New shop dedicated to cannabis-products opens

Monday 13 August 2018

A new shop dedicated to selling cutting-edge Cannabis based products opened on Saturday.

While it is not the first place on the island to sell the product, it is the first dedicated shop. Healthspan is one of a number of places that has been selling similar products for some time.

The Original Alternative will offer organic CBD oils and other herbal remedies in its shop along North Plantation. Healthcare professionals will offer consultations in order to provide specially tailored health products as part of the shop's offering.

Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid constituent of cannabis, and a non-intoxicating marijuana extract.

A UK company, CBD Brothers, is working in partnership with the shop.  

Director Tina Bolding said she was excited about the new venture, and providing natural alternatives to thousands of islanders by providing natural remedies and supplements exclusive to Guernsey. 

“It’s the first shop of its kind in the Bailiwick and it’s the first time that this formula of CBD oils will be offered for sale on the island, it is not even available in the UK. This isn’t about legalising the recreational use of cannabis – we’re using extracts from the plant in their purest form, to create high quality custom-made products.

“We want to educate the community of the benefits of CBD oils, that may come from the cannabis plant, but are used in their purest form, not with high levels of THC. We understand people have reservations and negative perceptions that may make them wary of trying our products. But come and visit us and we’ll happily explain the benefits of this amazing plant and show how it can be used for good on the island.”  

Mrs Bolding said she was delighted Health & Social Care Committee had shown “such a pioneering approach” to the subject, taking into account the “complicated interaction of the components within cannabis”.

“They included in the new legislation a carefully considered ratio of cannabinoids that will allow the most important compounds to be increased to non-intoxicating levels whilst ensuring the oils will offer no recreational value," she added.

Mrs Bolding began the process of opening the store after she lost her beloved husband to cancer two years ago. The devastating loss led her on an eye-opening journey to seek alternative natural remedies and a better quality of life for those who are suffering. It was while Mrs Bolding was desperately seeking a cure for her husband that she became aware of the benefits of the oils.

Sadly, Brian died before she could use her newfound knowledge to help him, leaving her determined to share the treatment which she is convinced would have made a difference in his final months.

“I can’t change what happened to my husband, but I am proud to be able to find a positive way forward for others - in his memory. This has given me a new lease of life and I look forward to being able to give something back and help people who are in pain. This is just the beginning – my real goal is to open a cannabinoid research centre in his name.” 

As well as free consultations, The Original Alternative will even be offering free trials to islanders: “Everyone is different, so we believe we need to work one on one to ensure the absolute best results, which is why we’ll have a qualified herbalist on hand to give individual consultations,” she said.

“We’re so grateful to the local authority for supporting our vision and look forward to getting to know our customers and helping to change their lives for the better. I am lucky to live here in these beautiful islands and to be able to do something to help.”

A product unique to the island, Guernsey Gold, is also launching.

“This is as extremely pure product. When my husband was ill, I had problems getting hold of them and you are just left thinking ‘do you know what is in this’. But with this product, people can have peace of mind.”