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 – Denmark Approves Bulk Medical Cannabis Exports

The Danish Ministry of Health has revealed that an executive order allowing local companies to export medical cannabis in bulk took effect on the first day of this year. This puts Denmark in pole position around the continent since many other countries are still staggering in their efforts to get medical cannabis programs running.

For example, the military is the only entity authorized to grow cannabis in Italy while Germany is yet to get its domestic cultivation program going.

Several foreign medical cannabis companies, including The Green Organic Dutchman and Canopy Growth have set foot in Denmark. Several reasons make this landlocked nation ideal for this nascent industry.

First, Denmark is close to Germany. Germany is regarded as the “golden goose” in Europe, so any company that can access the German medical cannabis market stands to make a fortune. It is also easy to access the rest of Europe from Denmark.

Secondly, Denmark has an advanced agricultural system that relies on technology to grow products that compete favorably on the continent and beyond. This shift to automation didn’t just happen by chance. The Danes realized that in order to compete with warmer countries in the region, automation was the way to go. This removed the reliance on human labor that was very expensive. Cannabis growers therefore stand to benefit from this rich agricultural heritage.

Thirdly, the government in Denmark is stable and supportive of the medical cannabis industry. This support was ably demonstrated when in just one year, medical cannabis was legalized, regulations were passed and exports were also permitted. Other countries take more than a year to hit just one of those milestones.

Additionally, utility rates in Denmark are one of the lowest on the continent. This is a big advantage to cannabis growers because electricity is one of the largest costs that they have to incur in order to grow marijuana indoors.

However, not everything favors the Danish cannabis industry.

For starters, many local doctors are skeptical about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and they have voiced their concerns. Denmark has responded to this by creating the Clinical Cannabis Forum in order to spread awareness about medical marijuana.

Secondly, several countries in the south have longer growing seasons and warmer weather in addition to abundant cheap labor. These include Malta, Portugal and Greece. Their products are likely to give Denmark a run for its money.

It remains to be seen how Danish technology will be harnessed to address those roadblocks that may reduce the shine on the allure of the industry. Redfund Capital Corp. (CSE: LOAN) (OTC: PNNRF) (Frankfurt: O3X4) and Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) wish Denmark all the best on its journey to become a player in the international medical cannabis industry.

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 – What to Expect When Entering an Ohio Medical Marijuana Dispensary

The first medical marijuana dispensaries in Ohio opened on Wednesday, January 17 and many patients who were entering a dispensary for the first time didn’t know what to expect. Several operators of dispensaries shared their thoughts on how Ohio patients can make their visit to a dispensary seamless. This article discusses some of their suggestions.

Patients and Caregivers Only

The first thing that people who want to buy medical cannabis should know is that only patients and their caregivers will be allowed into a dispensary. Families are therefore advised to refrain from accompanying a patient to the dispensary since they will not be allowed to access the premises if they aren’t cardholders or caregivers.

Prepare In Advance

Patients and their caregivers are also advised to prepare adequately before heading out to a medical cannabis dispensary. This preparation includes confirming that one completed the registration process as well as setting aside cash for their purchase since dispensaries will not be accepting credit cards or health insurance. It is also prudent to carry the same photo ID that you used when enrolling for the program.

Don’t Touch

Medical cannabis dispensaries in Ohio will have a room in which patients and their caregivers can view the different products available. However, no one will be allowed to touch any product on display unless a dispensary employee permits them to. You can only see or smell the products.

No Onsite Consumption

Once a patient or their caregiver has selected what they will purchase, the products will be cleared at the check-out counter and you can leave the dispensary. No one is allowed to consume medical marijuana within the dispensary premises or anywhere in public. Ohio law stipulates that medical marijuana can only be consumed in the privacy of one’s home.

Check Dispensary Locations

So far, there are 56 medical marijuana dispensaries licensed by Ohio State. However, not all of them will be in position to open immediately, so patients are advised to check online and confirm that the dispensary they wish to buy products from will be open on the day one needs to visit the facility. For example, just 4 out of the 56 licensed dispensaries opened on Wednesday.

The medical marijuana dispensaries have indicated that they will give each patient as much time and information as possible in order to help them to select the best products for their needs. This promise is a welcome gesture because not many patients will be certain about what to buy for their conditions. Phivida Holdings Inc. (CSE: VIDA) (OTCQX: PHVAF) and Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE) congratulate Ohio upon kick starting their medical cannabis program.

