A raw look at how faith, setbacks, and grit built a purpose-driven hemp brand and renewed life’s direction.

Our Story: From High School Dropout to Hemp Visionary in CT

I’m Dave, the heart and soul behind Health THC & CBD Store, and I dropped out of high school in tenth grade at just 15½ years old. Life’s been a wild ride since—parties until 20, a God-given awakening, two years in the Army (now a disabled vet), a year at an evangelical missionary school, undercover missions in Guatemala to combat sex and labor trafficking, ministry across the USA, Korea, Poland, and Mexico, and eventually a move to Colorado before settling in Connecticut in 2008 with my amazing wife.

Now, at 45, I’m a licensed baker, hemp manufacturer for edibles, beverage maker, and moderate-THC retailer in Connecticut, running a business I built from scratch—without formal education but with faith, grit, and a customer-first heart.

A Journey of Faith and Resilience

Growing up, I never imagined owning a hemp business. After dropping out, I lived recklessly until God found me at 20. I joined the Army, served honorably, and came back disabled but determined. My missionary journey took me around the world—from teaching in Korea to going undercover in Guatemala to rescue trafficking victims.

In 2008, I met my wife in Florida, married her that summer, and drove back to Connecticut, where we’ve raised our family for over 16 years. She’s been my rock—teaching me to lead our home not just as a provider but as a godly husband and father. Our kids are our joy, and her faith fuels mine.

For the first two years in Connecticut, I stumbled to find my footing. But when my wife became pregnant with our first child, I dove headfirst into entrepreneurship. Without a degree, I’ve worked for myself for over 13 years—creating products, winning “Best Product” awards, opening my first retail store in 2015, surviving the industry’s ups and downs, enduring the pandemic, and even managing two locations at one point.

Today, I visit the store a few times a month—handling payroll, refining ideas, and focusing on the visionary side—while my business partner Marcel (who started with me at 17 and is now 26) runs day-to-day operations: retail, production, and employees.

I’ve spent years studying Connecticut’s hemp laws (≤0.3% THC federally; 5–30 mg recreationally), keeping our business fully compliant while developing new CBD and THC products—oils, gummies, oral syringes, salves, baked goods, and drinks—all formulated, labeled, and branded by hand. Everything—from websites to marketing to graphic design—has been self-taught through perseverance and prayer.

Building Health THC & CBD: A Customer-First Mission

Health THC & CBD Store isn’t just a business—it’s my calling. I’ve always believed, “The customer comes before the business—before our time, our money, our existence.” Without them, we wouldn’t be here. I’ve stayed open while many competitors closed under Connecticut’s strict hemp regulations and economic pressure.

Our surplus-potency products—120 doses per 30 mL oil bottles, 30-pack gummies, low-THC formulas (0.33–2.5 mg/day) for medicinal relief, and recreational THC (5–30 mg) for creative fun—reflect our commitment to quality, inclusivity, and value, all within legal limits.

We’re a licensed bakery, hemp-edibles manufacturer, beverage maker, and THC retailer. Our product line includes Daytime and Nighttime CBD Oils, Gummies, Oral Syringes, a 20,000 mg CBD/CBG Salve, and THC favorites like Highrise and Visionary Gummies, Nerds Candies, VibeTini Shots, Chocolates, Brownies, and Cookies.

Marcel—my right-hand man—leads production and retail operations while I focus on innovation and compliance. I haven’t built an empire, but I’ve built something more valuable: a legacy of faith, resilience, and customer trust. Since opening in 2015 and relocating post-pandemic, our store has stood as a testimony—proof that perseverance and God’s grace can turn setbacks into milestones.

Why Our Story Matters to You

This isn’t just my story—it’s yours too. You’re the heartbeat of Health THC & CBD Store. Whether you’re seeking natural relief through our medicinal CBD products for pain, stress, or sleep—or enjoying THC for joy, creativity, and relaxation—your trust sustains us.

Our surplus-potency formulas (like 120 doses per 30 mL oil) ensure you get the highest quality at the fairest price, consistent with 2024 Consumer Reports findings.

Explore our Daytime and Nighttime CBD Dosing Guides (#) for balance, or our THC Product Guide (#) for fun. Learn more about the Endocannabinoid System in Cannabinoids for Health (#), read Myth #1 (#) to separate fact from fiction, or visit our Customer Reviews (#) to hear real stories. Got questions? Chat with our AI chatbot (#)—yes, I built that too—or dive into our FAQ (#). We’re always here to help.

As a disabled vet, dropout, and missionary, I’ve learned life isn’t about profit—it’s about purpose. Our customers keep us alive. Whether you’re easing pain with our 20,000 mg CBD/CBG Salve or chasing creativity with our Visionary Gummies, you’re part of this family.

Visit us in Connecticut, share your feedback, and grow with us. By God’s hand, we’ve made it this far—and your trust carries us forward.