Matt Monteverde’s new career as a new home salesman in New Braunfels, Texas, is a mild existence compared to his time on the Arizona police force.
“Oh god, what did I not do during my law enforcement career,” Monteverde said.
He started as a patrolman, spent 13 years on the regional swat team, and was a criminal investigations detective. He worked undercover on the narcotics gang task force, was on the motorcycle unit for some time, and worked as a field training officer. Before joining law enforcement, Monteverde served in the U.S. Navy.
“I did it all,” he said.
Two decades of demanding work left both physical wear and mental strain. “It’s just from the pounding, the heavy lifting, the vest and helmet, being on top of choppy waters. It took quite a toll on me,” he explained. Alongside the physical side, the constant high-stress environment left lasting marks as well.
After retirement at 38, the familiar camaraderie was gone. Without the daily intensity, everything came to a head. He knew he needed a shift in his lifestyle.
A coworker suggested he try CBD. His first attempt was a small dose from a random brand, which didn’t do much, so he stopped. Later, another veteran who used Extract Labs products encouraged him to give it another shot. This time, with a higher strength that matched his build, he noticed a sense of greater ease and balance in his day-to-day routine.
“I originally tried the 1000-milligram Lemon Extract. It did fine, but I am not a little person,” he said with a laugh. “I am 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, so I tried the 2000-milligrams, the extra strength. That’s when I really, really noticed [a difference].”
Along with a healthier lifestyle and leaving alcohol behind, adding CBD became part of his daily rhythm. Ten months later, he describes feeling clearer, more rested, and more in control of his routines.
Our community manager Liz Rogers shared: “Matt is so sweet and easy to talk to. It has been so cool to see him grow through the questions he asks.”
These days, his regimen includes two full droppers of the Extra Strength tincture at night, along with the muscle cream for his neck and back when needed. “I get deep sleep, and I dream. I can’t erase memories, but I don’t wake up feeling weighed down anymore,” he said.
Some of his former colleagues are interested in hemp products but know workplace policies may prevent them from trying them. For Matt, making the switch has been worth it: “You have to think of the hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers that are trying to find healthier outlets. I just want to help people. That’s been ingrained in my whole life—service.”
