CBD-focused retailers open for business in Holland

HOLLAND — Since the passing of Proposal 1 in November 2018, cannabidiol has become a popular topic.

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a non-intoxicating chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The substance has become increasingly popular in states that have legalized recreational marijuana.

While scientific evidence is limited, CBD has been credited with treating a variety of mental and physical ailments including anxiety and insomnia.

In the past five months, at least three CBD-focused retailers have opened or announced an opening in Holland.

The CBD Store, 1130 Ottawa Beach Road, opened in January 2019. Its co-owner, Ben Hulst, admits the legality of CBD can be confusing.

“It’s kind of a mess right now,” he said. “There’s a lot of gray area in interpretation. But I’ve found the health departments are mainly cracking down on businesses that are licensed as a food and beverage company. They seem to be lenient with retailers. But it’s a mess as legislation gets fixed.”

The cannabis plant has two varieties: marijuana and hemp. While marijuana holds a significant concentration of THC — the chemical responsible for getting “high” — hemp does not.

CBD can be derived from either one.

“All of our CBD is made with industrial-grade hemp,” Hulst said. “Most of our products are THC-free, but we do have a full spectrum. Everything is under the federal limit of 0.3 percent.”

The CBD Store focuses on the education of its customers.

“We pride ourselves in high-quality product and knowledge,” Hulst said. “We want to educate people on what it is, what it isn’t and how it’s going to impact you. People think it’s marijuana and this big, scary thing — but that’s not it at all. It helps people enjoy a better quality of life.”

A second retailer, Y Not CBD, opened at 11975 E. Lakewood Blvd. on April 1.

Less than a month later, Made by Hemp — a Michigan-based CBD manufacturer with a retail location in Jenison — announced it would open a second retail store in Holland Town Center.

The store, slated to open on Saturday, May 4, will feature products like tinctures, edibles, vape oils, pet products, patches, salves and balms.

Jeff Gallagher, founder of Made by Hemp, chose Holland for his second storefront because he and his family are local residents.

“Holland is my home and a bustling tourist destination,” he said. “Especially during Tulip Time. We want to be able to help our local community discover the life-changing power of CBD. With a large national presence, it is critical to have a local presence as well.”

Made by Hemp merchandise is produced in Jenison and sold in a number of stores across the country, but Gallagher enjoys having his own storefront.

“The brick-and-mortar experience is important for us to help further educate our community about CBD,” he said. “A retail storefront allows customers to touch, taste and feel our products. They can talk to knowledgeable staff and ask them questions that Google can’t always answer.”

Made by Hemp will be open Mondays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m.

— Contact reporter Cassandra Bondie at cbondie@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @BizHolland or @SentinelBondie.

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