CBD, or cannabidiol, is gaining popularity among anxious millennials and older age groups looking for a natural alternative to Xanax. But a lot of the CBD products being sold today are low quality.
It’s important to know where your CBD is coming from. Here’s how. And what to look out for.
What is the difference between a CBD shop and a coffee shop?
CBD-infused lotions, creams, pet chewies and more are all the rage among Americans looking to ease pain, anxiety and sleep problems. According to EAZE, CBD consumption doubled in 2018 and Baby Boomers are the biggest consumers.
CBD businesses need to have a solid plan in place for acquiring new customers and fostering repeat purchases. That includes developing a realistic marketing strategy that is data-backed and channel specific.
It also requires a reputable ecommerce platform that has the right set of features to support a new CBD business. That includes reliable inventory management, loyalty integrations to retain customers, custom employee permissions, sales reporting and more. Getting a CBD-friendly payment processor can help too. With a partner like BigCommerce, CBD retailers can create a global online store with 65+ payment gateways and 0% transaction fees. Learn more.
In the Netherlands
The Netherlands is renowned for its progressive approach to cannabis use. The country allows small amounts of marijuana to be purchased and smoked in cannabis cafes known as coffeeshops.
These cafes are only allowed to sell cannabis if the buyers can prove they are Dutch citizens or residents. They must also possess a valid ID card. The quality of the cannabis is carefully monitored, and the products sold must be tested for harmful contaminants such as heavy metals.
CBD shops are specialized stores that offer cannabis-related products such as shampoos, oils, and candies. They are permitted to sell these products in the Netherlands if their THC content does not exceed 0.05%. The staff at these stores is usually well-versed in the various cannabis strains and their effects. They can make recommendations and answer questions. They also often carry other health-related products such as supplements and beauty care. They can be found in many cities across the country.
In France
In France, CBD shops are a new type of store specialising in the sale of products made with CBD, such as shampoos, oils and creams. They are not allowed to sell or consume cannabis itself, but they can sell hemp products containing less than 0.2 percent THC. These establishments are closely monitored by French authorities to ensure that they comply with the law.
There has been a recent softening of French cannabis laws, which has allowed for the opening of these new shops. One of the first was Cofyshop, located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, which opened on June 5 and has already seen long lines outside.
The government recently appointed Agnes Buzyn as minister of health, who is a supporter of medical cannabis and has helped to loosen the country’s strict drug laws. She has stated that she would like to see the cultivation of cannabis plants in France legalized. Currently, it is only allowed to grow hemp plants for industrial use, but there are plans to introduce a system of licensing that will allow citizens to cultivate their own plants.
In the United States
In the United States, where CBD is more popular than ever, retailers have jumped on the bandwagon. From CBD creams and ointments to hemp-derived pet chews, CBD shops sell a variety of products. However, the industry faces a few challenges.
Licensing is a major hurdle, especially when it comes to selling ingestible CBD products. Some state regulators require businesses to submit fingerprinting and background checks as well as submit product labels and facility layout plans. Other regulatory issues include sourcing, banking, and insurance.
To overcome these challenges, CBD stores need to craft compelling marketing messages that differentiate them from competitors. They should also make sure to avoid misleading claims, such as claiming that their products treat or cure specific medical conditions. Additionally, they need to focus on customer research and data-driven content. Lastly, they should create clear and simple product descriptions that avoid niche chemical terms, industry jargon, and odd CBD pop culture references. This will help attract new customers and build trust.
