It’s an amazing sight to see so many of our nation’s veterans entering the cannabis movement. At the 2018 World Cannabis Conference in Pittsburgh, Jose Belen shared how important it is to create better support systems for veterans returning to civilian life.
After all, members of the armed services often experience things most of us cannot even contemplate. And not only do they witness it, but they also have to process these events in such a way that they can still function and perform their duties. The stress and intensity of this lifestyle can carry over long after service ends, which is why supportive outlets are so meaningful.
Just like Jose Belen’s founding Mission Zero, veteran Craig Henderson is taking matters into his own hands through the creation of Extract Labs, a Boulder, Colorado company dedicated to designing quality hemp-derived products. Craig has found that hemp has helped him in his own life. “Things that would normally set me off don’t,” he commented.
Extract Labs’ products are all full spectrum, designed to capture a wide range of plant compounds. “We’ve already seen things like Spice, these synthetic THC products. It’s just not as simple as coming up with a single, synthetic compound,” Craig said. “We sell wholesale isolate, but all of our products, including creams, tinctures, and pet products, don’t use isolate. It’s what differentiates us.”
Craig’s interest in hemp began shortly after leaving the military in 2006. He had gone to college but wasn’t enthralled with the routine college life or Corporate America. It wasn’t him. He began to look at hemp differently, starting his career with Apeks Supercritical, where he helped design extraction equipment. Later, he moved to Colorado and launched Extract Labs.
Craig believed his products could provide fellow veterans with a sense of ease, balance, and clarity as part of their everyday routines. Many veterans live with lingering physical tension or high stress from their service, and hemp products offered an alternative way to seek comfort without relying on more conventional options.
As with most hemp businesses, the clients of Extract Labs have unique backgrounds and personal reasons for how they use hemp. Some mention using products to feel more relaxed or to better manage the stressors of daily life.
The pharmaceutical industry has been slow to respond to cannabis, but interest has been growing as federal policies shift. As a small business, Extract Labs continues to focus on craft-driven products and quality. “There will always be a place for us if we continue to provide quality products,” said Ian Kelley, Extract Labs’ social media manager.
And that’s just what they did for our staff. We had the fortune of trying a hemp-derived CBD muscle cream designed to ease everyday tension, and one of their full spectrum tinctures. Said one colleague: “The CBD tincture helped me realize a more relaxed state throughout the day. Really, it provided a more pleasant existence, allowing me to better focus and remain calmer when stressors reared their foul heads.” Another colleague tried the muscle rub, testing it on sore spots from daily wear and tear. “The cream allowed me to feel more comfortable and helped me move with greater ease. I’d much rather apply this product topically than rely on other options that don’t make me feel my best,” they reported.
While hemp-derived products can be enjoyed by anyone seeking balance and calm, veterans in particular may find value in routines that support relaxation and comfort. By continuing to build awareness and removing stigma, we can empower these men and women to explore plant-based options that contribute to temporary states of ease and balance in their lives.
Author: Terpenes and Testing
