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

Searching for the Next Super Nova

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Skepticism has been squashed and all apprehension eliminated. There’s no longer any question about either the viability or the profitability of the newly respected cannabis sector. Huge money has already been made in the nascent industry, and the only real question left is: where’s the next super nova?

Quarter-over-quarter sales growth is one of the indicators used to target explosive upside potential. Similar growth patterns were exhibited by many of the cannabis behemoths prior to parabolic price increases. In what may be an equally telling indicator, Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) (WLDFF Profile) revenues have now increased 11 consecutive quarters, quarter on quarter, ever since the company started selling its hemp-based CBD products. Similar quarterly sales spikes and strategic acquisitions foreshadowed dramatic price increases in some of the largest names in the cannabis universe. Last October Medmen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) soared 60% in one week when the company announced a deal to buy PharmCann. Florida-based Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTC: TCNNF) (CSE: TRUL) went public last September through a reverse merger in Canada and soared 200% after a strong 2018 Q2. Already up big on Canadian exchanges, Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) became the first pure-play marijuana stock to list on NASDAQ around $7 and just bounced off $23 a share. Last year, Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) became the first cannabis company to IPO on the NASDAQ at $17 per share and by September skyrocketed to $300. Despite price surges and fluctuations in the big cannabis names, there’s bound to be more money made in the sector; the run is far from over.

  • Cannabis run is far from over, new winners emerging
  • Branding, marketing and retail reach signals of success
  • Quarter-over-quarter revenue increase helps identify future potential

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Good Times Have Just Begun

Legal cannabis is a recent global phenomenon, and the emergent market appears to be nowhere near reaching its potential. The worldwide legal marijuana market, valued at just $9.3 billion in 2016, is expected to blow past $146 billion within the next six years.

According to a United Nations report, cannabis is the most widely consumed drug on the planet. Approximately 270 million global consumers use cannabis, equivalent to about 4% of the world’s population and a mere pittance in market penetration. As marijuana muscles into the mainstream, usage among all age groups is on the upswing. However, among the most coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic, there’s an explosion of acceptance as they mature in a world where cannabis is common.

Millennials are about three times and Gen Z about four times more likely to use cannabis than aging Boomers. Forward-leaning cannabis companies are full throttle in product and brand development to corral this coveted demographic and capture market share, now and for decades to come. As public perceptions change and legalization expands, the number of users is certain to skyrocket in an essentially untapped market. A global transition is underway, and the good times for cannabis have just begun. Growth trajectory is virtually vertical, presenting a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity.

Retail Reach

Founded in 2012 as a private company, Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) went public in 2014 and has been on a tear ever since. Wildflower is an integrated health-and-wellness company creating distinct brands that incorporate the synergistic effects of plants and their extracts. The company’s latest quarterly sales set records, up 78% over the previous quarter, validating corporate strategy, the popularity of its products, and the continued expansion of market share. Intent on supercharging revenue and earnings even further, Wildflower is about to finalize the acquisition of a preeminent cannabis retailer in Vancouver that also owns multiple cannabis licenses.

Wildflower’s latest press release is further evidence of the company’s rapid growth and global reach. The company reported third-quarter sales were up by 78% over the second quarter, the 11th consecutive quarter of revenue growth, since Wildflower Brands began selling products. On top of these stellar results the company is further expanding its retail footprint and product distribution with the accretive acquisition of Vancouver-based City Cannabis Corp.

City Cannabis is a premier cannabis retailer holding two of the three City of Vancouver licenses to sell cannabis and os the only company with multiple licenses in British Columbia. With margins of 50%, City Cannabis had revenues of $1.8 million for the reporting period that began with the opening of its two stores in early January. The combined quarterly revenues of Wildflower Brands and City Cannabis equates to an impressive $4.3 million. Wildflower expects to close on the City Cannabis deal before the end of June, and the acquisition will immediately be accretive to Wildflower’s earnings upon closing.

Bringing City Cannabis and Wildflower together will result in revenue operations in three U.S. states and two Canadian provinces with a combined North American target market of more than 75 million people. The positive net income generated by City Cannabis comes from just two operating properties, even though the company holds an additional seven leases at various stages of permitting approvals.

