Kevin Menard is the visionary and owner of Dragon Hemp Apothecary in Sag Harbor, NY. Kevin’s journey into the world of hemp and CBD began with personal experiences that sparked his passion for natural wellness. In this interview, he shares insights on the motivations behind starting Dragon Hemp Apothecary, including the thoughtful decision process for its location, the crucial role of sustainability in both the store’s practices and products, and a blend of some of his favorite locally owned businesses across the Hamptons.
What personal experiences with hemp or CBD motivated you to start Dragon Hemp Apothecary? How did you go about deciding on the location?
CBD came onto my radar in 2018, and I was impressed with the research showing its ability to reduce inflammation and its many symptoms via the endocannabinoid system. I integrated CBD into my patient treatments and saw excellent outcomes. I had a sense that combining CBD with specific Chinese herbs to address conditions like injuries, trauma, sleep issues, anxiety, and Lyme disease could yield even better results.
This realization became my mission: to create products that blend hemp extracts with Chinese medicinal herbs to address the conditions I often see in clinics. The results exceeded my expectations, leading to the birth of Dragon Hemp.
Initially, all our products were sold online, but I felt the need for a retail location to better
explain how and why CBD and hemp extracts are more effective when combined with
Chinese herbs. Many people were somewhat familiar with CBD, but not with Chinese herbs,
so there was a significant learning curve. When deciding on a location, Sag Harbor was the
only village that felt right for Dragon Hemp due to its culture of inclusiveness, healing, and
wellness.
I’ve been practicing Sports Medicine acupuncture in Sag Harbor since 2012, and while I considered other areas like Water Mill, Bridgehampton, and Southampton, Sag Harbor’s strong pedestrian environment and year-round vibrant community made it the perfect fit.
How has running Dragon Hemp Apothecary changed you personally, both as a business owner and as an individual?
Having a retail location on Main Street in Sag Harbor makes me feel like I’m finally playing on the varsity team, as opposed to JV when I was working alone in my acupuncture office on Division Street. Being in the heart of the village, I get to experience all its charm and meet incredible people visiting Sag Harbor and our apothecary. Unlike other CBD brands that are e-commerce only, Dragon Hemp has a physical presence, allowing us to engage directly with our customers, receive their feedback, and educate them about our products.
The most critical aspect of running a successful retail business is the staff. I’m fortunate to
have an amazing team committed to Dragon Hemp’s mission and who represent the brand
exceptionally well. Additionally, being part of the Sag Harbor business community is wonderful; it’s vibrant and supportive. The biggest change for me personally is being on my game 24/7, balancing present duties with strategic planning for the future.
This year, I’ve learned that you can’t do everything at once. We’ve become more selective about collaborations and events to avoid spreading the team too thin, which was a challenge initially.
Which products are your current customer favorites? Which are your current favorites and why?
Kevin Menard: Our two most popular products are the Sleep tincture and Leisure
hemp-derived THC gummies. All our products are effective because I did extensive research and testing. They also taste great and are easy to consume. The Sleep tincture is popular because it helps with both falling asleep and staying asleep, blending full-spectrum hemp, CBD, and Chinese medicinal herbs to calm the mind and increase blood circulation. It’s based on a classic Chinese herbal formula for menopausal insomnia, addressing symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, but tweaked to work for both men and women.
The Leisure hemp-derived THC gummies, featuring 5mg Delta-9 THC and 35mg of CBD per gummy, offer an enjoyable elevated buzz and are a great alcohol replacement, reducing hangovers.
How important is sustainability to you, and what practices have you implemented at Dragon Hemp Apothecary and in your products to support this?
Sustainability is crucial to both Dragon Hemp and our customers. We ensure all our product packaging is recyclable, using mostly paper and glass, and minimal plastic. Our ingredients come from organic, sustainable farms in North Carolina and Colorado, and our Chinese herbs are mostly organic and tested for impurities like metals and toxins. We
are committed to sourcing from reputable farms known for their sustainable practices.
How has being based in Sag Harbor shaped your business and its identity?
Sag Harbor is unique and the perfect home for Dragon Hemp due to its rich colonial history and culture of inclusiveness, diversity, art, and wellness. It’s one of the last remaining strong communities on the East End, vibrant throughout the year, and we receive tremendous support from the local community. Dragon Hemp builds on the legacy of Sag Harbor’s diverse and economically robust history.
Which current emerging trends in the hemp industry excite you the most?
The innovation in the hemp industry is incredibly inspiring. While most
people are familiar with CBD and THC, these are just two of over 100 cannabinoids from the cannabis and CBD hemp plant. Other cannabinoids like CBG, THCV, and CBDV show
promising potential to address conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, autism,
and cancer. We are just at the beginning of exploring the possibilities.
Please describe your perfect ‘day in the life’ in summer out east.
My perfect day starts early around 6:00 a.m. with feeding our four dogs, a big cup of coffee, and a Buddhist guided meditation with my husband. Then, I jump into some exercise—swimming laps, Tai Chi, Qigong, or kettlebells with Ed Cashin. I see patients
until noon, have lunch at Provisions in Marine Park, then head to the store to work with my
team and engage with customers.
In the afternoon, I enjoy nature, whether it’s the beach, a walk with the dogs, or boating. The day ends with a wonderful dinner in Sag Harbor or Bridgehampton, a little time enjoying the sky with my husband and one of my Leisure gummies, and then getting to bed early.
Which businesses and restaurants do you like to frequent in the Hamptons and why?
Kevin Menard: I support my friends and colleagues in Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton. We
have amazing restaurants and fresh food at our fingertips, and I’m grateful for the support
from these friends over the years. Here’s my list in no particular order:
â—Ź Sen: Jesse ensures that the sushi quality is the best and freshest, imported daily
from Japan. Whether dining in or takeout, we eat there at least twice a week. Off-season, pork ramen is my go-to for lunch.
● Almond: Eric and his team are exceptional with seasonal farm-to-table dishes. It’s
our neighborhood “Cheers” that we frequent year-round.
● Sagtown: Shane’s coffee is the best, and I love their breakfast items. I’m a huge Chagaccino drinker in the afternoon.
â—Ź Provisions: I eat there every day, enjoying their Freshly Green juice. The food is
consistently tasty and fresh, perfect for a quick lunch. Susan’s curation of the
wellness supplements is best of class.
â—Ź Bell & Anchor/Beacon: David Loewenberg always takes great care of us. The food
and cocktails are delicious and sizable, and I always try Sam’s special fish of the day.
â—Ź Bilboquet: For a fancy St. Tropez vibe, Bilboquet is the best. JB runs a tight ship,
and we always have a blast.
● Duryea’s Montauk: The seafood is truly delicious with huge portions, and Steven
always accommodates us well when we visit with a big party.
â—Ź Round Swamp Bridgehampton: Their preparations are sublime, with fresh
ingredients, great staff, and the best cookies ever.
These places and the people behind them make the Hamptons a truly special place to live
and work.
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Dragon Hemp Apothecary is located at 108 Main Street in Sag Harbor. They are currently open daily beginning at 10am.Â