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A complete guide to buying CBD online safely
Reading time ⌛ 7 min
After its legalization in France in 2018, cannabidiol (CBD) quickly became one of the most sought-after wellness products. Dozens of CBD shops offering oils, flowers, resins, e-liquids, and hemp-based cosmetics opened in major cities… and even more online.
However, after an initial surge fueled by curiosity and the relaxing effects of CBD, the market for flowers and resins began to slow down. Many brick-and-mortar stores had to close, and even today, the number of deserted shops on the streets of Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, and Paris is countless.
Indeed, the financial pressure on physical stores is much greater than on online CBD shops. This often limits the choice of available varieties and increases product prices.
As a result, more and more consumers are choosing tobuy CBD online. But without being able to see or smell the flowers or resins, how can their quality be verified? What criteria can be used to identify a reliable CBD website? How can I be sure the site is secure? And above all, which product should I choose?
In this guide, we explain how to buy CBD online with confidence, avoid pitfalls, and enjoy CBD delivered directly to your home.
How can you ensure the reliability of an online CBD shop?
Check the reviews
For online CBD shops, as with physical stores, the first criterion to consider is reputation. Start by checking customer reviews.
Don't limit yourself to the testimonials directly on the website. For more neutral and objective feedback, consult specialized rating platforms such as:
- Trustpibatch
- Verified Reviews
- Trustindex
- Guaranteed Reviews Company
The ratings and reviews published on these sites are generally certified and verified by an independent body, which guarantees their reliability.
Check the legal notices and general terms and conditions of sale
In France, as in the European Union, all online stores are required to publish legal notices. These must include:
- The name of the company operating the shop
- Its corporate name
- His postal address
- His contact details (phone, email…)
This information is invaluable for verifying the seller's true identity.
It is also recommended to carefully read the terms and conditions of sale. These will outline the store's policies regarding sales, pricing, refunds, and shipping.
Both pages must be present, easily accessible (often at the bottom of the page), and written specifically for the website.
Check secure payment methods
Certain steps in the payment process absolutely require your attention to guarantee the reliability of an online CBD sales site and ensure that you will receive your checkout:
- Check the checkout summary : before paying, make sure that the checkout details and total price are clearly displayed.
- Ensure that the payment page is secure : the URL address must start with https:// (with the security padlock) and not simply http://.
- Favor protected payments : it is recommended to choose sites using a platform secured by 3D Secure (e.g. PayPlug, Stripe, PayPal…).
- Receive an email confirmation : a reliable site will automatically send you an email confirming the checkout and payment.
By following these simple steps, you significantly reduce the risks associated with buying CBD online and ensure a secure transaction.
How to choose CBD products available online
One of the major advantages of online CBD shops is the ability to find a very wide variety of products: CBD oils, flowers, resins, e-liquids, cosmetics, vapes, gummies… There is no shortage of cannabidiol-based product lines.
But how can you choose a product without being able to assess its quality before buying online?
Pay attention to the product specifications
Choosing a CBD flower or resin without being able to see or smell it can be difficult. To get the most accurate idea possible before checkouting, carefully read the product descriptions and information sheets. Each flower and resin has its own characteristics:
- CBD levels and concentration
- Flower cultivation methods (indoor, greenhouse, outdoor)
- Extraction and pressing methods for resins
- Variety and genetics
- Size and visual appearance
- Texture and aromas
The more precise information you have, the better. And if you still have any doubts, contact the store's customer service directly to verify that the information matches the product and your expectations.
Prioritize products that receive the most reviews
If with an online CBD store , its prices are reasonable, and several varieties interest you but you're still undecided, a good strategy is to choose one of the products with the most positive customer reviews.
Every store has its flagship products, the ones that everyone agrees on. By choosing one of these, you can gauge the overall quality of the catalog and reduce the risk of disappointment.
The legality of the products
In France, as in the rest of Europe, CBD products must be tested by an independent laboratory. This laboratory is responsible for ensuring that the THC concentration complies with the legal limit of 0.3% in France or 0.2% in certain other European countries. Similarly, the products must be derived from varieties listed on the official European Commission list.