Commenting on the financials, Wildflower CEO William MacLean stated, “We are pleased with the financial results of both Wildflower and City Cannabis. Sales through every Wildflower distribution channel are up, and sales at City’s licensed retail outlets continue to grow month over month. The positive net income is particularly impressive with City Cannabis carrying a total of nine leases, which are at various stages of the permitting process.”

Grow, Grow, Grow

Already an established presence in California, Wildflower owns 14 cannabis licenses for recreational and medical cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, retail distribution and delivery. The company’s expansion into Canada with the acquisition of City Cannabis bolsters Wildflower’s global growth strategy, which is includes strategic distribution deals already in place in the European Union and South Africa. In addition to capturing revenues from retail operations, the City acquisition gives Wildflower another channel to market its enormously popular products and launch into the over-the-counter market with its CBD formulations and accessories.

Wildflower continues to capture ever-greater market share with innovation, retail expansion and a growing family of popular brands. The company’s strategic partnerships, acquisitions and organic growth are all bolstered by its marketing genius to lock in more loyal consumers. Grabbing national and celebrity attention, Wildflower used ingenious product placement during the 2019 Oscars by including its CBD+ Healing Stick in each of the gift bags of the stars.

The company has also employed an innovative pop-up store approach in SoHo, New York, to introduce Wildflower Wellness products. Wildflower identified a compatible high-profile retail venue and struck a deal with the outlet, then marketed its products in the upscale establishment for a limited time period, raising market uptake and visibility.

Big Names

Medmen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) is a cannabis retailer with operations across the United States and flagship stores in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York. Company objectives are to capitalize on first-mover advantage by opening stores in top markets and building brand awareness and customer acquisition. The company is also intent on expanding retail footprint and creating an omnichannel consumer experience.

Trulieve Cannabis Corp (OTC: TCNNF) (CSE: TRUL) is a vertically integrated, seed-to-sale company and is the first and largest fully licensed medical-cannabis company in Florida. Trulieve cultivates and produces all of its products in-house and distributes those products to Trulieve-branded stores (dispensaries) throughout the state, as well as directly to patients via home delivery. Trulieve also operates in California, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) is a global cannabinoid company with international production and distribution across five continents. Cronos Group is committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology and product development. The company is committed to responsibly elevate the consumer experience and is building an iconic brand portfolio.

Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is a global pioneer in the research, cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis and cannabinoids. The company currently serves tens of thousands of patients and consumers in 12 countries spanning 5 continents. Tilray was the first licensed producer of medical cannabis in the world to have its facility Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified in accordance with European Medicine Agency (EMA) standards.

The cannabis markets have already produced some amazing profits, but all indications are the industry is only at the beginning of an amazing ascent. There’s little doubt that a plethora of new winners will be created in the burgeoning sector. When searching for the next super nova, Wildflower Brands is certainly one to watch.

For more information on Wildflower Brands, visit Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF)

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.

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420 with CNW – Mississippi Medical Cannabis Ballot Measure Close to Attaining Signature Target

Activists in Mississippi have revealed that they are about to reach the required number of voter signatures in order to see an initiative about medical marijuana included on the ballot in 2020.

Once the organizers submit that list of signatures, the Secretary of State will go through it and certify that each of the signatures belongs to a valid voter in the state. The organizers have emphasized that they will not stop once they reach the minimum number of signatures required. Instead, they will keep gathering more until the submission deadline in September is reached. The extra signatures will serve as an insurance policy just in case some of the signatures collected are deemed invalid. So far, about two-thirds of the required number of signatures have already been collected.

State law requires that if the petition is to be included on the ballot, it must be supported by at least 86,185 registered voters across the state. Additionally, the law also sets minimum numbers of signatures that have to be collected from each of the Congressional Districts in Mississippi.

The initiative for which signatures are being collected seeks to create a law under which patients suffering from debilitating conditions can consult their doctors and obtain a recommendation to use medical marijuana.

