I was first introduced to plant-based remedies in 1999, while in the mountains of Honduras as part of the Hurricane Mitch relief effort. A few weeks in, I fell violently ill. After three bedridden days, I was visited by a local doctor who offered me a drink that tasted of bitter herbs and cola. By the next morning, I was on my feet again—stunned and grateful. 

It was the first time I’d ever experienced the power of plant medicine. That might sound naive these days – so many cultures have known about the wisdom of plants for centuries – but for me, it was my first exposure to non-Western medicine. And it was profound.

Fast forward to me in my mid 30s: The wear and tear of multiple snowboarding injuries were piling up (I fall a lot), and I was finding it more and more difficult to manage my depression and anxiety. I found myself getting the same answers: "Have more surgeries. Take more drugs." Those things have their place, but I felt like I was getting diminishing returns. So, I began investigating plant medicine as a way to complement Western medicine. Enter CBD!

CBD isn't a miracle worker, but it was a game-changer for me. It didn't miraculously eradicate my depression or cure my injuries. But it has been a transformative force in my life – so much so, that I changed careers and began working in cannabis in 2017. And, I have learned a great deal.

I’m not here to make outrageous claims about what cannabis can do for you. I strongly believe this industry needs more transparency. But here’s what I can say for sure: 

• I know that not all CBD products are created equal. 
• I know that most CBD tinctures are overpriced and watered-down.
• I know that there are so many unethical health claims out there, it's hard to know what to believe. 

This is why after years of research and overpaying for mediocre products, I created Tonico. I wanted something high-quality at the lowest possible price. Something I could tell my friends about. And, well, I hope that's you.