CBD is often confused or associated with marijuana, but what it lacks is the part of the cannabis plant that causes the “high.”

The drug found in marijuana plants is Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. CBD differs because it is made from a cannabis compound called cannabidiol found naturally inside a hemp plant.

Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law legalizing hemp production, the growing of hemp as a crop and clarifying which products are legal. CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3 percent of THC and must meet certain labeling and quality standards.

Since its legislative passing in early June, CBD stores have begun popping up across the state with CBD American Shaman setting up shop off of Memorial Boulevard at the end of August.

“CBD is not a psychotropic,” General Manager of the PA store John Harrell said. “It doesn’t get you high. CBD and marijuana are two different things. It’s like apple juice and orange juice. Marijuana is known for its THC, but there’s also CBD in it. People that say they smoke marijuana and it makes their joints fell better and aches go away — that’s the CBD.”

According to the American Shaman website, CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system, which is the system that regulates the body’s normal homeostasis.

“Most people come in here for some sort of pain or anxiety — almost always,” Harrell said. “If CBD is going to help, it’s usually an inflammation issue but people will come with their knees or back hurting. We’ll give them some samples and sit on the couch and talk with them. Usually within a few moments they will feel better. It’s really remarkable.”

CBD American Shaman offers free consultations with first time customers in an easy and laid back way. Harrell said they would converse with their patients to see what best fits them first and even have medical doctors on call for added assurance.

“Studies have shown that CBD is a very good anti-inflammatory agent,” he said. “So chances are if you’re taking ibuprofen for it, CBD will help and it’s not going to kick your liver in the head.”

Harrell said the two main drawbacks of the cannabidiol is its tendency to lower blood pressure or cause nausea if it’s over abused.

“We are regulated by the FDA but we can’t compare it to over-the-counter medicine,” he said. “That’s why we always give out samples. It has a very wide range. It may not work the same way for each person. It may just relax you instead of helping your pain. We don’t have all the answers, but a lot of people have faith in it.”

CBD American Shaman products offer categories in relief, wellness, beauty and pets in various different forms such as oils, liquids, creams, edibles and more.

“I’ve had some people come in here and cry on the couch, because their pain is gone,” Harrell said. “We call it tiny miracles. It’s a you’ve got to see it to believe it type of thing.”

CBD American Shaman franchise specializes in nanotechnology by breaking down the CBD into nanoparticles smaller than 100 nanometers in size. The company also provides a money-back guarantee.

CBD American Shaman Port Arthur location is located at 8845 Memorial Blvd. next to Buffalo Wild Wings and is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit cbdamericanshaman.com.