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 – South Carolina Legislators Introduce Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana

It seems South Carolina is next in line to act upon the growing popularity of marijuana across the U.S. Two legislators have tabled a bill that, if passed, would allow patients to start using medical marijuana.

The Compassionate Care Act is sponsored by Rep. Peter McCoy and Sen. Tom Davis. When unveiling the bill, Sen. Davis said that their interest in introducing that bill was to make it possible for patients and their doctors to decide whether medical marijuana can be helpful in promoting the health of the patient. Such a decision should not be left to politicians or law enforcement agencies, he added.

True to the conservative nature of South Carolina, the proposed bill comes with numerous restrictions to prevent the program from being abused by those who wish to consume recreational marijuana.

For example, physicians will constantly monitor how the patients they recommended are using medical marijuana.

The bill also limits the qualifying conditions for which one can obtain a medical cannabis card. Only patients with chronic conditions will be eligible to get medical marijuana cards if the bill is passed in its current form. This is unlike some other states where nearly everyone can apply and receive a medical marijuana license since the qualifying conditions are loosely defined.

Currently, about 72 percent of people in South Carolina support the legalization of medical cannabis. The sponsors of this bill are counting on that popular support to see the bill through the legislature.

However, it will not be smooth sailing for the proposed law. There is opposition from different sections of the community, such as law enforcement and some members of the medical profession.

The Chairman of South Carolina’s Medical Association, Dr. John Ropp, is one of those who are vehemently opposed to the legalization of medical marijuana. He says that cannabis has been prohibited for approximately 50 years and it remains a Schedule 1 substance. This means that there is insufficient scientific data regarding its efficacy as a medicine. He adds that cannabis can only be used as a medicine once peer-reviewed studies show that it has medicinal value.

That is the same argument that the FDA, DEA and other federal agencies have been pushing, and yet the current federal legal regime continues to make it hard for researchers to study the plant and obtain the needed scientific backing for its use as a medicine.

All the same, Sen. Davis and Rep. McCoy are pressing ahead with the bill, and if it doesn’t succeed then a ballot measure may be on the cards. The cannabis industry, including Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG) and Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) hopes that consensus is quickly built so that the patients who badly need medical cannabis can access it legally within the state.

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 – Oklahoma City School Board Passes Marijuana Policy

Voters in Oklahoma approved a ballot measure last year in June making medical marijuana legal in the state. Recently, the school district in Oklahoma City passed its own medical marijuana policy to clarify what employees and students could or could not do now that medical marijuana is legal in the state.

On Monday this week (January 14), the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board released its marijuana policy in which the district asserted that it would not take any action against any employee who holds a medical marijuana license.

However, the same policy also had a clause that barred employees from possessing marijuana within school premises or during office hours even if such an employee is licensed to use medical marijuana.

The policy also stipulated that while students would be allowed to have access to, and consume medical marijuana, employees in the schools aren’t allowed to administer that marijuana to the students.

Instead, the policy states that a private location would be provided so that the caregiver of a student can administer the medical marijuana from that location. Caregivers would also be solely responsible for bringing the medical marijuana and taking it away after the student has used or consumed it.

The policy warns that disciplinary action would be taken against any student or employee who violates the school district’s marijuana policy.

Additionally, the policy states that the school district will be free to alter the policy if the federal funding of the district is jeopardized in any way by the marijuana policy or its implementation. Ultimately, the school district will adhere to any restrictions or instructions given by the federal government regarding medical marijuana.

These provisions in the policy show how large the shadow of the federal government hovering over the entire country is on matters of marijuana.

So far, more than 30,000 people have applied for medical marijuana licenses since August when residents were allowed to start applying for the cards. A patient whose application is approved has to pay $100 in order to receive their license from the Department of Health. People who are at least 18 years old are eligible to apply for a medical marijuana license if a doctor recommends them to apply for one.

The action taken by the school district is a step in the right direction because it clarifies what employees and students should expect if they want to consume medical marijuana. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: GRYN) and the entire marijuana industry welcome the positive action taken by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board.

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 – Records Show 61 Tons of Medical Marijuana were Consumed in Arizona in 2018

State records that were published on January 14 show that Arizonans set a record in the state by consuming a total of 61 tons of different forms of medical marijuana.

