CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. It does not cause a “high” like THC, another compound found in cannabis. CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Many people use CBD products to help with anxiety, pain, inflammation, seizures, and more. But is CBD sold at Cloud 9 smoke shops?
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants such as hemp and marijuana. However, most CBD products on the market are made from hemp rather than marijuana, because hemp is naturally higher in CBD and lower in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive compound that makes you feel “high”).
Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is legal at the federal level. CBD products made from marijuana with higher levels of THC are still considered illegal federally, though they may be legal under some state laws.
When ingested or applied topically, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates various functions like sleep, pain, appetite, and immune response. CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system in a way that provides certain effects that people find beneficial for their health and wellbeing.
Common Types of CBD Products
There are many different types of CBD products available today. Some of the most popular CBD product types include:
- CBD Oil – CBD oil often contains a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. It can be taken orally in the form of tinctures or gel capsules.
- CBD Topicals – Topical CBD products include balms, salves, lotions, and creams that are meant to be applied directly to the skin. They deliver CBD’s effects to a localized area for things like pain relief, inflammation, and skin health.
- CBD Edibles – These are foods infused with CBD, such as baked goods, gummies, chocolate, coffee, and more. When ingested, CBD is metabolized through the digestive system.
- CBD Vapes – CBD can be inhaled through vape pens, e-liquids, and cartridges. Vaping provides faster absorption than most other methods.
- CBD Pet Products – Some types of CBD products are formulated specifically for pets, such as oils, treats, and sprays.
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived CBD products, as long as they contain 0.3% or less THC. However, some state laws still prohibit CBD, so it’s important to check your state laws before buying CBD products.
The FDA also has rules about marketing and labeling CBD products. Companies cannot legally market CBD by adding it to food or dietary supplements or by making health claims about its benefits. There is still a lack of regulation and oversight in the CBD industry.
Do Cloud 9 Stores Sell CBD?
Cloud 9 is a smoke shop and vape store chain with locations across the United States. At this time, most Cloud 9 locations do not sell CBD products. The reason comes down to the legal murkiness surrounding CBD at both the federal and state levels.
Here are some key reasons why you won’t find CBD oil or other CBD products for sale at most Cloud 9 smoke shops:
- Cloud 9 aims to comply with all state and federal laws in the regions where they operate. Because CBD laws are complex and evolving, the company seems hesitant to stock CBD until the regulations are clearer.
- Adding CBD to the product selection would require new vendor agreements, supply chain adjustments, employee training, and other operational changes. Cloud 9 may be waiting until CBD laws are settled before undergoing those changes.
- There are insurance liabilities related to selling consumable CBD that some businesses wish to avoid. Cloud 9 may have decided the risks outweigh potential CBD sales revenue.
- Cloud 9 focuses on selling smoking, vaping, and tobacco related products. CBD and cannabis do not align closely with the company’s brand identity at this time.
While most Cloud 9 locations do not currently sell CBD, there are some exceptions. A small number of Cloud 9 stores in states with CBD-friendly laws do offer some hemp-derived CBD products. But the vast majority of Cloud 9 shops currently remain CBD-free.
Examples of Cloud 9 Shops Selling CBD
Here are a few examples of Cloud 9 stores that do sell CBD products, based on available online information:
| Store Location | CBD Products |
|---|---|
| Cloud 9 – Wentzville, MO | CBD flower, CBD oils, CBD gummies |
| Cloud 9 – Columbia, MO | CBD oil, CBD edibles |
| Cloud 9 – Kirksville, MO | CBD vape products |
It seems stores located in Missouri are among those most likely to carry at least a small CBD selection at this time. Missouri legalized hemp-derived CBD products in 2018. Some Cloud 9 locations there may have decided to test adding CBD to their product offerings based on local demand and favorable state laws.
Other Cloud 9 CBD Exceptions
Aside from the few Cloud 9 shops in CBD-friendly states that stock CBD, there are occasional other exceptions:
- Some Cloud 9 stores have sold out of CBD products they previously carried. So even if a location used to have CBD, it may not at present.
- Store policies on CBD products can vary based on the views of the local owner or manager.
- Stores may add CBD products for a limited time when they have inventory available, then stop reordering.
For these reasons, the only way to know definitively if your local Cloud 9 has CBD is to contact the store directly and ask. Store policies can change rapidly.
