Kroger Co KR 0.04% is the latest company to introduce
CBD products to its U.S. store shelves.
The grocery chain’s corporate affairs manager for its Michigan division, Rachel Hurst, said the company will begin the rollout this week in 17 states, according to
The Detroit News.
Why It Matters
Kroger’s decision to sell CBD lotions, oils and other products makes it the latest major American chain to get involved with the products.
Others to recently enter the market include convenience store chain Sheetz, which announced in May 2019 that it would begin selling CBD at over 140 locations in the U.S. Others new CBD retailers include
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc WBA and
CVS Health Corp CVS.
Retail giants like
Walmart Inc WMT and
Target Corporation TGT have also
reportedly explored the possibility of CBD sales in recent months.
Small, struggling industries may benefit from CBD sales as well: one video rental store in Michigan
reported a sales boost after it began offering CBD products.
What’s Next
The Food and Drug Administration held a hearing in May 2019 to hear from the CBD industry about the cannabinoid and its possible inclusion in edibles. No determination has been made at this time.