The report shows that Arizona medical cannabis dispensaries sold 2.5 tons of marijuana edibles last year. One interesting thing about this statistic is that in 2012, the entire state consumed that exact quantity of cannabis products. That year was the first full year since the medical marijuana was legalized.

Another comparison with that first year has to do with the number of patients who acquired medical cannabis cards. In 2012, just 40,000 people were enrolled on the program. By the end of December last year, 186,000 patients were actively using their medical cannabis cards.

The report released by the Arizona Department of Health Services shows that patients bought 56 tons of marijuana flower (buds) from the licensed dispensaries in the state. Another 2.5 tons of other marijuana products, such as resins and extracts, were also consumed during the year.

The cannabis edibles sold in 2018 were approximately 34 percent more than the quantity of edibles sold the previous year. Overall, the 61 tons of cannabis sold indicate a 42 percent increase from the quantity of marijuana products that were consumed the year before.

However, cannabis resins saw a sharper rise in the volume sold. The resins sold in 2018 were more than those sold in 2017 by 83 percent.

It is worth noting that the Arizona Court of Appeal ruled that cannabis extracts, such as resins, were not included in the protections offered to patients and doctors who were involved in the medical cannabis industry.

Nonetheless, dispensaries continued to sell the products, and patients continued to buy them as the entire state waited for the Supreme Court in Arizona to make its ruling on the matter. The outcome of the review by the Supreme Court is yet to be announced.

On matters of demographics, the statistics released by DHS show that more women took medical marijuana last year when compared to those registered in 2017. 40.02 percent of all patients on the program in 2018 were women compared to 38.35 percent in 2017.

The figures of the medical marijuana consumed are expected to keep rising, and it is interesting to note that in 2014, the total demand for cannabis in the state (both medical and recreational) was estimated to be 81 tons, just 33 percent higher than what the medical cannabis market has sold in 2018. That means the estimates may have been grossly conservative or off the mark. This positive outlook is good news to the entire cannabis industry, including Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF) and Golden Developing Solutions, Inc. (OTC: DVLP).

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 – California Firm Plans Mega Cannabis Facility in Buffalo

Flora California Prime, a cannabis company based in San Diego, intends to build a $200 million cannabis campus in Buffalo once New York legalizes recreational cannabis. Flora California Prime is undertaking the project as a joint venture with Zephyrs Investors (a real estate development firm owned by Brad Termini).

The facility would create up to 1,000 jobs during and after its construction in the vicinity of Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo. These people would be employed to do research work, work in the labs, be involved in manufacturing and other related activities.

Brian Termini, the co-founder of Flora California Prime revealed that they saw a major opportunity when New York started taking steps to legalize recreational marijuana.

The Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, the relevant city agency, has already approved the sale of the land to Flora at approximately $2 million, subject to an appraisal. At 47 acres, the Flora facility would be one of the largest throughout the country.

Brian Termini revealed that his company would be ready to start construction work in less than 120 days after the city grants them a permit to go ahead with the project.

However, Termini admitted that his company was not yet sure how the cannabis grown and processed at the facility would be distributed. He said that those details will emerge once the law legalizing recreational cannabis has been passed since the law will provide the guidelines that the company will comply with when designing its distribution system.

He also added that he hopes that the cannabis campus would be operational within a year, but added that no cannabis will be retailed from its premises.

The project will also involve conducting marijuana research, especially on how cannabis can be used in the treatment of cancer. The research activities will be carried out in conjunction with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

It is widely expected that a recreational marijuana law will be passed in March or April this year, especially after Gov. Cuomo indicated that the passing of this law would be one of his priorities in the first 100 days of his third term in office.

The city of Buffalo is very hopeful about is economic prospects once the Flora facility is open. This is because the city has been keeping tabs on events across the border in Ontario where several multi-billion companies have emerged from the time medical cannabis was legalized in Canada.

Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE), Generation Alpha, Inc. (OTCQB: GNAL) and the entire cannabis industry wish Flora all the best in its promising undertaking in New York.

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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New Laws Set Up US Cannabis Industry for Explosive Growth

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill changes the way that CBD-based products are legally classified. If the federal government permits the sale of cannabis-sourced products online, established companies in the space could reap huge rewards.

