CBD Healing: Acupuncturist Kevin Menard shares treasures from Dragon Hemp, his new full-spectrum CBD emporium in Sag Harbor, with Purist Editor-in-Chief Cristina Cuomo.
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Time to read 6 min
This article originally appeared on The Purist.
CRISTINA CUOMO: Kevin, you’re an incredible resource on all things cannabis, Chinese herbs and pain management. For 10 years you’ve been a popular acupuncturist in Sag Harbor. Tell me a little bit about acupuncture.
KEVIN MENARD: Acupuncture is a medicine that goes back about 2,000 years. It’s based on the Dao, which is all about harmony and balance. When the body is in balance or homeostasis, it can heal itself. That is the goal of Chinese medicine.
CC: You treat complex conditions, chronic and more immediate ones. Why did you become an acupuncturist?
KM: I worked in digital media back in the ’90s. I was also doing triathlons and getting injured, burning the candle at both ends. My first acupuncture experience had a profound effect. I could feel energy, which I found out later to be Qi, move throughout my body. About 2008-2009, I felt called to work in the wellness space, so I decided to go to grad school and study acupuncture, and here we are.
CC: How did you begin working with Chinese herbs and incorporating them into your acupuncture business?
KM: Chinese herbs are a big part of Chinese medicine. They are super-effective at treating so many different conditions. The only problem is, if ever you’ve had the teas or brews that they make in Chinatown, they can taste unpleasant. What I set out to do was to create a product line that would extract Chinese herbs, still be effective but more palatable. Around 2017, CBD started popping up on my radar; it was exciting that there was a lot of interest.
CC: What does CBD do, and how does it work?
KM: Research shows that CBD and cannabinoids bind with receptor cells in the body and downregulate inflammation. CBD or hemp works through the endocannabinoid system; Chinese herbs work through different pathways, whether moving blood or breaking up stasis.
CC: You incorporated very high-quality hemp.
KM: I’m very lucky to partner with a farm in upstate New York called Hudson Hemp. It’s premium grade and organic, the highest quality hemp in the Northeast.
CC: Dragon Hemp offers four formulations—Balance, Reach, Rest and Relief—in addition to a cooling balm for acute pain relief and a warming balm for chronic pain relief. Talk about some of the benefits.
KM: Balance is a full-spectrum oil, great for daily wellness and also for anxiety. Reach oxygenates the brain for energy and focus. The most popular formula is Rest, to promote sleep. Relief is for pain. Most people take tinctures, but there’s also a capsule line. Gummies using cannabinoids like THCV and medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane extract are also now available.
CC: Do the Chinese herbs phase out eventually? Turmeric, for example, is a temporary fix.
KM: These products help an injury to heal, and so you start taking less, and then forget about the injury and stop taking it. If you get a flare-up, take it again.
CC: That’s the beautiful thing about Chinese herbs.
KM: They are all about getting your body back in balance.
108 Main St., Sag Harbor; dragonhemp.com
Read the original article on The Purist.
Explore our Essential Wellbeing Collection of Full-Spectrum CBD Remedies.
Founded in Clinical Expertise
Dragon Hemp was established by Kevin Menard, LAc, a leading practitioner of Sports Medicine Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. After years of integrating cannabinoids and native botanicals into his treatments for pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and insomnia, Kevin developed these formulas to support his patients’ recovery beyond his clinic walls.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Application
Our flagship apothecary, located at 108 Main Street in Sag Harbor, NY, serves as a center for education and rejuvenation. Designed in collaboration with Alfredo Paredes Studio, the space reflects our ethos: a sophisticated fusion of old-world herbal tradition and contemporary cannabinoid research. We invite you to explore our practitioner-formulated collections in an environment that balances clinical expertise with refined tranquility.
Read more about the design of our Apothecary in Forbes.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Healing
What is the downside of taking CBD?
The primary downside occurs when you use low-quality products that lack clinical expertise. Ineffective formulations waste your time and delay true CBD healing. Some individuals may also experience mild dry mouth or drowsiness if they take a dose that is too high for their system. We always recommend starting with a measured dose and adjusting as needed.
