Natural foods store now selling CBD extracts nationwide

Lucky’s Market, the Colorado-based natural foods chain, is now selling nearly a dozen brands of hemp-derived extracts rich in cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main compounds of cannabis.

Lucky’s director of apothecary Sindy Wise said, “We’re not afraid to be disruptive and pave the path and be pioneers.”

The company launched CBD oils and adaptogenic plants, natural substances that promote biological balance and help the body to adapt to stress. The stores display two shelves of the products in the apothecary section as well as private-label hemp oils, salves, and body butters.

CBD oils reached Target’s shelves in late September, making the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration question the legality of hemp-derived products. However, they were then removed and found online only, listed under the herbal supplements category.

According to Wise, before the launch of the products, Lucky’s Market checked with vendors and the FDA lawyers to ensure labeling and other standards were being met. Others are against Lucky’s new market, as the extracts derived from industrial hemp operations remain illicit.

Lucky’s founder Bo Sharon said the company’s role is to serve as a provider of quality sourced products and to educate. She advocates for “positive disruption,” and wants to keep up with the latest trends in the natural products industry and respond to consumers’ requests.

“Consumers are trying to find these solutions and trying to find these products,” she said. “It is a risk. And it is definitely putting ourselves out there.”