Alternative Places to Buy CBD
Since most Cloud 9 smoke shops do not sell CBD products, where can you buy CBD locally instead? Here are some options:
CBD Specialty Stores
Dedicated CBD and hemp stores are appearing in many areas. These stores specialize in selling a wide range of hemp-derived CBD products. They offer tinctures, edibles, topicals, vapes, flower, and more. Staff expertise and product selection for CBD is much greater than at general retail stores.
Vape Shops
Many independent vape shops now sell CBD vape liquids, disposables vapes, and other CBD inhalables. Vape store staff are very knowledgeable about CBD vaping products.
Health Food Stores
Natural health food stores such as Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, and Whole Foods sometimes carry CBD oils, edibles, and topicals. Offerings can be limited, but are high quality.
Pharmacies
A growing number of pharmacies and drug stores like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid sell CBD. Selection tends to focus on CBD oils, capsules, and topicals.
Online CBD Retailers
Purchasing CBD online allows you to compare many brands and products from the comfort of home. Reputable CBD companies post third party lab reports verifying purity and potency. Check for certified organic and USA grown hemp when possible.
Pros and Cons of Buying CBD at Cloud 9
Is it better to buy CBD at Cloud 9 smoke shops versus other places, when stores do carry it? Here are some pros and cons to weigh:
Pros
- One-stop shopping: You can buy CBD along with smoking accessories, tobacco, vapes, etc.
- No special trip needed: If you already shop at Cloud 9, it’s convenient.
- Lower prices: Smoke shops sometimes have cheaper pricing than specialty stores.
- No shipping cost: Buying online means paying for shipping.
Cons
- Lack of CBD knowledge: Cloud 9 staff focus on tobacco, not CBD.
- Limited product selection: Just a few CBD options versus whole catalogs online.
- No consumer guidance: Less guidance finding the right CBD products for your needs.
- Supply issues: CBD may be in stock inconsistently.
When a smoke shop carries quality CBD brands at good prices, it can be a convenient CBD source. But cannabis specialty stores often offer better product selection, knowledge, and custom recommendations.
Key Considerations When Buying CBD
If you do opt to buy CBD products at a Cloud 9 location (or anywhere else), keep these tips in mind:
- Check the laws – Make sure CBD is legal in your state and the THC content is within allowed limits.
- Look for quality – Seek out high-grade organic CBD from reputable brands that provide third party lab reports.
- Research proper dosing – Work with a knowledgeable dispenser or start low and go slow when trying CBD for the first time.
- Buy from a trusted retailer – Purchase CBD from well-reviewed vendors instead of random gas stations or bodegas.
- Know the return policy – In case a CBD product doesn’t work for you, shops should accept returns.
Doing a little research helps ensure an optimal CBD experience regardless of where you buy it.
The Future of CBD at Cloud 9
While Cloud 9 does not currently sell CBD products in most locations, this could change down the road. As CBD laws at both the federal and state level become more defined, more retailers are expected to start offering CBD.
Here are some possible factors that could lead to wider future availability of CBD products at Cloud 9 shops:
- The FDA may provide more concrete regulations and guidance around selling CBD in supplements and food.
- If cannabis is federally legalized, CBD would become easier to market and sell in all states.
- Cloud 9 may opt to trial CBD in more regions and expand the offering if successful.
- Consumer demand for CBD may convince more franchise owners to offer CBD.
- As a tobacco retailer, Cloud 9 may view hemp and CBD as a promising new vertical in the smoking space.
For now, CBD selection remains very limited at Cloud 9. But eventual federal legalization could possibly trigger Cloud 9 to expand CBD offerings in their stores.
The Bottom Line
While a small handful of Cloud 9 locations do sell CBD products, most do not at this time. Cloud 9 seems to be taking a cautious approach until CBD regulations at the federal and state level stabilize more.
Consumers interested in buying CBD locally have a number of options through CBD specialty retailers, vape/smoke shops, health food stores, pharmacies, and online. Purchasing CBD is legal in many regions with proper due diligence.
As CBD grows increasingly mainstream, it’s possible that Cloud 9 will expand their CBD merchandise in more store locations. But for now, CBD products remain largely absent from their shelves. Consumers can find quality hemp-derived CBD from a variety of alternative trusted sources.
