Setting up an online store to sell CBD products on Shopify takes the right payment solution. Because CBD is considered a high-risk industry, you need a reliable payment provider, a third-party payment gateway compatible with Shopify, and a proper CBD merchant account to accept credit card payments and keep payments online flowing.
Key Highlights for CBD Merchants on Shopify
- Shopify Payments is Stripe, and Stripe doesn’t allow CBD.
- PayFacs like Stripe, PayPal, and Square can shut down CBD merchants without warning.
- To sell CBD on Shopify, you need a CBD merchant account plus a Shopify-compatible payment gateway.
- Gateways like Authorize.Net and NMI connect your Shopify store to your approved CBD merchant account.
- Many traditional payment processors won’t board the sale of hemp or the sale of CBD, so choosing the right payment gateway and Shopify CBD payment processor matters.
- Many CBD merchants lose 30–60% of revenue when PayFacs freeze payouts without notice.
- VERIFIED Credit Card Processing helps CBD businesses secure approval, integrate with Shopify, and protect their ability to accept payments.
Why Shopify Payments Won’t Work for CBD
Shopify allows merchants to sell hemp and hemp-derived CBD products, but not with its built-in Shopify Payments. Shopify Payments is Stripe, and Stripe prohibits CBD transactions. According to Shopify’s acceptable use policy, sellers of hemp-derived CBD products must use an alternative payment method. Put simply, Shopify Payments doesn’t support CBD.
If you try to sell CBD on Shopify with Shopify Payments, you risk frozen payouts, immediate account termination, and placement on shared industry watchlists.
This problem isn’t unique to Stripe. PayPal and Square also reject CBD because they’re PayFacs (payment facilitators).
What’s a PayFac?
A PayFac groups thousands of merchants under one master account. It’s fast to set up, but risky for high-risk industries like CBD. If the PayFac decides CBD is “too risky,” every CBD merchant is terminated at once — regardless of compliance.
That’s why CBD merchants need a dedicated CBD merchant account paired with a Shopify-compatible payment gateway like Authorize.Net or NMI.
Compliance Checklist: What You Need Before Applying
CBD payment processors require stricter documentation than traditional processors. Having everything ready reduces delays and improves approval odds.
- Certificates of Analysis (COAs) proving hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC
- State and local business licenses for hemp or CBD products
- Compliant website copy with no medical claims
- Age verification where required
- Clear terms, privacy, shipping, and refund policies
Coverage clarity: VERIFIED supports U.S.-based Shopify merchants selling hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC; product eligibility depends on your catalog, compliance posture, and underwriting guidelines.
Need help gathering compliance documents or starting your CBD merchant account application? VERIFIED Credit Card Processing offers free consultations for Shopify CBD merchants. Apply today.
Common CBD Merchant Account Rejection Reasons
- Medical or disease claims on product pages
- Expired or missing COAs
- Prior Stripe, PayPal, or Square shutdowns
- Restricted products mixed into the catalog
Working with an experienced CBD payment processor like VERIFIED reduces these risks because underwriters know exactly what to look for.
Merchant Account vs. Payment Gateway
To sell CBD on Shopify, you need two components:
- CBD Merchant Account – the account that processes transactions
- Payment Gateway – the connector between Shopify checkout and your merchant account
Authorize.Net and NMI are gateways, not processors. They don’t approve you directly — they integrate your approved merchant account into Shopify.
Best Shopify-Compatible CBD Gateways
Authorize.Net
- Built-in Shopify compatibility
- Supports credit cards, recurring billing, fraud tools
- Official integration guide
NMI (Network Merchants, Inc.)
- Designed for high-risk payment processing
- Supports redundancy, ACH, and alternative payments
- Official integration guide
Step-by-Step: How to Sell CBD on Shopify
- Apply for a CBD merchant account
- Select Authorize.Net or NMI
- Integrate via Shopify Payments → Third-Party Providers
- Test transactions and refunds
- Launch live payments
When you apply with VERIFIED, we handle the merchant account placement and gateway setup together.
Optional: LegitScript Certification for CBD Merchants
LegitScript certification is optional but can unlock Google Ads and Meta advertising for compliant CBD merchants.
- Discounted LegitScript access through VERIFIED
- Expedited review options
- Improved processor and ad platform trust
Why Work with VERIFIED Credit Card Processing?
- CBD merchant accounts with strong approval rates
- Shopify integrations via Authorize.Net and NMI
- High-risk payment processing expertise
- Chargeback and fraud monitoring
- CBD-first underwriting knowledge
Launch Your Shopify CBD Store with Confidence
If you want to sell CBD on Shopify, you can’t rely on Stripe, PayPal, or Square. You need a dedicated CBD merchant account and a Shopify-compatible gateway.
VERIFIED Credit Card Processing provides an end-to-end Shopify CBD payment solution — from approval to integration.
Let us discover your best options.
Either submit the form below or get in touch with an agent now (415) 835-4135.
Applying is risk-free; we send your details to underwriters to find the best fit and contact you with the best option or request more details, with no credit checks or commitments.
