Can You Advertise & Sell CBD on Instagram? Our Tips for Success

Instagram’s community guidelines follow those put forth by its parent, company, Meta. Specifically, Instagram states, “We also remove content that attempts to trade, coordinate the trade, donate, gift, or ask for non-medical drugs, as well as content that either admits to personal use (unless in the recovery context) or coordinates or promotes the use of non-medical drugs.”

In other words, your content cannot show your own personal use of recreational drugs, including CBD. Moreover, advertisements cannot expressly state or imply that CBD treats, cures, prevents, or diagnoses diseases or conditions in humans/animals. Lastly, CBD advertising targeting minors is prohibited, and any violation will result in immediate content removal, account flagging, and potential deletion.

Tagging on Instagram can help boost awareness about your business. Include relevant hashtags, tag up to 10 people/businesses/topics, and use location-based geotags strategically. Avoid overusing geotags and consider tagging your retail location and other landmarks in your city to promote your brand locally.

As a social platform, Instagram works best when you’re actively using your account. As in, you’re being social: commenting, following back relevant businesses and customers, and engaging in topics and conversations that pertain to your CBD business. Make sure to tag relevant accounts in your business-related stories, and chat with them regarding information about CBD.

There are many ways to engage an audience on social media through images and videos. Eye-catching pictures, carousels, and videos are valuable to an audience. Additionally, going live with your followers and sharing customer stories are all ways to promote your CBD business.

When well-known industry insiders or celebrities discuss your products, it immediately adds credibility to your brand. Peer-to-peer advertising can be a great way to find new followers. Talk to CBD experts, influencers in the cannabis space, health and wellness personalities, or content creators.

Reposting content from your own local or online community to your Instagram followers can also drive engagement. Not only does it get other local business owners aware of your brand, but you also help promote their content, events, and opportunities.

Additionally, advertisements can educate and advocate for hemp and cannabinoid-related products as long as such content doesn’t aim to sell anything prohibited. In fact, education remains one of the best ways to serve your audience and reach new customers.

Do

• Aim to “inform,” not sell.
• Post consistently.
• Work with quality vendors and merchandise.
• Use high-quality visuals.
• Engage with your audience via comments.
• Promote products made of hemp seed oil, topicals, and other hemp products.

Don’t

• Make any uncertified health claims.
• Use inappropriate language.
• Target underage teens or children.
• Post photos showing recreational drug use.
• Use the word, “CBD” in the advertisements.
• Crosslink to your main website or include direct links to CBD products.