  • The legalization of cannabis in Canada and some U.S. States has demonstrated the latent demand for cannabis-based products.
  • CBD is used to make numerous products and its potential uses are growing.
  • Research suggests that the market for CBD products could grow to an estimated $22 billion over the next four years.

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) (SING Profile) is in a good position to take full advantage of the changes in how CBD products are regulated. Major producers such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APHA), Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTC: MJNA) and OrganiGram Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: OGRMF) (TSX.V: OGI) are also well-placed to expand into the CBD space, but they may have to compete with a new class of growers.

There are more than 80 kinds of psychoactive compounds found in the cannabis plant. While most people are familiar with THC, which is used recreationally, CBD has shown promise in treating everything from insomnia to serious neurological disorders. The 2018 Farm Bill leaves THC-based products under the jurisdiction of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) but gives jurisdiction of CBD-based products to the individual states. Most industry experts predict that the popularity of these products will explode as they become easily available due to the new regulations.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

A Waiting Market

Until now, CBD-based products were subject to federal regulations, which made them impossible to distribute nationally. They have been sold on a statewide basis in areas that allowed their use, but anyone who dealt with these products was shut out of the federal banking system because the crop — and its subsequent products — were categorized as illegal at a federal level.

With the signing of the new legislation, that appears likely to change. SinglePoint (OTCQB: SING) is an established distributor of CBD products and owns a decade-old web domain. Not only does the company have experience with marketing and distributing CBD-based products, it also has a background in payments processing.

CBD-based products are a new, largely unfamiliar area that may pose challenges for new companies entering the space. Universal standards for many CBD products have yet to be established or identified, so having a positive market image will likely be a significant benefit. Established companies with an existing client base and a positive reputation may be in a better position to leverage growth in the CBD sector. SinglePoint seems to fit this criteria well.

Wide-Open Potential

There is a big difference between cannabis grown for medicinal use and hemp that can now be used as a feedstock for CBD in the United States. Major cannabis producers have a much higher cost of production than hemp growers. With new changes that the 2018 Farm Bill creates for hemp farmers, the price of CBD may fall substantially.

Instead of being cultivated in near-laboratory conditions, industrial hemp is grown like any other commercial crop. Now that CBD can be refined out of commercially produced hemp, it will be difficult for anyone but U.S. hemp farmers to compete on price when it comes to CBD.

Additionally, the 2018 Farm Bill normalizes the CBD economy at a federal level. For the first time, hemp growers can use the banking system, insure their crops, and even sell their future hemp production via futures. Like any new market, it will take time for the infrastructure to be developed, but early movers in the space may have a significant advantage.

Big Changes for CBD

SinglePoint is in a unique position in the emerging CBD space. As both an online marketer and payments processor, the company looks to be in a strong position to help deliver CBD products to their target markets. The company has a strong strategy to grow its presence in the CBD space. Unlike many of the other publicly traded, cannabis-focused companies, SinglePoint has no connection with cannabis plants and cultivation, so the company should be able to take full advantage of the recently passed 2018 Farm Bill.

It appears that there is no shortage of potential CBD-based products. Currently, CBD is integrated into everything from lotions and edibles to beer and oil. With the legalization of CBD widely anticipated, research will almost certainly lead to additional discoveries into CBD properties and benefits, as well as the creation of new products targeting specific market segments.

The emerging CBD economy is also supported by the ability for hemp producers to raise funds publicly. Much like the Canadian cannabis producers that were able to expand quickly because of their publicly traded equities, U.S. hemp producers can now go public and leverage public interest in CBD to expand their operations.

Changing Production Profiles

The 2018 Farm Bill is a huge positive for U.S.-based hemp producers and CBD consumers.

One of the largest publicly traded cannabis producers available to U.S. investors, Cronos Group (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) owns two fully licensed cannabis producers in Canada and has other interests spread around the world. The company has maintained a multibillion-dollar valuation, despite some weakness in the publicly traded cannabis sector. In addition to producing cannabis in Canada, the company is involved in the distribution of cannabis products in many of the markets in which it operates. In the third quarter last year, the company reported increased revenues by 186 percent and sold 213 percent more kilos of cannabis than in the same time a year earlier.

