Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

420 with CNW — Marijuana Companies in Europe Consider Listing in US as Rescheduling Progresses

A number of European marijuana start-ups are thinking about listing in New York due to the anticipated reclassification of marijuana by federal authorities as a less harmful narcotic. Although the companies haven’t finalized their plans, they are drawn to the U.S. market’s increasingly favorable stance on cannabis and CBD products.

Statista estimates that this year’s CBD market might be valued at approximately $6.90 billion.

Under the new U.S. regulations, cannabis may be moved from the highly restrictive Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which also includes LSD, heroin, and fentanyl, to the less restrictive Schedule 3, placing it in the same category as ketamine and anabolic steroids.

This move may encourage many cannabis companies in Europe and the United Kingdom to list on U.S. exchanges rather than European ones, where laws governing CBD products are still very strict. For example, whereas some European nations permit CBD e-liquids, they only allow CBD edibles if approved by the European Food Safety Authority.

Most European nations do not completely ban CBD products but enforce a limit on the quantity of THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana. Certain nations, including the UK and Sweden, forbid the sale of any CBD products that include THC, while Andorra, Belarus and Albania have complete CBD bans.

Companies including London-based Grow Group and Wellford Medical have stated their intention to go public on NASDAQ early in 2025. Lisbon-based Somai Pharmaceuticals has hinted that it may seek a NASDAQ listing in addition to secondary listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange.

Despite these developments, federal rules in the United States still prohibit large U.S. marijuana companies, such as Curaleaf, Cresco Labs, Verano Holdings Corp. and Trulieve Cannabis Corp., from listing on U.S. exchanges, including the NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). As a result, many of these businesses choose to trade on Canadian platforms, including the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange. On the other hand, the United States does permit Canadian marijuana companies, such as SNDL and Canopy Growth, to list on its platforms.

A greater number of European and UK companies may choose to relocate from their home markets to the U.S. if cannabis is reclassified, especially given the difficulties major European stock exchanges like the LSE are having keeping up with company growth and IPO activity.

There has been growing pressure on the U.S. federal government to reclassify cannabis due to its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Products containing CBD oil, including tinctures, lotions and candies, are given to treat pain and other side effects of chemotherapy, in addition to treating anxiety, discomfort and memory issues. Additionally, an increasing number of U.S. states have legalized recreational cannabis.

However, critics counter that marijuana might be toxic and could serve as a gateway drug for more potent substances.

As marijuana companies in Europe prepare to list in the United States, they will find other established companies such as Software Effective Solutions Corp. (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ) already accessing capital from North American investors, and competition for these resources could tighten even more.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Software Effective Solutions Corp. (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/SFWJ

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s (NASDAQ: INM) INM-089, a Promising Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease significantly impacting the quality of life, making it difficult for individuals to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces
InMed is currently developing a pipeline of drugs, like INM-089, to treat diseases with a high unmet medical need
Delivers improved retinal pigment epithelium integrity, neuroprotection and photoreceptor improvement in in vivo preclinical disease model

Age-related macular degeneration (“AMD”) is a prevalent eye condition that primarily affects older adults, leading to vision loss in the central part of the retina, known as the macula. This disease significantly impacts the quality of life, making it difficult for individuals to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. InMed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: INM), a clinical stage company developing a pipeline of pharmaceutical drug candidates to treat several diseases with a high unmet medical need, is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for this debilitating condition, with their flagship product INM-089 showing great promise.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older. It comes in two forms: dry AMD, which is more common and less severe, and wet AMD, which is rarer but more severe. The exact cause of AMD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Results from several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated several pharmacological effects in the potential treatment of dry AMD. These include:

providing neuroprotection of photoreceptors and improving photoreceptor function
preserving retinal function in the back of the eye
improving integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium (“RPE”)
improve the thickness of “outer nuclear layer” (“ONL”) of the retina where photoreceptors are located (Based on widely accepted ocular research, the thickness of the outer nuclear layer is strongly correlated with photoreceptor preservation and visual acuity.)