Does CBD have healing properties?
Yes. Research and clinical practice demonstrate that CBD healing properties stem from its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Instead of merely masking symptoms, CBD helps regulate inflammation, pain signaling, and stress responses. This addresses the root cause of discomfort and supports your system's overall recovery.
Why do I feel so good on CBD?
You feel good because CBD helps restore balance to your body's internal systems. CBD healing works by interacting with receptors that manage stress, sleep, and pain. When you reduce underlying inflammation and calm the nervous system, you stop fighting your body and start functioning optimally.
Can CBD help with recovery?
Absolutely. Physical recovery requires reducing inflammation and achieving deep, restorative rest. CBD healing targets these exact physiological needs. Formulated with clinical expertise, our Aches & Pains Collection and Rest & Restoration Collection are designed specifically to support muscle recovery, ease joint tension, and promote the sleep necessary for cellular repair.
Why don't doctors recommend CBD?
Many doctors do recommend CBD, especially those trained in integrative or sports medicine. However, conventional medicine often prioritizes pharmaceuticals that mask symptoms over plant-based compounds that address root causes. As a practitioner-founded brand, we bridge this gap by bringing clinical rigor and transparency to the CBD healing process.
Are there any negative side effects from CBD?
CBD is generally well-tolerated by adults. Minor side effects can include temporary dry mouth, mild fatigue, or slight changes in appetite. To ensure a positive CBD healing experience, we use clean, organically grown hemp and precise dosing to help your body adapt smoothly to the botanicals.
Is it okay to take a CBD gummy every night?
Yes. Taking a targeted formula like our Sleep Gummies or Sleep Gummies+ every night supports a consistent circadian rhythm. Consistent use is often the key to profound CBD healing, as it allows the cannabinoids to provide reliable, long-term support for your sleep architecture.
What are the side effects of CBD tinctures?
High-quality CBD tinctures rarely produce adverse side effects. Occasionally, a user might experience slight daytime drowsiness if their dose is too high. Because our tinctures use nano-encapsulation for faster absorption, we recommend starting with a smaller dose to observe how your body responds to the CBD healing process.
What is the safest form of CBD?
The safest form of CBD is one that is third-party lab tested, organically sourced, and practitioner-formulated. Whether you choose our Wellness Tincture or Calming Gummies, safety comes from transparency. We verify every ingredient to ensure your CBD healing journey is free from heavy metals, pesticides, and synthetic additives.
Is it safe to take CBD tincture every day?
Yes. Daily use is actually recommended to achieve the best results. The endocannabinoid system responds well to consistent support. Taking our Wellness Tincture daily helps maintain a baseline of lowered inflammation and stress, allowing proactive CBD healing to take root.
Who should avoid taking CBD?
Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications with a "grapefruit warning" should consult their physician before starting CBD. While CBD healing is natural and safe for most adults, it can interact with how the liver metabolizes certain prescription medications.
Is full spectrum CBD better than isolate?
"Better" depends on your bodily needs. Full-spectrum CBD includes trace amounts of THC and other plant compounds that work together to enhance the overall CBD healing effect—a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. However, if you need or prefer to avoid THC completely, a CBD isolate is the better choice for your lifestyle.
Which form of CBD is most effective?
The most effective form depends on the specific root cause you want to address. For immediate, systemic CBD healing, a nano-emulsified liquid like our Recovery Tincture absorbs fastest. For targeted physical relief, topical balms work best. For sustained, all-day balance, chewables or standard tinctures are highly effective.
Is it okay to take full spectrum CBD everyday?
Yes. Taking full-spectrum CBD daily maximizes the entourage effect, allowing minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and CBD to work together continuously. Daily use of our Wellness Tincture from the Essential Wellbeing Collection provides comprehensive support, keeping inflammation low and facilitating ongoing CBD healing.
Can you feel CBD isolate?
Yes, but the sensation is subtle. CBD isolate does not cause intoxication. Instead of feeling "high," you will feel a reduction in tension, stress, or physical discomfort. CBD healing with isolate is characterized by what you don't feel—the absence of anxiety and the easing of pain.
