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The People and Passion Behind Carolina Hemp Hut

Name: Carolina Hemp Hut
Price range: $

Jenni Sniffen
April 14, 2025

Carolina Hemp Hut is not your typical cannabis store. You know how it is when you walk into most vape shops, the person behind the counter usually doesn’t know much more than the price. They’re just there to sell you something, not help you. That’s never been our vibe. We started Carolina Hemp Hut with something more powerful in mind: people and passion. A purpose to educate ourselves and our customers so we could help folks find real relief with what ails them. Because no two people are the same, and one-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to wellness.

Mary Lopez Carter, our founder, has always had a heart for helping others, but things got personal when her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. That moment shifted everything. She started digging into more natural ways to support his health, which led her to CBD and cannabis. What she learned was eye-opening. She saw just how powerful this plant could be and felt a calling to share that knowledge with as many people as possible.

That’s how Carolina Hemp Hut was born. We opened our first store in Hillsborough, NC, and later our second in Durham. From day one, our mission has always been rooted in people and passion. We’ve been about education and a commitment to helping, not selling. Everyone who works here is passionate about learning and teaching others how cannabinoids really work in the body. Sure, cannabis has a reputation for being all about the high, but that’s not what drives us. We’re here for the healing and improvement of one’s body and mental health.

The Passion Behind the Plant: Why We Do What We Do

Carolina Hemp Hut was always about helping people. That’s been our vision since day one. When Mary’s husband’s health became a concern, everything changed. She dove headfirst into research, looking for natural ways to support him through it. Around that same time, the 2018 Farm Bill passed, opening the door for legal hemp use and research. The timing felt like it was meant to be.

From the start, we knew we didn’t just want to sell products; we wanted to serve people with passion and purpose. Our sales approach has never been about pushing the most expensive thing on the shelf. We ask questions. We listen. We want to understand why someone is looking into CBD or THCA in the first place. Is it sleep? Pain? Anxiety? Everyone’s body is different, so the solution has to be too. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to feeling better, and we’ll never treat it like there is.

Customer Successes

Linda has been with us since the beginning. She’s used our CBD salve for chronic pain in her knees for years now. Her knees probably should’ve had surgery a long time ago, but this topical has helped her manage that pain naturally and keep moving. I’m not sure if she ever got the surgery, but I do know she’s always been one of our biggest supporters.

Then there’s George, who came in looking for something to help with pain in his shoulder, an injury he’d carried for over 30 years from his time in the military. He didn’t want anything edible or oral, so we pointed him towards our salve. A couple of weeks later, he walked back in with a big smile and gave a hug. For the first time in three decades, he said he could move his shoulder without pain. Moments like that stay with you.

Jane’s story was different but just as powerful. She called in because she was having a hard time sleeping. One of our team members spent time listening and asking questions to get a better idea of what was keeping her up. Turns out, it was anxiety, her mind raced with worry about everything going on in the world and her life. We recommended the HempLucid water-soluble drops because they’re fast-acting and nano-emulsified. While we’re not doctors, we know CBD can help many people relax and reset their sleep cycle. Jane called us back the next month and signed up for a subscription. She finally found something that helped her sleep, and that’s exactly why we do what we do.

A Store that Helps You Understand What You’re Buying

At Carolina Hemp Hut, we don’t just teach our team how to run the register, we teach them what they’re selling. Every staff member takes time to learn about CBD, cannabinoids, terpenes, and how they work in the body. We believe real hemp education means going beyond sales and offering meaningful guidance.

Imagine walking into a store and saying you can’t sleep. The clerk doesn’t ask why, they just hand you a gummy. No explanation, no context, just guesswork. You try it, and it knocks you out so hard you feel groggy the next morning. Would you go back? Probably not. We wouldn’t either.

That’s why we do things differently. We ask questions. Are you looking for something gentle and natural, or more noticeable and fast-acting? Is your main concern stress, sleep, or pain? By listening first, we can point you toward the right product, whether that’s a safe CBD option or something from our lab-tested THC lineup.

At the heart of everything we do is people and passion. From explaining Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 to helping someone manage anxiety or focus, it’s about connection, not commission. We know not everything works the same for everyone and that’s okay. If something falls short, we regroup, ask more questions, and keep helping until we find the right fit.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. And while we always recommend talking to your doctor, know that we’re right here, walking the path with you.

