Our Story
Testimonial: Journey with Cannabis: A Personal Story
My name is Robb Lapeen, and I am a licensed cannabis caregiver and consultant in Michigan. I have been growing, formulating, and providing various forms of cannabis for 17 years. In 2007, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with a rare blood disease called idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP). This condition is extremely rare for someone my age, as it is mostly found in younger children and can sometimes be fatal.
My experience began with a weak feeling that persisted for a couple of months, culminating in a stay in the ICU after I collapsed, falling down a flight of stairs. During my two-week hospital stay, I was tested for AIDS, leukemia, and hepatitis. Since I didn’t have any of these diseases, but had no platelets in my blood, I was in a critical condition.
I was heavily involved with the mainstream medical system for a year and a half, during which I was prescribed over 16 medications at one time, along with weekly trips to the blood doctor and transfusions to maintain my platelet levels. I underwent a splenectomy, which was an experiment to see if removing my spleen would stop my body from killing the platelets. Unfortunately, I was quickly losing hope as I received nothing but negative reports. I prematurely sold my business and all my personal assets, preparing for what I thought would be my transition out of this world.
One evening, while talking to a lifelong friend named Eric after church, he suggested that I try medical cannabis. He was a cannabis advocate and a licensed caregiver. At first, I was slightly offended; I thought, “What can cannabis do for me? I’m dying, and the doctors can’t figure it out.” I didn’t take him seriously at the time.
However, due to my condition, I found myself unable to work and had to take extreme precautions, such as brushing my teeth with my fingers and avoiding any activities that could lead to bruising or hemorrhaging. With nothing better to do, I spent time researching my condition, the immune system, and the endocannabinoid system. Back in 2008, there was very little information available online compared to now.
One documentary that impacted my decision was “Run from the Cure: The Rick Simpson Story.” In it, Rick Simpson, an older gentleman from Nova Scotia, shared how he provided cannabis oil to hundreds of patients without charging a dime. He was taken to court by the Canadian government, but instead of embracing his findings, they opposed him. His story played a significant role in my decision to try cannabis oil.
While studying cannabis, I learned that it was commonly used in medicine until the late 1930s and early 1940s. I discovered how our founding fathers valued hemp as a stable crop, how Benjamin Franklin established the first hemp paper mill in the United States, and how hemp was used for various products, including the American flag and covered wagons. I also listened to lectures from Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, a doctor and professor at the University of Israel known as the grandfather of cannabis research. He was the first to reveal the structure of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Despite having gathered all this information, I allowed the medical system to remove my spleen in hopes it would solve my problem, but it didn’t. When I asked my doctor about my options, she offered me two: an experimental drug that would cost $600 a week or radiation. I chose to obtain my medical cannabis license from the state of Michigan in 2009 and began taking the RSO oil, which was hard to find and expensive.
After my first harvest in 2009, Eric and I opened the first Wellness Center, All Natural Health and Wellness. I learned how to make the oil from the video I watched and began helping others with various debilitating diseases and ailments. Years later, in 2016, I purchased a gas chromatograph, allowing me to obtain cannabinoid profiles and isolates.
In 2018, when industrial hemp became legal in Michigan, we obtained our hemp growing and processing license and started helping people with oil formulations. In 2019, I had the privilege of meeting my good friend and partner, Dr. Steve kalesperis DO. JD. Together, we work with patients ranging from six months to 96 years old, administering cannabis in various forms: sublingual, topical, and capsules. This allowed me to refine our formulations to meet each client’s needs.
We have seen amazing results, and many of our patients have provided testimonials about our processes. Now, we grow, process, and provide formulations to people all over the United States. We are known as the “Get Healthy, Not High” cannabis consultants.
I want to conclude with a statement: I am not a doctor, and none of these formulas are FDA approved. Thank God for cannabis; it gave me my life back, and now I use it to give back. I am grateful to share my story with you today.
Robb
Testimonial: Samantha Maxson
Hello, I’m Samantha Maxon, owner of Community Wellness, where I collaborate with Robb Lapeen, a dedicated owner, operator, and creative formulator, student of Exercise Science/Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Pranayama Breathwork, Yoga, Gardener, Cultivator, and Naturopathic Medicine. Our mission is to share the wisdom of herbal medicines, gardening, and the art of making effective herbal remedies.
My journey towards health and wellness has been shaped by personal experiences and a deep commitment to holistic practices starting at a young age. From nutritional cooking and gardening to formulation using organically grown and foraged medicinal plants, I embrace a lifestyle that promotes balance and well-being. My daily rituals—honoring life, yoga, pranayama breathwork, meditation, and nature walks—allow me to cultivate mindfulness and positivity. While I continue to grow and learn, I do not claim to be a master; instead, I am a passionate seeker of knowledge dedicated to becoming my best self.
