In 2016, Ron Mut sought relief in the form of CBD oil for stomach issues he was experiencing. The search for finding the right solution turned into a business opportunity. He and his wife Megan moved to Warwick after he took a new role at Kindred Healthcare in the summer of 2017 and opened up a CBD ReLeaf Center store in Providence last December.

The drive to open up a store came from Mut’s observation of how so many sales from other companies come from online purchases. But the online store doesn’t allow that person-to-person assistance in finding the right product. One worry is that the customer may not be purchasing the appropriate dosage. Mut said that anyone thinking about trying CBD products but is hesitant about it can find help in the store. They offer insight on what the best products may be for each individual user and then provide them with that product.

“People need a place to go to feel confident in what they’re buying,” he said.

Mut also said that they sell a variety of products including oils, gummies and lotions. He said on average, customers spend around $40-$60 per visit. Product uses vary from person to person, but are commonly used for problems with joint pain, anxiety and sleep deprivation. 

A common misconception, he said, is that the products will get its users high. That belief is something Mut said he sees amongst elders.

Their website states, “All of our products are hemp derived and contain less than 0.3% THC so no psychoactive effects.”

One of his goals is to focus on the educational aspect of CBD to help inform and build the confidence of the public. He said that he is partnering with doctors to show how these products can benefit its users.

Also available for purchase inside their store are CBD products for animals. Reports say the proper dosage, the right product could help reduce the number of and duration of seizures, reduce anxiety and even slow the growth of tumors in some pets.

According to an online map, there are four CDB ReLeaf Center locations in Rhode Island. Mut’s store is located at 143 Elmgrove Ave. in Providence and can be reached at 401-537-7989. They also have an online store at www.cbdreleafcenterprovidence.com. Their store is open from 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and then from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.