How We Choose Our Products

Every single product we carry at Carolina Hemp Hut goes through a careful selection process. As a company, we don’t just grab whatever’s trending; we thoroughly check each item to make sure it’s high-quality, safe, and exactly what the label claims. Most of our products have been sampled by our own team because if we didn’t take it ourselves, we wouldn’t offer it to you. That’s just how we do things.

One of the most important parts of this process is verifying the COA or Certificate of Analysis. This isn’t just a box we check, it’s a big deal. A proper COA confirms that the product contains what it says, doesn’t contain anything harmful, and has been tested for safety. And like we’ve said, we double-check every single one. It’s a step many shops skip, but to us, lab-tested hemp products are the only kind worth stocking. When people search for product lab testing near me or safe hemp products, we want Carolina Hemp Hut to be the name they can trust.

When we shop for new products to bring into the store, our customers are always top of mind. Sure, every business wants to make a profit; however, we focus on more than just that. We research every product, check reviews, and often test samples ourselves before we ever put it on our shelves. We’ve built our reputation by offering only what we believe in. Most of the people who walk through our doors are looking for healing, not a high, and that’s exactly what we’re here to support.

What Other Shops Get Wrong

Let’s be real, too many vape and CBD shops are just looking to make a quick buck. You walk in, and the staff can’t tell you what’s in the product, how it works, or why it might help. Some of these places don’t even carry COAs. And if they do? A lot of them never check to see if those lab results are legit.

We’ve seen it ourselves. One vendor sent us products labeled as Delta 9, but something didn’t sit right. So we did what we always do: we verified the COA. Turns out, the gummies were mostly Delta 8, and the lab report had been faked. That was all we needed to see. Responding immediately, we pulled every product from that brand and cut ties immediately. When you shop at Carolina Hemp Hut, you’re getting lab-tested CBD products and safe CBD brands, every single time.

This is where we’re different. Education is our foundation. When someone walks in asking for help with anxiety, sleep, or focus, we don’t just point at a shelf. We ask questions, We listen, And we explain what the products do. We’re not doctors, and we always suggest checking with yours first but we know our stuff. Whether you’re curious about lab-tested Delta 8, Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 effects, or how a product may support your wellness goals, we give you straight answers. That’s what makes us a trusted hemp shop in Durham, NC, and beyond.

Real Support for Every Customer

Since day one, our goal at Carolina Hemp Hut has been simple: build a community, share real education, and raise awareness about the benefits of CBD and hemp. We found something that works, something that helps, and we couldn’t keep that to ourselves. We wanted to tell everyone. For us, it’s never just been about the sale. It’s about giving people the tools to take back control of their health through wellness with hemp CBD.

Like any business, we collect customer information when you visit or shop with us, but what sets us apart is how we use it. We don’t sell your data. Ever. We use it only to keep you informed about what’s happening at the shop. We keep you informed of special deals, educational events, and updates we think matter to you.

Our email campaigns are packed with helpful content, not just coupons. We give you early access to sales, but we also send resources and tips straight from our team. No outsourcing. No fluff. Our staff writes the blog themselves, pulling from real experiences with products and customer success stories. If you’ve ever searched for CBD for chronic pain management or wanted to learn about safe CBD companies, we’re the ones giving you real answers, not sales scripts.

And when it comes to loyalty, we believe in giving back. Our loyalty program gives you 1.5% back on every purchase. So if you spend $100, you get $1.50 in points. You can use those points any time with no blackout dates and no waiting. There’s a cap of $25 off per purchase, but rewards don’t disappear overnight. They’re valid for a full year, giving you time to use them however you like. Plus, when you sign up, we thank you right away with a $5 bonus.

The People and Community Behind Carolina Hemp Hut

Carolina Hemp Hut isn’t some faceless chain or corporate brand. We’re a local, family-run business that grew from a mission of healing, not hype. Mary, our founder, is still hands-on every day. Her son Richard moved here with his wife and child to help grow the company, and our team members have become like family. Whether it’s making mask donations during a crisis or educating our neighbors about safe hemp use, we show up because we care. The people and passion behind this team are what drive everything we do. Whether it’s sipping a THC drink before Jiu Jitsu or taking Equilibrium gummies at night for sleep, we don’t recommend anything we wouldn’t personally use or trust.

We also show up for our community. When the pandemic hit, we knew people were counting on us. We stayed open with safety in mind, making sure those who relied on CBD or hemp had what they needed. One of our team members even hand-sewed over 1,000 masks. We donated more than 300 to people with autoimmune conditions and over 100 to the Hillsborough Police Department.

