Shopify’s ongoing policy shifts: What CBD and high-risk merchants should watch

If you sell CBD, peptides, supplements, or other regulated products, your payment stability doesn’t just depend on your processor.

It also depends on your platform.

And few platforms influence high-risk eCommerce more than Shopify.

Over the past several years, Shopify has continued refining its policies around restricted products, marketing claims, payment integrations, and compliance standards. These updates don’t always make headlines — but they absolutely impact merchants operating in regulated categories.

If you’re selling CBD or other high-risk products, here’s what you should be watching closely.

Acceptable use policy enforcement is getting more precise

Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) has always restricted certain products, claims, and categories. What’s changed over time isn’t necessarily the wording — it’s enforcement.

Platform reviews have become more data-driven and automated. That means:

• Claims language can trigger flags faster
• Product descriptions are reviewed more closely
• AI moderation tools are scanning marketing copy
• Apps and integrations are monitored for compliance alignment

For CBD and peptide merchants, subtle wording matters. Even implied medical claims can escalate review activity.

The takeaway: compliance isn’t just about legality — it’s about presentation.

Shopify Payments vs. third-party gateways

Shopify Payments (powered by Stripe) has strict category controls. Many high-risk merchants cannot use Shopify Payments at all.

This leads merchants to integrate third-party gateways instead.

But here’s what’s important:

• Shopify still controls the platform
• Shopify still enforces policy compliance
• Shopify can still suspend stores independent of payment approval

Having a compliant payment processor does not override platform rules.

That’s why alignment between your website structure, product positioning, and processor underwriting is critical.

This interconnected monitoring environment makes structured compliance more important than ever.

CBD policies continue to evolve

Shopify has historically allowed hemp-derived CBD products in certain jurisdictions, provided merchants meet strict criteria. However:

• Marketing claims are tightly monitored
• THC-related products remain restricted
• Geographic limitations apply
• Documentation requirements may change

As federal hemp legislation evolves, Shopify may update its enforcement posture again.

High-risk merchants must be prepared for:

• Policy clarification updates
• App restrictions
• Changes in permitted integrations
• Documentation audits

Staying proactive is safer than reacting to a compliance notice.

Subscription models face increased scrutiny

Recurring billing is one of the most common friction points for high-risk merchants.

Shopify has tightened oversight around:

• Transparent subscription disclosures
• Easy cancellation flows
• Clear recurring charge acknowledgment
• Refund accessibility

For CBD and supplement sellers, subscription disputes are one of the fastest ways to trigger:

• Chargeback spikes
• Payment reviews
• Platform escalations

Subscription transparency is no longer optional — it’s essential.

The rise of risk monitoring and data sharing

Modern eCommerce platforms share more compliance and risk data than merchants often realize.

Chargeback thresholds, customer complaints, policy violations, and product reports can cascade across systems.

When a merchant:

• Exceeds chargeback thresholds
• Receives multiple customer disputes
• Triggers advertising compliance reviews
• Violates marketing standards

…it can impact both payment relationships and platform standing.

What this means for CBD and high-risk merchants

Shopify isn’t “cracking down” — it’s maturing.

As the platform grows, so does its risk oversight infrastructure.

For regulated sellers, that means:

• Compliance must be built into your brand from day one
• Marketing language must be intentional
• Subscription models must be transparent
• Payment processors must understand your category

The merchants who struggle are often reactive.

The merchants who succeed are structured.

The real risk isn’t policy — it’s misalignment

Most shutdowns don’t happen because a product suddenly becomes illegal.

They happen because:

• Platform policy and marketing language don’t align
• Payment underwriting and product positioning conflict
• Subscription flows create dispute spikes
• Compliance updates are ignored

When your platform, processor, and operations are aligned, risk becomes manageable.

When they aren’t, instability follows.

Shopify will continue updating policies as regulations evolve.

That’s not a threat — it’s reality in regulated commerce.

CBD and high-risk merchants don’t need to panic.

They need to prepare.

By monitoring policy updates, tightening marketing language, structuring subscriptions clearly, and working with payment partners who understand regulated categories, merchants can operate confidently — even as the landscape shifts.

Platform policies evolve.

The question is whether your payment strategy evolves with them. Connect with our team to ensure your payments stay live.