All Posts from Our Alternative Wellness Blog

Discover how science-driven innovation and real-world regulation intersect in the wellness space. Our alternative wellness blog unpacks trends in functional foods, supplements, and emerging therapies so you can move faster while staying compliant. From FDA guidance to state-by-state nuances, we translate complex rules into clear strategies for brands, investors, and operators. Each post connects market data with practical next steps your team can act on today. Whether youre launching a new product line or scaling a multi-state wellness business, our alternative wellness blog gives you expert insight, strategic context, and actionable ideas to stay ahead of shifting consumer demand and regulatory expectations.

Plain unmarked application folder beside a wordless org-chart diagram and a sealed sample box with a cannabis leaf, corridor with two closed doors behind, charcoal with copper accents

A DEA denial in Colorado is not a ban on medical registration

DEA just denied a Colorado company's application to grow marijuana under federal registration. It'll get read as DEA slamming the door on state operators. It isn't. But the reason DEA said no should worry anyone with a medical license and an adult-use sister company. Here's what I'd do before you file.

Chris Girard

9 hours ago5 min read

Open carton of blank unbranded disposable vape devices in a dim warehouse with stacked cartons and a blank calendar, charcoal with copper accents

California's 2028 vape sales date is not the first deadline

California's disposable nicotine vape ban has two dates. Everybody heard January 1, 2028, the day sales stop. The first cutoff is January 1, 2027, when imports and manufacturing stop, and it hits your supply before it hits your shelf. Here's what I'd do this quarter.

Chris Girard

1 day ago4 min read

Strategies for Consulting Hemp Businesses: Navigating Growth and Compliance

Entering the hemp industry is exciting but complex. As entrepreneurs and investors in alternative wellness markets, you know the potential is vast. Yet, the regulatory landscape and operational challenges can be daunting. That’s where effective consulting comes in. I’ve worked closely with hemp businesses, helping them thrive by offering tailored strategies that address their unique needs. Let’s explore practical approaches to consulting hemp businesses, focusing on sustainab

chris94116

1 day ago4 min read

Open hearing folder and blank comment clipboard on a dark desk with a soft clinic doorway beyond, charcoal with copper accents

An FDA Part 15 psychedelics hearing is not a delivery rule

Tonight the comment window on FDA-2026-N-7542 closes. A Part 15 hearing is information-gathering — not a REMS, not rescheduling, and not a delivery rule. Soft talk about credentialing still gets quoted like the industry already signed off.

Chris Girard

2 days ago4 min read

A Moses Lake age-21 kratom rule is not a Washington ban

Moses Lake’s under-21 kratom sales rule took effect October 2, 2026. That is a city age gate under Ordinance 4001 — not a Washington statewide ban, not Bellingham’s total sales story, and not federal Schedule I for botanical leaf.

Chris Girard

5 days ago4 min read

A Spring Valley possession ban is not Illinois kratom law

Spring Valley’s September 8 agenda put sale and possession of kratom on the same ordinance title. That is a municipal ban — not Illinois statewide kratom law, not Tennessee’s felony rail, and not federal Schedule I for botanical leaf.

Chris Girard

6 days ago5 min read

A Bellingham sales ban is not a Washington kratom ban

Local news says Bellingham City Council finished Agenda Bill 25055 on September 28. That is a city sales ban — not a Washington statewide kratom ban, not a possession ban, and not federal Schedule I for botanical leaf.

Chris Girard

Sep 304 min read

A DEA bulk manufacturer notice is not psilocybin legalization

DEA Sep 28 Doc 2026-19803 is a bulk manufacturer application notice for Irvine Labs — not psilocybin legalization, not a deschedule, and not a granted registration.

Chris Girard

Sep 293 min read

Exploring Innovative Wellness Strategies in Alternative Wellness

The alternative wellness industry is evolving rapidly, fueled by new research, shifting consumer preferences, and emerging markets. As entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses, understanding these innovative wellness strategies is crucial to staying ahead. From hemp and kratom to kava and psychedelics, the landscape is rich with opportunity and complexity. How can you navigate this dynamic environment effectively? Let’s dive into some of the most promising trends and practica

chris94116

Sep 293 min read

Bellingham final kratom reading is not a statewide ban — abstract municipal agenda ledger vs empty statewide statute slot, dark slate copper PNW city hall silhouette

Bellingham's final kratom reading is not a statewide ban

Bellingham's Sep 28 final consideration of AB 25055 is a local BMC 10.08 kratom sales ban — not a Washington statewide ban.

Chris Girard

Sep 284 min read

DEA five-tryptamine NPRM is not Schedule I — abstract proposed-rule ledger vs empty final-order slot, dark slate copper

DEA's five-tryptamine NPRM is not Schedule I

A September 23 NPRM proposing Schedule I for five tryptamines is not a final Schedule I listing.

Chris Girard

Sep 254 min read

Oklahoma Turner Schedule I intent is not a kratom ban — abstract unfinished bill silhouette vs live COA/testing ledger rail, dark charcoal copper

Oklahoma Turner's Schedule I intent is not a kratom ban

operator dual-map — OK House Turner Schedule I intent is not enacted ban; live rail is SB891 / 63 O.S. 1-1432.2–.4 KCPA

Chris Girard

Sep 245 min read

Colorado 7-OH settlement is not a federal Schedule order — abstract state testing ledger rail vs empty federal order slot, dark slate teal copper

Colorado's 7-OH settlement is not a federal Schedule order

Colorado AG Sep 21 $152k settlement is state civil 7-OH/labeling enforcement under the Daniel Bregger Act — not a federal Schedule order.

Chris Girard

Sep 234 min read

Maximizing Success with Remote Hemp Consulting

Navigating the hemp industry can feel like walking through a dense forest without a map. Regulations shift, markets evolve, and competition grows. That’s where remote hemp consulting steps in as a game-changer. By leveraging expert advice from anywhere in the world, you can unlock new opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. Let me walk you through how to maximize success with remote hemp consulting and why it’s an essential tool for anyone serious about thriving in this dyna

Chris Girard

Sep 234 min read

Effective Kava Business Strategies for Sustainable Growth

Starting and growing a kava business is an exciting journey filled with unique challenges and rewarding opportunities. Kava, known for its calming and social benefits, has gained traction in alternative wellness markets worldwide. But how do you turn this growing interest into a thriving business? I’ve learned that success comes from a blend of smart planning, market understanding, and strategic execution. Let’s dive into some practical strategies that can help you expand you

Chris Girard

Sep 224 min read

Oregon's OPS fee withdrawal is not a program pause

OHA will not adopt the proposed OPS fee increases and will not file finals from that package — that is not a pause or repeal of Oregon's licensed psilocybin program under ORS 475A.

Chris Girard

Sep 224 min read

Saratoga's October 14 hearing is not a kratom ban

A scheduled Saratoga County hearing is not an enacted kratom ban.

Chris Girard

Sep 212 min read

Virginia's 2 mg THC cap is not paused by an injunction

Seven businesses sued over Virginia's end of the 25:1 CBD-to-THC carveout. Judge Ballou denied the TRO and preliminary injunction on August 14 — the August 15 hard ≤2 mg cap still took effect.

Chris Girard

Sep 175 min read