INM-089 is also a proprietary small molecule compound acting as a preferential signaling ligand of cannabinoid receptor 1 (“CB1”) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (“CB2”). CB1 and CB2 receptors are both part of the endocannabinoid system that is found throughout the human body and is responsible for many homeostatic functions. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are involved in modulating neuroinflammation and immune responses.

InMed’s commitment to scientific excellence is reflected in its robust pipeline of cannabinoid-based treatments. In addition to INM-089 for AMD, the company is developing therapies for other serious conditions, including dermatological and Alzheimer’s diseases. Their research and development efforts are supported by a team of experienced scientists and industry professionals dedicated to bringing new treatments to market.

As InMed continues to advance INM-089 through pre-clinical studies, the company’s commitment to innovation and patient care remains steadfast. The future looks promising for those affected by AMD, thanks to the pioneering efforts of InMed Pharmaceuticals and their dedication to developing life-changing therapies.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.InMedPharma.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to INM are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/INM

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CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — Curaleaf, Other MSOs Switching to Hemp-Sourced THC

Curaleaf Holdings had decided to step away from hemp. The New York-based cannabis multistate operator initially ran a hemp farm in Lexington, Kentucky, for its CBD product line starting in 2018. According to its annual filings, Curaleaf terminated its lease, stopped all hemp-related manufacturing and wholesale operations in Kentucky by the end of September last year and listed its assets for sale.

However, Curaleaf recently reentered the hemp business, following a larger cannabis industry trend for licensed businesses. The company introduced a new range of THC-derived hemp products on June 24, 2024, under The Hemp Co. brand.

The hemp-based, shelf-stable intoxication products, including drinks, candy and other items bearing the Curaleaf brand, are legal across 25 state lines and can be purchased online and through well-known retailers such as DoorDash.

Matt Darin, Curaleaf CEO, stated that there wasn’t a single “eureka moment” that influenced the company’s decision. According to him, spending time with legislators in Washington, where Farm Bill 2018 unintentionally legalized a national trade in hemp-derived THC, highlighted a key point: hemp is legal at the federal level, while cannabis is not.

Despite Curaleaf’s strong advocacy for marijuana reform, this legal distinction significantly influenced the company’s strategy. The shift mirrors a broader industry trend of large MSOs embracing hemp.

Curaleaf, as with a lot of big MSOs, is a member of the U.S. Cannabis Council, a D.C.-based lobbying group representing licensed cannabis businesses. The group wrote to federal lawmakers in April urging them to eliminate the loophole in Farm Bill 2018 that allowed hemp-derived cannabinoids to be sold legally across the country. The regulatory change hasn’t happened yet, though.

In response, instead of pushing for stricter regulations on intoxicating hemp products, which face less taxation and regulatory burden than state-legal cannabis, MSOs are entering the hemp market.

Alongside Curaleaf, Green Thumb Industries, based in Chicago, has granted hemp-derived company Urb a license to use its Incredibles edibles trademark.

Whether more companies will follow this path or focus on opening new recreational markets remains to be seen. For instance, Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) has invested more than $40 million in a recreational cannabis legalization ballot measure in Florida.

Meanwhile, Capitol Hill’s lax attitude toward hemp may be about to change. Representative Mary Miller (R) proposed an amendment in the House version of the Farm Bill in late May that would outlaw THC-containing edible hemp products.

While the GOP-dominated House Committee on Agriculture has progressed with a farm bill draft that includes this prohibition, neither the Democratic-controlled Senate nor the entire House of Representatives have seriously addressed it as of yet. It’s also unclear if Congress will approve a farm bill this year.

For now, the status quo permits the sale of THC products derived from hemp online and across state borders, with some state-specific restrictions. This ongoing opportunity for brand expansion remains highly attractive.

