7 Best WooCommerce Alternatives for Cannabis Brands

While WooCommerce's open-source flexibility makes it theoretically viable for cannabis ecommerce, the reality involves significant customization costs, complex plugin dependencies, and ongoing compliance burdens that undermine its "free" positioning. The cannabis industry, valued at $57.18 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $444.34 billion by 2030, now demands purpose-built solutions that address payment processing restrictions, state-specific compliance requirements, and platform terms of service challenges. These seven alternatives range from headless commerce platforms with complete API control to cannabis-specific solutions with native compliance automation, each offering distinct advantages over WooCommerce's plugin-dependent architecture.

Key Takeaways

• Payment gateway flexibility determines revenue potential: Cannabis brands see 30% higher cart sizes when offering multiple compliant payment options, yet WooCommerce requires custom development for ACH, point of banking, and alternative processors that accept high-risk merchants
• Native ecommerce delivers 3-5x better organic traffic: Platforms with indexable product pages generate 3-5x more organic search traffic compared to iframe marketplace solutions, critical for cannabis brands facing advertising restrictions across major channels
• Platform terms of service create existential risk: Generic ecommerce platforms may suddenly enforce product restrictions or suspend accounts, making API-first headless solutions with no content restrictions the safest long-term choice for cannabis retailers
• Mobile-first design is non-negotiable: 75% of cannabis customers prefer mobile ordering over desktop, significantly higher than general ecommerce, yet many platforms still prioritize desktop experiences
• Compliance automation reduces violation risk: Purpose-built platforms automate age verification, purchase limits, and state tracking integration, eliminating the 10-15 weekly hours of manual compliance work required with generic solutions
• Total cost of ownership extends beyond monthly fees: WooCommerce's "free" core requires cannabis-specific plugins, specialized hosting, developer time, and ongoing maintenance that often exceeds the all-inclusive pricing of modern alternatives

The cannabis ecommerce landscape has evolved beyond forcing WooCommerce into compliance-heavy use cases through expensive custom development. With online cannabis sales projected to grow 300%, brands need platforms that treat payment processing challenges, compliance requirements, and content restrictions as core features rather than afterthoughts requiring extensive customization.

1. Swell — API-First Headless Commerce Without Product Restrictions

Swell eliminates the fundamental limitations that make WooCommerce challenging for cannabis brands through its headless commerce architecture that separates content presentation from commerce functionality, providing complete control over customer experiences without platform terms of service restrictions.

Cannabis-Specific Advantages:

• Zero product restrictions: API-first architecture means no terms of service limitations on cannabis, CBD, or THC products—brands own and control their entire stack without platform interference
• 0% transaction fees on external gateways: Critical for cannabis brands using specialized high-risk payment processors like ACH or point of banking solutions, saving 2% on every transaction compared to platforms charging gateway fees
• Custom checkout via API: Build age verification, license validation, purchase limits, and compliance workflows directly into checkout flow without third-party app dependencies
• Native subscription billing: Built-in recurring billing works with any payment gateway through encrypted card vault, perfect for cannabis delivery services without third-party app fees
• Multi-currency pricing and tax automation: Handle state-specific cannabis excise taxes, local jurisdiction rules, and international CBD sales through multi-currency support and tax integrations with Avalara and TaxJar
• Complete data ownership: Full CRUD access to all customer, product, and order data via Backend API ensures compliance record portability if regulations change

Transparent Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $29/month (annual billing) — supports up to $50K annual sales, email and chat general support
• Basic Plan: $79/month (annual billing) — supports up to $250K annual sales, includes 500K API requests, integrates with cannabis-approved payment gateways
• Standard Plan: $299/month (annual billing) — up to $1M annual sales, priority support, international price lists for multi-state operations
• Unlimited Plan: $2,250/month (annual billing) — up to $5M annual sales, unlimited API requests, developer support, 100% uptime SLA

Implementation typically takes 2-4 weeks for hosted storefront solutions using Swell's visual theme editor, or 4-8 weeks for custom headless implementations. Unlike WooCommerce's ongoing plugin maintenance and compatibility challenges, Swell's unified API requires no third-party extensions for compliance features.

The platform's greatest strength for cannabis brands lies in its legal and operational safety—because Swell operates as infrastructure rather than a hosted marketplace, it imposes no product-level restrictions. Cannabis brands build their compliance workflows through API access rather than hoping plugin developers maintain compatibility with evolving regulations.