22 qualifying conditions, including PTSD, cancer, chronic pain and epilepsy have been suggested as conditions for which patients can use medical marijuana. Patients who get recommendations from their doctors and are registered by the state will be eligible to buy a maximum of 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis within a two-week window.

Currently, the state only allows a limited number of patient categories to use CBD oil to manage their health conditions. This oil has to be purchased from a few highly regulated suppliers whose products have been subjected to rigorous testing at the National Center for Natural Products Research.

The NCNPR is based at the University of Mississippi where the only federally approved manufacturing facility for research-grade cannabis is based.

If the medical marijuana initiative makes it onto the ballot and gets the approval of voters, the Department of Health will be responsible for establishing and regulating a more robust system through which patients can access medical marijuana.

The steps taken to get medical marijuana on the ballot in Mississippi follow the regional trend which has seen several states make marijuana law reforms. Texas has decriminalized marijuana possession and passed a bill to expand its medical cannabis program. Similarly, Alabama’s legislature recently passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana while Georgia also expanded its medical marijuana program.

According to analysts, the positive changes in this region of the U.S. could signal to industry players like MustGrow Biologics Corp. and Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) that the entire country may soon embrace marijuana policy reform.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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420 with CNW – Group Claims Federal Government Broke the Law in Cannabis Scheduling Evaluation

The Competitive Enterprises Institute, a libertarian think tank, has claimed in a formal filing that the federal government erred in the way it handled the scientific evaluation of cannabis’ therapeutic value, and the government must therefore take steps to fix the errors it made.

Their request for correction was sent to the Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. HHS). HHS had written to the DEA in 2015 and the DEA relied on that letter from HHS in determining that marijuana be classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the U.S.

According to CEI (Competitive Enterprises Institute), the letter sent by HHS lacked a very important element which is required by federal law. The federal Information Quality Act demands that such “highly influential scientific assessment” as the contents of the HHS letter to the DEA be subjected to a peer review evaluation before the information therein can be relied upon when making regulatory decisions.

No such peer review was conducted, and the CEI is demanding that HHS withdraws its letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration until the requisite peer review exercise has been done as stipulated in the law.

The DEA leaned heavily on the contents of the letter written by HHS to the effect that “marijuana has no recognized medical use in the U.S., has a high potential for abuse and doesn’t have an acceptable level of safety even when used under medical supervision.” Based on this information, the DEA rejected an application which had been made to have marijuana rescheduled in 2016.

In its letter to HHS, CEI points out that various medical associations and a huge fraction of the public in the U.S. have formed a largely different conclusion about marijuana. By law, HHS now has a maximum of 120 days within which to respond to the concerns raised by the Competitive Enterprises Institute.

Devin Watkins, an attorney for CEI, says that the federal government’s policy is likely to change if a reassessment of the matter is conducted. This is especially likely given that 33 states across the country have legalized marijuana for medical use.

The attorney added that the reassessment would be significant in ensuring that government agencies don’t brand uninformed opinions as scientific positions upon which public policies are made. Independent experts can shine a torch on the opinion of an agency and correct it if a mistake has been made.

Industry observers suspect that the entire cannabis industry, including players like Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) and Hemptown USA, are likely to follow keenly how HHS responds to the letter written by CEI.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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420 with CNW – Nevada Bans Employers from Denying Jobs to Applicants Who Test Positive for Cannabis

From the first day of 2020, no employer in Nevada will be allowed to deny a job applicant employment just because that individual tested positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drugs test. The ban is contained in a bill which was signed into law by Gov. Sisolak on June 5. This makes Nevada the first state to enact such legislation in the country.

The new law contains some exceptions for people who may be denied employment on the basis of pre-employment marijuana screening. These include firefighters, EMTs, those who operate vehicles, federal government employees and anyone else applying for a job that the employer deems to be safety-sensitive.

The law also states that when an employer requires a prospective hire to be tested for marijuana, that potential employee has the right to have another test done within 30 days and the employer is bound to accept the results of that additional test. This extra test is at the expense of the prospective employee, according to the newly signed law.

