From Opioid Addiction to Founding MedaLeaf
William Oboyle’s journey from opioid addiction to founding MedaLeaf is a story of struggle,
redemption, and the healing power of CBD. It began with a dislocated shoulder during his junior
year of high school, where, at just 15 years old, prescription narcotics entered his life. Despite
managing to recover after his first surgery, the second shoulder injury during his senior year
proved to be a turning point. The opioids that were meant to alleviate his pain quickly became a
crutch, and what started as a necessity spiraled into a full-blown addiction.
As a young man with a promising football career, Oboyle excelled on the field, even earning a
scholarship to a small college in Lancaster, PA. But beneath the surface, he was grappling with
an addiction that soon overshadowed his achievements. Despite being named team captain, he
couldn’t escape the grip of painkillers. Football, the love of his life, was slipping away, and so
was his future. The addiction eventually took its toll, leading to poor performance, injuries, and
ultimately, the loss of his place on the team.
After college, Oboyle’s life continued to unravel. Multiple arrests, thefts, and possession
charges filled his twenties, marking a decade of struggle and despair. It wasn’t until his mother
found him overdosed, barely breathing, that the gravity of his situation truly hit home. Through
the support of his family and his own determination, Oboyle finally got sober at the age of 30.
He moved to Austin, Texas, seeking a fresh start in a sober living home, far from the
environment that had nearly destroyed him.
Entering the door-to-door sales industry, Oboyle sold everything from meat to insurance. This
experience honed his skills in marketing and customer interaction, which later became invaluable
when the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, opening up opportunities in the hemp industry. With a
deepening belief in the power of plant-based medicine, particularly CBD, Oboyle saw an
opportunity not just for a business but for a mission—helping others find relief and healing as he
had.
Oboyle’s transition from bulk hemp sales to establishing MedaLeaf during the COVID-19
pandemic was a natural evolution, fueled by his passion for the plant and a desire to share its
benefits. The challenges of fluctuating market trends, from the rise of Delta-8 to the resurgence
of flower, were met with the same resilience he had developed through his battles on and off the
field. To Oboyle, navigating the hemp industry was like playing football—sometimes you win,
sometimes you lose, but you keep adapting and moving forward.
Today, every product at MedaLeaf is crafted with care, drawing from Oboyle’s personal
experience and deep understanding of the plant. He believes that plant-based medicine like CBD
plays a crucial role in helping individuals transition away from harder drugs, offering a safer,
natural alternative. As MedaLeaf continues to grow, with new locations and expanding product
lines, Oboyle remains committed to ensuring that the quality and effectiveness of his offerings
reflect the life-changing potential of the plant.
Oboyle’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of
second chances. Through MedaLeaf, he has not only found redemption for himself but also created a path for others to discover wellness and embrace relief through the therapeutic potential
of CBD and hemp.
As the 89th Legislative Session approaches, Oboyle said he remains optimistic about hemp in Texas. Learn why he believes lawmakers will keep the industry strong.