New Texas law leads to new CBD business in Beaumont

BEAUMONT — A new store is open for business in Beaumont and it's a shop that would have been taboo in Texas only four months ago.

In June, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that lets Texas farmers grow hemp and allows the sale of CBD oil, which comes from the hemp plant.

As a result, two local women opened up CBD American Shaman of Southeast Texas on Dowlen Road in Beaumont.

It offers marshmallow treats, juices, massage oil and even doggy treats, but it's not a convenience store. All of the products sold in the store are CBD based.

"This is not marijuana," said Christy Mendes. "We do not sell marijuana. This is derived from hemp. The most THC that we have is 0.3 percent which is very minute and we also have THC-free products, too."

What's sold here used to be illegal. That all changed in June when Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation allowing the growth of hemp and the sale of hemp-based oils, opening opportunities for businesses like CBD Shaman of Southeast Texas.

"That was huge for Abbott to sign this bill for the hemp bill," said Mendes, "but I think it's all because it had to do with the federal law, too. Once it was legal on a federal level, Texas says 'okay, we're on board with this' and it's huge. A lot of people have needed this and it helps a lot of people."

Mendes and Tara Latil own the shop on Dowlen Road in the same shopping center as Petco and Barnes and Noble.

They say their products can be taken as a capsule, a drink or even a snack, but the effect is the same.

"It will help with a calming effect. It will help with a healthy sleep. It will also help with any inflammatory issue that you have going on," said Mendes.

CBD also been credited with helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety, epilepsy and Parkinson's.

"You know, it's fine and dandy for someone to go ahead and sell you hemp oil, but what are you really taking it for? How does it work? That's what I'm here for--to explain how, and how it works for you."

This is not the first CBD store to open in Southeast Texas since it was legalized, but it's a groundbreaking business.

"This is the first women's-owned, female-owned business CBD shop in Southeast Texas, in Beaumont, actually for sure," said Mendes.

The owners of the new store say part of their plan to educate Southeast Texans on hemp-based products will include classes on cooking with CBD.