Every person has a story - a lifetime of experiences that shape who they are mentally and physically. With those experiences often comes long-lasting effects, and sometimes, our bodies and minds need help healing from or coping with lasting trauma.
When it comes to non-prescription treatment options of classic ailments such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain management, many people are beginning to look towards natural supplements such as Cannabidiol (CBD) products.
With so much confusion over the potency and legality of CBD products, Franny’s Farmacy Augusta owner Frank Berry strives to educate the community about this natural product that is proven to help with common ailments.
The largest hurdle for many is the misperception concerning CBD and its relation to marijuana, often based on the use of hemp plant imagery in marketing. “Everybody sees the plant,” says Frank, “and they associate it with marijuana, which has a largely negative history.”
The key to eliminating concerns about CBD products is an understanding of the science behind the products. According to Frank, both hemp and marijuana contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active chemical in cannabis. The difference comes in the concentration of THC. “Hemp and marijuana….it’s the same coin with two sides,” explains Frank. “The law is what makes the distinction in the plants. Hemp is the low THC (a concentration of .30 or lower) and marijuana is the high THC (a concentration of .31 or higher). Currently, the laws state that CBD products are legal as long as they are under the .3 concentration.”
The Franny’s Farmacy corporation’s website explains it in more detail. “CBD is Cannabidiol, a naturally-occurring compound found in the stems, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). It is the most abundant non-intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and is being widely studied for its healing properties. You may have heard of a cannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a compound which is concentrated in certain strains of cannabis which gets users high. Unlike THC, CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and does not cause a high.”
In addition to being a franchise store owner, Frank is a consumer of the Franny’s Farmacy products. He uses his personal testimony and successes from his own life when sharing about the products with others.
“After 20 years in the military, I have a long list of ailments,” shares Frank. “These products helped me out worlds better than the prescription pills I’ve been prescribed. Everything that I’ve tried works, and I’ve never had an adverse reaction to it.”
Frank explains how CBD products interact with the body. He says, “Our bodies were made to ingest these products, and we have natural CBD receptors to absorb and process this very naturally, which is why there are virtually no side effects.”
CBD products come in a variety of forms for topical use including lotions, oils, soaps, bath bombs, and creams. “I have eczema,” explains Frank. “I’ve been using sensitive skin soap my entire life because if I use regular soap, I’ll break out. I use the hemp soap, which has no THC in it, and it smells fantastic. I use strictly hemp soap now, and I have no worries.”
CBD products also come in edible and digestible forms, such as gummies, chocolate, and honey that can be consumed directly or used in recipes. One product, tincture oil, is extremely versatile.
“The basic ways to ingest tincture oil are straight swallowing, put it under the tongue (sublingual), on the skin, or inhale it into the lungs,” says Frank. “Each way has different effectiveness, and it also has a different activation period and length of effect.” Frank and his staff are available to help customers discern which would be the most effective method of use, depending on their specific circumstance.
For coffee and tea lovers, the store offers whole coffee beans and loose-leaf tea as options for consuming CBD. “I’m a tea drinker,” says Frank. “The thing I love most about the loose-leaf tea is that after you boil it and steep it, you can either keep it hot and put it in a coffee mug, or you can drink it cold. It’s so versatile.”
The loose-leaf tea plays an important role in Frank’s daily life. “I’m clinically diagnosed with anxiety,” shares Frank. “When I first got diagnosed, I was ashamed. But later, I realized that a lot of people suffer from depression and anxiety; it’s very common. When I realized how well these products work for me on a daily basis, I stopped being ashamed of it, and I started sharing my experience and letting people know that it’s ok.” As he sips tea throughout the day, Frank finds that it keeps his anxiety and depression at bay and allows his emotions to maintain a level of calmness.
One misconception when it comes to using CBD products is the expectation to feel something drastic or dramatic after using a product. Frank says this simply isn’t the case. “My first time using CBD, I was waiting for this big boom, this big wow [moment],” says Frank. “I was very underwhelmed because my expectation was that the room was going to spin or that I was going to see stars or have an adverse effect. But nothing so extreme happened.” According to Frank, the CBD takes effect in a gradual way, easing tensions and pain in a steady, consistent manner, instead of with drastic change.
It’s the goal of Frank and his business partners, Kelly Berry (Frank’s wife) and Jawanza Willis, to get to know their customers and be able to suggest products based on individual needs. “I don’t want people to feel like a number. I would like to know my customers on a first-name basis. I feel like I’ll have the time to listen to people’s stories and I’m going to cater my suggestions to the individual. Also, I want people to know that if they have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out the answer.”
As a veteran- and minority-owned franchise, Frank loves that he can add family-run to that list, since his wife and three of his six daughters will be helping with the store. “Franny’s Farmacy is a family-run corporation; it’s a husband and wife team. Our particular store is a family-run store, so I want it to have a family feel.”
Frank and his family would love for you to stop in and introduce yourself. Franny’s Farmacy Augusta is located at 5121 Washington Rd Suite 1 in Evans. If you have questions or would like more information on CBD products, visit FrannysFarmacy.com or call the Augusta store directly at (706) 426-0828.
