Understanding CBD, Hemp, and High-Risk Payments
CBD merchant account considered to be high risk.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant, a variety of Cannabis sativa. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” typically associated with marijuana.
CBD has gained popularity as an ingredient in wellness products like oils, capsules, topicals, and even food supplements. It is marketed for potential benefits such as pain relief, stress management, and skin health.
However, CBD is considered a high-risk product in the payments industry, requiring businesses order a CBD merchant account with specialized high-risk payment processors.
Is CBD Legal to Sell? Understanding Global Regulations
The legality of selling CBD depends on the country, product type, and THC content.
✅ United States:
- The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD (THC ≤ 0.3%) at the federal level.
- CBD from marijuana (THC > 0.3%) remains federally illegal.
- State laws vary. For example, Idaho and South Dakota restrict CBD sales, while California and Colorado are more permissive.
✅ Europe:
- Hemp-derived CBD with THC ≤ 0.2–0.3% is generally allowed.
- For food and supplements, CBD requires Novel Food authorization (EFSA).
- Countries like France permit only CBD extracted from stems and seeds, not flowers.
✅ Canada:
- CBD is regulated as a cannabis product, requiring a license from Health Canada.
✅ Asia, UAE, and Others:
- Many countries strictly prohibit CBD (e.g., China, India, Singapore, Japan).
Businesses must navigate these regulatory frameworks and understand the high-risk nature of CBD sales.
Why Merchants Need a High-Risk Merchant Account CBD
CBD businesses face unique challenges that make them high-risk in the eyes of banks and payment processors:
- Legal Uncertainty: Regulations change frequently across jurisdictions.
- Product Classification: CBD is often classified as a supplement, requiring compliance with health authorities (FDA, EFSA, etc.).
- High Chargeback Risk: Customers may dispute charges due to health claims, shipping delays, or misunderstanding of legal status.
- Advertising Restrictions: Platforms like Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok limit CBD advertising, making marketing more complex.
For these reasons, mainstream processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Square do not support CBD businesses. Merchants must work with specialized high-risk processors to access:
- CBD merchant accounts
- CBD payment gateways
- CBD payment processors.
How to Open a CBD Merchant Account
Step-by-Step Process:
- Choose a high-risk processor experienced with CBD.
- Prepare compliance documents:
- Business license
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from third-party labs
- Product descriptions and labelling
- Website terms, privacy policy, and refund policy
- Complete a high-risk merchant application.
- Undergo underwriting and risk assessment.
- Integrate the payment gateway into your website.
- Set up fraud and chargeback protection tools.
Alternative Solutions: Nutraceutical Merchant Accounts
CBD is often grouped with nutraceuticals like vitamins, supplements, and adaptogens. These industries face similar challenges:
- Regulatory oversight (FDA, EFSA)
- Product claims and disclaimers
- Chargeback risks
If you sell CBD alongside nutraceuticals, you may need a nutraceutical merchant account to accept credit card payments securely (you may also search it as Nutraceutical credit card processing).
External Resources for CBD Regulation
For businesses selling CBD products, it’s crucial to stay compliant with global regulatory standards. Here are some helpful resources:
- FDA – U.S. Food and Drug Administration – For U.S. businesses selling CBD products, the FDA provides guidance on legal compliance and product safety.
- EFSA – European Food Safety Authority – For companies operating in the EU, EFSA regulates CBD as a Novel Food and provides safety assessments.
- Health Canada – Cannabis Licensing – The regulatory body for cannabis and CBD products in Canada, outlining licensing requirements and compliance rules.
- MHRA – Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK) – For businesses in the UK, MHRA governs CBD as a medical product, depending on its intended use.
- AOAC International – Standards for CBD Testing – AOAC International provides industry standards for CBD product testing to ensure quality and compliance.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your CBD Payment Processing
A CBD merchant account is essential for businesses selling hemp-derived CBD products. Understanding the legal landscape, working with specialized high-risk payment processors, and ensuring compliance will help you accept payments confidently and avoid disruptions.