Aphria (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APHA) has grown its presence in the Canadian cannabis space via acquisitions and strategic investments and is one of the largest publicly traded cannabis producers. The company made two high-profile acquisitions last year, taking over Broken Coast Cannabis and buying Nuuvera, a Canadian cannabis company with already-existing strategic exposure to German and Italian markets. The vast majority of the company’s production capacity for cannabis is concentrated in a single facility, called Aphria One, which is located in Leamington, Ontario.

Medical Marijuana (OTC: MJNA) has been operating in the legal cannabis space for longer than most. The company owns numerous subsidiaries, including HempMeds, Kannalife and Kannaway. It also operates an international division, which has developed a substantial presence in Brazil, where it was the first company to introduce legal cannabis-based medicines to the Brazilian market. The company also has a direct marketing structure for cannabis products and appears to be well-placed to grow in the emerging CBD market.

OrganiGram Holdings (OTCQX: OGRMF) (TSX.V: OGI) is the parent company of Organigram Inc., one of the largest licensed producers of cannabis in Canada. The company delivers industry-leading yields from its growing facilities and is focused on expanding in the Canadian market for recreational and medicinal cannabis. Organigram developed a portfolio of brands for a variety of uses, including The Edison Cannabis Company, Ankr Organics, Trailer Blazer and Trailer Park Buds. In addition to growing cannabis, OrganiGram also distributes it.

With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill changing the legal status of CBD, it is estimated that the CBD market will grow to be a $22 billion industry by 2022. SinglePoint has created a solid platform to be a part of that industry.

For more information on SinglePoint, visit SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING)

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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This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and CNW undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

420 with CNW – Missouri Plans to Host Medical Marijuana Trade Show in March

Voters in Missouri voted to legalize medical marijuana during the midterms last year and now the state is planning to have a medical marijuana business conference and expo in March this year.

The trade show has been dubbed MoCannBizCon+Expo and it is slated to take place on March 11-12 in St. Louis at the Union Station.

The trade show is being organized by the Medical Cannabis Trade Association. Between 1,000 and 1,500 people are expected to attend this first of a kind event in the state.

The organizers plan to use this event as a platform to educate people about how they can take part in this industry that has just been legalized.

According to the information available, the keynote speaker during the trade show will be Lyndall Fraker, the newly appointed director responsible for medical marijuana in the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The Department of Health and Senior Services is mandated to oversee the implementation of the medical marijuana program in the state.

Meanwhile, the new legislative session in Missouri is slated to commence tomorrow (Wednesday), but 10 bills connected to marijuana have already been filed.

Under the law that voters overwhelmingly supported, Missouri residents can get prescriptions for medical marijuana from their physicians if those residents suffer from one of the qualifying conditions listed, such as cancer, PTSD, chronic pain and other debilitating conditions.

At the moment, patients aren’t able to apply for medical marijuana cards, but this should happen latest early summer (by June 4). DHSS (Department of Health and Senior Services) is mandated to screen the applications and issue the cards.

In the meantime, patients can talk to their doctors about medical marijuana and whether it can be a useful addition to their treatment plans.

The law gives legal protections to patients and their doctors from any prosecution or sanction of any kind arising from their association (prescription or use) with medical marijuana.

Those protections are just one of the things that trade show attendees will be educated about. Leaflets and other educational resources will be handed out during the trade show so that residents get adequate information about how they can benefit from this industry.

The trajectory taken by Missouri to implement its medical cannabis program is more surefooted and fast when compared to the approach other states, such as New York, took to get their programs on the ground. New York took about a year and a half to start availing medical cannabis to patients.

FinCanna Capital Corp. (CSE: CALI) (OTCQB: FNNZF), Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTCQB: ETST) and the entire cannabis industry are pleased that Missouri is exhibiting such steadfastness in getting the program started.

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 – Four Issues New York Needs to Agree Upon Before Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

While Gov. Andrew Cuomo says that a law legalizing recreational marijuana is likely to be passed this year, legislators still have a lot to do before the details of what form legalization will take shape up. The following issues are some of the sticking points that are likely to generate a lot of debate as a law is finalized.

What Role Will Local Governments Play?

You cannot think about legalizing adult-use marijuana without considering how to factor in local governments. It isn’t yet clear whether the law that will be passed will give local authorities any power to accept or refuse recreational cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction. California granted local authorities the right to determine whether retail outlets will operate in their jurisdictions or not.

