How to Sell CBD on Wix: A Complete Guide (2025)

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Katie Devoe

Wix offers a beautiful storefront for your CBD brand, but its payment system is a hidden trapdoor waiting to shut you down. I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs fall into it, so I created this guide to be the map that leads you safely through the industry’s minefields. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle for anyone looking to start a CBD business online.

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

If you’re short on time, here are the absolute essentials you need to know:

  • Allowed Products: You can only sell hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana, high-THC products, and psilocybin are strictly forbidden on the platform.
  • Wix Requirements: You must be based in the United States, submit Wix’s mandatory “Declaration for Selling Hemp Products,” and restrict shipping to states where it’s legal.
  • Payment Processing: This is the big one. Wix Payments is not available for CBD. You must use a partnered third-party provider (like Square or Bankful) or integrate a high-risk gateway (like Authorize.Net) with extra software.
  • Legal Compliance is Your Responsibility: You are solely responsible for following all federal, state, and FDA regulations. The biggest rule? You absolutely cannot make any health or medical claims about your products.
  • Critical Documentation: Always have batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product. You’ll need them to get approved by payment processors and to build trust with your customers.

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. The CBD industry is subject to complex and constantly changing regulations. Please consult with a qualified attorney and financial advisor before starting your business.

The First Step: What You Can (and Can’t) Sell on Wix

Before you even think about designing your website, you need to understand exactly what Wix allows. Getting this wrong can get your store shut down before it even starts.

Understanding “Hemp-Derived CBD”

The only cannabis-related products you can sell on Wix are those derived from “hemp.” Legally, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as the Cannabis sativa L. plant containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. If your product’s THC content creeps over that tiny 0.3% threshold, it’s legally considered marijuana, which Wix prohibits.

Products Strictly Prohibited on Wix

To be crystal clear, here is a list of what you absolutely cannot sell on the platform. Don’t try to find loopholes here; it’s not worth the risk.

  • Do Not Sell:
    • Marijuana-derived CBD (any product with over 0.3% THC)
    • Recreational or medical marijuana flower and products
    • Products containing psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”)
    • Any other substance on the U.S. Controlled Substances Act list

Navigating the Legal Maze: U.S. Federal, State, and FDA Rules

Okay, you’ve confirmed your products are compliant with Wix’s rules. Now comes the bigger challenge: complying with government regulations. This is where many new entrepreneurs get into trouble.

Federal Law: The 2018 Farm Bill

The 2018 Farm Bill was a landmark piece of legislation that removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, legalizing its cultivation and sale federally. However, it didn’t create a free-for-all. The bill gave the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate CBD products, and that’s where things get complicated.

State-Specific Laws: A Complex Patchwork

While hemp is federally legal, states get to make their own rules. Some states require special licenses for sellers, some have unique labeling requirements, and a few still ban online sales of certain CBD products. You are responsible for knowing and following the law in every single state you ship to.

Wix itself explicitly blocks sales to the following states, and you must configure your store to do the same:

  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi
  • New Hampshire
  • South Dakota

FDA & FTC Regulations: The Most Common Pitfall

This is the part I really need you to pay attention to. The fastest way to get your business into hot water is by making unapproved health claims. The FDA has a clear stance on this: it has not approved CBD for use in food or as a dietary supplement.

The Golden Rule: No Health Claims.

Making claims that your product can treat, cure, or prevent a disease is a major violation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also targets businesses for deceptive marketing and can issue hefty fines.

Here are examples to guide you:

  • Prohibited Claim: “Our CBD oil cures anxiety and relieves chronic pain.”
  • Compliant Description: “Our CBD oil is formulated to support a sense of calm and is a great addition to your post-workout routine for overworked muscles.”

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Wix CBD Store

Ready to build? Following these steps in order will save you a lot of headaches, especially when it’s time to get paid.

1. Assemble Your Compliance Documentation First

Before you even sign up for Wix, get your paperwork in order. You’ll need this to apply for a payment processor. Trust me, having this ready will make the process infinitely smoother.

  • Your Document Checklist:
    • Business licenses (federal, state, and local)
    • Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product you sell
    • Agreements from your suppliers
    • Your product liability insurance policy (more on this in a bit!)

2. Create Your Wix Account & Choose a Template

Now for the fun part. Sign up for a Wix account and browse their e-commerce templates. They even have some designed specifically for CBD stores that can give you a great head start.

