Kroger is just the latest retailer to start selling cannabidiol (CBD) products, joining CVS, Walgreens, Vitamin Shoppe, and GNC. The Cincinnati-OH based supermarket chain will be selling HBC items containing the hemp-derived compound at 945 stores in 17 states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
According to Kristal Howard, head of corporate communications and media relations at Kroger: “Like many retailers, we are starting to offer our customers a highly-curated selection of topical products like lotions, balms, oils and creams that are infused with hemp-derived CBD.” She continued, “CBD is a naturally-occurring and non-intoxicating compound that has promising benefits and is permitted within federal and state regulations. Our limited selection of hemp-derived CBD topical products is from suppliers that have been reviewed for quality and safety.”
According to an analysis released earlier this year by investment banking firm Cowen, the CBD market is strong with nearly 7 percent of Americans saying they use the substance and by conservative projections could reach $16 billion by the year 2025.