However, Massachusetts took a different approach and centralized the issuance of retail licenses. Either approach has its own pros and cons. For example, California licensed hundreds of retail outlets while only a handful are so far open in Massachusetts. So, which direction will New York take on this matter?

How Much Tax Will Be Imposed?

The issue of taxes is a major one because taxes are one of the reasons why proponents have been advocating for the legalization of recreational pot across the U.S. However, it is hard to build consensus on what rate should be used to tax recreational marijuana.

While a low rate is attractive and can pile pressure on the black market, it has the downside of potentially failing to raise sufficient revenues to meet the cost of regulating the industry as well as fund other state priorities, such as rebuilding the aging infrastructure.

Conversely, a high tax rate has the potential of generating the target revenues for the state, but will buyers play along? Price-sensitive consumers may find it easier to drive to nearby states for more affordable cannabis, or they may opt for the black market. Then, where will the tax money be spent? Opinions abound on this matter as well.

How Will the Market Be Regulated?

Numerous proposals have been fronted regarding how or more specifically who should oversee the recreational marijuana industry. Some people think that the Department of Health should be in charge since it is already handling medical cannabis. Others are of the opinion that a new body should be built from the ground up just for the recreational market.

Which way this debate finally goes may determine how soon New Yorkers can legally buy recreational marijuana within the state.

Where Will the Cannabis Be Consumed?

It is also not yet clear where and how the recreational cannabis will be consumed. For example, will it be acceptable for adults to smoke a joint in public, or will they be restricted to doing so in the privacy of their homes? Will cannabis cafes similar to what is in Amsterdam be permitted in New York? Will edibles and concentrates be legal as well, or these will be addressed later?

As you can see, the legislators have their work cut out. New Yorkers, and industry players like Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) as well as ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX) hope that a speedy resolution to all the sticky questions is found so that New Yorkers don’t have to wait for too long before they can access marijuana legally.

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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Companies Explore Market Potential for Ready-to-Drink CBD Beverages

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The market for cannabidiol (CBD) beverages alone could achieve a value of $260 million in the United States by 2022. CBD beverages form part of an even wider market for marijuana-infused drinks that is predicted to reach a value of $600 million in three years’ time.

  • U.S. market for CBD and THC beverages could reach $600 million by 2022.
  • Cannabis-infused drinks could outperform other cannabis products.
  • Non-cannabis and cannabis companies alike are joining this new market.

Savvy companies are looking to position themselves in this burgeoning market, often by partnering with companies that provide invaluable experience in the sector. Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile), an established omni-direct lifestyle company, has formed a cross-marketing agreement with a bottled spring water company, which will see the pair develop new products including a ready-to-drink CBD beverage. Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is partnering with the world’s largest brewer in a $100-million joint venture to research cannabis-infused nonalcoholic drinks. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED) recently received a $4 billion investment from a leading beer maker. Other companies are looking to grow in additional cannabis spaces. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) recently received a license from Health Canada permitting the sale of cannabis softgel capsules. And GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: GWPH) announced that its FDA-approved anti-epileptic drug is now available in the United States.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Injecting Growth into Product Portfolios

Recent reports by Canaccord Genuity indicate that cannabis and CBD-infused beverages have the potential to outperform cannabis products, reaching up to 20 percent of the market for cannabis-containing consumables by 2022. “While these trends represent a significant opportunity for U.S. cannabis companies, they have not gone unnoticed by large mainstream beverage players looking to inject growth into their product portfolio,” said Canaccord analyst Bobby Burleson, who also predicts that ready-to-drink CBD beverages will form part of the growing market for wellness drinks.

Indeed, a number of U.S and Canadian pharmaceutical, cannabis, beverage and even lifestyle companies have developed or are planning to develop CBD-infused beverages. These developments often begin with, or result in, new partnerships.

Joining Forces to Share, Build and Develop

Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) has entered an exclusive cross-marketing agreement with Icelandic Glacial™. The agreement includes plans to develop new products including CBD drinks in order to extend the market for Youngevity’s lifestyle brands and Icelandic Glacial’s market reach.

Icelandic Glacial bottled water will be added to Youngevity’s roster of health, wellness, food and beverage brands. Owned by Icelandic Water Holdings and registered in Iceland, the Icelandic Glacial brand offers water that comes from the naturally alkaline spring Ölfus Spring, has a low mineral content and is certified CarbonNeutral®.

