If you haven’t been to one of the half dozen (at least) CBD shops in Chattanooga, you may have seen the hemp products in gas stations. We’ve spotted some at the one on Frazier Avenue.

But maybe you don’t know exactly what we’re talking about, what CBD is or why anyone uses it.

The rise of CBD products is still relatively new, and while some have called it a fad, likening it to the Bitcoin boom in 2016, some Chattanoogans swear by it. And DYK your pets might benefit? 😻

“It's been a game changer for me. I take it in the evening to help with sleep and take a additional dose during the day if I'm feeling stressed or have anxiety. I also use their pain cream on my neck and back for tension headaches, along with the oral oils.” — Reader, Sara M.

“It helps with social anxiety and sleep. I also give it to my dogs to help them relax during thunderstorms or fireworks (both are very anxiety inducing for them).” — Reader, Lindsey E.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the two main compounds in marijuana. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, but CBD does not have mind-altering properties. Said more plainly — you don’t get high from CBD.

How might CBD help me?

Acupuncturist + co-owner of Chattanooga’s Hill City Hemp Bret Moldenhauer said CBD can lessen anxiety and inflammation and can benefit sleep habits. (Hill City Hemp is an online store + brand. There’s not a local storefront.)

FastFact: Our bodies naturally make substances similar to cannabinoids, which are found in CBD. So, Moldenhauer said that CBD products are replacing something that’s naturally occurring and helps balance our bodies.

Grass Roots Health owner Elisha Millan opened a store with CBD products after she lost several friends to the opioid epidemic. CBD might be able to curb opioid cravings. Millan also uses CBD products to manage pain from Crohn’s disease, which Moldenhauer mentioned causes inflammation of the gut and bowel.

CBD products have also been growing in popularity among people with fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and cigarette addictions because of the pain-relieving and calming effects. It’s also been taken to curb the side effects of chemotherapy.

ProTip: High doses are not necessarily better than low doses + CBD doesn’t work like alcohol in that someone who weighs more can handle more, Moldenhauer said.

How is CBD legal?

Between state + federal laws and Chattanooga being on the border of Tennessee and Georgia, which have different laws, the legality is confusing.
The federal Farm Bill classified hemp as an agricultural commodity and removed it from the government’s controlled substances list, Moldenhauer said.
But, there is still a lot of gray area. For more in-depth information, check out this piece from Channel 12 and this explainer from TheStreet.com.

And what about drug tests?

CBD products generally come two ways. “Full-spectrum” products include a small amount of THC, while “isolate” products only have CBD.
Moldenhauer said that the full-spectrum products often have a more therapeutic effect + it’s not enough THC to get you high.
The hazy legality combined with the lack of super sensitive testing means that it’s possible that a full spectrum product could make you fail a drug test.
If you have to pass a drug test, go with the isolate products to be 100 percent safe.

Where can I get it?

You can get products at a variety of stores, including Nutrition World, vape shops + gas stations. But these stores focus more specifically on CBD. The list isn’t comprehensive, so feel free to join the conversation + comment on this article with your favorite store.

Hemp House, 512 Tremont St. + 6016 Ringgold Road
Your CBD Store, 2265 Gunbarrel Road
CBD American Shaman Chattanooga, 330 E. Main St.
Tennessee Hemp Exchange, 23 Cherokee Blvd
Grass Roots Health, 301 E. MLK Blvd. + 1857 Battlefield Parkway

ProTip: Know the source of your CBD. If you can’t get a third-party lab testing result for the product, that’s a red flag, Moldenhauer said. Hill City Hemp products have a QR code that provides information about the CBD.

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