Average online cannabis carts reach $95.69, surpassing in-store transactions. Swell's subscription commerce capabilities enable recurring delivery models that maximize this higher-value online channel without the 1.5-3% fees charged by third-party subscription apps.

For cannabis brands evaluating total cost of ownership, Swell's all-inclusive pricing eliminates the hidden expenses that make WooCommerce expensive: specialized hosting ($50-200/month), compliance plugins ($30-100/month per plugin), payment gateway customization ($2,000-5,000 one-time), ongoing developer maintenance ($1,000-3,000/month), and security monitoring for PCI compliance.

2. Carrot — Purpose-Built Cannabis Platform with Native Compliance

Carrot operates as a comprehensive cannabis-specific ecommerce solution with built-in compliance automation, POS integration, and delivery management designed exclusively for dispensaries and cannabis retailers.

Core Cannabis Features:

• Native age verification and ID scanning integration at checkout
• Automatic purchase limit tracking based on state and local jurisdiction rules
• Real-time METRC and BioTrack integration for state-mandated seed-to-sale tracking
• Integrated delivery management with route optimization and driver tracking
• Cannabis-specific product catalog supporting flower, concentrates, edibles with compliance-required information
• Built-in loyalty programs and SMS marketing tailored to cannabis customer retention

Operational Integration:

• POS system integration for unified inventory across online and in-store channels
• Automated tax calculation for state-specific cannabis excise taxes
• Split fulfillment for orders with different compliance requirements
• Menu management synchronized across multiple locations for MSO operations
• Analytics focused on cannabis KPIs including product mix, compliance metrics, and delivery performance

Carrot positions itself as an all-in-one solution that combines ecommerce, POS, and compliance in a single platform, reducing the integration complexity that plagues WooCommerce implementations requiring 5-8 separate plugins for comparable functionality.

The platform works best for dispensaries prioritizing rapid deployment with minimal technical resources, though its proprietary nature creates vendor lock-in compared to API-first alternatives that maintain data portability and integration flexibility.

3. TreezComm — Unified Ecommerce and POS Ecosystem

TreezComm extends the Treez POS system into native ecommerce functionality, creating a seamless omnichannel experience for cannabis retailers already using Treez for in-store operations.

Unified Commerce Capabilities:

• Real-time inventory synchronization between POS and ecommerce preventing overselling
• Unified customer profiles tracking purchase history across all channels
• Single dashboard managing online orders, in-store transactions, and delivery operations
• Integrated payment processing supporting cannabis-approved ACH and point of banking solutions
• Automated compliance reporting consolidating online and retail sales for state submissions
• Menu management with product recommendations based on unified purchasing data

Ecommerce-Specific Features:

• Mobile-optimized ordering interface addressing 75% customer preference for mobile
• Curbside pickup workflows with arrival notifications
• Pre-order scheduling for high-demand products or limited releases
• Customer self-service for order modifications before fulfillment
• Integration with Dutchie and other marketplace solutions for brands wanting hybrid approaches

TreezComm's primary advantage emerges for existing Treez POS customers who gain native ecommerce without complex integration projects. For brands not already committed to the Treez ecosystem, standalone ecommerce platforms often provide greater flexibility and lower total cost.

The platform operates on subscription pricing tied to sales volume, with typical costs ranging from $300-800/month for single locations and negotiated enterprise pricing for multi-state operators managing 10+ dispensaries.

4. Mosaic — Multi-Location Cannabis Ecommerce Management

Mosaic targets multi-state operators and cannabis brands managing multiple dispensary locations, providing centralized ecommerce management with location-specific compliance and menu customization.

Multi-Location Strengths:

• Centralized product catalog with location-specific pricing, inventory, and availability
• State-specific compliance automation adapting to different regulatory frameworks
• Consolidated analytics across all locations with individual performance tracking
• Unified customer database enabling cross-location loyalty programs
• Menu synchronization with location-based customization for regional preferences
• Role-based permissions supporting corporate oversight with local autonomy

Compliance Automation:

• Jurisdiction-specific tax calculation handling varying state excise taxes and local rates
• Automated purchase limit tracking respecting different state daily and monthly caps
• Age verification workflows customized to state requirements (21+ vs. medical patient verification)
• Integration with multiple state tracking systems across different markets
• Compliance reporting templates matching state-specific submission formats

Mosaic positions itself specifically for established cannabis retailers with 5+ locations seeking enterprise-level ecommerce without enterprise complexity. The platform's focus on multi-location management creates operational efficiency for MSOs that would require significant custom development in WooCommerce.