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420 with CNW — Recent Supreme Court Decision Could Impact Marijuana Reclassification

The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to limit the power of federal regulatory agencies has introduced new uncertainty regarding the future of cannabis rescheduling. However, administrative law and policy experts believe that the ambiguity is not expected to hinder the Biden administration’s reclassification process.

In a 6-to-3 decision last Friday, the court ruled that courts are no longer obligated to follow federal agencies’ interpretations of statutes when Congress leaves those interpretations unclear. This ruling effectively ends the Chevron doctrine, named after a 1984 judgment. Historically, courts would defer to regulators as the subject matter experts.

There is speculation about the implication of the Chevron ruling on state-licensed cannabis markets, with questions arising about the future ability of federal agencies to provide nonbinding guidance, such as a new Cole memo. Further, doubts have surfaced regarding the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) authority over intoxicating hemp products such as delta-8 THCA and THC.

Paradoxically, the dependence of courts on the Chevron doctrine has hampered earlier attempts to reschedule cannabis. This reliance enabled the DEA to utilize its own criteria in determining that cannabis did not have a recognized medical use.

However, in the ongoing rescheduling process initiated by President Joseph Biden in 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined in August 2023 that marijuana does have a recognized medical use based on a new two-part standard. Acting on this advice and an opinion from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel, Merrick Garland, the U.S. attorney general, proposed a rule in May to reschedule cannabis in Schedule III of the CSA.

Chief Justice Roberts noted in his 35-page opinion that federal law requires courts to use their own discretion to decide legal disputes rather than relying on administrative bodies to make decisions.

Other concerns regarding the DOJ’s analysis, which suggests that U.S. responsibilities under international treaties prevent rescheduling, are also covered in the ruling decision. There will likely be legal challenges referencing the ruling in regard to the rescheduling process.

It’s unlikely that ongoing legal actions, including one contesting the legality of the federal marijuana ban, will be immediately impacted by the ruling.

According to former Massachusetts state regulator and attorney Shaleen Title, predictions that the verdict could be used to challenge state marijuana legislation regarding licensing or social justice requirements are, at best, speculative. Meanwhile, others suggested that states might adapt their deference policies in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, potentially weakening deference and empowering state courts to set standards for marijuana businesses.

The regulatory landscape for marijuana in the United States is still very much in flux, and leading actors such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) have plenty to digest, ranging from court decisions that set precedents to state and federal regulations, as they work to operate within established legal boundaries while going about their legitimate business activities.

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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) to Validate Earlier Semaglutide Studies with Successful GLP-1-H24-2 Study Dosing

Lexaria, a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently completed dosing of its human pilot study #2, GLP-1-H24-2
The study is to explore the tolerability, side effects, and blood levels of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) drug
For Lexaria, the results from this study look to validate earlier studies that have demonstrated improvements in the delivery of semaglutide into the bloodstream
Results from the GLP-1-H24-2 study are set to be announced in late August or early September

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently announced the dosing completion of its human pilot study #2, GLP-1-H24-2. Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) “drug delivery platform technology” increases bioavailability, improving the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) enter the bloodstream by promoting more effective oral delivery, helping with speed of onset, and brain absorption of APIs. The potential of effective oral delivery of GLP -1 drugs, a class of drugs used to address diabetes and weight loss, represents a vast global market potential for DehydraTECH.

Blood samples collected throughout the study have been transported to the bioanalytical lab for analysis, and the organization looks to complete the analysis and announce the results in late August or early September.

“Lexaria is delighted that our contracted clinical research organization was able to complete the active phase of the study on schedule,” noted Chris Bunka, Lexaria’s CEO. “The results of this Study are expected to validate our earlier work with semaglutide, and also to discover whether it is possible to achieve any absorption of this market-leading GLP-1 drug through the tissues of the mouth,” he added (https://cnw.fm/cFdVf).

