10/09/2025
The ABA has been made aware of this situation and stand FIRM with our dear friends at Desiderata Cbd. There is no place to attack an outstanding community member and business owner. We should celebrate small business, shop local, and ensure we keep great business owners encouraged in our community.
This Isn’t About Code. It’s About Control.
As the owner of Desiderata Health & Wellness, I want to speak directly to the Auburn community.
My business is 100% legal, compliant with state and federal law, and has proudly served this city for more than two years. I’m also a retired law enforcement officer. I know what the law says, and I’ve followed it every step of the way.
Recently, individuals in power have made inaccurate claims about my store and suggesting we’re selling illegal products, or that we somehow “don’t belong” here. These claims are false, and deeply harmful.
Let me be clear:
• We do not sell ma*****na.
• We do not sell ni****ne vapes.
• We voluntarily removed HealthVape products, even though they are made with melatonin, chamomile, and other legal, non-ni****ne ingredients.
Instead of acknowledging that we’re doing everything right, I’m now facing targeted scrutiny and vague “concerns” about our signage and visibility. This feels like harassment. It feels personal.
I’ve stayed quiet out of respect for the process. But I will no longer allow my business to be used as a political pawn. This isn’t about code enforcement. This is about selective enforcement and an abuse of power.
If you care about small businesses…
If you care about fairness…
If you care about integrity in government…
Then I ask you to stand with us.
Thank you to everyone who has stood beside me. I see you. And I’m not backing down.
– DeMona Mills
Owner, Desiderata Health & Wellness
