FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — We've seen it across Middle Tennessee over the last year, more and more people are including CBD and Hemp products in their wellness routines. Now the trend is catching on in Williamson County, and an influx of hemp stores have recently opened.
In September, Rodney Croteau and his son opened Gabberdunes Hemp in Franklin.
"Really it was a passion for me to help other people," Croteau said, "We see people every day folks come in here from all walks of life."
Rodney said his wife benefits from hemp oil for managing pain caused by cancer. So now, he wants to help others in their community.
"People have been really open to it, and we really haven’t had any negative connotations at all," Croteau said.
As more hemp farmers step into the market, more stores are popping up.
"We went from just having 40, 50 licensed farmers growing hemp and a pilot program back in 2014 to this year we’ve got over 3000," Croteau said, "I think it’s a great thing, I think there’s plenty of room for that competition and for that level of service."
Rodney said the hemp and CBD oil boom that's happening in Williamson County is only the beginning.
"I think that’s just a sign of where things are headed. The farm bill of 2018 is what started all of this, or expanded all of this at least in the state of Tennessee, and elsewhere around the country," Croteau said.
Gabberdunes Hemp is grown in Dover, Tennesse. Their Franklin store is located on Downs Boulevard.
