Target’s CBD sales reversal roils hemp industry

A decision by Target Corp. to start selling CBD supplements last week had the hemp industry cheering – until the Minneapolis-based retail giant yanked the products.

Target’s decision to stop selling CW Hemp supplements and oils followed a news release from the manufacturer, CW Hemp, saying the whole CBD industry “has officially gone mainstream.”

Within hours after CW Hemp’s attempt to announce Target was carrying its products, the extract oils selling for $74.99 for a 1-ounce bottle were listed as “product not available.”

CW Hemp’s publicist told Marijuana Business Daily that the four Target CBD products weren’t available because they had “sold out.”

But a Target spokeswoman confirmed the national retailer changed its mind about selling CBD.

“After further review, we have decided to remove it from our assortment,” Target’s Kate Decker wrote in an email.

Asked why Target changed its mind, or how much was sold in the week the items were available, Decker didn’t reply.

CW Hemp, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, also stopped responding to questions about the situation.

Target, Walmart and other national retailers still sell hemp-based products that don’t contain CBD.