This study explored tolerability, side effects, and blood levels of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) drug. It also sought to measure blood glucose and insulin levels, highlighting the drug’s potential in treating diabetes and weight loss. The study comprised three primary arms, each of which compared three 7mg semaglutide dose formulations. The first arm was a positive control of Rybelsus(R), the only GLP-1 drug approved by the FDA for oral dosing to treat diabetes and weight loss. The second arm saw the use of Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH technology in processing semaglutide in swallowed tablets. The last arm was an in-mouth dissolvable DehydraTECH-semaglutide oral tablet, a first in the industry.

This final study arm will be the first to investigate whether DehydraTECH-enhanced semaglutide can be absorbed systemically at any level through the sublingual/buccal tissues of the mouth and throat with fewer side effects than swallowed administration. It takes into account the stomach’s acidic environment, which seriously degrades GLP-1 drugs that are swallowed, resulting in meager blood absorption rates of less than 1% when an absorption technology is not used.

Previous Lexaria studies have demonstrated improvements in the delivery of semaglutide into the bloodstream and in controlling blood sugar. They also demonstrated that DehydraTECH GLP-1 processed semaglutide is generally better tolerated than the Rybelsus(R) tablets themselves, with the latter often resulting in instances of moderate diarrhea and nausea. GLP-1-H24-2 looks to validate these results and more, further pointing to the superiority of its DehydraTECH technology and highlighting its potential in treating diabetes and weight loss.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/LEXX

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420 with CNW — Study Links Marijuana Use to Improved Quality, Frequency of Sex

A recent scientific assessment of scholarly studies on human sexuality and cannabis has found that there is a complex link between sex and cannabis use. However, the general consensus is that cannabis tends to increase the frequency, enjoyment and desire for sex.

The review, published in the “Psychopharmacology Journal,” suggests that higher amounts of cannabis may impair performance and desire, while smaller doses may be more favorable to sexual fulfillment. The effects also appear to vary based on gender.

The study’s authors noted that marijuana can improve intimacy with partners, reduce shame and anxiety, lessen inhibitions and increase sexual pleasure. The authors also observed enhanced sensory sensations during sex and greater enjoyment during masturbation, suggesting that cannabis has a major effect on sex experiences.

The review emphasizes that sex is influenced by a variety of emotional and physical factors, and cannabis affects people in a holistic way that can influence both the emotional and physical aspects of sexual experiences.

Though there is limited study on women’s experiences, women appear to gain more from cannabis use in terms of its sexual effects than men do. The authors noted that low dosages of hypnotic cannabinoids and sedatives, such as THCV and THC, may lessen sexual activity anxiety, which may increase arousal and desire for sexual activity, particularly in women.

For men, findings are mixed, with some studies indicating that marijuana use can lead to premature and delayed ejaculation as well as erectile dysfunction, while others suggest the opposite.

Dosage and frequency of marijuana use are key factors, although more research is needed. Higher sexual function seems to be associated, at least generally, with regular cannabis use. A survey cited in the review found that women who used cannabis more frequently performed better than those who did so infrequently on tests of female sexual function.

Increased cannabis use frequency correlated with better overall FSFI scores and improvements in orgasm, desire, satisfaction domains, arousal and orgasm. Higher frequency categories also saw a decline in reports of sexual dysfunction. According to one study, women who used cannabis regularly were twice as likely as infrequent users to report having satisfying orgasms.

Men who regularly use cannabis have been linked to orgasm-related issues, such as early or delayed ejaculation. However, another study found no link between the frequency of cannabis usage and problems maintaining an erection.

Given the varied and occasionally contradictory results, the researchers have advocated for additional studies to account for other variables. The authors noted that cannabis has a varied impact on human sexuality, including both negative and positive. They emphasized the need for additional study to understand how marijuana affects sexuality, as doing so may lessen harm and even enhance human experiences.

With the insights so far gleaned, consumers can be assured that moderately using various marijuana products from the hundreds of licensed companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) could be beneficial to their well-being without triggering notable adverse events.

