Want to start your own CBD business? Then you’re probably wondering where to start and what things to know before you get started. This step-by-step guide on how to start a CBD business will provide you with everything you need to know in order to launch your own CBD business, whether you are doing it as a side hustle or as a full-time job.
Why you should do this now
Did you know that hemp is the world’s most environmentally friendly plant? It produces up to four times more biomass per acre than any other renewable resource and produces a variety of products.
One of these products is Cannabidiol (CBD), which is considered by many to be one of the fastest growing industries today. We see this reflected in America’s recent fascination with CBD, too.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is an oil that comes from cannabis plants and can help people with certain medical conditions. Studies show that CBD can decrease seizures in epilepsy patients, as well as alleviate anxiety and depression.
In some instances, it’s even been shown to provide relief for chronic pain and inflammation. With over 70% of Americans currently living with at least one chronic condition, it’s clear why the health benefits of CBD have attracted so much attention.
Crafting your pitch
You might be asking yourself, What is CBD? Well, it is an extract of the cannabis plant. Essentially, this all-natural product helps manage pain, anxiety and depression without any side effects. Plus, it’s important to note that there are no psychoactive effects with Cannabidiol (CBD) meaning you won’t get high.
With the world wide legalization of marijuana products at an all time high – be it medical or recreational – business owners are now seeking to enter the market by selling marijuana products like edibles and vape pens. The problem for these business owners?
If their product doesn’t include THC in some way shape or form then they cannot distribute cannabis through mail order services which includes businesses like Etsy or Ebay!
Advertising your business
CBD products can be sold online, in physical stores, or even at the farmer’s market. In order to make your business successful, here are some tips for building and maintaining your customer base.
-Create an enticing store name that makes people want to come in. Also consider including the product you specialize in as part of the title so that people know what they’re getting when they walk through the door.
-Build a website with product listings and prices if possible. The more information you provide about what you sell and how much it costs, the easier it will be for people looking for a particular product or price point to find you.
Protecting your brand
The first step in making your own CBD products is deciding what kind of brand you want to create. Do you want something professional and reputable, or do you want it fun and funky?
All marketing campaigns start with branding. The look, feel, and message of your company must resonate with consumers so they know what they are getting into before they ever see the product. Think about the ikea Loveseat vs. Dareville Loveseat. It’s as simple as choosing your word choice carefully.
Creating an online presence is vital for any new business, whether it be with your website or social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. This will allow you to advertise everything about yourself (all without paying for advertising). But don’t forget about the phone!
Choosing your state
To start a business in the state of California, you will need to register your business as either an individual or partnership with the Secretary of State. You can start the process by registering through their website.
When entering information, be sure that you are filling out all the necessary fields such as company name, address, contact information and date founded.
Once you have registered your company with the state, you will also need to apply for tax identification number (EIN) with IRS through form SS4 and Federal Tax ID Number on website IRS.gov. As well as file quarterly payroll reports under employment tax number (EIN).
These steps will help ensure that you are compliant with all federal and state laws before embarking on your new venture!
Final things to consider
Here are some final considerations for starting a CBD business that may be useful for you.
1. What are your professional goals and how can the business help? Starting a new business is an investment of time, money, and energy. If you’re not sure where to start, try thinking about what you want to accomplish in your professional life and then find something that will get you there faster.
For example, if being self-employed is one of your goals and your dream job has nothing to do with cannabis or running your own business but still require some start up capital as well as the knowledge of how such businesses work then becoming an owner in someone else’s company may not be the right fit for you at this stage in life or on your career path.
2. Do you have any existing experience? The question here is, Do I have any skills and/or background related to this business? If so, does it make sense to use them for my current venture or would I need to take classes first?
3. Do I have enough money saved up for startup costs? Startup costs include things like getting inventory, marketing materials, etc., but also things like legal fees.