Eastleigh businesswoman talks cannabis
“I often see people who suffer from so much and if they overcame those problems or issues holding them back, they could become the people they ought to be.”
Hurlyvale resident and businesswoman Brenda Hutchinson hopes to make community members rethink the way they look after their bodies with the launch of her store, Oil for Health.
Located in the heart of Eastleigh, the holistic, health and wellness centre sells a variety of legal cannabis-related products, such as balms, tinctures, teas, coffees, pet food and shampoos.
The 58-year-old is a registered traditional doctor who obtained a diploma in medical cannabis and CBD oil from the UK-based Centre of Excellence. She said never in a million years did she think she would work with cannabis.
“For me, the store is not work, I love what I do. It has brought me so much joy.” Before opening her store, Brenda worked in IT; however, with the stress and tension of the job, she questioned whether it was what she wanted to do. “I had always had an interest in esoteric healing and it seemed I was being pushed that way,” said Brenda. “I learnt about essential oils and then CBD oils and what they can do for the body.”
Starting her business from an office at home, Brenda soon realised the need not only to expand but to also help others.
“I don’t know where the drive to help others comes from but it is there. I was probably born with it,” said Brenda. “I often see people who suffer from so much and if they overcame those problems or issues holding them back, they could become the people they ought to be.”
Brenda said although she and her staff are not doctors, they offer customers consultations. “We ask them what their ailments are, what medications they are taking and then we work out what treatment would be best for them and their wallets.” Brenda emphasised that her store does not sell cannabis, weed, dabs or other items intended to get you high.
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As a registered store, Brenda can’t have any products with a percentage of more than 0.003 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). She is registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, an entity of the national Department of Health.
“When I first opened my store, I phoned Edenvale SAPS’s station commander and invited him or his officers to inspect my store. He referred me to a warrant officer and was told so long as my paperwork was in order and I was above board and not selling an illegal product I would be fine.”
Having already worked with CBD oils for three years before opening her store, Brenda believes her age is an advantage, especially when it comes to speaking to older and more conservative community members.
“Some elderly community members will walk twice or three times past the shop or the stand if we’re at an exhibition before they pluck up the courage to take a pamphlet and ask a question. “I gladly chat with them and explain to them, even if they are not customers and are just curious. I think because I am older, they feel more comfortable talking about it.”
Brenda said she would previously host educational talks at Jeppe Quondam but stopped doing that since the start of lockdown. She invited individuals hoping to learn more about alternative medicine and staying healthy to visit her store on Central Avenue.
Alternatively, visit the website to learn more.
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