One of the fastest-growing markets in terms of online sales is that of cannabis and cannabis-related products. There are many reasons for this, and we will try and cover the most important in the following article. Before we go on, it’s important we establish the difference between cannabis itself, and cannabis-related products.
Cannabis, Medical Cannabis and CBD
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed or by a number of other nicknames, is a plant that is grown, the leaves being processed and smoked for recreational use. It is associated with the hippie movement of the 1960’s – although it has been grown for a couple of hundred years in the USA – and with the act of ‘getting high’.
Until recently, it was a criminal offence to possess, use or grow cannabis across the USA. The times are changing, and many states have now legalized cannabis. In California, for example, a person is now permitted to have on their person up to an ounce of cannabis, and to grow as many as six plants. It remains illegal in many states, however, although some are planning to legalize it.
The medical benefits of cannabis have been known for some time, and as far back as 1996 California became the first state to allow medical cannabis to be prescribed. It is now legal in many states, although in some it is prescription-only. Medical cannabis can be one of many strains of the plant, but is usually restricted in the cannabinoids – the active compounds in the plant – that are permitted. Usually, they are heavy in CBD.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of the cannabinoids mentioned. CBD products are now among the most common of cannabis products that can be bought online, and usually take the form of oils, tinctures or edibles. To be legally sold in the USA, CBD products must contain only trace elements of THC – the psychoactive compound of the plant – and must be made from a strain known as ‘industrial hemp’. So, why has there been such a boom in online cannabis product sales?
The Online Sales Boom
Online shopping is all the rage right now, and that applies whether you’re looking for clothing, or cannabis! The main reason why there has been an explosion of cannabis products available online is that it is now legal to sell them, and people are cashing in on this fact.
For example, no longer do you have to meet your dealer at a set time and quietly purchase your cannabis: you can simply log on to your preferred online dispensary, and order it, pay for it, and wait for it to be delivered. Also, you know you will be getting the same quality every time, which was not a certainty when buying on the street.
It is important to understand that online dispensaries must be licensed by the state – as must physical cannabis retailers on the high street. The latter, however, are yet to be seen apart from a few here and there in the major cities. The reason that physical shops are less prevalent is simple: the rent, rates and upkeep of an actual shop is far greater than a website. People like to shop online for cannabis as they get quick, reliable and discreet service, and can buy their supplies from wherever there is an internet connection.
Find an Online Cannabis Product Supplier
The boom in online suppliers does have some benefits, but there are also potential pitfalls to look out for. One is that there have been cases of sub-standard products – especially where CBD is concerned – reaching the market. You need to look for suppliers who will be open and up-front with regard to where the cannabis is grown, whether you are buying cannabis or a related product, whether it has been tested, and other factors such as the THC content.
There are reliable online cannabis suppliers, so if you look around and check their information you will find them. Be aware that, as more states legalize the possession of cannabis, so the boom in online sales will continue, so it might be worth getting on the bandwagon now and finding your preferred supplier to build a relationship with.
