LOUISVILLE, Ky - It's been more than 25 years since Chris Hampton and Herb Henry were padded-up teenagers grinding out practices for legendary head coach Howard Schnellenberger.  The former University of Louisville football players were teammates, not necessarily close back then but they are now.  Hampton and Henry are business partners navigating the world of the ever growing hemp industry.  Last October the two men opened, Kentucky Sol Hemp & CBD Company.

"This is a lifestyle brand more than just a CBD brand," Hampton tells Spectrum News 1.  "A big thing for our company is having an environmental and socially conscious aspect." Hampton adds. 

Kentucky Sol specializing in CBD oil, often sold as a personal wellness product.  Hampton says he came to it in his late 20's after being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  It was Hampton who introduced his former teammate Henry to the product a few years ago.  "He introduced it to me and I was like oh wow! So this is what it can do for you? It helps me sleep, helps my muscle spasms, just help me with my functionality throughout the day," Henry explains.

Many in Louisville are familar with Henry's story, not so much because of his playing but because of how it was cut short.  In 1992 Henry was shot and subsequently paralyzed from the waste down.  He was only 18.  Years of rehibilitation followed and throughout Henry says he was only interested in natural ways to treat medical obstacles.  With their renewed connection the former teammates became business partners and opened a storefront on Louisville's west end.  "People see you working with hemp and it opens all these conversations you can have." Hampton says.