Pricing follows enterprise models with annual commitments typically starting around $12,000-20,000 for basic multi-location deployments, scaling based on sales volume and number of locations. Setup timelines extend 4-8 weeks including compliance configuration and team training.

5. Dutchie — Cannabis Marketplace with Embedded Menus

Dutchie operates as both a consumer marketplace and an embeddable ecommerce solution, providing cannabis brands with rapid deployment at the cost of limited SEO value and exposure to competitor products.

Marketplace Approach:

• Quick implementation through iframe menu embedding (48-hour setup possible)
• Consumer marketplace exposure connecting dispensaries to active cannabis shoppers
• Standardized compliance features including age verification and purchase tracking
• Payment processing supporting cannabis-approved solutions
• Delivery and pickup workflows with consumer-facing order tracking
• Integrated inventory management preventing overselling across channels

SEO and Brand Limitations:

• iframe implementation provides zero SEO value as product pages cannot be indexed by search engines
• Shared marketplace exposes customers to competitor products and pricing
• Limited brand customization within standardized Dutchie interface
• Customer data ownership restrictions compared to native ecommerce solutions
• Transaction fees on marketplace orders reducing margins

Dutchie works best for new dispensaries needing immediate online ordering without development resources, or as a complementary channel for established brands already maintaining native ecommerce. The platform's marketplace reach provides customer acquisition benefits that offset SEO limitations for some business models.

The platform acquired Greenbits and LeafLogix POS systems, creating an integrated ecosystem similar to TreezComm's approach. Pricing operates on transaction-based models with fees ranging from 5-8% of online sales depending on package tier and monthly minimums.

6. Cova Ecomm — Subdomain Solution with POS Integration

Cova Ecomm positions as a middle-ground solution providing better SEO than iframe marketplaces while maintaining easier setup than fully native implementations, operating on subdomain architecture that enables search engine indexing.

Balanced Approach:

• Subdomain implementation (shop.yourdomain.com) provides moderate SEO value with indexable product pages
• Native integration with Cova POS system for real-time inventory synchronization
• Faster deployment (2-3 weeks) than custom native solutions
• Cannabis-specific compliance features including age gates and purchase limits
• Mobile-optimized ordering interface for customer convenience
• Managed hosting and security updates reducing operational burden

Cannabis Retail Features:

• Product catalog supporting cannabis-specific attributes (strain type, THC/CBD content, terpene profiles)
• Flexible pricing rules for member discounts, bulk pricing, and promotional campaigns
• Order management with fulfillment workflows for pickup, delivery, and shipping (where legal)
• Customer accounts with purchase history and reorder functionality
• Integration with marketing tools for compliant email and SMS campaigns

Cova Ecomm pricing starts at $199/month, positioned competitively against enterprise platforms while providing more SEO benefit than marketplace solutions. The platform works particularly well for Cova POS customers seeking integrated ecommerce without custom development.

The subdomain approach balances implementation speed with organic discoverability, though it sacrifices some SEO potential compared to fully native implementations on primary domains that search engines weigh more heavily.

7. Shopify Plus with Cannabis Customization — Managed Platform Adapted for Compliance

Shopify Plus, the enterprise tier of Shopify, technically supports CBD products meeting federal legal requirements (less than 0.3% THC derived from hemp), though it prohibits most cannabis products in its standard terms of service. Brands operating in this legal gray area customize Shopify Plus for cannabis-adjacent use cases.

Platform Capabilities:

• Mature ecommerce infrastructure with extensive feature set and app ecosystem
• Customizable checkout through Shopify Scripts (Shopify Plus only)
• International selling with multi-currency and localization features
• Strong SEO capabilities with indexable product pages
• Comprehensive app marketplace including specialized compliance tools
• Reliable hosting and security infrastructure

Cannabis-Specific Challenges:

• Terms of service restrictions on THC products create account suspension risk
• Limited official support for cannabis compliance requirements
• Requires third-party apps for age verification and purchase limit tracking
• 2% transaction fees on external payment gateways (critical cost for specialized cannabis processors)
• Apps developed for cannabis use cases often face platform removal without notice
• Custom integration required for state tracking systems

Shopify Plus Pricing:

• Starting at $2,000/month minimum with annual contract
• Transaction fees: 0.5-2% depending on external gateway usage
• App costs: $50-500/month for compliance, subscription, and specialized functionality
• Setup and customization: $5,000-25,000 depending on complexity

Shopify Plus works only for hemp-derived CBD brands comfortable with platform terms of service risk, or as a parallel channel for cannabis brands selling compliant products separately from THC offerings. For dispensaries and cannabis retailers, the platform restrictions and enforcement unpredictability make it unsuitable compared to purpose-built alternatives or platforms without product-level terms of service constraints.