Both of these requirements must be displayed on every product page of online CBD retailers.
Which CBD product should I choose?
CBD flowers
CBD flowers are the dried buds of female hemp plants. They reach a maximum natural concentration of approximately 25%. Consumable as an infusion or vaporizer, they are aimed at consumers seeking:
- Raw, unprocessed products
- Relatively mild and gradual effects
- Natural, complex and varied flavors
CBD flowers represent a wide range of products. Different varieties are available, at different prices and of varying quality.
The farming method
The cultivation method influences the quality of the flowers, their CBD concentration, the complexity of their flavors, as well as their appearance, density, and color. The more complex the technique, the higher the quality of the flowers, and the higher their price. Here are the different types of cultivation, ranked in descending checkout of quality:
- Hydroponics : Hydroponics represents the "holy grail" of cultivation. The plants grow directly in water, and every stage of growth is meticulously controlled. This type of cultivation produces the largest, densest, and most concentrated flowers, with a CBD content between 20 and 25%.
- Indoors : In indoor cultivation, the flowers grow in soil and in a controlled atmosphere. As with hydroponics, every step is carefully planned. The result: very attractive and flavorful flowers, with a concentration often between 18 and 20%.
- Greenhouse : the flowers grow in natural soil but in a greenhouse. This hybrid cultivation method allows for the production of good quality flowers at an affordable price. Their CBD content is generally between 12 and 20%.
- Outdoors : the flowers grow naturally in open fields. Often sourced from Italian or Spanish farms where the climate is ideal, they are less concentrated but offered at a very competitive price. Their CBD content is around 10%.
CBD resins
Resins are concentrates obtained from the trichomes of hemp flowers, called pollen or kief. This pollen, obtained by sieving, is then compressed to form a compact block. The texture can be more or less dense or crumbly, and the color varies from light yellow to dark brown depending on the technique.
Consumed as an infusion or vaporized, the resin often contains a higher CBD content than the flowers, sometimes reaching up to 80%. It is aimed at consumers looking for:
- A potent product with a high CBD content
- Rounder, more powerful and full-bodied flavors
- Faster effects, with increased sedative potential
CBD oils
The oils are composed of cannabinoids extracted using food-grade solvents, then diluted in hemp or coconut oil. When taken sublingually, they have a concentration between 5 and 50%.
They allow for:
- A precise and controlled CBD intake
- Effects that are slower to appear but last longer
- A neutral or vegetal taste depending on the base used
GLS or Colissimo ? To a relay point or to your home? Which type of delivery should I choose?
Choosing your carrier
First, it's important to know that deliveries are handled by carriers. These are independent companies, separate from CBD shops. Once the package is handed over to the carrier, you can track its progress on their respective websites.
- Colissimo delivery service Colissimo is offered by La Poste. It generally delivers between 9am and 4pm, 1 to 3 days after the package has been handed over to them.
- Chronopost : Chronopost is also a service offered by La Poste (the French postal service). It specializes in express delivery. Deliveries are made in less than 24 hours.
- GLS : The carrier GLS (General Logistics Systems) is based in the Netherlands. It is one of the leading delivery companies throughout Europe. Deliveries are made within 24 to 48 hours.
Where can I get CBD delivered?
The choice of CBD delivery location depends primarily on your availability. Please note that packages are placed in neutral and odorless packaging. For added convenience, we often recommend delivery to a pickup point. This way, the package is delivered to your chosen location, and you can easily collect it at your convenience. Furthermore, we offer free delivery to pickup points for checkouts over €50. Take advantage of this offer!
In summary, the best practices for buying CBD online safely
Once you have found the product that suits you, before validating your basket, take a few minutes to check these essential points:
- Complete legal information (company name, address, SIRET number)
- Verified customer reviews viewed on an external platform
- Detailed product description (variety, cultivation method, CBD and THC levels)
- Secure site (https + 3D Secure at payment)
- Terms and conditions of sale read (refunds, returns)
- Clear delivery policy (delivery times, carrier, package tracking)
Once you have checked everything thoroughly, feel free to visit our online CBD shop to enjoy exceptional quality products at the best price!
