420 with CNW – Cannabis Sales in Oregon Soaring Amidst the Pandemic

In July, Oregon achieved the highest cannabis sales ever, showing just how well the marijuana industry is thriving, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The State of Oregon recorded approximately $106 million in recreational and medical marijuana sales. According to a report by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission that was released recently, this is the third month in a row that the state has made cannabis sales of over $100 million.

OLCC broke down the marijuana sales statistics based on the different types of cannabis products that had been sold and discovered that marijuana bud purchases had significantly grown during the coronavirus outbreak. In the month of February, bud sales accounted for roughly $40 million while in July, that rose to about $65 million.

The report states that recreational consumers as well as medical cannabis patients have been consuming more cannabis since February this year, although the data also shows that the adult-use market has been especially active as well.

Beau Kilmer, the director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center hypothesized that the reason for the sharp increase came about as a result of individuals stocking up during the COVID-19 crisis.

Additionally, the Portland City Council has sanctioned an amendment to a budget that was proposed in June that would deprive cannabis-generated monies from the Portland Police Bureau.

It seems Oregon isn’t the only state that is experiencing record-breaking cannabis sales during this pandemic period. In Illinois, state officials have reported a significant rise in purchases month-over-month. For the month of July, adult-use marijuana sales were about $61 million which surpassed June’s record sales of $47 million.

In a recent interview, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s leading cannabis advisor referred to the cannabis industry as both pandemic and recession proof.

Amid the pandemic, many legislators have argued that the legalization of cannabis could be a possible solution to neutralize the losses experienced in various parts of the country on account of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Just last week, the governor of Pennsylvania, Thomas Wolf (D) urged lawmakers to legalize marijuana to help the state’s economy recover financially from the pandemic’s impact while Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), the Governor of New Mexico, stated in May that the state would look into every alternative that would offer economic relief, including legalizing marijuana.

Over in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy stated in July that legalizing marijuana could assist in economic recovery of the state while advocating for racial justice as well. Analysts say these economic benefits are the same ones that sector players like Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) have always mentioned as huge benefits of a regulated cannabis market.

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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 – Virginia Senate Passes Bill Ending Marijuana Odor Police Stops

As millions of Americans from every corner of the country flood the streets to protest against the over-policing of black and brown communities, the Virginia Senate has approved a bill that would greatly advance that cause. Introduced by Sen. Louise Lucas, Senate Bill 5029 would prohibit police search and seizures based solely on the odor of marijuana. The legislation, which passed with a 21-15 vote, has been lauded by activists who say it is a small step towards ending the aggressive over policing certain communities have had to endure for decades.

“This is a small but important step to decriminalizing black and brown bodies of being targeted by this longtime policing tool, which was really created by politicizing the war on drugs,” says Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of Marijuana Justice, a nonprofit that is pushing for the statewide legalization of marijuana. Even after the state decriminalized marijuana back in July, she says, police stops initiated on the smell of marijuana have continued to adversely affect minority groups.

According to 2018 data from the ACLU, black people are more than three times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession in Virginia compared to white people. “The odor of marijuana is something that our undocumented community is anxious about because it’s life or death and separation from their families,” Higgs Wise says. She adds that although there is still a long way to go before demands for full marijuana legalization are met, right now she wants legislators to focus on ending the enforcement of remaining marijuana-related penalties.

Possession of up to an ounce of marijuana in Virginia will result in a $25 civil penalty. Before the state decriminalized marijuana, possession for having up to half an ounce would have resulted in a $500 criminal fine and 30 days in jail. She says that true reform would require the clearing of records, releasing people jailed for marijuana offenses and eliminating the $25 fine. “ALL of that has to stop to meet the full demand of legalization and fully, truly decriminalizing marijuana and black and brown bodies in the eyes of the police.”

However, not everyone agrees with Higgs Wise. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police has stated its opposition to the bill, with Executive Director Dana Schrad saying that “enacting this type of legislation allows and promotes smoking of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle, which is a fundamental disregard for maintaining a safe driving environment for motorists.”