Gov. Sisolak said that he was happy to sign AB132 because the cannabis industry in Nevada was growing and there was need to pass appropriate laws so that all residents of the state remain eligible to take advantage of all the opportunities available. He added that the exceptions included in that law are a matter of commonsense since matters of public safety and transportation have to be taken seriously.

This law has been regarded as long overdue by cannabis advocates since it was naturally expected that positive test results during pre-employment drugs screening would increase after the state legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 and commercial sales started a year later for adults 21 and older.

The law passed and enacted in Nevada is similar to the bill which was passed by the New York City Council in April this year. That bill banned employers from demanding that job applicants pass a drugs test for marijuana as a condition for being employed.

In Maine where recreational marijuana is legal, state law bans employers from discriminating people based on whether they use or don’t use marijuana. However, there is no specific provision banning marijuana testing during the employee hiring process.

Now that Nevada has paved the way, many other states are likely to ask themselves why they hadn’t thought of passing such a law since it is only logical that once recreational marijuana is legal, adults will legally use it and it would be unfair to deny them jobs because they used a legal substance.

Industry commentators would be glad to hear what different companies in the cannabis industry, such as Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: GRYN) and Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF), have to say about the developments in the cannabis industry in Nevada.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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420 with CNW – Colorado Hits the $1 Billion Cannabis State Revenue Mark

The state of Colorado has now pocketed more than $1 billion in revenue from the legal cannabis industry. This marks yet another milestone for the state which legalized marijuana in 2014.

According to marijuana sales data which has just been released by the state, cannabis sales hit the $6.5 billion mark at the end of May this year. The data also shows that the sales of recreational marijuana are continuing to rise higher as the months roll by.

April and May 2019 have also been the best months so far in the entire history of the cannabis industry in Colorado with the monthly state revenue reaching the highest level ever at $24.2 million in April. The state took approximately three and a half years to reach cannabis sales totaling $500 million, but the state was able to double that figure in less than two years to cross the $1 billion mark.

Since July 2017, the revenue collected by the state from the cannabis industry has never gone below $20 million each month. This shows massive growth given that the total state revenue from marijuana in February 2014 was just $3.5 million.

Speaking at a Net Net event in Denver on May 1, Gov. Polis revealed that the marijuana industry was doing very well because it had created “tens of thousands of jobs, reducing crime, filling up buildings and bringing state revenue.”

Speaking of creating jobs, there are 41,076 people who have licenses to work in the Colorado cannabis industry. It is reasonable to conclude that nearly all those people are indeed employed in the industry since the licenses are renewed every two years and it wouldn’t make sense for someone to pay for and renew a license if they aren’t working in the industry.

Gov. Polis wants to see the cannabis industry take even bigger strides and take full advantage of its trailblazer status across the country. He knows that cannabis sales will never equal those in bigger states, such as New Jersey and California, so he has set his sights on other ways through which Colorado can remain a leader in the industry. For example, he wants to see cannabis point of sale systems, cannabis genetics and cannabis chemistry innovations headquartered in Colorado from where other states are served by those companies.

With sales and state revenues hitting such highs, who would blame the governor for dreaming big? The situation in Colorado is far different from other states, such as California, where the legal cannabis industry is struggling under the yoke of high taxes, a vibrant black market and legal battles with local authorities and cities which have banned marijuana sales in their jurisdictions.

If only one could be a fly on the wall and hear what goes on in the corridors of companies like Golden Developing Solutions Inc. (OTC: DVLP) and Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR) as they talk about the contrast between what is happening in Colorado and in California!

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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420 with CNW – Church of England Starts Investing in Marijuana

If you were wondering how fast marijuana could become a mainstream substance, the Church of England has just provided further proof that this once heavily stigmatized plant is getting the recognition and acceptance that it deserves. The Church of England has instructed its number crunchers to start making investments in medical marijuana companies.

In the past, the Church Commissioners for England (the entity which manages the $16 billion investment portfolio of the Church of England) rigidly adhered to their self-imposed policy of not holding stocks in cannabis companies.

The new policy allows the Church of England to hold stocks of medical marijuana companies. Recreational cannabis is still a no-no and any company which obtains more than 10 percent of its revenue from the sale of recreational cannabis is off-limits for the Church of England.