Youngevity and Icelandic Glacial have agreed to partner for three years. Icelandic Glacial bottled water will be sold alongside Youngevity’s direct selling supplements, including 90 for Life, CBD products, pet supplements and the coffee holdings of Youngevity’s wholly owned subsidiary, CLR Roasters. During the three-year period, Youngevity will not promote any other bottled water, and Icelandic Glacial will not promote any other supplement businesses or products.

“With its rare, naturally occurring, high-pH level, low-mineral content, and unique lava rock filtering system — as well as its positioning as the world’s first CarbonNeutral bottled water company — Icelandic Glacial is perfectly positioned to serve not only customers who want a pure-tasting water that makes them feel and perform their best but also eco-friendly consumers who want to make sure their money goes to brands with a conscience,” said Steve Wallach, CEO of Youngevity International Inc.

Youngevity will use its marketing and multilevel marketing expertise to help Icelandic Glacial build its brand and reach new customers in the United States and around the globe. In return, Icelandic Water Holdings plans to introduce its customers to Youngevity’s health and nutrition products. Icelandic has a 14-year history of serving health and quality-conscious consumers while building a brand known for purity. The company has a completely sustainable operation fueled solely by geothermal and hydroelectric power. Icelandic Water is committed to reaching a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Entering the CBD Product Market

The development of a ready-to-drink CBD beverage will be the first of the partnership’s potential new products. Future ideas may include possible special products for a range of markets based on CBD and other life-enhancing supplements.

Youngevity first entered the $7.7 billion cannabis industry with the introduction of its Hemp FX™ brand in October 2018. The new product line includes three blends of hemp-derived cannabinoid oil products: a topical cream, softgel capsules and a relaxing sleep oil. Each formula contains organically grown hemp-derived cannabinoids combined with Youngevity signature nutrients.

“Hemp-derived cannabidiol aligns with what we do very well,” said Wallach. “We’ve taken what we know about essential nutrients, along with decades of knowledge specializing in natural, plant-based nutrition and their most beneficial nutrients, and put that knowledge to work to develop high-end cannabidiol products.”

Youngevity operates a hybrid direct-sales business model combined with e-commerce and social selling to deliver a virtual main street of products and services under one entity. Its entire range includes products from eight top-selling retail categories including health/nutrition, home/family, food/beverage (including coffee), spa/beauty, fashion, essential oils and photo.

A Global Market Worth $22 Billion by 2020

Reports suggest the entire hemp-derived CBD market will hit $22 billion globally by 2022. Much of the focus on CBD-infused products and drinks is towards the healthy lifestyle consumer market. However, more big brand beverage companies are expected to enter the industry and create CBD-infused non-alcoholic beverages for a broader spectrum of consumers. CBD-focused developments and partnerships are likely to increase as industry regulation becomes clearer.

For example, medical cannabis company Tilray (NASDAQ: TLRY) announced a research partnership with Labatt Breweries parent company AB InBev to explore the potential of THC- and CBD-infused non-alcoholic beverages. This partnership will be limited to Canada, with Tilray participating through its Canadian adult-use cannabis subsidiary. The partnership calls for each company investing up to $50 million in the project.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED) continues to benefit from a massive multibillion-dollar investment by Corona-beer maker Constellation Brands. The move will extend the collaboration from the development of cannabis-based beverages to co-developing products across a complete range of cannabis extracts. It also allows Canopy Growth to build scale in the more than 30 countries considering legalization of medical cannabis and establish essential infrastructure required to supply new recreational adult-use markets.

After obtaining the required licensing, Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) has commenced shipments of cannabis softgel capsules for both the Canadian medical and adult-use markets. The company expects to start exporting to international markets early this year. Aurora intends to make its smoke-free softgel product available to all of its domestic and international target markets over time where legally possible. “Softgels are a high-volume, high-margin product for both the medical and adult-use markets that are in strong demand, and Aurora is one of few companies making these products available to patients and consumers alike,” said Aurora CEO Terry Booth.

Apart from cannabis-infused beverages, GW Pharmaceutical’s (NASDAQ: GWPH) product EPIDIOLEX is the first FDA-approved CBD oral medicine available by prescription in the United States for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients two years of age or older. Its Sativex brand was the first-ever natural cannabis plant derivative to achieve market approval.

For more information on Youngevity, visit Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

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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