INDIANOLA, Iowa — A central Iowa CBD store is closing just weeks after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law regulating consumable hemp products.
CBD American Shaman in Indianola, owned by Ashley Powell, will close in the middle of June. But her other two locations in West Des Moines and Altoona will remain open.
Lots of owners and distributors of consumable hemp products containing THC expressed concern over the new law's limits of 4mg of THC per serving and 10mg per container, because not a lot of products meet these regulations.
And at CBD American Shaman, about 80% of Powell's products will become illegal when the law takes effect on July 1.
"Customers are very upset, and some of them are just in disbelief," Powell told Local 5 News, adding: "[Customers] don't understand."
Gov. Reynolds said after signing the bill into law on May 17:
“I have concerns about this bill and have heard from individuals and groups on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, I am signing it into law to protect minors from dangerous and intoxicating products. At the same time, we’ve taken steps to ensure that children who are resistant to medications and suffer from seizures and other medical conditions continue to have access to consumable hemp alternatives for relief.”
Powell said she understands and respects the part of the law requiring consumers to be 21 years of age upon purchase, but said these products have health benefits that some people may not realize.
She mentioned doctors will prescribe products with this marijuana compound with it, or with CBD, to help alleviate health issues, adding a lot of her customers also use the products with THC to stop drinking alcohol.
"We are adults," Powell said. "We should have the choice to use a plant-based cream over medication from a doctor. Especially when the doctor sends them in here."
Powell said she and her husband are veterans, and started thinking about starting CBD American Shaman three years ago because of her husband's PTSD.
"CBD changed everything for us," she said. "So it's not a job, right? It's everything to me, and my employees and a lot of my customers."
Proponents of the new law have cited the dangers of taking drugs. But state data details no deaths with marijuana use when compared to the 867 with alcohol use.
Powell said she's tried for three years to have a conversation with Reynolds about the benefits these products with THC and CBD have on fellow Iowans, however, she never received a response. Powell also said she's visited the Capitol to speak with state legislators, but they often express a limited understanding of the bill.
To keep her other two stores open, Powell said she will start selling more THC beverages, like local brand Climbing Kites, and more mushroom products, which she said has increased in popularity over the past year.