Edward Mason, the head of responsible investment at the Church Commissioners for England confirmed that they “make a distinction between recreational and medicinal cannabis” and are content with marijuana being used for medical purposes. Mason concluded by saying that the Commissioners for England are happy to invest in medicine.

The Church Commissioners for England have a huge reputation for their “ethical” investment decisions. They will only invest in companies which meet their strict definition of what constitutes Christian values. Consequently, the group will never invest in industries of questionable moral character, such as pornography, gambling and tobacco. Marijuana, or at least its medical side, is now acceptable to the group.

The decision by the Commissioners for England to start investing in medicinal cannabis is a huge step forward in the eyes of patients using medical marijuana because it helps to put a dent in the wall of stigma which those patients have to deal with on a daily basis.

Many people regard anyone using cannabis as stoner, even if the person is consuming medical cannabis purely for therapeutic purposes rather than for the recreational purposes. This stigma has compelled patients to resort to hiding while they are taking medical marijuana, and others have restricted themselves to more discreet modes of administration, such as edibles and suppositories.

Medical marijuana patients therefore hope that the step taken by the Church of England is followed by all the other religious denominations. In this way, medical marijuana will get the broad acceptance which it deserves as a form of medicine.

Both laypeople and cannabis industry analysts wonder how the more favorable direction taken by the Commissioners for England regarding medical marijuana will impact the future plans of industry participants like Earth Science Tech Inc. (OTCQB: ETST) and Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (OTCQB: CHMJF).

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

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420 with CNW – Oregon Legislature Approves Marijuana Criminal Record Expungement

The legislature in Oregon has voted to approve a law which will see the marijuana convictions of tens of thousands of Oregonians expunged so that those individuals can have a better chance at finding jobs, getting an education and having access to housing.

Senate Bill 420 seeks to clear all marijuana convictions which are no longer crimes from the time marijuana was legalized in the state in 2014. This means people who were prosecuted and convicted prior to 2014 can have their slate wiped clean.

This bill was initially approved by a 25-4 vote by the Senate in April. However, the bill was modified when it was taken to the Assembly, so the modifications were brought back for approval by the Senate. The State Senate repassed the bill with a similar 25-4 vote. What is now left is Gov. Kate Brown’s signature so that the bill becomes law.

It isn’t immediately clear how many people are eligible to have their criminal record wiped. This is because in the past, court records didn’t reflect the specific controlled substance that an accused person was charged with.

However, estimates put the number of people who were convicted for marijuana possession at about 20,000-75,000 individuals.

Once this bill becomes law, anyone who was convicted for a marijuana crime that is no longer in the law books can fill out a form asking to have their conviction expunged.

Sen. Lew Frederick (D-Portland) supported the bill and says it was long overdue since marijuana convictions follow someone throughout their life and make it hard for that person to get housing, find a job or get an education.

In a related development, the Oregon House also passed a bill granting the state governor authority to negotiate agreements with other states for the purpose of exporting Oregon’s excess marijuana as soon as the federal government tolerates or legalizes interstate marijuana commerce. This bill was passed on the same day (Tuesday, June 11) that the expungement bill was passed.

Supporters of Senate Bill 582 say that Oregon is being forward looking by passing enabling laws in preparation for federal reform of cannabis policies. Some even said that this bill isn’t an endorsement of the cannabis industry, but rather provides support for the business community since exporting marijuana would create more jobs and bring revenue into Oregon from the states with which it is trading.

It should be remembered that Oregon has a massive surplus of marijuana, and some people say about six years are needed to consume this excess if current demand levels are maintained.

However, opponents of SB 582 say that the bill is of no consequence since it is akin to hiring a financial advisor simply because you expect that you will soon win the lottery.

Analysts wonder what cannabis industry players like Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) and ChineseInvestors.com Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) have to say about the export bill passed by Oregon’s Senate.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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420 with CNW – Canadian Flight Crews Banned from Consuming Marijuana 28 Days Before Flying

According to a new policy which has just been made public by Transport Canada (the federal transport regulator), flight crews as well as other industry employees will no longer be allowed to use marijuana within 28 days before they are due to fly.

