Best eCommerce Platform For CBD In 2024

Explore the top eCommerce platforms for CBD businesses, tailored to meet industry needs and ensure a seamless online shopping experience.
20 AUG 2024
Best eCommerce Platform For CBD In 2024

Introduction 

CBD products are on the rise. The demand for CBD products is constantly increasing and so does the demand for online shopping. 

So, whether you are looking to expand your CBD business to a digital platform or want to start an online CBD business, you need to choose the best eCommerce platform. But, because of the CBD market complications and diverse eCommerce platforms to choose from, making a decision may seem overwhelming. 

The global cannabidiol market was estimated at USD 7.71 billion in 2023 and is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% between 2024 and 2030.

It’s critical to select a platform that can cater to your specific requirements while also assisting you in navigating the complex restrictions around CBD sales.

But, don’t you worry! In this blog, we will be covering which are some of the popular CBD e-commerce platforms to help you make the right decision for your CBD business. Let’s get started.

Is it Legal to Sell CBD Online? 

The legality of selling CBD online varies depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. In the United States, the sale of CBD products derived from hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC, is generally permitted under federal law, as per the 2018 Farm Bill. However, each state has its own rules, and some states may have stricter regulations or even ban CBD products altogether.

Additionally, the type of CBD product can also affect its legality. For example, CBD oils, edibles, and topicals might have different rules regarding their labeling and allowed THC content.  

If you’re selling CBD online, it’s crucial to follow all the federal and state laws to avoid legal issues and ensure your products are safe and compliant for customers.

Also Read: How to Market your CBD Business on Facebook 

Why it is Difficult to Choose the Right eCommerce Platform for your CBD Business? 

Getting into the internet CBD industry isn’t as simple as selling conventional things like T-shirts. The law around CBD is complicated. Since it’s a relatively new industry with just recently acquired legal standing, it presents special difficulties that make it difficult for CBD businesses to expand their digital presence and grow their business. 

  • Regulations vary dramatically between countries and even among states, making compliance a complex balancing act. Some eCommerce platforms prohibit the opening of online CBD stores due to the legal difficulties surrounding the cannabis industry and the regulatory status of CBD.
  • Finding an e-commerce platform that supports every facet of their business—including branding, message, product details, curation, buying, and personalization—across many contact points is a challenge for many vendors of CBD products. And, because fewer platforms are accepting CBD companies, the decision becomes much more complicated.
  • On the financial front, several payment gateways are hesitant to allow CBD transactions, designating them “high-risk” because of legal uncertainties. This might lead to increased transaction costs or even frozen accounts for CBD businesses.

Well, there are some of the best eCommerce platforms that can help you build your online store, keep reading to choose the right one.

Also Read: Marketing Ideas for CBD Business

The Best CBD eCommerce Platforms That You Should Know About in 2024!

Choosing the right eCommerce platform can make or break your business. So, you need to look after so many factors right from ease of use and functionalities to security compliance, CBD-friendly, cost, and so many other things. So. make sure you consider everything and then make a decision. 

Below, we will be adding the 7 best CBD eCommerce platforms. So, keep scrolling and choose the right one for your CBD business. 

The Best CBD eCommerce Platforms That You Should Know About in 2024

Woocommerce 

WooCommerce is a robust and adaptable platform for CBD businesses that would like to establish an online presence. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that lets you turn your current WordPress website into an e-commerce store with all the features you need without having to start from scratch.

  • Complete control and customization: WooCommerce grants you complete ownership of your online business. This implies that you have total control over the appearance, feel, and functionality of your website. It also offers a selection of themes and plugins that you can use to customize your store as per your business needs.
  • Rich feature set: WooCommerce offers all the resources and functionalities required to market and sell CBD products online. WooCommerce can handle everything from product administration and payment processing to shipping and tax calculations.
  • Flexibility with regard to hosting and open-source: WooCommerce is an open-source plugin that can be installed on any WordPress website, independent of the hosting company you choose. It is also free to use. This allows you the flexibility to select the hosting platform that best suits your requirements and budget. It also gives you the ability to improve your site for speed, security, and performance.

WooCommerce’s open-source design, rich customization options, and robust feature set make it an excellent choice for CBD companies looking to expand their digital presence for themselves in the cutthroat CBD industry.

Shopify 

Shopify boasts of being one of the most user-friendly e-commerce platforms for selling CBD because of its comprehensive dashboard, numerous payment gateway connections, and abundance of apps and templates. You’ll also have access to a variety of additional products, including its POS and fulfillment network, all from the same user-friendly interface.

Shopify offers a range of plans that all permit the selling of CBD, with the exception of the $5 Starter plan, which is primarily targeted towards influencers only. Additionally, there are a number of marketing methods available to help businesses stand out in the crowded CBD market, including SEO, email marketing, and on-page promotions. 

Why it’s suitable eCommerce platform for selling CBD online? 

