Just four months after opening its first store in downtown Waukesha, CBD retailer Full Spectrum Holistic Healing LLC is preparing to open a second location in Milwaukee’s North Shore area.
The business is targeting a mid-May opening for its 800-square-foot storefront, located at 509 E. Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay. Its Waukesha store is located at 300 W. Main St.
Full Spectrum sells a range of CBD-infused and hemp-based products including cosmetics, edibles, pet products, topical creams and vape products.
With middle-aged adults as its main target market, Full Spectrum’s business model fits the demographics of the North Shore area, said co-owner Michelle La Count. La Count said she was drawn to the area because she had once resided there for several years and her husband’s parents live in the area.
She owns the store with Aleksandr Gerasyuta, who is from the North Shore.
La Count said the business seeks to educate customers on the CBD industry and how its products have been known to treat ailments such as stress, anxiety, arthritis and chronic pain. Upon entering the store, customers have a one-on-one meeting with a consultant to discuss which CBD products would best serve their needs.
“What you’re dealing with and when and how you want to take (CBD), will determine our suggestions,” La Count said. “It affects everyone differently.”
One of La Count’s philosophies is helping customers become aware of all their options when it comes to treating health issues.
“CBD is benign,” she said. “It doesn’t have side effects, unlike prescription drugs that can have very serious side effects. So, if it doesn’t work for you, all you’ve done is spend a little money.”
CBD is one of several chemical compounds that are found in hemp plants. The substance is not psychoactive, so it does not have the same mind-altering effects associated with marijuana.
The local CBD retailing and hemp growing markets in recent months have seen tremendous growth. CBD stores Verdant opened in November in Bay View, Hemp World Cafe opened in December in Riverwest, Pure Golden Botanicals opened in February in West Allis and Seventh Sense Botanical Therapy, opened last month at Mayfair Mall. Urban farmer and former Growing Power leader Will Allen recently launched Will Allen’s Beyond Organic, which produces USDA-certified organic CBD oil, lotions, soaps, dog treats among other products.
Wisconsin lawmakers first approved use of CBD oil in 2013 under limited circumstances for those with seizure disorders, but allowable uses were expanded in 2017 to include certain medical conditions with a certification from a doctor. Also in 2017, Wisconsin lawmakers approved the creation of a pilot program for industrial hemp production.
