Coming Together
For Health
This week I had the privilege of joining 25 citizen advocates at the California State Capitol for Lobby Day for SB 378.
We came from different backgrounds: patients, parents, veterans, doctors, nurses, and everyday people, but we all shared a common mission: to protect access to safe, non-intoxicating hemp CBD products that so many Californians rely on.
Throughout the day, I listened to powerful personal stories about living with cancer, navigating chronic pain, and overcoming addiction. Those stories weren’t just moving, they were the heart of why we were there.
I also had the honor of meeting some incredible leaders in this space, including Their dedication to patient access is inspiring, and I felt lucky to stand alongside them.
Paige Figi, Jean Talleyrand, M.D., and Megan Mbengue, MSMCT, BSN, RN.
Why We Showed Up
At its core, this day was about making sure Californians can continue to choose non-intoxicating hemp CBD for their health and wellness.
Here’s why it matters:
- These products help with pain, sleep, anxiety, and overall well-being without making people feel “high.”
- Since late 2024, when in-state sales were banned, online access has been the only option for most Californians.
- SB 378 would cut off that access entirely, leaving families, patients, and caregivers with fewer options.
For some, hemp CBD is more than just a wellness choice, it’s a lifeline. Families caring for children with epilepsy or autism, adults managing chronic illness, and people trying to avoid stronger prescription medications all stand to lose access if this bill passes.
And it’s not just about health. The state itself estimates over $600 million in lost revenue the first year alone, with jobs and small businesses at risk.
Why It’s Personal
At Chronic Health Wisdom, I work with clients who are searching for natural, integrative options to support their well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how non-intoxicating CBD changes lives.
For many of my clients, and for me, these products make the difference between a night of restful sleep and a night of tossing and turning. Between managing stress naturally and feeling overwhelmed. Between living with daily pain and finally having some relief.
Taking away this option isn’t a policy shift, it’s a step backwards for wellness in California.
Moving Forward
Walking through those Capitol halls, I was reminded that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they come together. One voice may feel small, but many voices together create change.
That’s why we showed up, and why I’ll keep showing up.
Because access to safe, non-intoxicating CBD isn’t just about products on a shelf. It’s about protecting hope, wellness, and choice for millions of Californians.
If you’d like to learn more about protecting access to hemp CBD, you can visit the Coalition for Access Now or this California resource page.