The policy, which was announced on Thursday (June 6), takes immediate effect and it affects cabin crew, pilots and air traffic controllers. This policy was released in order to clarify the position of the regulator when recreational marijuana was legalized on October 17 last year.

Transport Canada asserted that aviation industry employees are required to maintain a certain minimum “level of fitness for duty” during the time when they are at work. Those employees must therefore refrain from using or being under the influence of any substance which can impair their faculties to a degree that can compromise aviation safety, the regulator added. Transport Canada also affirmed that their policy decision was informed by the current science available on the matter.

The announcement by Transport Canada isn’t altogether new in the Canadian aviation industry. The policy announcement comes after commercial airlines in the country, such as Westjet and Air Canada, had already issued blanket bans to their staff regardless of whether the employees wanted to consume recreational marijuana when they are off duty.

Speaking about Westjet’s radical policy on marijuana, the airline’s spokesperson said that the policy reflects the airline’s position as a leader in aviation safety, and that was why they were requiring Westjetters to report for duty while fit and stay that way throughout their shift.

Transport Canada has chosen to take the path similar to what the Department of National Defence decided to take on recreational marijuana. The military rules were updated to state that any serving military officer who wishes to use recreational marijuana should not do so within eight hours of starting their shift on duty.

The military rules also state that any personnel who operate weapons or vehicles aren’t allowed to consume recreational pot 24-hours before reporting for duty. Those that engage in high-altitude parachuting and those who serve on military aircraft are banned from using recreational cannabis in the 28 days prior to reporting for duty.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also announced earlier that any of its personnel who serve in “safety-sensitive positions” are prohibited from using cannabis 28 days prior to reporting for duty.

It would be interesting to know what companies like Canopy Rivers Inc. (TSX.V: RIV) (OTC: CNPOF) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: NUGS) think about these policies announced by aviation companies and regulators.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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420 with CNW – Why Columbia Could Reshape the Canadian Cannabis Landscape

The big pot stocks in Canada, such as Tilray Inc., Canopy Growth Corp. and Aurora Cannabis may soon have to contend with an emerging threat as marijuana growers in North America start moving their farms across the border to Columbia.

This migration is eerily similar to what happened to the growers of rose flowers who all moved south to low-cost Columbia.

Paul Henderson, the owner of Grupo Flor (a cannabis cultivation company based in Monterey) is the trailblazer of this migration. He predicts that North American marijuana growers in Canada will suffer the same fate that rose growers experienced. Practically no rose grower was left in Monerey once cultivation starting moving south.

Henderson adds that within the next decade, the cannabis industry will transition into a phase of commoditization. As that happens, it will become increasingly untenable to keep growing marijuana in Canada when Columbia is just a short distance away.

Henderson’s company is currently getting a 1,000,000 square-foot cultivation facility ready on the outskirts of Cali, a city found close to the Equator in Columbia. He boasts that when the facility starts operations, his company would be able to cut the price of its produce by 90 percent and still make a profit, something that growers who are still based in Canada cannot do and stay afloat.

Columbia enjoys several advantages which are only a dream to Canadian cannabis growers. First, the climate in Columbia is so good that the cultivation facilities there don’t require elaborate climate-control systems. Secondly, the labor in Columbia is highly skilled yet more affordable than what is available in Canada.

These reduced production costs put Columbia firmly on course to attain the target of producing a gram of cannabis at just 50 Canadian cents ($0.38) and yet the long-term goal of cannabis production in Canada is to bring the cost of a gram down to CAD $2 ($1.51) . That is a whole world of difference in production costs!

Columbia legalized medical cannabis for domestic use as well as export. This policy shift is responsible for the interest of Canadian cannabis growers in shifting their operations to Columbia.

The emergence of Columbia as a destination for Canadian cannabis cultivators has come at a time when the cannabis industry in Canada has just been dealt a blow by the U.S. FDA. The regulators are reluctant to legalize CBD and it appears to be headed for regulatory oversight by the FDA. This has dampened the hopes of Canadian firms that were gearing up to enter the U.S. CBD market.

