Kroger on Wednesday announced it had begun selling hemp-derived CBD lotions, oils and creams in 88 stores across Texas, including in Houston.
The Cincinnati-based grocery giant said it decided to sell CBD-infused topical products after the Texas Legislature passed a law earlier this year authorizing the production and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products, as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that gives users a high.
„Like many retailers, we are now offering our customers a highly-curated selection of topical products that are infused with hemp-derived CBD,” said Sparkle Anderson, Kroger’s Houston spokeswoman. „Our selection of CBD topical products are from suppliers that have been reviewed for quality and safety.”
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CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. In recent years, products containing CBD, such as oils, have become a popular remedy for common ailments such as aching muscles and anxiety. Hemp-based products, such as CBD oils, were legalized nationally after the passage of the 2018 Farm bill. Texas made them legal in early June.
Texas joins 21 other states, including Georgia, Montana, Utah and Virginia, where Kroger is selling topical products containing CBD. The CBD oils, lotions and creams will be clearly labeled with the THC content, and customers are advised to review product details before using.
Kroger is one of the largest grocers locally, operating 110 grocery stores, 106 pharmacies and 81 gas stations in the Houston area, Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. The grocer employs nearly 17,000 people in the Houston area.