The phrase “CBD Oil” turned up more than 6,000 results on Amazon – and yet, it is still illegal to sell CBD on its site. Or is it?

Sorry mom, I might start selling drugs. But only safe ones!

Consumer sales of CBD are (pardon the pun) “so friggin high right now,” and are expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022.

But wait, isn’t CBD weed? Kind of. Cannabidiol, affectionately known as CBD, is the second most prevalent ingredient in marajuana or hemp plants. Its biggest draw is that it doesn’t get you high like THC does, but gives you all of the other benefits of marijuana.

While some Grandmas may be skeptical, the World Health Organization reports that CBD on its own does not “exhibit any effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

It can help control seizures, calm anxiety, relieve migraines, and a bunch of other amazing things. No more lying about your glaucoma, Nana!

So why is Amazon being such a square and not allowing it to be sold on its site?

Previously, CBD was considered a controlled substance, BUT hemp has since become legal on a federal level (and aging hippies everywhere wept). Unfortunately, each state has its own regulations on this, which means Amazon is SOL.

However, many products have been squeaking by under the radar because they never mention CBD in their ingredients. In 2019, The Washington Post purchased thirteen products on Amazon to see if they included CBD, and eleven of them did. (So Amazon’s policing isn’t going great in this area.)

And guess what…….CBD IS currently for sale by Amazon in the UK under an invite-only pilot program. Ten companies are able to sell CBD thanks to their legal clarity about drug regulation. It’s like selling non-alcoholic beer, but good.

What does this mean for the FBA seller?

  • Keep your eyes peeled for changes in regulation. Amazon is interested in this market, and you want to get in the door as soon as there is a clear path forward.
  • Learn more about hemp and CBD products, and how to list them on Amazon if you are willing to take that risk.
  • Learn how to sell CBD elsewhere online as you wait for Amazon to chill, man.

So smoke ‘em if you got ‘em because you can’t sell ‘em…YET!

Lifestyle, Regulations, Selling Tips

About the Author

Anne Krane

Anne Krane is a Boston based improviser, actor, and writer. But to make money, she teaches kids the alphabet and how to play the quiet game. She loves a good wood-wicked candle, utilizes the post office, and kills succulents with the best of them. When the world opens back up, you can see her performing at Improv Asylum, or come to her classroom if you’d like to learn to read.

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