HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As the legal fight continues over medical marijuana licenses in Alabama, there are concerns that people who are dealing with pain or anxiety are suffering right now without having access to medical cannabis.
One local business wants to raise awareness about the hemp-derived products that are available to people right now and how they may be able to help.
At "The Shop Cannabar & Mercantile" in Huntsville, you'll see all sorts of hemp-derived products. But underneath this collection is a business owner's passion to help reduce people's pain.
Matt Batson who is the shop's owner shares his journey to find quality hemp products started with his dad.
"My dad got sick and going through the process with trying to help find him products while he was going through chemotherapy…and I wanted my father to be able to function at the end of his life and be comfortable. And everybody deserves that," Batson said.
His store holds a wide variety of products, with many coming from other local businesses.
"We have psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids - all hemp derived cannabinoids. So, we have topicals and lotions and oils. We also have tinctures and capsules and then we also have infused drinks and edibles and then vaporables and smokeables," Batson said.
He says they try to provide all of the hemp-derived options, "if you are looking for something for sleep or pain or depression or anxiety, we have a little something for everyone."
This comes at a time when availability for medical cannabis remains on hold in Alabama due to the ongoing legal fight over medical marijuana licenses in the state.
So, Batson wants people who are waiting for medical cannabis, to know there are legal products available now.
"There are hemp-derived products that will help you with everything that the medical marijuana will help you with," Batson said.
These products are legal to sell because of the 2018 Farm Bill - which removed hemp from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. Although, the hemp can't contain more than .3% THC.
"I want more awareness that the industry has changed. It's not what it used to be. The products have changed. I think that the outlook that America has on the products is changing," Batson said.
He says if you are considering trying these products, find a reputable store and ask questions in order to find what works best for you.
NOTE: Always consult with a doctor for health issues.