Hemp Advocate
For Dee Dee Taylor, the hemp business is far more than a career — it’s deeply personal. That’s why she continues to fight so fiercely for its survival.
Taylor is the owner and founder of 502 Hemp Wellness Center and its sister store, 812 Hemp. Both stores offer consumers a selection of products derived from hemp, such as CBD, Delta-8 and Delta-9 that are federally compliant for sale and use. Many consumers report using these products for issues such as anxiety, pain, and sleep difficulties.
“The anecdotal evidence of these products is absolutely breathtaking,” Taylor says. “They help with so many different ailments,” she adds, pointing to what she describes as strong anecdotal results. “It’s been such a game changer for so many people.”
Taylor’s journey into the hemp industry began after her husband, John, sought a natural alternative to control the grand mal seizures he regularly experienced. John learned about CBD oils, started making his own and used them in place of the 28 pills he was taking daily. According to Taylor, the results have been life-changing: while not a cure, the number of seizures declined and he was able to get off all pharmaceutical medications. In 2014, when Kentucky launched its Hemp Pilot Program, John and his business partner were among the first to be licensed as processors.
Taylor began using her husband’s hemp products to control her own anxiety and panic attacks and says she noticed a remarkable difference. In 2016, Taylor switched career paths from her paralegal background to focus full time on the hemp industry, selling products at local fairs and expos. 502 Hemp officially opened in 2018 and 812 Hemp in 2022, becoming Louisville and Clarksville’s premier hemp education boutiques. 502 Hemp also has space at Logan Street Market as an in-between location complementing both stores.
“These products made such a huge difference I had to educate myself as to why they worked for me and why they worked for John,” Taylor says. “The more I learned, I realized everyone should have safe access to these products. I wanted people to come into the store and learn how to use these products correctly. My number one reason for opening the stores was for consumers to be able to ask questions and get educated answers.”
Many of Taylor’s products have become customer favorites. Blueberry Dreams, which contains CBD, CBN and chamomile, is marketed for sleep support and reduced nighttime awakenings. Strawberry Feels is a gummy featuring CBD and CBG that customers often seek out for mood support. DZD9 Ganja Grape — 502 Hemp’s biggest seller, according to Taylor — is a gummy derived from Delta 9 THC and CBN that is designed to promote relaxation and better sleep.
While many consumers report benefits, hemp-derived products are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating medical conditions, and research remains ongoing.
“I’m blessed with a great team here,” Taylor says. “A lot of us are certified cannabis educators. The more we learn about each individual cannabinoid, the more we are able to create individualized gummies or products that benefit people. By focusing on specific cannabinoids, we can make them work for specific ailments. I love being able to formulate our own products like that. My team helps me with some of those thought processes, so I can’t take credit for every product we have. It’s been a lot of fun, learning and creating new products that customers love.”
That success is currently under serious threat. Taylor’s recent focus has been fighting a new federal restriction that would make most of her products illegal. A provision in the 2025 federal spending bill caps total THC at 0.4 milligrams per final consumer package, effectively banning nearly all current hemp products such as gummies, oils and drinks. The provision takes effect Nov. 12, 2026, and could devastate Kentucky’s $300 million hemp sector.
“I will not be able to stay in business if this goes through,” Taylor says. “There’s no way. What they are proposing would kill about 98% of our products and I couldn’t survive on the other two percent.”
As president of the Kentucky Hemp Association, Taylor champions the entire industry, not just her own stores. Her leadership has earned major honors, including being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 2022 and receiving the 2024 Public Policy Catalyst Epic Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners, along with multiple 2025 chamber awards for advocacy and entrepreneurship.
“Every legislative session there is something we have to focus on to stay in business and continue to sell some of these products,” Taylor says. “That takes up quite a bit of my time, more than I’d like. I’d rather be focused on my customers and team. Being the president, it’s not just about me though. I’m working to benefit everyone in this industry. Even if people don’t come to my store, I want them to have safe access and the option to go to their favorite place. It is important to me to advocate for the entire industry, not just for my stores.”
Taylor offers a variety of resources to anyone looking to help. 502 Hemp sends out a weekly email with detailed information on products and industry news. Taylor also hosts a podcast called Hempin’ Happiness that dives deeper into hemp-related topics, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. She urges anyone who has benefited from hemp products to reach out to local politicians and ask them to save the hemp industry. You can also support the industry by becoming a member or supporter of the Kentucky Hemp Association.
“I appreciate everyone who has supported and bought from me over the years. Loyalty means everything to me.” Taylor says. “I love what I do and being able to help others with these products is the most rewarding “job” that I have ever had. Afterall, happiness is found in helping others.”
For more information on 502 Hemp, check out its website at 502hemp.com or call 502-654-7100.