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420 with CNW — Study Shows Partner Violence Decreases After Marijuana Legalization

A recent study found that the legalization of recreational cannabis significantly reduces intimate partner violence (IPV). The research highlights that legal recreational marijuana affects the link between heavy alcohol consumption and IPV, likely because people are choosing cannabis over alcohol.

The study was written by Georgetown University master student Samantha Gene Baldwin, who described the findings as surprising.

“Given that cannabis use is an established IPV-risk factor, and that legalization typically leads to increased usage, one might expect RML to elevate IPV rates,” Baldwin explained. “RML may lessen its negative effects on IPV, though, if marijuana takes the place of alcohol, which is more likely to cause IPV.”

Baldwin’s research used data from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) spanning from 2013 to 2019, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period. The analysis revealed that the legalization of adult-use cannabis led to 56.6 fewer reported IPV incidents per 100,000 individuals.

Despite previous studies linking cannabis and substance use with higher IPV rates, Baldwin pointed out that the replacement of alcohol with marijuana, which is less strongly associated with IPV, resulted in an overall reduction in violence.

Historical cannabis prohibition may also have influenced trends. Baldwin suggested that when marijuana was illegal, its users might have been more prone to impulsive and risky behaviors. This context provides a different perspective on the implications of legalization.

Interestingly, the study found that in states without legal marijuana, IPV rates decreased as the number of heavy drinkers increased. Baldwin stated that lower rates of IPV are correlated with higher rates of excessive drinking in states where marijuana use is not permitted for recreational purposes. In particular, there were 5.6 fewer IPV instances for every percentage point increase in heavy drinkers.

On the other hand, eight additional IPV instances occurred for every percentage point rise in heavy drinkers in states with RML.

Baldwin’s thesis emphasizes the need for further research on state-specific trends and the impact of retail marijuana accessibility on violence. “Future studies should examine how different cannabis policies, ranging from full illegality to decriminalization, medical cannabis legalization and RML, affect IPV,” Baldwin noted.

Previous research has also suggested a decline in domestic violence with cannabis legalization. For instance, a 2019 study found that states reducing penalties for simple marijuana possession saw a marked drop in domestic violence incidents resulting in serious injuries. Moreover, another study in 2021 concluded that the reduction in overall crime following cannabis legalization was significantly underestimated due to inconsistencies in FBI data and voluntary participation by local agencies.

These studies suggest that there are more benefits to cannabis legalization and allowing licensed companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) to operate. As more research is done, those less-than-obvious benefits could increasingly come to light.

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420 with CNW – Advocates Submit Petitions Seeking to Put Adult-Use Cannabis on Ballot in North Dakota

The organizers of a new ballot initiative in North Dakota to legalize recreational cannabis submitted their petition signatures on July 5, 2024. This step sets the stage for another potential statewide vote on a matter that voters and state lawmakers have previously turned down.

Steve Bakken, chair of the sponsoring committee for the New Economic Frontier measure, announced that the group had submitted more than 22,000 signatures. For the initiative to make it onto the November ballot, 15,582 of those signatures need to be valid. The Secretary of State’s office, led by Michael Howe, has until Aug. 12, 2024, to verify the signatures.

The move, according to Bakken, a former mayor of Bismarck and commissioner for Burleigh County, is intended to avert possible mismanagement by outside interests.

The proposed 20-page measure would allow adults aged 21 years of age and older to use recreational cannabis in their homes or on private property. It includes detailed regulations on processing and production, prohibited uses (such as in public vehicles or spaces), and permits for home cultivation.

The measure sets limits on the amount of cannabis that can be purchased and possessed: up to an ounce of flowers or dried leaves, 4 grams of concentrated cannabis oil, 1,500 mg of THC overall in items made from cannabis, and 300mg of edibles. It also allows for various cannabis products, including capsules, solutions, transdermal patches, topicals and concentrates.

