BEAUMONT, Texas — A newly signed bill legalized hemp production for the state of Texas.
It could lead to more CBD sales. We're talking hemp for CBD.
Not marijuana, with high levels of THC, which make users 'high.'
CBD, which comes from hemp, has been scientifically proven to help with things like anxiety, depression and a ADHD.
You may see more of it, now that hemp farming will soon be legal in Texas.
Monday, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing the sale of CBD products with very small amounts of THC.
It's good news for Cedric Palmer, who just opened a CBD store in Beaumont.
"We are the first and only fully stocked CBD store in the Golden Triangle," Palmer said.
CBD is primarily found in the plant hemp, which is a type of cannabis.
Dr. Margot Gage, an assistant professor at Lamar University teaches a course on the medical effects of cannabis.
She told 12News there is a difference between legal CBD products, and marijuana, which has a higher concentration of CBD.
"It acts differently than THC in that the common features and psychoactive properties that high sensation is not what you get from using CBD," Gage said.
Gage said scientific research has shown that CBD can have positive effects on the body.
"We know that CBD has potential health benefits," Gage said.
Joe Evans, general manager of Beaumont Occupational Services, admits the change in the law will make drug testing a bit tougher.
"The CBD products do contain a small amount of THC so if a lab picks up THC then you're positive," Evans said.
Evans said you would want tell the drug testing company, if you're using a CBD product.
"I would just use extreme caution in regards to what you're using," Evans said.
Palmer, who sells everything from bath bombs, to gummies to popcorn said now that this bill has been signed he expects CBD sales to skyrocket.
"Everyone that has purchased has come back and purchased again. They love it," Palmer said.
The new bill signed this week makes it legal to start growing hemp, but this doesn't mean people can start growing hemp right away.
First, the federal government has to come up with some regulations for hemp farmers.
The earliest the law could go into effect would be the 2020 farming season.