CBD or cannabidiol products are widely available in Guam and increasingly used by residents seeking relief from all sorts of medical conditions.
The number of stores has grown to 13 throughout the island. Puff Supply is the biggest chain with seven stores in Tumon, Tamuning, Dededo, Barrigada, Agat, Harmon and Merizo. Gateway has outlets in Ordot, Tumon, Yigo and Agat. Treehouse Guam operates in Acanta Mall in Tumon and offers CBD and hemp products, including gummies.
A selection of CBD and hemp-derived products are available at The Releaf Shop. Photo by Jacqueline Guzman
But medical professionals and retailers say confusion about CBD, THC (which causes drug like reactions) and regulation continue to bedevil the market.
At The Releaf Shop, customers regularly arrive looking for alternatives to traditional medications, according to Monica “Moni” Marquez, owner of the Hagåtña-based CBD retailer.
“When customers walk into The Releaf Shop, they are often seeking natural remedies to address chronic pain, disrupted sleep patterns and stress, and even solutions for their pets,” Marquez said.
She said many customers turn to CBD after other treatments fail or produce unwanted side effects.
“For many, CBD has become a go-to alternative when other treatments fall short,” Marquez said. “Some want relief from their ailments without the side effects that traditional medications may carry.”
Monica “Moni” Marquez, owner of The Releaf Shop in Hagåtña. Photo by Jacqueline GuzmanDespite its growing popularity, Marquez said a lack of understanding about CBD remains.
“One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that CBD will get users ‘high,’” she said. “In reality, CBD is a non-intoxicating compound and does not produce the same effects as THC.”
Medical professionals echo that distinction. Dr. Hoa V. Nguyen, family medicine physician and founding member of American Medical Center, told the Journal consumers often underestimate the implications of THC exposure.
“CBD is generally safe,” Nguyen said. “THC is a separate concern at the local, state and federal levels.”
Nguyen warned that THC exposure can have serious consequences, particularly for workers subject to drug testing.
“There have been many job losses due to positive urine drug screens for THC,” he said.
While consumer interest in CBD has grown, businesses operating in the cannabis and hemp space continue to face challenges.
“Bank of Guam has taken a deliberate and compliant approach to serving legally licensed cannabis, CBD and cannabis-adjacent businesses in Guam and the CNMI,” said Lesley-Anne Leon Guerrero, senior vice president and chief experience officer for Bank of Guam. “Through its formal Cannabis Banking program, the bank currently supports all tiers of the regulated cannabis industry, including plant-touching and ancillary businesses, and remains the only local financial institution offering banking services in this space.
“Because cannabis banking continues to operate within a complex and evolving regulatory environment, changes in federal guidance or regulations could impact how financial institutions nationwide are able to serve the industry,” she said.
While consumer interest in CBD continues to grow, Marquez said operating a CBD business in Guam still presents challenges, particularly when it comes to payments and banking access. Nguyen
“In today’s world of contactless payments, it can be an inconvenience for customers to have to make an additional trip to the ATM to get cash,” she said. “For us, banks view the cannabis and hemp industry as high risk, which has forced us to rely on our own finances to keep the business going.”
Marquez said regulatory gray areas place added responsibility on retailers to ensure product quality and consumer safety.
“While these laws have allowed the market to grow into what it is today, there is still a lot of responsibility on us business owners to make sure what we’re selling is something our customers can trust,” she said.
She added that education remains central to changing public perceptions.
“The average cannabis consumer isn’t the stereotype they’ve been made out to be,” Marquez said. “We’re here to give people the space and knowledge they need to make informed decisions on their health and wellness journey.” mbj
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