The products being sold are topical only

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS has begun carrying CBD products in selected stores in seven states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee.

The chain is stocking hemp-derived topical products only, such as creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions and salves. It will not sell any supplements or food additives containing CBD, a company spokesman said.

“We have partnered with CBD product manufacturers that are complying with applicable laws and that meet CVS’ high standards for quality,” he said.

CVS Health president and chief executive officer Larry Merlo told CNBC’s Jim Cramer Thursday that  the company has heard “anecdotally” from customers that CBD has helped provide pain relief from arthritis and other ailments.

“Were going to walk slowly,” Merlo said. “But we think that this is something that customers are going to be looking for as part of the health offering.”