanding customer service is key to building a loyal customer base. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and complaints, and go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.
5. Market your products effectively: Use social media, email marketing, and other digital marketing channels to promote your hemp oil products and reach a wider audience. Consider partnering with influencers or running targeted ads to boost your sales.
By following these tips, you can successfully sell hemp oil on Shopify and grow your business in this rapidly expanding market. Just remember to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations, and always prioritize the needs of your customers.