The global CBD industry has exploded in popularity over the past decade—but with growth comes increased regulation. From hemp-derived wellness products to full-spectrum CBD oils, governments around the world are tightening their grip on how CBD is marketed and sold online. One of the biggest legal changes? Mandatory age verification for online CBD purchases.
Whether you’re a CBD retailer or a consumer, understanding these new laws is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
Why Age Verification Is Now Required for CBD Websites
As CBD becomes more mainstream, so do concerns around youth access. Regulatory bodies across multiple countries now classify CBD as an age-restricted product, similar to alcohol, tobacco, and vaping.
Key reasons for new age verification laws:
- Protecting minors from purchasing or using CBD products
- Aligning CBD laws with other regulated substances
- Combating misinformation about CBD and THC content
- Ensuring responsible marketing and product usage
Country-by-Country Breakdown of CBD Age Verification Rules
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- CBD is legal, but retailers must verify that buyers are 18+
- The Online Safety Act also pushes for robust age checks on websites selling restricted products
🇺🇸 United States
- Age restrictions vary by state (most require 18+ or 21+)
- Federal law permits hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC
- Major platforms like Shopify require age verification for CBD product listings
🇪🇺 European Union
- Regulations differ by country, but most EU members enforce 18+ age limits
- France and Germany require explicit age checks for online CBD transactions
- GDPR compliance is also critical for age verification systems
🇦🇺 Australia
- CBD is legal only by prescription; age verification required for informational and sales sites
- TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) monitors compliance strictly
🇨🇦 Canada
- CBD is regulated under the Cannabis Act — sales require age verification (18+ or 19+ depending on province) and federal licensing
Which Online CBD Retailers Need to Comply?
If your website sells or markets:
- CBD oils
- Capsules and gummies
- CBD vape products
- Topicals or pet CBD
- Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extracts
…you must integrate a robust age verification system to avoid legal issues, platform bans, or payment processor restrictions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to verify age can result in:
- Fines and legal action from regulatory bodies
- Website takedowns
- Loss of payment processing (e.g. Stripe, Shopify, PayPal)
- Bans from advertising platforms like Google and Meta
18Verified: The Smart Choice for CBD Retailers
18Verified is the only age verification platform that offers a user-funded subscription model, making it affordable and scalable for CBD retailers worldwide.
Why CBD sellers choose 18Verified:
- ⚡ Fast credit card, ID, or biometric age checks
- 🔒 No data tracking – full user privacy
- 🌍 Compliance with UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and more
- 🔌 Easy plug-and-play or API integration
- 💸 No cost-per-verification model — users pay a small monthly fee
Final Thoughts
As CBD regulation becomes more structured worldwide, age verification is no longer optional. It’s a legal obligation and a mark of trust and professionalism. Whether you’re an online CBD startup or an established retailer, failing to verify your customers’ age could cost you your reputation—and your business.
Ready to protect your store and keep your sales flowing legally?
👉 Get started with 18Verified now