We chat with the founder and CEO of JustCBD, Hussein Rakine, about his latest product line and how it can help consumers this summer.
JustCBD's Bath Bomb
What is CBD?
HR: CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidol (CBD) is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. And while CBD is a component of hemp and marijuana plants (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.”
Is it safe?
HR: Yes, Similar to anything you’re planning to regularly introduce to your body, we recommend talking with your physician to ensure CBD will not interact with medications.
Is it environmentally sustainable?
HR: We are currently doing a full review of our packaging and product to ensure it is environmentally conscious. For example, our newest offering Just Beauty CBD all-natural skincare is centered around sustainability, contains USDA-certified organic CBD and prides itself on clean (nontoxic) botanical ingredients. From its recyclable premium ultraviolet glass containers and responsibly sourced packaging to conscious formulation being cruelty-free, vegan and free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, PEGs, gluten, soy, water, alcohol, dyes, fragrance, heavy metals, pesticides, microbials, mycotoxins, residual solvents and much more.
Where is your hemp grown?
HR: We use hemp that has been organically grown in Oregon. All of our Hemp is 100% organic, pesticide-free and tested for heavy metals, solvents and other chemicals that could affect the efficacy of our formulations.
How did you get started?
HR: I created JustCBD in 2017 when I was just 22 years old. Growing up, my mom had health issues that were being treated by a cocktail of more than 20 pills a day prescribed by a doctor. I knew this was untenable, so I began researching alternative options, which is how I was introduced to CBD and cannabis. I knew my mom wouldn’t smoke or want a “high”’ from THC/cannabis, so we tried CBD—it was a game-changer, providing relief for her almost immediately.
As I started exploring CBD more, I couldn’t find a brand that I trusted. The industry lacked transparency, from recommended usage to testing. So, I saw an opportunity to create a new brand that could be lifestyle-facing—to help demystify CBD for people and introduce it in a way that was more welcoming and relevant to their daily lives.
What CBD products have you created?
HR: We have more than 300 products, including edibles, topicals, wellness and pet treats. Part of what differentiates us is that we pride ourselves on being nimble and innovative, with a mission to make products that speak to our consumer at any time of day and any type of activity.
What differentiates you from other CBD companies?
HR: Where JustCBD stands out is our ability to marry innovation and quality. For example, we revolutionized the industry with our CBD gummies formula, which hadn't been done before. Now it’s an industry staple. Our ability to create a vast portfolio of premium products at an affordable price point has always been important to us.
How have your customers responded?
HR: Overwhelmingly positive. Our customers are our bosses. We create products that our customers want. The consumer is allowed to tell us what to do, and we respect their opinions. We have more than 18,000 reviews—most of which are five stars—showing us that we are in tune with our customers' needs and wants, and we're always listening to them to ensure we're providing products that work for them and that they’re happy with. Most of our customers are return customers and with 40,000 packages shipped monthly, our customers have made JustCBD a part of their daily lives.
What is your favorite product?
HR: Between sitting in the office six days a week, weightlifting and basketball, my body gets beat up on a weekly basis. My favorite product is our Ultra Relief Gel, which packs 1000mg of CBD and gives me that relief I need to keep going.
Photography by: Courtesy of JustCBD
