Owner: Dwayne Madden
Date opened: Madden opened the business in October 2017, after Tennessee changed its laws to allow for the growth and distribution of hemp. A provision of the federal 2014 Farm Bill allowed for the growth of industrial hemp for research purposes as part of a pilot project in states where it’s legal. Tennessee’s General Assembly removed industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana in the state’s criminal code, allowing for the cultivation of industrial hemp by Tennessee farmers on a limited basis. The law was amended in May 2016 to allow processor licensing, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website.
The Hemp House offers hemp oil tinctures, sublingual drops, topical rubs, edibles and vape products.Why did you open Hemp House? Madden said his goal is to educate people on hemp’s benefits and remove the stigma associated with it. “I’ve always been fascinated and involved with being a cannabis advocate,” said Madden, who’s used hemp to treat his own anxiety and mild arthritis and pains from construction work.
What’s the difference between marijuana and hemp? Both marijuana and hemp come from the cannabis plant, he said, but hemp has a lower percentage – less than 0.3 – of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis that makes people feel “high.” The THC content of marijuana is 0.3 percent or higher.
What is CBD oil? Cannabidiol oil, commonly known as CBD oil, is extracted from a naturally occurring cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. It can be made from both marijuana and industrial hemp plants. Only CBD oil made from industrial hemp is legal in Tennessee.
Who can benefit from hemp? “Seventy percent of our customers are older than 60,” said Madden. “They’re the ones who can really receive the best benefits,” he added. One of the main benefits of cannabidol, a form of hemp commonly known as CBD, is reducing inflammation, said Madden. He said his products have helped customers with every kind of arthritis and have also helped people with type 2 diabetes to lower their blood sugar, along with side effects such as neuropathy. “That’s a big one that plagues a lot of our community,” Madden said, referencing diabetes.
Most popular products: The store’s best-sellers are CBD oil tinctures and sublingual drops (which go under the tongue) in a variety of strengths and sizes. Second are topical rubs, which Madden said are good for people who are hesitant to try hemp because of the stigma. “We get that a lot, because we’ve been told for so many years that cannabis is evil and has no medicinal value,” said Madden. “It’s been helpful to many people for many, many generations.” The store also offers edible and vape hemp products.
Locally minded: All products, aside from a few specialty items, are grown, bottled and manufactured in Tennessee.
Plans for the future: Madden is opening another location soon in Knoxville, and is looking at places in Ooltewah and Cleveland for further expansion. “There’s definitely a need for this,” he said.
More information: Hemp House is located at 512 Tremont St. and can be reached at 513-HEMP (4367), or visit hemphousechatt.com.