Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component in cannabis, also called marijuana. CBD products are trendy right now and a pretty lucrative industry. So, you might be wondering if you can sell CBD products on marketplaces such as Etsy.
Etsy is a popular marketplace for sellers and is well known for its trustworthiness and high-quality products. However, Etsy prohibits the sale of all products containing CBD. The company will remove any listed product that contains CBD since it goes against its policies.
CBD does not contain any psychedelic effects, unlike one of the other derivatives of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, selling CBD products on Etsy is not allowed. In this article, we’ll look at why Etsy does not allow the sale of CBD products.
An Overview of CBD
CBD is derived from either industrial hemp or cannabis. It is one of more than 100 cannabinoids in marijuana plants. Many sellers market CBD as a popular natural remedy for various ailments since CBD may alleviate discomforts associated with inflammation, pain, seizures, depression, anxiety, migraines, nausea and mental disorders.[1]
Despite this, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any over-the-counter CBD medication.[2]Thus, Etsy prohibits listers from selling CBD products since most claim medicinal benefits.
CBD can be added to gummies, gels, brownies, supplements, oils, teas, chocolates and salves. While THC creates a high, CBD does not. You will usually find that CBD is sold in the form of capsules, tinctures, ointment, tea bags or edibles.
CBD also has some side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, weight loss and appetite changes. It can be detrimental to someone if it is not high-quality or if it interferes with existing medication.
While CBD might have medicinal benefits, it is essential to consult with a medical practitioner before use. The importance of consulting a medical practitioner before use is one of the reasons why sellers are not allowed to sell CBD on Etsy.
Why CBD May Not Be Sold on Etsy
Etsy is an online commerce company based in the United States. Sellers sign up to list their products for buyers, such as vintage products, handmade items or craft supplies. These products fall under various categories, including fashion, accessories, games, pet accessories, toys, décor and more.
However, like all online shops, Etsy does not allow sellers to sell anything and everything on its marketplace. Its policies and terms of use ban the sale of controlled substances, including cannabis, narcotics, CBD or steroids.
Etsy’s Policy and Terms of Use on CBD
Etsy strives to ensure that only reliable and high-quality products are sold on its platform. That is why the company lists the following as prohibited for sale on its marketplace:[3]
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs and herbal products, which includes CBD products
- Tobacco products
- Medication
- Pharmaceuticals
- Regulated medical devices
- Drug paraphernalia
If you sell any of these products online, your listing will be flagged and removed. Afterward, your account might be suspended and terminated.[4]This will put a real damper on your business sales. Selling any product that claims to have healing properties, like many CBD products, is also prohibited on Etsy.
Etsy’s Ethical Standpoint on CBD
CBD is not psychoactive. Thus, you will not get “high” when ingesting it. So why can’t CBD be sold on Etsy if it does not have psychoactive effects? Well, Etsy prides itself on its high ethical standards.
One of the main reasons Etsy prohibits the sale of CBD products is because products containing CBD have not been FDA approved. Many CBD products claim to assist with medical conditions, such as pain, anxiety, cancer, inflammation, depression and mental disorders. While that may be the case, it has not been proven yet, and selling products claiming healing properties is not ethical.
The sellers are not the buyers’ medical doctors. Though CBD may have medical benefits, it is essential that you purchase it from reputable sellers after consulting with a medical practitioner. No seller is allowed to make any medical claims in their listings.
Many people who sell CBD products claim they can help with medical conditions. Making these claims on Etsy and selling CBD products could be dangerous. No medication may be sold on Etsy because the sellers are likely not medical practitioners, and they do not know anything about your condition.
Legally, some countries do not have clear laws on CBD sales, and since Etsy is an international marketplace, it cannot oversee every country’s legal standpoint on CBD. Many substances like CBD are classified as controlled substances, and the laws vary from country to country.
Prohibiting the sale of CBD altogether makes it easier for Etsy to remain a trustworthy marketplace by not breaking any country’s laws regarding substances like CBD.
The Repercussions of Selling CBD on Etsy
Before selling any products on a website, you need to read the website policies because going against them might land you in hot water. Selling controlled or banned substances can have severe effects on your online business.
If Etsy flags and removes your post, the company can decide to suspend your account. This means no sales for some time, hindering your income and reputation. You will also lose your non-refundable listing fees. In severe cases, Etsy might decide to remove your account altogether for going against its policies.[5]
Conclusion
Etsy is one of the biggest online marketplaces. There is (almost) everything for everyone. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to sell or buy products containing CBD. CBD may have many medical benefits, and many people use it for medicinal purposes. However, it is always important to speak to your doctor before using products that contain CBD to ensure its safety and effectiveness for your specific condition.
It can have side effects and interact with other medications. It is also important to buy CBD products from reputable sellers. Because of this, Etsy prohibits the sale of products containing CBD.
To make sure your store on Etsy flourishes, make sure not to sell any banned products.
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc [2] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd [3] https://www.etsy.com/legal/prohibited#Q1 [4] https://community.etsy.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Hemp-Sales-Legal/td-p/132316544 [5] https://wayofleaf.com/blog/etsy-policy-on-cbd-and-cannabis