The 2% transaction fee on external gateways creates particular friction for cannabis brands using specialized payment processors, adding $2,000 in fees per $100,000 in sales—costs eliminated by platforms charging 0% on external gateways.

The WooCommerce Cannabis Challenge: Why Brands Outgrow Plugin Architecture

Analysis of cannabis ecommerce implementations reveals consistent pain points that drive dispensaries and cannabis brands away from WooCommerce despite its open-source flexibility and cost perception.

Payment Gateway Complexity: While WooCommerce technically supports custom payment gateway integration, connecting cannabis-approved processors requires significant development work. Most standard payment plugins don't support ACH or point of banking solutions that cannabis businesses depend on, necessitating custom coding that costs $2,000-5,000 initially plus ongoing maintenance as processors update APIs.

Compliance Plugin Fragmentation: Age verification, purchase limit tracking, and state system integration each require separate plugins from different developers. This creates compatibility challenges when one plugin updates and breaks another's functionality, requiring dedicated developer resources to maintain stable operations. Estimated compliance plugin costs range $30-100 per month per plugin, with 5-8 plugins needed for comprehensive coverage.

Performance and Security Overhead: Cannabis sites handling sensitive customer data and high transaction volumes need robust security and fast page loads. WooCommerce hosting capable of maintaining compliance and performance costs $200-500/month for specialized managed WordPress hosting, far exceeding the $3-10/month shared hosting marketed for basic WooCommerce sites.

Ongoing Developer Dependency: Unlike modern SaaS platforms with automatic updates and managed infrastructure, WooCommerce requires ongoing developer time for WordPress core updates, plugin compatibility testing, security monitoring, and feature additions. Cannabis brands report spending $1,000-3,000 monthly on developer retainers to maintain WooCommerce implementations.

Lack of Cannabis-Specific Features: Generic ecommerce plugins don't understand cannabis product attributes, compliance workflows, or industry-specific analytics needs. Every feature requires custom development or plugin combination attempts that often fail to deliver seamless experiences.

Pricing Models Reflect Market Segmentation

The cannabis ecommerce platform landscape shows dramatic pricing variation based on target customer segments and feature depth, with total cost of ownership extending well beyond advertised monthly fees.

WooCommerce "Hidden" Costs:

• WordPress hosting: $50-500/month (compliance-grade managed hosting)
• Compliance plugins: $150-400/month (age verification, purchase limits, state tracking)
• Payment gateway customization: $2,000-5,000 one-time plus $500-1,000/year maintenance
• Security and PCI compliance: $50-200/month
• Developer retainer: $1,000-3,000/month
• Total monthly range: $1,250-5,100+

Cannabis-Specific Platform Costs:

• Entry-level (Cova Ecomm, Buddi): $199-400/month all-inclusive
• Mid-market (Carrot, TreezComm): $400-800/month plus potential transaction fees
• Enterprise (Mosaic, custom solutions): $1,000-3,000/month with annual commitments
• Marketplace models (Dutchie): 5-8% transaction fees with monthly minimums

Headless Commerce Costs:

• Swell Starter: $29/month supporting $50K annual sales with all compliance features
• Swell Basic: $79/month supporting $250K annual sales with all compliance features
• Swell Standard: $299/month for $1M annual sales with international capabilities
• Swell Unlimited: $2,250/month for $5M annual sales with unlimited API usage

Implementation Timeline Reality:

• 1-2 weeks: Iframe marketplace solutions (Dutchie)
• 2-4 weeks: Managed cannabis platforms (Cova Ecomm, Swell hosted storefronts)
• 4-8 weeks: Enterprise platforms (Mosaic, Carrot with extensive customization)
• 8-16 weeks: Custom WooCommerce implementations with full compliance stack

ROI Expectations for 10-Location Cannabis Operation:

