Vince Sanders of CBD American Shaman: The Principle of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship That Transforms Natural Wellness

So many people suffer from chronic pain. Often people believe that they have tried everything, and that there is no real hope for them to live pain-free. What are some things these individuals can do, to help reduce or even eliminate their pain? In this interview series, called “Becoming Pain-Free: How to Alleviate Chronic Pain” we are talking to medical professionals, pain management specialists and authors who can share their insights and strategies about how to alleviate chronic pain. As a part of this series we had the pleasure of interviewing Vince Sanders.

Vince Sanders is the President and founder of CBD American Shaman. Vince is well-known in the industry for pioneering the development and implementation of regulation in unregulated industries. He is a proponent of alternative, natural solutions for wellness.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?

I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, in a family of entrepreneurs, so entrepreneurship has always been in my DNA. From a young age, I was fortunate to be surrounded by mentors, gaining invaluable insights and lessons from people in business throughout my life. I always knew I would become an entrepreneur — it was simply a matter of discovering what I wanted to contribute to the world.

My entrepreneurial journey began with a car detailing business, a foundational experience that taught me the core principles of building and running a business. That early venture was a stepping stone to what has become my life’s work: creating purposeful solutions through CBD American Shaman.

The journey started with a deeply personal mission. My uncle was terminally ill, and I wanted to find a way to help him feel better during his struggle. That desire to ease his discomfort was the inspiration behind my first CBD products — with the simple goal of helping one person. However, the demand for these products quickly grew, and what began as a small, personal effort evolved into a thriving business.

The name “American Shaman” reflects our commitment to sharing alternative, transformative approaches to wellness. Today, our mission remains rooted in helping people feel better, but our scope has expanded. One significant evolution is the launch of Advanced Alkaloids, where we distribute 7-OH, a groundbreaking product with the potential to transform the lives of people dealing with temporary stress and unease.

From my first business to where I am today, the common thread has always been a passion for creating solutions that improve lives. It started with one uncle in need, but it has grown into something far bigger — a purpose-driven effort to help as many people as possible.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?

Since starting my career in the natural products space, I’ve witnessed some truly life-changing moments. The experience of watching people struggle but then overcome these challenges through the use of natural products has been humbling and inspiring. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the most rewarding work is purposeful work — work that creates a meaningful impact on others’ lives. Making money is one thing, but making a real difference? That’s what truly matters.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

My first entrepreneurial venture was a car detailing business, and it turned out to be a crash course in resourcefulness and adaptability. Early on, I applied for a major government contract to detail thousands of cars before they went up for auction. When I received the application, it came as a thick stack of paperwork. With no prior experience in this, I essentially guessed my way through the forms, filling them out as best I could without fully understanding what I was doing.

After submitting the paperwork, some time had passed, and I started to believe I hadn’t secured the contract. What I didn’t realize was that the stack of papers I had completed was the contract — and I had won by default because I was the only applicant!

Winning the contract was a huge milestone, but it came with its own set of challenges. I quickly realized I had no plan in place for how to pay employees to start the job. Initially, I sat waiting for the funds to come through, but eventually I decided to take out a loan to cover the first payroll, betting on myself and the business to deliver.

This experience taught me invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship. First, take action, even if you don’t have all the answers. Sometimes, you just have to move forward with the information you have and trust yourself to adapt. Second, not every decision will turn out perfectly, but every mistake is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow. These lessons shaped my approach to business and have stayed with me ever since.

When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?

My core mission is to help people feel better in their bodies because when people feel better, they’re empowered to achieve more in their lives. Removing even one barrier to well-being can open the door to greater accomplishments and a more fulfilling existence.

I’m particularly passionate about the work we’re doing with 7-OH, a groundbreaking solution with the potential to improve the lives of millions. Every life we touch represents someone who can go on to make a meaningful impact in the world. Knowing our efforts contribute to both individual transformation and a broader ripple effect of positive change inspires me every day.

Let’s jump to the main focus of this series. For the benefit of our readers, can you please tell us why you are an authority on the subject of chronic pain?