Even now, we’re active in the neighborhoods we serve. We’re proud members of the Chamber of Commerce in both Hillsborough and Durham. You’ll spot us at local events, festivals, and the Hillsborough Christmas Parade. When folks ask where to find wellness through hemp or safe CBD brands, we want Carolina Hemp Hut to be the name that comes to mind. Not just because of what we sell, but because of how we show up.

Recognition That Means Something: Awards & Community Support

Since opening our doors in 2019, Carolina Hemp Hut has been more than just a hemp shop, we’ve become a trusted name in wellness across North Carolina. Over the years, our dedication to education, transparency, and truly helping people hasn’t gone unnoticed.

We’ve consistently earned “Best Of” awards from local publications like Indy Week and Chapel Hill Magazine, with honors including Best New Business and Best CBD Store. And the recognition didn’t stop there. Most recently, our Durham location was named Best CBD Store in the Triangle in 2024 by Indy Week, a true reflection of the community we’ve built and the passion that fuels everything we do. These awards aren’t just plaques on the wall; they’re reminders that heart-led businesses still matter and that what we’re doing is making a real difference. We’re also honored to be in the running again for Indy Week’s Best of the Triangle 2025. (Just make sure to write in Carolina Hemp Hut on the ballot).

Nationwide Access: Bringing Trusted Hemp Products to Everyone

Not everyone is lucky enough to live near a Carolina Hemp Hut, and we didn’t think that should keep anyone from getting the help they need. That’s why we built our online store, to make it easy for people everywhere to get hemp products they can count on. We ship fast, we pack with care, and we only offer products we believe in.

We also wanted our website to be more than just a place to shop. There’s a lot of noise online, and not all of it’s helpful. So we keep it simple. You’ll find honest product descriptions, real lab results, and blog articles written by our team, not some outside content mill. Even online, our foundation stays the same: people and passion first, always. Real help from a real team who knows what it’s like to be on the other side of the counter.

And if you’re not sure what to choose? Just reach out. Our support team is made up of real people who use the products and care about helping others. Whether you’re in North Carolina or a few states away, we’ll treat you like family because, to us, that’s exactly what you are.

What’s Next and How You Can Be Part of It

This next chapter is about deepening our roots and expanding our reach, not just as a business, but as a community. We’re working on new ways to educate and connect with our customers. That means more wellness workshops, more in-store events, and more helpful content that gives you the tools to make informed choices about your health.that’s

We’re also staying alert to changes in hemp laws and product developments. Things move fast in this industry, but we’re always watching the legal side so you don’t have to worry. Whether it’s a new cannabinoid hitting the market or an update to federal law, we’ll be ready and we’ll keep showing up with honesty, heart, and a deep belief in helping people feel better.

If you believe in what we do, we’d love for you to be part of it. Stop by our Hillsborough or Durham locations and let us help you find what works for you. If you’re not nearby, our online store is packed with handpicked, trusted hemp products we’re proud to offer.

You can also follow us on social media to see what’s new, catch our latest deals, and get helpful tips from the team. Share your experience. Leave a review. Tell a friend. Every time you support Carolina Hemp Hut, you’re helping shape a better, more honest hemp industry. And that’s something we’re proud to build with you.

It’s All About Heart

At Carolina Hemp Hut, we’re not here just to sell products, we’re here to help people. From our founder’s mission to every product on our shelves, everything we do comes from a place of the heart. We believe that real education leads to empowerment, and empowered customers make better choices for their health and well-being.

Whether you stop by in person or shop with us online, you’ll always find a team that listens, learns, and truly cares. As we grow, our commitment to people and passion will never change. That’s what keeps our mission grounded, no matter how big the world around us gets. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re even more excited about where we’re headed. Thanks for walking this path with us. Let’s keep growing together.

Jenni Sniffen

Jennifer Sniffen brings compassion, resilience, and a passion for wellness to Carolina Hemp Hut. With over 20 years of customer service experience and a personal journey through chronic pain, Jennifer combines professional expertise with a deep understanding of natural remedies. A dedicated advocate for cannabis and herbal solutions, she provides empathetic guidance to customers seeking better health and wellness. Jennifer is committed to empowering others through education, holistic approaches, and meaningful connections, making her an invaluable resource on the path to healthier living.

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