3. Submit the Wix Declaration Form

This is a mandatory step. You’ll need to find and submit the “Declaration for Selling Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products” form in your Wix dashboard. In this form, you’re officially attesting that you will only sell compliant products. Completing this will automatically disconnect Wix Payments if it’s active on your account.

4. Add Your CBD Products

When you add your products, write your descriptions carefully. Remember the golden rule: no health claims. Focus on the quality of your ingredients, your brand story, and how the product fits into a wellness lifestyle.

Best Practice: You need to show customers your COAs. Since Wix doesn’t have a built-in feature for this, the best method is to upload the PDF for each product batch to your site’s media library and then add a clear link on each product page that says something like, “View Lab Results.”

5. Connect a CBD-Friendly Payment Provider

This is the most technical and crucial step of the process. I’ll cover it in detail in the next section, but once you’re approved by a processor, you’ll follow their instructions to connect it to your Wix store.

6. Configure Shipping & Tax Rules

Go into your Wix store’s shipping settings and create your shipping rules. It is absolutely critical that you create shipping zones that exclude the states where sales are prohibited (the Wix-banned list plus any others your legal counsel advises against). For taxes, remember that sales tax rules for CBD can vary widely, so you may want to use an app like Avalara or TaxJar to stay compliant.

The Biggest Hurdle: CBD Payment Processing on Wix

Let’s talk about the single biggest challenge you’ll face: getting paid. Because the industry is still in a legal gray area, major financial institutions classify CBD as “high-risk.”

Why Wix Payments (and Stripe/PayPal) Won’t Work

Standard payment processors like Stripe (which powers Wix Payments) and PayPal have strict policies against processing payments for CBD products. Attempting to use them will lead to a sudden account shutdown and your funds being frozen. You must use a dedicated high-risk payment processor.

Option 1: Wix’s Partnered Providers

Wix has done some of the legwork for you by partnering with a few payment providers that specialize in high-risk industries. Your main options are Square, Bankful, Evergreen Payments Northwest, and Priority Payments.

ProviderIntegrationBest ForPotential Challenges
SquareDirectBeginners, businesses already using Square POS.Slower, documentation-heavy approval process.
BankfulDirectHigh-risk specialists, broader product acceptance.Approval can take 5-14 days, higher scrutiny.
Evergreen / PriorityDirectMerchants looking for alternative options.May have a regional focus or specific requirements.

Option 2: Integrating Third-Party High-Risk Gateways

What if Wix’s partners reject you? Don’t panic. You have another, more advanced option. You can work with a high-risk payment specialist to get a CBD merchant account and connect it to a payment gateway like Authorize.Net or NMI.

This is not a direct integration. It typically requires third-party software to bridge the gap between Wix and your gateway. Companies like Organic Payment Gateways specialize in setting this up.

How to Get Approved: Underwriting Best Practices

Whether you use a Wix partner or a third-party gateway, the bank’s underwriters will scrutinize your business. Here’s how to pass with flying colors:

  • Have all your compliance documents (COAs, licenses, insurance) scanned and ready to submit.
  • Make sure your website is live, looks professional, and is completely free of health claims.
  • Post your COAs publicly on your product pages.
  • Display clear shipping and return policies.
  • Be prepared for extra questions if you sell ingestibles, vapes, or hemp flower.
  • Respond to requests from the processor quickly and thoroughly.

Essential Protection: Business Insurance for Your CBD Store

I can’t stress this enough: you cannot run a CBD business without the right insurance. Your standard business owner’s policy almost certainly excludes cannabis-related products.

Types of Insurance You Need

  • Product Liability Insurance: This is non-negotiable. It protects you financially if a customer claims your product caused them harm or an adverse reaction. Many payment processors and wholesale partners will require you to have this.
  • Product Recall Insurance: This covers the massive expense of recalling a product batch if you discover a safety or contamination issue.

Recommended Specialty Insurance Providers

You need to work with an insurance broker who specializes in the cannabis and hemp industry. They’ll know exactly what kind of coverage you need. Look into reputable firms like Heffernan Insurance Brokers and Chubb to find the right policy.

Shipping, Taxes, and Ongoing Compliance

Launching your store is just the beginning. A successful business requires staying on top of your day-to-day operations and the ever-changing legal landscape.

Choosing a Shipping Carrier

USPS, UPS, and FedEx all have policies that may allow for the shipment of compliant, hemp-derived CBD. However, these policies can change without notice. Always check the carrier’s latest terms of service. I also recommend keeping copies of your COAs in each package, just in case a shipment is inspected.

Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Your product labels must be compliant. At a minimum, they should include an ingredient list, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, the net quantity of the contents, and a clear disclosure that the product contains hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC. Some states also have specific requirements, like child-resistant packaging.

The Importance of Staying Updated

Compliance is not a one-time task. Laws at the federal and state levels are constantly evolving. I highly recommend you subscribe to newsletters from cannabis-focused law firms or join industry trade associations to stay informed.

Marketing Your Wix CBD Store Without Breaking the Rules

You’ve built a beautiful, compliant store. Now, how do you get customers?

Navigating Advertising Restrictions

You’ll quickly find that you can’t just run ads like a normal business. Paid advertising for CBD products is generally prohibited on major platforms like Google and Facebook/Instagram.

Focus on Compliant Marketing Strategies

Since paid ads are mostly off the table, you need to get creative and focus on organic growth.

  • SEO & Content Marketing: This is your most powerful tool. Write educational blog posts about the science of hemp, different cannabinoids (without making medical claims), and industry news. This builds your authority and attracts customers searching for information.
  • Email & SMS Marketing: Build an email list from day one. This allows you to market directly to an audience that has opted-in to hear from you.
  • Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to build your brand identity. Focus on lifestyle content, education, and behind-the-scenes looks at your business. Avoid making claims and ensure your content doesn’t appeal to minors.

Final Action Checklist for Launching Your Store

Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s break it down into a final checklist. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on the path to a successful launch.

  1. [ ] Consult an Attorney to review your business plan and understand your state’s laws.
  2. [ ] Form a Legal Business Entity (like an LLC) to protect your personal assets.
  3. [ ] Source Products from a Reputable Supplier and get batch-specific COAs for everything.
  4. [ ] Secure Product Liability Insurance from a specialty provider.
  5. [ ] Build Your Wix Site with 100% compliant product descriptions.
  6. [ ] Submit the Wix Declaration Form in your dashboard.
  7. [ ] Apply for a CBD Payment Processor with all of your documentation ready to go.
  8. [ ] Configure Shipping Rules to exclude all prohibited states.
  9. [ ] Upload and Link COAs on every single one of your product pages.
  10. [ ] Launch and Focus on Compliant Marketing like SEO and email.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I sell CBD on Wix if I’m outside the U.S.?

Wix’s official CBD solution is designed for U.S.-based businesses only. If you’re in another country, you would need to consult with a local attorney and find a payment processor in your region that supports both CBD and Wix integrations.

Can I use Wix Bookings or other Wix apps to sell CBD services?

Yes, you generally can. Services like CBD-infused massages or wellness consultations fall under the same compliance rules. You must use an approved CBD payment processor to handle the payments for these services.

What happens if my payment processor drops me?

First, don’t panic. Immediately do a full audit of your website to ensure there are no health claims or other compliance issues. Then, contact a high-risk payment specialist. They can often diagnose the problem and help you apply for a new merchant account quickly.

Do I need a special license to sell CBD online?

This depends entirely on your state and sometimes even your city or county. Some states require a specific hemp or CBD retail license to operate legally. You must research the local requirements for your specific location.


References

  1. How to Get a CBD License: A 2025 State-by-State Breakdown – https://paymentcloudinc.com/blog/cbd-license/
  2. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) – https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  3. Wix Compatible CBD Payment Gateways – https://organicpaymentgateways.com/cbd-payment-gateways/wix/
  4. Cannabis Product Liability Insurance – https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/cannabis/cannabis-product-liability-insurance/
  5. Selling CBD on Your Wix Site – https://support.wix.com/en/article/selling-cbd-on-your-wix-site

Picture of Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe is an entrepreneur, educator, and cannabis thought leader. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and developed the CannaCertified cannabis education platform.

• Cannabis and Hemp Enthusiast
• One of the first female business owners in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Co-founder of one of the largest and most established CBD manufacturers in the country
• Spent the past decade leading brands in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Developed a certification program
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn and elsewhere.

Get a quote from Katie on your product idea today!

Picture of Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe

Katie Devoe is an entrepreneur, educator, and cannabis thought leader. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and developed the CannaCertified cannabis education platform.

• Cannabis and Hemp Enthusiast
• One of the first female business owners in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Co-founder of one of the largest and most established CBD manufacturers in the country
• Spent the past decade leading brands in the hemp and cannabis industry
• Developed a certification program
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn and elsewhere.

Get a quote from Katie on your product idea today!

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