The bee Hippy Hemp Dispensary isn’t Chris Fagan’s first business venture, but it’s safe to say that it is the most fulfilling. Fagan, along with his stepfather Dave Skinner, opened the business with the hope of helping people who suffer from conditions ranging from anxiety to sleep disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder to cancer and more.
A Rowlett resident, Fagan accidentally happened upon downtown Garland on his way to the tax office and immediately knew that 701 Main Street, an abandoned 1950s service station, was the right place for bee Hippy.
Many folks have misconceptions about the use of CDB and THC. So, everyone that goes into bee Hippy gets an education. Fagan wants people to have the correct information that will lead them to what products are right for them. He doesn’t just want customers to know that something is helping them without understanding why and how.
Fagan is very well-versed in all aspects of the subject. When customers come in with a specific problem, he visits with them, explains the endocannabinoid system and helps them figure out what products will help with their condition.
“We pride ourselves on thoroughly understanding the benefit of hemp and our ability to educate our customers,” he said.
Fagan added that many people think that there is some loophole in the law that allows for CBD and hemp dispensaries to operate. However, the law is very black and white.
“It clearly only limits the amount of Delta 9 THC,” Fagan said. “It doesn’t limit other cannabinoids and there are 150 different cannabinoids in the plant. So, the misconception that it’s illegal because of the THC levels isn’t correct.”
He recommends www.projectcbd.org as a source for further information and links to the applicable scientific literature.
Relief from some conditions
Fagan said that lots of great things are happening now that hemp has been descheduled as a controlled substance Medicines that help with numerous conditions can now be made. Papers have been written on many of these conditions and the results of using hemp. A Google search will yield a great deal of information.
According to Fagan, the list of conditions that can be improved with CDB or THC is long. Some of the benefits include pain relief and improvement in depression, anxiety and PTSD, as well as help with night terrors and other sleep problems. It can also help with loss of appetite and other conditions resulting from cancer.
Numerous people have been on prescription medications for these problems but have either experienced side effects or not found relief. Many would rather try something natural instead of chemicals.
What makes bee Hippy stand out
One of the great things about the products at bee Hippy is that Fagan also owns the Grand Junction, Colorado facility where they are manufactured.
“That’s our difference-maker,” he said. “I’m in the fields with the hemp. I’m in the facility where products are being produced.”
The facility is FDA registered and Fagan’s business partner holds a Ph.D. in public health and a master’s degree in nutrition. Therefore, customers can be sure that the formulations are very precise. In addition, everything is third-party lab-tested to guarantee that what they say is in it – in terms of the percentage of THC, CBD or Delta 8 THC – is accurate.
“We don’t cut any corners. This is a direct-to-consumer model here,” Fagan said. “I own the company that manufactures what we sell. Our goal is to offer the highest quality products at the best prices because there is no middleman.”
Legislation
The hemp legislation specifically limits the amount of Delta 9 THC. As a result, his products only have up to 0.3% Delta 9 THC. However, the products can have unlimited amounts of Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC or THCV. Every plant is certified as to how much of each is in it. And, there are Certificates of Authenticity to back up the numbers. As long as the genetics of a plant are only grown with 0.3 Delta 9 THC, it’s legal.
The shop also features products made by Garland-based artisans. Some of those include clay jewelry, soaps, metal art and leather goods.
Fagan wants bee Hippy to become a household name in Garland and to be a downtown destination. He’s well on his way to achieving that goal!
bee Hippy’s charitable cause
The “bee” in bee Hippy represents a nonprofit cause through Washington State University. They have a bee pollination and research program there and a percentage of bee Hippy’s profits is donated to that program.
“At the end of the day, if we don’t take care of the bees, we aren’t going to have sustainable agriculture. So, we are trying to create awareness around bee colony collapse disorder,” Fagan said.
Last but not least is the “beehive,” a tiny house type of shop on wheels that is their “100 square foot rolling hemp dispensary.” It can often be seen at farmers’ markets and other outdoor events.
Location: 701 Main Street, downtown Garland
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Daily specials available and discounts for veterans and cancer patients
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