Cannabis industry watchers are wondering what major players like Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) and Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) can do to respond to developments like transferring marijuana cultivation facilities to another country different from the country where the company has its major operations.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our 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. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. 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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Dramatically Improved Delivery Systems Promise More Effective Cannabis Treatments

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Experiments with next-generation delivery systems appear certain to lead to better cannabis-based products.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) (LXRP Profile) has recently seen spectacular improvements in the effectiveness of cannabinoids thanks to its proprietary chemical delivery treatment. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) (OTC: GWPRF), which has won widespread praise for its innovative medical work, has seen good trial results for a new treatment for seizures.  Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is supporting studies into the uses of cannabinoids to treat behavioral problems and HIV. MariMed Inc. (OTCQB: MRMD) has set up a subsidiary focused on CBD, currently the highest-profile cannabinoid product. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) has established a new research lab to develop devices for CBD consumption.

  • Currently, cannabis medicines are poorly absorbed by the body.
  • Delivery challenges increase costs and reduce effectiveness.
  • Select companies are working on better delivery systems.
  • Others are working on new medicines so that cannabinoids can improve more lives.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

The Cannabinoid Waste Conundrum

The popularity of cannabinoid products — those containing active ingredients from cannabis — has created a challenge for producers. While these producers are extracting larger volumes of CBD from cannabis and hemp, much of the precious ingredient goes to waste: the human body only absorbs a small fraction of these molecules because of delivery system limitations and human physiology.

This delivery challenge causes several problems. Manufacturers must comply with regulations limiting the amount of active cannabinoid ingredients, but consumers may not be able to obtain the effect or benefit they are seeking, even when needed to overcome serious medical conditions. People could end up consuming more cannabis than they would otherwise, which is both expensive and ill-advised. And in an age when the waste of human society is ravaging the environment, it means that the cannabis industry may also be doing unneeded damage to the environment.

But thanks to the fast pace of cannabis research, a solution may be on the horizon.

Improving the Delivery of Cannabinoids

Across the industry, researchers are looking for ways to more effectively deliver CBD into the human body. Thanks to their latest breakthroughs, the scientists at Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) appear to be leading the way.

A biotech company based in British Columbia, Lexaria is currently focusing on its proprietary DehydraTECH(TM) technology. This unique technology has been developed to make medicinal compounds more suitable for human consumption in a number of ways. By combining molecules such as CBD with fatty acids at a molecular level, DehydraTECH makes it easier for the CBD to cross the body’s internal barriers. Higher levels of CBD are absorbed, and they are absorbed more quickly.

Consumers need to know this: the quantity of CBD, or any other drug, in the bottle is unimportant. What matters is how much of that CBD actually reaches the bloodstream — and even more importantly — how much reaches the brain.

Most CBD sold in CBD-infused products in America today does not reach the bloodstream. CBD mixed in water and fed to animals demonstrated the incredible power of DehydraTECH. Results announced in May showed that DehydraTECH, in combination with generic nanotech techniques, delivered CBD to the brain 1,137% more efficiently than existing industry formulations. In addition, Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH delivered CBD into the bloodstream in just two minutes and delivered as much CBD in 15 minutes as generic doses did in 60 minutes.

Not content with these sorts of results, the company has been working on improving the power of DehydraTECH through a new second-generation version called Enhanced DehydraTECH. Lexaria’s Enhanced DehydraTECH showed remarkable properties in crossing the blood-brain-barrier, delivering 1,937% more CBD into the brain than a generic industry formulation. It also delivered between 717% and 1,098% more CBD into the bloodstream than generic CBD formulations.

Lexaria’s technological advances make it possible to manufacture capsules and edible products that deliver CBD and THC more effectively than ever before.

Satisfying Customers and Regulators

This vastly superior delivery performance holds promise to radically change the CBD industry, at a time when the sector is already going through huge change and growth.

On one level, the benefits of technology such as that being developed by Lexaria are obvious. A more efficient delivery system can do one of two things: it can make the same dose of a drug or vitamin more effective, or it can allow the same consumer effect to be achieved with a smaller dose.

