In our next spotlight on supplier, EthicaCBD, one of our newest suppliers joined us as part of the Stand Up To Cancer Care Package. Their Pure Swiss Calm CBD Oil was recommended by Kris Hallenga, founder of breast cancer awareness charity, Coppafeel! who said it has helped her tackle her anxiety during treatment. We’re delighted to welcome another small, UK based business into the fold and sent some questions over to Ruarri Spurgeon, Director at Medicanna, to tell us more about the business.

How did EthicaCBD come about?

Like many stories, there were many fortunate coincidences which led to the birth of EthicaCBD. Originally, I had been introduced to CBD by my son, Taurri, who had experienced life-changing benefits when using it to address his anxiety. Following such positive reports from Taurri, his mum gave it a go and experienced her own, somewhat miraculous, improvements to her state of mind and quality of life. 

During this time, David and Olivier Reiner (EthicaCBD co-founders) were on their own CBD journey. Oli had discovered that CBD really helped him to deal with an inflammatory disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis, but found that he struggled to find a brand which would provide a level of purity, transparency, and quality that he could trust. 

At this point, rather fortunately, our paths collided and we set out to create a CBD brand which could provide the therapeutic benefits we had witnessed first-hand, built on robust ethical practice. We wanted to create the highest quality, ethical, CBD products for people & planet, and EthicaCBD was the result of that!

How have you found the last 12 months?

The last 12 months have certainly been tough, but it forced us into a steep learning curve which I’m grateful for in many ways. Yes, we had to completely throw out our initial business plan to allow for the drastic changes that were occurring in the world around us, but I’m proud of what emerged from that. 

There’s definitely been wins. It’s a win every time we receive feedback from a customer whose life has been improved by one of our products. 

Have you learned anything new in the last 12 months that you will be keeping? 

Honestly, the last year has been nothing but learning! Part of my role within the company is product development and I am committed to expanding my knowledge of plant-based therapies, CBD, and other cannabinoids. This is what I most enjoy learning about and hope to develop my understanding further. As a company, we believe it’s important to share knowledge and make valid information accessible to all. 

What are your plans or ambitions for the future of EthicaCBD?

Our mission is to build a platform which allows us to keep delivering products which provide real benefits to our customers, whilst also providing education and knowledge about this developing area of well-being, which we have found to be life-changing for so many people close to us and now all around the world. 

A lot of our packages are sent for people going through something, whether that’s illness or a break up or a tough time at work. What’s your go-to product or thing to do when you’re feeling the need for TLC? 

I’m a keen surfer. A few hours out in the ocean when the waves are good fixes nearly everything for me. I think connection with nature, however you find it, is very important. 

What is the best gift someone has ever bought for you, or the most thoughtful thing someone has ever done for you?

My girlfriend organised a surprise party for my 40th and my son recited a poem he’d written for me in front of all my friends. That was definitely a special day that I’m very grateful for. 

If you had to use one Ethica product for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?

That’s a tricky one because there’s a new product coming which probably fits that bill, but it’s currently top secret. However, I have a bottle of ‘Calm’ from our Pure Swiss CBD range with me at all times and I use it most days.

What makes you laugh? 

I laugh the most when I get to meet up with my mates who I grew up with. There’s nothing like having a crack with a group of people that really know each other. I have an eccentric dog at home who makes me laugh too. I’d never seen a dog smelling flowers until she came along. 

Words to live by? 

There’s an old cornish saying ‘Fast Yn Mesk Tonnow’, which translates to ‘firm amongst the waves’.

You can find Pure Swiss CBD Calm Oil in Create a Gift Package and Stand Up To Cancer Care Package