In North Dakota, using marijuana under the age of 21 is a minor misdemeanor. While recreational use by adults isn’t a crime, possession is, with penalties ranging from infractions to misdemeanors based on the amount. Delivering cannabis is a felony, with increased penalties for factors such as proximity to schools.

Last year, according to data from the state’s courts, 4,451 people were charged with marijuana use or possession across the state.

Voters in the state rejected similar legalization measures in 2018 and 2022. In 2021, the state’s GOP-led House passed measures to legalize recreational cannabis, but these measures were defeated in the Republican-majority Senate. Opponents cited concerns over the negative societal and physiological effects of cannabis.

Voters did approve medical cannabis in 2016, and the state’s program now has nearly 10,000 active patients. A new procedure to facilitate pardons for minor marijuana offenses was adopted in 2019, with Governor Doug Burgum granting 100 pardons since then.

Currently, 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis, with Ohio being the most recent, having done so by initiative in last November. In addition legalization initiatives will be on the ballot in South Dakota and Florida this November. Additionally, in May, the federal government began steps to reclassify cannabis as a less harmful substance.

If North Dakotans finally pass this measure, market opportunities could open up for various companies such a Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) that may be looking to expand their footprint around the country.

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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Reports Issuance of Three New Patents, Growing Portfolio to 46 Granted Patents Worldwide

Considered intangible assets, patents offer a significant competitive advantage and value for companies
Lexaria Bioscience views its growing patent portfolio as a solid foundation upon which to build future commercial partnerships
The company recently announced the receipt of three new patents in the E.U., Canada, and the U.S.
The issuance of the latest three patents grows Lexaria’s patent portfolio to 46 granted patents worldwide

Lexaria’s multi-patented DehydraTECH(TM) “drug delivery platform technology” offers proven increased bioavailability, enhancing the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) enter the bloodstream by promoting more effective oral delivery, helping with speed of onset, and brain absorption of APIs. Strong patents covering this important technology are a critical factor for Lexaria.

A robust patent portfolio has always been a metric that investors use to judge a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company. “A strong patent position is not only an important goal for a successful biotechnology business but also the primary asset by which a company will be valued during all stages of its development. Therefore, a patent portfolio must be as well designed and solidly constructed from the outset as all other aspects of the business,” a 2001 article conveyed (https://cnw.fm/1mIaw).

Not much has changed since the article’s publication, with a recent Forbes write-up observing that intangible assets, which include trade secrets, proficiency and expertise, trademarks, copyrights, and patents, accounted for 90% of the S&P 500’s total assets in 2020. This is a substantial increase from 1975’s figures, when intangible assets only accounted for 17% of the total assets, while tangible assets comprised the balance. The article noted that the explosion of intangible assets shows “that there is value to companies’ intellectual property (“IP”),” with patents holding the potential to be “far more valuable than physical assets” because they can offer businesses a competitive advantage (https://cnw.fm/vd9Au).

For its part, Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator of drug delivery platforms, looks at the value of its growing patent portfolio not only from a commercialization perspective but also from an IP protection standpoint. As CEO Chris Bunka put it in his 2024 letter to shareholders, “Those patents, when granted, can form the foundation upon which future commercial relationships are built” (https://cnw.fm/uBi8c).

The company recently received three new patents in the European Union (“E.U.”), Canada, and the United States (https://cnw.fm/WII23). In the EU, Lexaria received a newly granted patent in its patent family #6: Transdermal and/or Dermal Delivery of Lipophilic Active Agents. This patent is validated in Austria, the Czech Republic, France, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. It is the company’s second patent in this family, following receipt of the first patent in Canada.

In Canada, Lexaria received a new patent granted in patent family #18: Compositions and Methods for Enhanced Delivery of Antiviral Agents. It is the company’s fourth granted patent in this patent family and follows the receipt of a patent-granted status in the U.S., Australia, and Japan. Across the border in the U.S., Lexaria received its fourth granted U.S. patent in the patent family #24: Compositions and Methods for Treating Epilepsy.

