At the heart of the hemp industry are stories of personal transformation, and few embody that spirit more than Kevin and Shirley Derby. Owners of the Canna Corner in O'Fallon, MO, their journey into the world of hemp began with a deeply personal struggle—when their daughter-in-law suffered from seizures that conventional medicine couldn’t alleviate. After two years of ineffective treatments, Kevin and Shirley’s son took matters into his own hands, introducing her to CBD full-spectrum oil. The results were nothing short of miraculous—four years later, she has remained seizure-free.
The Derbys' connection to hemp, however, didn’t stop there. In 2017, during a trip to Florida, their lives took a drastic turn when a car accident left both Kevin and Shirley severely injured. Kevin, a mechanic by trade, already dealt with chronic pain from years of physical labor. The accident only compounded his suffering, adding crushed vertebrae, broken ribs, and a broken hand to his list of injuries. Meanwhile, Shirley faced increasing stress and anxiety, compounded by turning 50 that same year. With the constant tension impacting their marriage, they both found solace in cannabinoid therapies—first for Kevin’s unbearable pain, and later for Shirley’s mental well-being.
“Hemp gave us back our happiness,” says Shirley. “I don’t know where we’d be without it.”
In addition to their personal relief, Kevin and Shirley decided to share the healing power of hemp with others. Just four months ago, they took a bold step and entered a franchise agreement with Canna Corner, opening a store in O'Fallon, MO. The decision came after their previous furniture business didn’t work out, leaving them with unused retail space. Given how hemp had transformed their lives, they knew this was the perfect new direction. “We wanted to turn our space into something that could really make a difference in people’s lives, the same way hemp did for us,” Shirley adds.
But their journey hasn’t been easy. Like many in the industry, Kevin and Shirley have faced significant discrimination. Their long-time Edward Jones broker, a relationship over 20 years strong, cut ties with them upon learning they were opening a hemp store. Despite explaining that their business was fully legal and federally compliant, they were told they had 90 days to remove their funds. Why should a couple, trying to help others, face such barriers? It’s time we ask why there is so much discrimination against those who are genuinely making a difference in people’s lives.
For Kevin and Shirley, hemp has become more than just a business—it’s a lifeline, a passion, and a mission to educate others about the natural, life-changing benefits it offers. Kevin often refers to one of his favorite sayings: “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” For Shirley, it’s all about spreading the joy, saying, “Share the joy, and share some hemp.”
Why MHTA Matters
Kevin and Shirley’s story is just one of many. Hemp business owners across Missouri are working hard to bring relief to their communities, often in the face of outdated regulations and discrimination. That’s why the Missouri Hemp Trade Association (MHTA) is so important. MHTA has been instrumental in fighting back against unlawful government overreach, as seen in our recent victory against the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Thanks to MHTA’s relentless efforts, DHSS has backed down from embargoing and destroying hemp products, giving small business owners like Kevin and Shirley the chance to continue their work without fear of losing everything.
But the fight is far from over. Now more than ever, we need your support to ensure that the rights of hemp entrepreneurs are protected. MHTA is leading the charge, but we need members like you to keep the momentum going. By joining MHTA, you’re not just supporting an industry—you’re standing up for small business owners who are trying to make a difference in people’s lives.
Get Involved
Help us continue to protect the rights of Missouri's hemp industry. Support small businesses like Kevin and Shirley's, who are bringing healing and relief to their communities. Join MHTA today, and together we can ensure that the future of hemp in Missouri is one of growth, not discrimination.
Become a member today and help us keep fighting for the rights of businesses like Kevin and Shirley’s.
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