• Purpose-built platforms: 2-3 months to positive ROI through reduced compliance violations and operational efficiency
• Headless solutions: 3-6 months factoring custom development investment
• WooCommerce: 6-12 months accounting for ongoing developer costs and plugin management overhead

Choosing Your Alternative Based on Cannabis Business Model

For cannabis brands evaluating WooCommerce alternatives, selection should align with your specific operational model, compliance requirements, and growth trajectory:

By Business Model:

• Single-location dispensaries: Cova Ecomm or Swell Basic for cost-effective compliance with growth flexibility
• Multi-state operators: Mosaic or Swell Standard for centralized management with state-specific customization
• Cannabis delivery services: Swell's subscription capabilities or Carrot's integrated delivery management
• Hemp/CBD brands: Swell or headless solutions avoiding TOS restrictions entirely
• Cannabis marketplaces: Swell's multi-vendor capabilities with split payment functionality

By Technical Resources:

• No in-house developers: Managed cannabis platforms (Carrot, TreezComm, Cova Ecomm)
• Basic technical team: Swell hosted storefront with visual editor
• Advanced development resources: Swell headless implementation or heavily customized WooCommerce
• Agency partnerships: Platforms with strong partner ecosystems providing implementation support

By Growth Stage:

• Pre-launch to $250K annual: Swell Starter ($29/month) or Cova Ecomm ($199/month)
• $250K-$1M annual: Swell Basic ($79/month) or cannabis platform mid-tier
• $1M-$5M annual: Swell Standard ($299/month) or enterprise cannabis solutions
• $5M+ annual: Swell Unlimited ($2,250/month) or custom enterprise deployments

Cost Analysis for $2M Annual Cannabis Revenue:

• WooCommerce: $2,500-4,000/month total cost (hosting, plugins, developers, security)
• Swell Standard: $299/month all-inclusive with TaxJar integration for compliance
• Cannabis platform: $600-1,200/month depending on feature requirements
• Shopify Plus: $2,000/month plus 2% transaction fees ($3,333/month at $2M annual = $5,333 total)

Given that online cannabis sales continue rapid expansion in markets where 57% of Americans support legalization, selecting infrastructure that scales without re-platforming delivers compounding value over multi-year horizons.

For cannabis brands seeking expert guidance on platform selection and compliance architecture, Swell's developer resources provide comprehensive documentation and support for implementing compliant ecommerce without plugin dependencies or TOS restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can WooCommerce legally support cannabis and CBD sales?

WooCommerce itself imposes no product restrictions as open-source software, making it technically capable of supporting cannabis ecommerce. However, implementation requires significant customization for compliance features, specialized hosting that permits cannabis content, and payment gateway integration with processors accepting high-risk cannabis merchants. The challenge lies not in WooCommerce's legality but in the $2,000-5,000 development costs, $150-400/month plugin expenses, and ongoing developer time ($1,000-3,000/month) needed to maintain compliant operations. Purpose-built platforms or API-first solutions like Swell's headless architecture deliver these capabilities out-of-box without custom development overhead.

Why does Shopify ban most cannabis products from its platform?

Shopify's terms of service prohibit THC products and most cannabis items due to federal illegality in the United States, where the company processes payments and maintains banking relationships. While Shopify technically permits hemp-derived CBD products meeting federal requirements (less than 0.3% THC), enforcement remains inconsistent with accounts suspended for content that payment processors or banks flag as prohibited. The restriction stems from payment processing and banking challenges rather than platform capability—even Shopify Plus with customizable checkout cannot overcome the fundamental payment and regulatory restrictions. Cannabis brands need platforms either operating outside these constraints or using API-first approaches that separate commerce infrastructure from payment processing decisions.

What payment processors accept cannabis merchants?

Traditional credit card processors and major payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Square) prohibit cannabis transactions due to federal illegality, despite state-level legalization. Cannabis-approved payment solutions include ACH (Automated Clearing House) processors like PayQwick and ViaBill, point of banking systems such as Aeropay and Paytender, and cryptocurrency options including BitPay. These specialized processors often charge higher fees (3-6% vs. 2.9% for traditional processing) and require specific integration approaches. Platforms like Swell eliminate additional transaction fees on external gateways, saving 2% compared to platforms charging gateway fees on top of already-elevated processor costs. Cannabis brands typically offer multiple payment options, as research shows 30% higher cart sizes when customers can choose between payment methods.