At the age of eight, I was diagnosed with asthma and allergies, enduring labor induced asthma exacerbated by seasonal changes and environmental triggers like animal dander and smoke. Despite being told by doctors that I would need medication for life and avoid any labor-intensive activities, my strong-willed spirit drove me to remain active. I participated in sports, often battling through challenges where simple tasks like climbing stairs left me breathless.
As a teenager, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and health improvement. I began making conscious choices about my diet, eliminating carbonated drinks, junk food, fried foods, and processed sugars. It was during this pivotal time that I discovered the healing properties of herbal teas, coffee, and honey.
A memorable moment in my journey occurred in seventh grade when I was approached to join the track and field team. Initially, I declined due to my asthma, but a seed was planted. Inspired, I went for a run with my cousin, armed with my inhaler and dressed in jeans, not expecting much. To my surprise, I ran four miles without stopping. This experience ignited my passion for running, leading me to become a year-round athlete in track and cross country. By my second year, I had discarded my inhalers, attributing my newfound lung capacity and vitality to running and yoga.
Following high school, I delved deeper into nutritional cooking, breathwork exercises, and meditation, driven by my desire to create healthy yet delicious meals. Over the past decade, my mission has been to demonstrate that healthy food can be enjoyable. I have honed my skills in transforming favorite dishes into nutritious versions that everyone can love.
Shortly after graduation I left my hometown and embarked on a transformative four-year journey to explore national parks in the USA, this included living in Moab UT and Hawaii for long periods of time embracing my greatest adventures. During this time, I became a white-water rafting guide, dabbled in rock climbing, hiking, skydiving, camping, surfing, and paddleboarding, and served as a sea turtle tour guide in Hawaii. All of which offered me a breathtaking perspective on the beauty of our planet. Everywhere I traveled, I approached nature with respect and reverence, immersing myself in the rich and diverse histories of the indigenous peoples of each land I visited. These experiences deepened my understanding of nature and fueled my love for the environment, shaping my holistic approach to health and wellness.
In 2019, I met Robb, who introduced me to Hemp, all of it can do, and the cannabinoids it contains. This discovery profoundly impacted my health, significantly enhancing my immune function. I now incorporate broad-spectrum Hemp tinctures into my daily routine and utilize pain relief topicals after rigorous physical work.
I am grateful for the health challenges I faced early on, as they motivated me to educate myself about all aspects of wellness. My experiences have instilled in me a strong desire to reach out to others facing their own health challenges, advocating for alternative medicine alongside modern practices. While I value contemporary medical findings, I believe in the importance of rediscovering ancient remedies that have stood the test of time. I hold a firm belief that each individual’s journey is unique; therefore, alternative treatments should be approached with respect and careful consideration. Diagnoses can serve as important awareness tools, but they should never define one’s life indefinitely. I am a living testament to resilience and the power of hope, proving that with determination and an open mind, healing and transformation are possible.
For the past five years, I have had the privilege to perfect medicinal formulations, practice organic farming, while holding the title of a state certified cannabis caregiver to certified patients. It has been an honor to reach this point in my journey. My deep love for nature inspires me to live in harmony with Mother Earth, and I strive to incorporate this philosophy into every aspect of my work. Each ingredient or plant I touch, is infused with love and gratitude, honoring the healing power that plants provide. I am committed to respecting the earth and all it offers, ensuring that every component of my formulations reflects this appreciation.
When sourcing ingredients, I prioritize local suppliers and partner with companies that adhere to the same ethical standards and sustainability practices. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all life, and I am dedicated to creating a ripple of positivity that contributes to raising the vibrational love frequency of the planet. This commitment guides my work and fuels my passion for holistic healing.
Our Story
At Community Wellness, we believe in the transformative power of cannabis to enhance health and well-being. Founded by Robb Lapeen, a licensed cannabis caregiver with over 17 years of experience, our journey began when Robb faced a rare blood disease in 2007. Discovering the healing properties of medical cannabis restored his health and inspired him to share its benefits with others.
Together with Samantha Maxon, a passionate advocate for holistic practices, we are dedicated to high-quality, ethically sourced cannabis products. Our formulations are crafted based on research from the US Patent #6630507B1. To effectively support the body’s endocannabinoid system and immune function.
We provide a welcoming space for individuals to explore cannabis and herbal remedies, offering personalized consultations to create custom formulations tailored to unique health needs. Committed to sustainability, we prioritize local sourcing and ethical practices, believing that a healthy planet fosters a healthy community.
Join us at Community Wellness as we share the wisdom of cannabis and herbal medicine to inspire hope, healing, and connection within our community.