The latter approach may have the widest impact and certainly has potential to shift prices. Recent legal changes in Canada and the United States have led to a surge in demand for CBD, a demand that suppliers have been unable to meet. With demand for CBD outstripping supply and a production process that involves complex technical steps, the price of CBD is relatively high. But if companies can make products that are just as effective but use smaller amounts of CBD, they can reduce their production costs and provide more products with the same raw resources. This change would allow companies to meet currently unmet demand and reduce prices, thus benefitting both the customers and the industry.

There’s also a less-obvious factor, one that industry outsiders might not consider but that companies such as Lexaria are acutely aware of. With the legalization of cannabis across Canada and hemp in the United States, regulators are stepping in to control the production, sale and dosage amounts of CBD or THC products. Limits are being set on how much CBD or THC a product can contain.

Improved delivery systems such as DehydraTECH allow companies to produce more effective products within the same legal limits. Customers can experience the highest benefit from their products while everyone stays inside the law.

Beyond CBD?

But while CBD is proving a profitable testing ground for DehydraTECH, the impact of this first-of-its-kind delivery system could potentially go far beyond this, extending into the wider medical sector.

Recent research results have shown that DehydraTECH is effective in delivering both cannabinoids and nicotine into brain tissue, thus improving the speed and effectiveness of these ingredients. The delivery system also comes with a fast-on/fast-off element, in which the effect of the drug both starts and ends quickly and clearly, providing better control over the use of the products in which drugs are used. DehydraTECH is being evaluated by the largest nicotine company in America for products utilizing oral delivery, bypassing the known disease conditions associated with current pulmonary delivery.

As a result, Lexaria’s technology already has potential medical benefits because it can be used to deliver CBD- and THC-based medicines, in addition to its applications as a solution to cigarette use. But what if it could do more?

Since DehydraTECH has been shown to work with multiple molecules, people are asking if it could be used with central nervous system drugs. By delivering drugs quickly and efficiently across the blood-brain-barrier, this innovative delivery system could enhance the speed and effectiveness of a wide range of drugs and potentially usher in a new era of treatment for a wide range of debilitating diseases. Lexaria has quietly filed patent applications for innovation in treatment options related to central nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimers.

Experimenting with Cannabis

Given the importance of cannabinoids in treating some of these debilitating diseases, improved delivery systems already have clear medical advantages. Among the companies applying cannabinoids to life-changing medicines is GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) (OTC: GWPRF). With more than 20 years of research in the cannabis sector, GW is a global leader in developing cannabinoid medicines and was named one of Time Magazine’s 50 genius companies for this work. The company recently announced successful clinical trials of EPIDIOLEX, in which this CBD drug was used to reduce the frequency of seizures associated with tubular sclerosis complex.

Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), a world-leading cannabis company based in Canada, has been working to address the shortage of cannabis and CBD, investing $32.6 million in an expansion of its cultivation and manufacturing facilities. But the company isn’t just working on meeting current needs. Tilray is providing support to two clinical studies that could lead cannabinoids to transform more lives for the better. Through studies like these, the use of cannabinoids is spreading beyond its traditional territory of pain and nausea management.

MariMed Inc. (OTCQB: MRMD), a multistate cannabis company, has been improving the efficiency of its operations through vertical integration and the addition of new product lines, allowing it to more effectively deliver cannabis products to a wide range of customers. At the start of this year, the company established a subsidiary focused on CBD in response to rising sales and the changed legal status of hemp manufacturing in the US.

Lexaria’s work on DehyrdaTECH isn’t the only area where the interests of cannabis and tobacco are merging. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), a global cannabinoid company, has had its fortunes and its profile improved by an investment of C$2.4 billion from tobacco giant Altria. The company’s growth has also allowed it to establish a new global research and design center, Cronos Device Labs, in Israel. There, the company will work on devices specifically designed for the consumption of CBD.

As the technology around cannabis improves, so will the efficiency and effectiveness of cannabinoid products, lowering prices and improving outcomes for patients around the world.

For more information on Lexaria Bioscience Corp., visit Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP)

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