  • Shopify offers industry-specific designs and integrated app capabilities, as well as expert website creation tools tailored to the CBD sector – that help you expand your digital presence seamlessly. 
  • Shopify partners with CBD drop shippers to provide a convenient source of supply, in addition to allowing CBD merchants on its platform. Additionally, in order to comply with CBD laws in every state, the intelligent shipping procedure assists you in choosing location-based shipping rules. 
  • Shopify has collaborated with multiple CBD-friendly payment gateways, even though it is only supported for US-based merchants, to ensure seamless and secure payments for your CBD business. Shopify Payments has 0% transaction fees and supports a wide range of different CBD payment processors. 
  • Shopify offers seamless integrations with suppliers, fulfillment businesses, and some drop shippers offering CBD products. It has a variety of sales channels that go beyond an online store, such as social media and marketplace sales, which can quickly assist CBD firms in growing their business.

Also Read: 10 Best Website Builders for CBD Businesses 

BigCommerce 

If you operate in the CBD market, you should pick a platform made especially for companies that offer products similar to yours. BigCommerce is the ideal solution for CBD businesses of any size. BigCommerce allows you to effortlessly develop a professional online store and begin selling your CBD products to people all over the world.

Bigcommerce is the most comprehensive platform available for starting and expanding a CBD business, with nearly all the features required for B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-customer) transactions.

  • It comes with built-in compliance with state and federal laws involving CBD products and provides all the features and resources you need for your CBD business. It means you can be confident that your store is in complete compliance with the law.
  • Plus, with BigCommerce’s wide shipping and payment options, you can be confident that your customers will always receive their products on time and without fuss.
  • Furthermore, BigCommerce’s friendly customer service representatives are available by phone or email at all times if you require assistance with setting up or running your store.
  • You can even use this platform to launch your digital marketing campaign, as it comes with powerful marketing features that can help you enhance your brand visibility and boost sales.

Shift4Shop 

Shift4Shop is one of the only eCommerce platforms specifically developed for CBD businesses. It implies that you’ll get access to strong tools designed especially for the CBD sector, such as inventory control and product categorization, among many other things.

Shift4Shop complies completely with all federal and state laws about CBD products. It guarantees that you can market your goods without anxiety or tension. 

Starting at just $29 a month, ShiftShop is among the most reasonably priced eCommerce platforms available, making it a viable choice for companies of all types.

  • It is a one-of-a-kind CBD eCommerce platform, that is simple to use and manage, especially for individuals who are not technically adept. Furthermore, ShiftShop provides users with a diverse set of features and customization choices.
  • ShiftShop’s customer support team is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you with any concerns you may have. They also reply to inquiries promptly, enabling you to receive assistance as required. Additionally, firms may readily promote their goods and services if they have access to marketing tools and resources.
  • Shift4Shop provides automatic age verification to ensure that only clients of legal age can buy your products. It offers a variety of delivery alternatives, allowing you to select the one that best suits the requirements of your clients. All things considered, Shift4Shop is a great option for anyone searching for an eCommerce platform to market their CBD goods.

Also Read: How to Market CBD Business on Social Media

Wix

Another popular eCommerce platform for your CBD business is Wix. It comes with a drag-and-drop capability that makes building an aesthetically pleasing digital store easy. It offers both paid and free options. 

The subscription plans are ad-free. The free version, on the other hand, has numerous adverts and Wix-branded components. For the greatest experience, consider upgrading your account from the basic plan to the Wix Business plan.

If your business is headquartered in the United States, you can use Wix to sell hemp or hemp-derived CBD products online. Wix has partnered with third-party CBD payment processors, allowing you to securely accept payments for hemp-derived CBD goods on your website.

Wix also offers a range of beautiful CBD templates to help you design your site, as well as one of the simplest e-commerce website builders, so that even individuals without development skills may sell CBD or any other product online.

Here’s the best part that you miss out on: 

Wix has progressed to a leadership position in the CBD selling community due to its flexible payment methods and dropshipping prospects, both of which are built into Wix and give excellent support for CBD enterprises. In addition, you will receive access to a sophisticated array of marketing tools for spreading the word about your CBD business.

Squarespace

Squarespace’s payment processor support is limited, but it’s still such a fantastic e-commerce platform that merchants can’t imagine using anything else for their CBD businesses. 

Payment gateway integrations: It has Square integration for easy payments. In addition, you have the option to connect to outside payment gateways that assist “high-risk industries like CBD. Authorize.net and Foxy.io are some of the online payment options available. Some users even propose using the Shopify Buy button as an alternative.

Costing: For small to medium-sized CBD businesses, Squarespace offers a cost-effective solution with its all-in-one pricing model. This includes hosting, security, and essential eCommerce features, making it easier to manage expenses. 

Designing & Development: After that, you get access to what are arguably the most exquisite design tools that can assist you in creating a visually appealing brand for your CBD company. To compete in the crowded CBD market, you may pick from gorgeous layouts, drag and drop elements onto the page, and make use of numerous built-in marketing tools.

