Vereci, a Columbia-based wellness shop, opened a brick-and-mortar retail location at 2323 Devine Street on Monday, March 11, 2019. Vereci’s expert staff are committed to educating Columbia residents on the potential health benefits of cannabidiol – or CBD – products. The retail operation includes oils, topicals, edibles and pet treats.

“We believe that the right CBD products can improve your overall quality of life,” said Vereci owner, Kevin Moore. “Our products are lab-tested and we lead with research. I encourage anyone who is interested to stop by and ask questions. We are committed to increasing the public’s understanding of CBD products.”

Vereci’s emphasis on education is a result of consumers confusion over what CBD is and where it comes from. A common misconception is that CBD is a chemical from cannabis; while CBD can be extracted from cannabis, it can also be extracted from hemp. The difference? Marijuana plants contain THC, which is the psychoactive part of the plant, giving consumers its signature high. Hemp, on the other hand, contains only trace amounts of THC, will not create a high and is the only kind of CBD that Vereci sells.

Since late 2018, when the Farm Bill passed – making hemp extraction and production federally legal – the industry exploded and is poised for even more growth. Vereci and other CBD producers will be part of a market that’s expected to go from $591 million to $22 billion in 2022, according to marketing intelligence group Brightfield.

CBD products have been proven to address a number of medical issues because of the way it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system made up of neurotransmitters, helps regulate many of the body’s systems, including appetite, pain-sensation, mood and memory. Finding the right CBD product can help reduce anxiety, pain, insomnia, nausea and depression. Vereci works with their customers to find the right solutions through their natural CBD products.