The Current Stance: What CBD Products Can You Find at CVS?
As of 2025, CVS Health offers a curated selection of cannabidiol (CBD) products in many of its stores and online [1.4.4]. However, the offerings are exclusively limited to topical applications. This includes items such as:
- Creams and lotions [1.3.1]
- Sprays [1.3.1]
- Roll-ons [1.3.4]
- Salves [1.3.1]
- Facial serums and peels [1.3.5]
These products are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC, in compliance with federal law [1.11.1]. CVS made a strategic decision to avoid selling any ingestible forms of CBD. You will not find CBD-containing supplements, food additives, gummies, or oils for oral consumption on their shelves [1.2.2, 1.4.2]. This approach was adopted to navigate the complex regulatory landscape governed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [1.7.2].
Why Only Topicals? The Regulatory Landscape of CBD
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived CBD, removing it from the Controlled Substances Act [1.8.1, 1.11.1]. This opened the door for national retailers like CVS to enter the market. However, the FDA retains authority over how CBD is marketed and sold, and it has not approved CBD for use in dietary supplements or food [1.4.2, 1.7.2].
By limiting their offerings to topical products, which are applied to the skin and do not enter the bloodstream, large chains like CVS and Walgreens mitigate regulatory risks associated with ingestibles [1.5.1, 1.9.2]. The FDA's stance is that ingestible CBD requires more research to establish safety and efficacy, with the only FDA-approved CBD product being Epidiolex, a prescription drug for specific seizure disorders [1.4.1, 1.7.2].
Understanding the Products: Topicals vs. Ingestibles
It's crucial to understand the difference between the CBD products CVS sells and those it doesn't.
- Topical CBD: These products (creams, lotions) are applied directly to the skin for localized effects, such as soothing sore muscles or addressing skin conditions [1.9.1, 1.9.4]. The CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the skin but does not enter the bloodstream, meaning it has no systemic effects [1.9.2].
- Ingestible CBD: These products (oils, gummies, capsules) are taken orally and absorbed through the digestive system into the bloodstream [1.9.4]. This allows the CBD to have systemic effects throughout the body [1.9.3]. Due to the lack of clear FDA regulation for this category, major pharmacies have avoided them [1.5.1].
How to Choose a Quality CBD Product at a Pharmacy
CVS has stated its commitment to quality by partnering with third-party labs to test the CBD products it sells [1.4.1]. This vetting process checks for CBD and THC content to ensure labels are accurate and that the products comply with the law [1.4.1]. When shopping for CBD, consumers should always look for:
- Third-Party Testing: Reputable brands provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab. This document verifies the product's cannabinoid content and ensures it's free of contaminants [1.10.1].
- Clear Labeling: The label should clearly state the total amount of CBD in the product and the amount per serving [1.10.4].
- Hemp Source: Look for products made from U.S.-grown hemp, which is subject to stricter cultivation standards [1.10.4].
Comparison of CBD Availability: CVS vs. Other Major Pharmacies
CVS was one of the first major pharmacy chains to embrace CBD, but its competitors quickly followed suit with similar strategies.
| Pharmacy | Sells CBD? | Product Types Available | Approach | States (Initial Launch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | Yes | Topicals only (creams, sprays, lotions, salves) [1.3.1, 1.3.4] | Cautious. Focus on third-party testing and compliance. No ingestibles [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. | 8 states initially, including CA, IL, CO, KY [1.3.4]. |
| Walgreens | Yes | Topicals only (creams, patches, sprays) [1.5.3, 1.5.1] | Similar to CVS. No ingestible CBD products due to FDA regulations [1.5.1]. | Nearly 1,500 stores in 9 states initially, including OR, CO, IL, IN [1.5.3]. |
| Rite Aid | Yes | Topicals only (creams, lotions, lip balms) [1.6.2, 1.6.3] | Introduced topicals in a limited number of stores, following CVS and Walgreens [1.6.4, 1.6.5]. | Washington and Oregon initially [1.6.4]. |
Conclusion
So, does CVS pharmacy sell CBD? The answer is a qualified yes. You can confidently walk into many CVS stores or browse their website to find a variety of hemp-derived topical CBD products for skin care and localized relief [1.4.4]. The company has taken a measured and legally cautious approach by partnering with vetted manufacturers and avoiding the sale of ingestible supplements and edibles, which remain in a regulatory gray area [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. As regulations continue to evolve, so may the shelves of your local pharmacy, but for now, CVS remains a reliable source for tested, topical CBD options.
For more information on CBD regulations, you can visit the FDA's page on Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products [1.7.2].
