Jill and Robbie Stevens, owners of Central Hemp in Vidrine, were recent guests of the Rotary Club of Ville Platte and spoke about the variety of CBD and hemp products they offer.
Jill explained the products will not get anybody high because of the trace amounts of THC, however, some products are offered with zero THC, as she said, “for those who are uncomfortable with that little bit of THC that is present in some of the products.”
Jill went on to say people cannot overdose on the products which can be used as muscle and stress relaxers, and sleeping aides. The products are also being studied as being used for autism patients and those with epilepsy.
The products offered come in such forms as oils, soaps, hand creams, and bath bombs.
“Hemp grows naturally in the Middle East,” Jill said. “Jesus used cannabis. It’s an old ancient form of medication.”
A week later, the club heard from James “Spanky” Vidrine who spoke on updates at Union Tank in Ville Platte.
According to Vidrine, Union Tank is part of the largest rail car repair network in the United States.
The facility in Ville Platte employs 135 people and plans on stretching that number to 140 by the beginning of April because rail cars are once again hauling crude oil because of policy set forth by the new administration.
“We’re trying to expand the shop to get more coating work, which is painting the interior of the rail cars because of different regulations that have been passed,” Vidrine said.
“We will actually start hiring welders hopefully next year,” he continued. “They’re expecting us to be around 170 employees by 2023.”
Vidrine concluded, “We’re still busy. We’re still hiring, and things are looking good for us. Hopefully, it continues.
Image
Tony Marks
Editor