Conversations with Bethany Obendorfer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Obendorfer.

Hi Bethany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2018, after years of studying hemp and cannabis, I took a major risk and opened Montgomery county’s first CBD dispensary, Emerald City CBD. The hoops to jump through were enormous. Banking systems wouldn’t allow me to have a bank account, let alone fund me. No credit card processing company would speak to me, advertisers shunned me and the general public was not as excited as I was. While spending time delving deeper into the legislation and attending senate hearings, I was being shown the only way to make any real progress towards awareness was education.

That spurred an even deeper passion: educating and healing the community on this plant, being a safe place for every type of heartbeat, a gathering place for our tribe. Because of the heart and soul that is pumped into this business, we have won numerous “Best of” awards from 2019-2021 and are officially expanding to a larger location with both indoor and outdoor lounge space within a freestanding building around the corner from our current location.

We will continue to raise the bar in regards to education, quality products that won’t break your wallet, and a truly inviting atmosphere. As cannabis laws change, we will continue to expand our product selection. Be sure to say ‘Hello!’ to Apollo, our store kitty the next time you stop in!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not even close. I had to self-fund the store for over a year because of banking restrictions. It took a year to get a business bank account approved and that was after miles of red tape. Credit card processing was impossible. Even now, we are charged almost double because of the industry. The public opinion solicited threats of burning down my store on numerous occasions.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from running Emerald City CBD, I am also a tattoo apprentice. Once I’ve completed my training I’ll be opening a tattoo shop, Great Awakening Tattoo, on the bottom level of Emerald City’s new location. I’ve found a way to combine both of my passions into one and I truly couldn’t be more grateful.

Quiet and traditional aren’t words associated with me. I set myself apart from others intentionally. I’m here to change the game in every way. One person at a time, what we are creating will be a change towards something better for each other, our planet, and our future generations.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Www.emeraldcitycbd.shop
• Instagram: Instagram.com/emeraldcitycbd
• Facebook: Facebook.com/emeraldcityclarksville

Image Credits
D’Noir Studio Moth to Flame