Security and Compliance: Squarespace takes security seriously, providing SSL certificates and secure checkout options to protect customer data. This is particularly important for CBD businesses, as compliance with industry regulations and ensuring customer privacy are paramount.

Also Read: Secure Payment Processing for CBD Ecommerce 

Spree Commerce 

Spree Commerce is a powerful platform for creating an eCommerce marketplace that hosts products from multiple vendors. It combines the flexibility of open-source with the convenience of SaaS benefits. This means you get free integrations and features, no need to worry about maintenance or upgrades, and easy scalability as your business grows.  

For CBD businesses, Spree Commerce offers a significant advantage. It allows them to operate and expand without facing the typical risks, constraints, and uncertainties imposed by other e-commerce providers and financial institutions. 

This is especially important in the CBD industry, where regulatory challenges and payment processing issues can be a major concern. Spree Commerce’s unique combination of open-source flexibility and SaaS convenience makes it an ideal choice for CBD businesses looking to thrive in a competitive market.

Which eCommerce Platform should you choose for your CBD business? 

Choosing the right eCommerce platform for your CBD business depends on your specific needs and goals. Here’s a quick summary to help you make a decision:

  • WooCommerce: Opt for WooCommerce if you want complete control over your online store and have a WordPress site. It’s ideal for those needing extensive customization and hosting flexibility.
  • Shopify: If you are looking for a highly professional platform with robust support and easy CBD payment integrations, Shopify is the best choice. It’s perfect for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution with strong marketing tools. 
  • BigCommerce: Go with BigCommerce if you require a comprehensive platform that handles everything and offers built-in compliance features for CBD products.
  • Shift4Shop: Shift4Shop is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, CBD-specific platform with strong features and 24/7 customer support. 
  • Wix: If you would like to go for an easy-to-use website builder with drag-and-drop functionality that helps you create a visually appealing website design without breaking the bank – then Wix is your best bet.
  • Squarespace: If you want elegant design options and an all-in-one pricing model – Squarespace is the right choice. It gives access to stunning design tools but has limited integrated payment gateway options. 

Spree Commerce: Choose Spree Commerce if you need a flexible, scalable platform that combines open-source benefits with SaaS conveniences. It’s ideal for businesses that anticipate growth and face complex regulatory challenges.

To Conclude 

Here’s the list of the best eCommerce platforms that you should know about for your CBD business to make the right decisions. Remember that every platform has some capabilities and limitations of its own. 

So, you need to consider your business requirements, the location of your business, transactions, specific functionalities, your target market, budget, and other things to make the right decision. 

And, the one thing that you shouldn’t forget is payment gateways. It is quite important for online businesses. To make the search easier for you, you can try out the POS system and payment gateway specifically curated for CBD businesses. 

If you are unsure about and would like to know how it can help your online CBD business, you can book a free consultation & find it out yourself. So, what are waiting for? Book it now & let’s get the ball rolling. Good Luck.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can we sell all the CBD products online?

E-commerce platforms often allow the selling of a wide range of CBD items, such as oils, capsules, candies, beverages, tropicals (creams, lotions, balms), vape products, and pet products. However, depending on your company’s location and the policies of the platform, there can be limitations. Thus, to avoid any legal troubles or compliance concerns, make sure you examine everything before starting.

How do we showcase the CBD products on the website?

  • To attract customers and promote sales, use visually appealing product photos and concise product descriptions.
  • To draw in new clients and keep hold of current ones, provide competitive pricing and exclusive promos.
  • Utilize client testimonials and rankings to establish credibility and trust.
  • To reduce cart abandonment, offer easy and secure checkout choices.

Can I easily get the payment processor for my CBD business?

Well, because of the complex regulatory requirements of the CBD industry, not all payment processors are willing to work with CBD companies. But, still, there are options available for you. And, if you are in need. You can check one by CBD merchant solutions. We provide customized and compliant payment gateway providers for CBD businesses.

How can an eCommerce platform help with SEO and marketing for a CBD business?

While considering the eCommerce platform for your CBD business, considering its SEO & marketing features is quite important. A good platform should offer built-in SEO features, such as customizable URLs, meta tags, and schema markup. It should also support marketing integrations like email campaigns and social media sharing to help attract and retain customers.

Why Choose the CBD merchant solutions for my CBD business payment processing needs?

CBD merchant solutions stand in the market for CBD businesses’s payment gateway needs because of its diverse payment options, customized solutions, 0% processing fees, seamless & faster checkouts followed by unrivaled fraud protection.

What types of integrations should CBD businesses consider when choosing an eCommerce platform?

As a CBD business owner, you need to consider integrations that include payment gateways, shipping providers, CRM systems, email marketing tools, and analytics platforms. These integrations can streamline operations and improve the customer experience.