I consider myself an expert in 7-OH, an innovative alternative supplement that provides relief for occasional stress and supports a healthy mood. My mission is to help people feel better in their bodies through safe and effective products that support health and wellness, and to empower people to live fulfilling lives, especially those with a lot on their plate or managing stressful situations.

I’ve heard firsthand from hundreds of customers who have shared their struggles and how 7-OH has transformed their lives. These stories inspire me deeply — seeing people regain functionality and thrive despite their struggles is a huge win and reaffirms my commitment to this work. My goal is simple: to provide a solution that truly enables people to live their lives to the fullest.

Can you please share with us a few of the most common causes of chronic pain?

Some of the most common causes of temporary pain we’ve observed among our customers include past injuries that never fully healed, unresolved and stored trauma in the body, and a lack of self-care over time, leading to accumulated stiffness and pain. Other contributing factors often include poor posture or ergonomics, chronic inflammation caused by dietary or environmental factors, and conditions like fibromyalgia or autoimmune disorders that exacerbate untreated pain.

I’m in the business of trying to help individuals reclaim their well-being and live more vibrant, peaceful lives.

There are many different types of pain that people struggle with. Which specific form of pain would you like to focus on in this interview? Why that one?

Chronic pain often leads to opioid use and, tragically, abuse, fueling an epidemic that demands every possible solution. What it needs most is greater awareness and there are solutions out there that have the potential to positively impact countless lives. We can’t afford to overlook or delay action on this opportunity to combat the opioid crisis and offer hope to those suffering from temporary pain.

Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey toward becoming pain-free?

1 . Work with a Healthcare Professional to Transition off Opioids: For those relying on opioids to manage pain, the first step should be transitioning off opioids with the help of a qualified healthcare professional. Making this shift is essential for breaking free from the cycle of harm caused by traditional opioids. Then, discuss and explore other options with their guidance.

2 . Address the Root Cause: I believe that a significant contributor to chronic pain is unresolved, stored trauma within the body. By addressing the deeper root causes of pain, you can release what’s being held physically and emotionally. I strongly advocate for safely administered therapeutic psychedelics, like Ibogaine, which can help people access and process stored trauma, release it, and rewire their brains for healing and relief.

3 . Embrace Movement: Movement is key to keeping your body functioning as it’s meant to. Whether it’s walking, stretching, or any activity that feels good for your body, consistency is crucial. While I used to be a dedicated runner, I believe just find movement that aligns with your body’s needs. For individuals with pain, even small steps can be challenging. Supplements like 7-OH can help support comfort in the body and over time, consistent activity becomes a critical part of long-term wellbeing.

4 . Nourish Your Body: Healing chronic pain requires a holistic approach, starting with what you put in your body. Eliminating toxins like alcohol and sugar and focusing on nutrient-dense, nourishing foods can make a significant difference. Detox your system and give your body what it truly needs.

5 . Explore Products that Support Overall Health and Wellbeing: Incorporating natural remedies and plant-based solutions can further enhance the path to better health. I’m a strong proponent of CBD, as it works with your body’s own endocannabinoid system to promote balance and positivity. While it’s not a quick fix, high-quality CBD, combined with proper education on dosage and a bit of patience, can lead to transformative changes.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

Exactly what I’m trying to accomplish now — my business is dedicated to offering real hope and a lifeline through 7-OH, an innovative product that has the potential to impact thousands of lives, but it depends on three critical factors: raising awareness, ensuring access to only high-quality products, and providing education on how to use it effectively.

Beyond this, in the future I envision an even greater transformation by combining 7-OH with therapeutic psychedelics like Ibogaine. Although not currently permitted in the United States, Ibogaine has the power to fundamentally rewire the brain — far surpassing traditional treatment models when administered safely and responsibly. These are the types of tools that can not only bring relief but also the opportunity to help people rebuild their lives.

What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?

You can find me on LinkedIn at Vince Sanders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-sanders-4714361a1/ and https://cbdamericanshaman.com

Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.