CBD seller separates fact from fiction

SHAWANO — When it comes to CBD, it’s important to know what is the real deal and what isn’t.

Jason Tokarczyk, a Bonduel native who recently opened Happy Trails CBD next to Shell 22 in the town of Belle Plaine, helped to clear up some of the mysteries surrounding CBD, where it comes from and some of the benefits the oil provides people suffering from a variety of ailments during a presentation Monday at the Shawano Public Library.

“CBD is kind of what we like to refer to as healing without the high,” Tokarczyk said. “It’s important to differentiate. Some people have the stigma that it’s the legal part of marijuana, but it’s actually completely different.”

The CBD is extracted from hemp plants, which are high in what is scientifically known as cannabidiol, and low in THC, the part of marijuana that gets people high. THC is much more pronounced in marijuana than hemp, but hemp does contain trace amounts, according to Tokarczyk, who noted that hemp has less than 0.3% THC.

Tokarczyk noted that CBD can counteract the psychoactive components of marijuana, but mostly CBD is used to deal with pain and discomfort, whether it’s from inflammation, spasms, depression, abnormal cell growth from tumors, sleep disorders, diabetes and more. CBD helps the endocannabinoid system, which regulates body functions.

“You just have to listen to your body,” Tokarczyk said.

CBD can also be beneficial for pets, as well. Tokarczyk said that it helps out animals dealing with separation anxieties.

“We have a 5-year old lab, and anytime there’s thunderstorms or fireworks, he would run downstairs, and we couldn’t find him,” he said. “With dogs and cats, their endocannabinoid system works 5,000 times faster than humans.”

With pets, the effects are more instantaneous, Tokarczyk said, while the impact on humans takes about two weeks for those who first start using most CBD products.

Mary Kay Tallier, Tokarczyk’s mother, said that there’s a lot about CBD and hemp that are misunderstood by the general public. She noted that her bosses at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections expressed concern when they learned her son was opening up his first CBD shop in Kaukauna in 2018.

“The warden and the security director asked, ‘Do we need to be concerned about you?’” Tallier said. “They said, ‘That’s ditch weed, right?’ So even if the Department of Corrections, they don’t have a good understanding of what hemp versus marijuana is.”

There are several other businesses in the area that offer CBD oils and other products, but Tokarczyk recommended that people do some research before selecting products. He noted there are some companies that create CBD products but put in fillers like flavoring, but natural CBD works best when dealing with pain and other health issues.

“Ask the right questions, and make sure they have a COA (certificate of analysis) or some kind of lab report,” Tokarczyk said. “If somebody is selling it, they should be able to explain it to you before you make a purchase.”

The Happy Trails shops also utilize a registered nurse that can help employees answer customer questions about health benefits and which products are more effective based on a customer’s needs.

Tokarczyk also recommended not taking just his word on the effects and benefits of CBD. He steered customers toward the Realm of Caring Foundation (www.theroc.us), an advocate for cannabinoid therapies.

CBD can be a benefit, Tokarczyk said, but only when it’s pure and natural and not just a gimmick.

“When you see CBD sold on every corner, it really hurts the industry,” Tokarczyk said. “You get bad experiences because you have people come in and say, ‘I’ve been taking this and it’s not doing anything.’ It’s important for us to hold a high standard.”

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com