Can CBD help you? Your CBD Store in Baldwin Park gives us an inside look into its store

For many, it comes as no surprise that CBD can provide lifelong health benefits. 

But what does CBD actually do? What’s in it? And how is it made?

President Maria Hulsewe and CEO John Hulsewe, of Your CBD Store in Baldwin Park, sat down with us to answer those questions and more.

What is CBD?

There are plenty of misconceptions about what CBD is exactly. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a "high" by itself, according to Harvard Medical School. 

Who uses CBD?

According to a 2019 Gallup Poll on CBD use, 14% — about one in seven — of U.S. adults use CBD products. The highest percentages of usage come in the 18-29 age groups, 20%, and in the western states, 21%. Only 8% of those over 65, and 11% of those between 50 and 64, use CBD. 

Pets can also use CBD products. 

Legality

Although CBD products have been approved by the FDA, some states aren’t 100% clear on the legality of CBD. So where is CBD legal? 

In 2018, the Farm Bill made huge progress in the legalization of CBD products by removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. Thanks to this bill, hemp can be legally cultivated in U.S. soil.

Although CBD is technically legal in all 50 states, the law is different from state to state. State laws dictate the legality of what type of CBD product people can use and which one is prohibited. 

In Florida, most cannabinoid extracts, including CBD, are legal. However, only products that contain less than 0.3% THC are considered legal.

How can CBD be taken? 

CBD comes in many forms, including oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topical preparations for use on skin. 

Your CBD Store in Baldwin Park offers hemp oil, water solubles, whole plant products, gummies and edibles, topicals, products for pets, and more. 

What are the health benefits behind CBD? 

According to Your CBD Store, CBD is the best-researched cannabinoid to date and the list of its applications as a potential treatment is constantly expanding. 

The FDA has even approved Epidolex, which contains a form of CBD, for the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy. 

Animal studies, and self-reports or research in humans, suggest CBD may also help with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, PTSD, addiction and more. 

Your CBD Store has a variety of product lines that aim to target beauty, weight loss, focus, sleep, stress, wellness and more. 

Are there any side effects to CBD? 

According to Harvard Medical School, side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can also increase the level of blood thinning and other medicines in the bloodstream by competing for the liver enzymes that break down these drugs. People taking high doses of CBD may show abnormalities in liver related blood tests. 

Your CBD Store said it recommends starting a conversation with your physician before taking any of their products, especially if you are on medication. 

Your CBD Store

Your CBD Store is part of a franchise that has over 600 locations in the United States. Baldwin Park’s location opened seven months ago. 

“A lot of people hear the word CBD and think of a smoke shop,” Maria Hulsewe says. “What we offer at our stores is almost the exact opposite.”

Your CBD Store offers a safe, comfortable and inviting environment where guests can learn about CBD, try samples, and feel empowered to make an informed decision on the best cannabinoid formulation option for them. 

The story starts with Your CBD Store Founder Rachael Quinn, whose quality of life was affected by Crohn’s disease.

CBD was the only thing that helped gain her quality of life back. 

“CBD helps to target your endocannabinoid system and helps to put everything in your body back in place,” Maria Hulsewe said. 

The founder said she knew she had to share her experience with others, which led her to open the first store in 2018 in Bradenton. 

With the store’s success, Quinn and her husband, Marcus, the company’s CEO, founded a product line with the highest quality ingredients under the name Sunmed.

“It’s great that we have something that can help people,” John Hulsewe said. “It’s amazing how many people still don’t know the benefits of this hemp product so we are working to educate people and change that.”