The latter two patents granted in Canada and the U.S. build on the company’s research development initiatives and safeguard discoveries thereof. In 2021, Lexaria conducted research under its antiviral drug program, evidencing its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology increased the delivery of five compounds from three antiviral classes into the bloodstream. The studies found that the drug-delivery improvement rates ranged between 42% and 204% (https://cnw.fm/DYgMn).

In addition, Lexaria in 2022 completed an animal seizure study that demonstrated that DehydraTECH-processed cannabidiol (“CBD”) resulted in enhanced seizure-inhibiting performance compared to Epidiolex(R), one of the world’s leading anti-seizure drugs. According to the company, the study’s results demonstrated the ability of DehydraTECH-CBD to reduce or eliminate seizure activity in animals and to, in some instances, even surpass the performance of Epidiolex (https://cnw.fm/EZw0Y).

The issuance of the latest three patents grows Lexaria’s patent portfolio to 46 granted patents worldwide. The company nonetheless continues to expect additional patents to be awarded in the future, given that it retains many valid patent applications throughout the world.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/LEXX

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420 with CNW — Tax Exemptions That Companies Could Access Once Cannabis Rescheduling Is Complete

The marijuana industry has been significantly hindered by Section 280E of the IRS Code, which prevents businesses dealing with substances listed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) from deducting regular business expenses.

Although Section 280E affects federal deductions, the regulations are not governed by federal laws in half of the markets where marijuana businesses are licensed to sell the drug for recreational or medical purposes. This implies that when cannabis businesses submit their state taxes, they are not subject to Section 280E.

This provision has stunted the growth of legal cannabis businesses across the country. However, the sector is about to undergo a major financial shift due to the Biden administration’s proposal to reclassify the drug from Schedule 1 to 3.

Cannabis enterprises are subject to significant limitations on their income-tax obligations and tax filings under Schedule 1. They must also consider whether the states in which they conduct business adhere to federal tax rules.

Section 280E prevents companies from claiming a wide range of administrative, selling and general expenses that are typical for other businesses, including the following:

Rent: Leasing space, a common deductible expense in other industries, cannot be deducted in the marijuana sector.
Salaries and wages: Paying employees, from executives to budtenders, does not provide any tax relief.
Utility costs: Essential utilities such as water and electricity cannot reduce the tax burden.
Maintenance and repairs: Keeping facilities in good condition is a nondeductible expense, limiting reinvestment and improvements.
Advertising and marketing: Promoting and building a brand drains funds without the benefit of tax write-offs.
Health insurance: Providing medical coverage for employees is an unrecognized expense, affecting workforce stability.
Amortization and depreciation: The gradual loss of asset value over time is not acknowledged by federal tax rules for nonplant-touching assets.

What could change if cannabis businesses were freed from the constraints of Section 280E? It would result in a scenario where the industry is no longer categorized alongside substances such as LSD and heroin but rather with everyday prescription medications.

For starters, cannabis businesses could claim deductions for typical expenses such as salaries, rent, utility bills, and advertising and marketing costs. Money saved from 280E could be reinvested into the enterprise, spurring growth, job creation, research and development.

Further, cost savings could be passed on to consumers, making medical marijuana more affordable and accessible. Additionally, with reduced stigma, obtaining loans, credit lines and banking services could become easier. Relief could also lead to competitive pricing for patients and consumers, reducing the appeal of the black market.

The potential for these changes has the industry excited and speculative. Will these possible deductions create a thriving economic environment for marijuana businesses, or will financial parity with other industries remain elusive?

One thing is certain: rescheduling cannabis and making Section 280E irrelevant for marijuana entities could unleash a flood of prosperity and turn a once-restricted sector into a major player in the financial world.

The question: when will the industry be able to reach its full potential financially? Marijuana companies such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) can only wait for the final rule to be published so that they ascertain how the change in policy will impact their tax obligations.

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