The short answer: Both work, as long as you can see exactly what you’re buying. Shopping online is convenient and has endless selection. A local store lets you see the product, ask questions, check the lab report on the spot, and take it home the same day. The best choice depends on how well you already know what you want.
Here’s how the two compare, and what to check no matter where you buy.
Shopping online
What’s great about it:
- Convenience. Order from the couch and have it shipped to your door.
- Selection. Brand sites carry their full lineup, including sizes and flavors a store may not stock.
- Easy to compare. Product pages, lab reports and reviews are all a click away.
What to watch for:
- You can’t see or smell it first. That matters most with flower.
- Confusing listings. Some big online marketplaces restrict CBD, so products sold there as “hemp oil” are often hemp seed oil with little to no CBD. We explain the difference in Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Are They the Same Thing?
- Shipping rules vary by state, especially for THC products, so check before you order.
- You wait. Shipping takes days, not minutes.
Buying online? Go straight to the brand. Our family of brands sells direct, with lab reports for every product:
- Colorado Cures for CBD tinctures and topicals. New customers can use code CCTEN for 10% off.
- Turnt Up for hemp-derived THC gummies and drinks (21+).
- Anchored for flower, vapes and edibles (21+).
Shopping at a local store
What’s great about it:
- Real people to ask. Not sure about full spectrum vs. isolate, or which format fits your routine? Our team can walk you through it.
- See it before you buy. Check the packaging and label up close. With flower, you can see it and smell it.
- Lab reports on the spot. Scan the QR code on any product and read its lab report before you leave. New to reading them? Start with What Is a COA?
- Same-day. Walk in, walk out with it. No shipping, no waiting.
What to watch for:
- Store hours. You have to go while it’s open.
- Shelf space. A store may not carry every size or flavor a brand sells online.
See it, smell it: why flower is different
If there’s one product worth buying in person, it’s flower. Looks and aroma tell you a lot, and you can’t get either from a photo. CBD Plus USA stores carry Anchored products, so you can check out Anchored flower up close and ask our team questions before you buy (21+).
Online vs. in-store at a glance
| Online | Local store | |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Shop anytime, shipped to you | Same-day, no shipping |
| Selection | Full brand lineup | What’s on the shelf |
| Help choosing | Product pages and FAQs | Staff you can talk to |
| Seeing the product | Photos only | In person |
| Lab reports | On the brand’s site | Scan the QR code in the store |
| Best for | Reorders of what you already love | Trying something new |
Wherever you buy, check these 4 things
- A lab report (COA). Every product from our family of brands links to one. Our brands publish theirs too: Colorado Cures, Turnt Up and Anchored.
- The amount in mg, per package and per serving.
- The ingredient list. “Hemp extract” or “cannabidiol” means CBD. “Hemp seed oil” alone doesn’t.
- A brand you can contact. A real website, real customer service, and real lab results.
So which should you choose?
- Know exactly what you want? Ordering online from the brand is fast and easy.
- New to hemp, trying a new format, or buying flower? Visit a store and talk to someone.
Plenty of people do both: they discover favorites in store, then reorder online.
Find a CBD Plus USA store near you
With 80+ locations, there’s probably one closer than you think. Find your nearest CBD Plus USA store, or browse our products before you visit.
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. THC products are for adults 21+ only. Talk to your doctor before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medication.
FAQ
Is it better to buy hemp products online or in a store? Both work. Online is convenient and has the full brand lineup. A local store lets you see the product, ask questions and take it home the same day.
How do I know a hemp product is legit? Check for a third-party lab report (COA), the amount in mg, a clear ingredient list, and a brand you can contact.
Can I see the lab report in the store? Yes. Scan the QR code on the package to open the product’s lab report.
Where can I buy Anchored products in person? Anchored products are available at CBD Plus USA stores. Find the nearest one on our store locator.
