What makes Atlanta so Two-Sided Southern is we are fiercely attached to our traditions. But we are also open to the new and innovative. We are welcoming to all—including those with fresh takes. For example, we’re all getting used to CBD and hemp products as they become more mainstream around the country and here in the South.
Simultaneously, with Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to highlight the remarkable influence of mothers on their children’s paths. Today, we delve into the inspiring story of Joe Salome. He’s a prominent figure in Georgia’s burgeoning hemp industry, and his mother played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.
Salome, a resident of Buckhead, who grew up in the Northern suburbs of Atlanta and attended Kennesaw State University, is a successful entrepreneur. But he’s also a passionate advocate for hemp-based wellness products.
Certainly, as the co-founder and managing partner of The Georgia Hemp Company and Sympleaf Wellness, Salome has dedicated himself to producing and promoting natural, hemp-derived lifestyle products. The Georgia Hemp Company now has four stores in Sandy Springs (Chastain), Decatur, Duluth and Woodstock. Two new stores are opening soon in Kennesaw and Northern Sandy Springs.
However, his venture into this industry was deeply rooted in personal experience and family history. This was particularly influenced by his mother’s courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
During her challenging chemotherapy sessions, Salome’s mother turned to cannabis for relief from the harsh side effects of conventional treatments. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of cannabis on his mother’s well-being, he advocates for alternative, natural remedies that prioritize patient wellness.
“My mom was my first investor,” Salome fondly recalls. “She not only provided financial support but also fueled my determination to make a difference in the wellness industry.”
Salome’s mother, with her background in nursing, brought a wealth of knowledge and research to their cause. She became an enthusiastic advocate, joining organizations like the National Cannabis Nurses Association to spread awareness about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis-based products.
Salome thought it wrong to deny medical cannabis in favor of dangerous opioids and other brutal pharmaceuticals and decided to do something about it.
“My dad passed away when I was 18 years old,” says Salome. “He was in the military [for most of his life] and my mom was an IV nurse. They were always being of service. That had a huge impact on me.”
“They always did good things,” he says. “Then it was just me and my mom [and she got sick].”
Because of her influence and experience, Salome became the co-founder and former CMO of Halcyon Organics, the first medical cannabis company in the South, and is a sought-after media authority and industry consultant on hemp legislation, sourcing, quality control, processing, distribution, and marketing.
Together, Joe and his mother navigated the evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabis in Georgia. Their shared vision led to his co-founding of The Georgia Hemp Co. with childhood friend Ryan Dills. Through their stores, Salome, Dills and their team provide personalized consultations akin to “getting your hair done,” educating consumers about the potential benefits of CBD and hemp-derived products.
“Gummies crush it. That’s the market favorite,” he says about his top seller. “They’re a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD together.” The gummies can help with Crohn’s disease, cancer, anxiety, stress and more. “Everybody’s body is different. For sleep, maybe get some CBN in there, a non psychoactive, add THC and CBD. My mom will tell you it’s great for sleep and your skin.”
Salome says the next big trend is going to be toward beverages. “You’re going to see them in every bar and restaurant, as well as ready to drink cans,” says Salome. Indeed, get ready for all flavors and seltzers and mocktails. They’re low dose 3 mg to 10 mg, and some have THC and CBD. “They give you a runner’s high vibe.”
Beyond entrepreneurship, Salome’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of maternal support and advocacy. His mother’s unwavering belief in the healing properties of cannabis not only influenced his professional pursuits but also contributed to changing perceptions and policies around medical cannabis in Georgia.
In 2014, at the invitation of Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon), Salome helped develop the Haleigh’s
Hope Act, Georgia’s first law to legalize the possession and use of low-THC medical cannabis.
He has remained a respected steward of medical cannabis legislation and celebrated
the passage of the 2019 Georgia’s Hope Act, which legalized limited production, manufacturing,
and distribution of low-THC oil.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, let’s honor mothers like Joe’s, whose love, courage, and determination have inspired extraordinary achievements and cutting edge innovation. Salome’s story reminds us of the profound impact mothers can have on shaping not just their children’s lives but entire industries, paving the way for innovation and progress.
To all the incredible mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day! Your love and support truly make a difference.