Though the process of rolling back decades of marijuana prohibition is slow, analysts believe that sector players like The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (CSE: WTER) (NASDAQ: WTER) celebrate every success scored in chipping away at the legacy of the war on drugs.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) Announces Closing of First Tranche of Private Placement

Pac Roots (CSE: PACR), a Canadian cannabis company dedicated to producing premium-quality strains and products by leveraging a genetics-focused approach, today confirmed the closing of the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement. According to the update, aggregate gross proceeds of C$470,750.00 were raised in the first tranche through the issuance of 1,883,000 units. Each unit consists of one share and one warrant, exercisable at C$0.40 per share for 24 months from issuance. Pac Roots intends to close additional tranches of the private placement over the coming weeks that will, in aggregate with the first tranche, raise gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000.00. The company intends to use net proceeds for operating expenditures of the Hemp JV in Rock Creek, BC, final commissioning of the Lake Country project and for general working capital.

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/GAjAi

About Pac Roots Cannabis Corp.

Pac Roots is focused on delivering the finest genetics to Canadians. Preserving the excellence of its elite strains while introducing the highest quality of new strains to the public is the company’s passion. Genetic variation and stability form the foundation that drives the decision making for Pac Roots Cannabis Corp.’s business. For more information about the company, visit www.PacRoots.ca.

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

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CanadianCannabisWire (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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CannabisNewsBreaks – Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) Announces Launch of New Brand – PLUS SLEEP

Plus Products (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF), a cannabis- and hemp-branded products company in the U.S., today announced the launch of its new PLUS SLEEP brand into the California adult-use market. According to the update, the product line contains four key ingredients to promote good sleep: THC, CBN, CBD, and melatonin. “Each cannabinoid was selected for how it promotes better sleep, but together they have the potential to be greater than the sum of their parts. This is often referred to as the entourage effect*,” said Dr. Ari Mackler, chief scientific officer of Plus Products, in the press release. “We also included a physiologic dose of melatonin to support our bodies’ circadian rhythm, so these gummies actually work in concert with our natural systems.”

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/rGLo6

About PLUS

PLUS is a hemp and cannabis food company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives. PLUS’s mission is to make cannabis safe and approachable – that begins with high-quality products that deliver consistent consumer experiences. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. For more information about the company, visit www.PlusProducts.com.

*Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364.

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420 with CNW – Top USC Researchers: THC In Cannabis May Be Used to Treat Fatal Coronavirus Complication

According to three recently released studies, top researchers at the University of South Carolina reckon that THC, a chemical found in cannabis and causes an individual to get ‘high’, may be used to treat a fatal complication resulting from a coronavirus infection.

Co-published by Prakash Nagarkatti, USC Vice President for Research, the studies discovered that THC, a potent and mind-altering chemical, is capable of preventing a damaging immune response that leads to ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) that gives to the growth of healthy lung bacteria. The tests were done on mice.

The studies were published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Frontiers in Pharmacology as well as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The briefs’ stated that the mice were given a toxin which prompted the negative immune reaction that caused ARDS, then injected with THC.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome works by overriding the immune system of the body and starts damaging the body’s lungs as well as other organs. According to a study carried out by the National Institutes of Health this year, the average mortality rate of ARDS is 43%. Among survivors who were not fatally affected, it may result in long-term scarring of lung tissue.

Nagarkatti stated that in the three distinct studies and the dozens of experiments that were carried out, 100% of the rodents that were given THC pulled through. Nagarkatti noted that he was impressed with the efficacy of how potent THC was in helping treat ARDS, despite the fact that it had only been done in mice.

He also added that as of now, there was no drug approved by the FDA that could be used to treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. He recommended that given the effectiveness of the experiments, health officials should begin human trials using THC.

Nevertheless, this does not make it a good idea for individuals to smoke cannabis if they believe they have coronavirus. This is because THC represses the immune system’s response which may make the coronavirus infection more severe.

Nagarkatti added that it was important to note that their research should not be interpreted as “Cannabis is good for coronavirus.” His research also shows that THC could be used (if approved for human trials) for a patient who has developed severe ARDS but not for all coronavirus patients.

These studies were produced by both Mitzki Nagarkatti and Prakash Nagarkatti, USC’s top researchers. The Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology department is chaired by Mitzki.

This news that THC could help patients with COVID-19 is likely to be applauded by cannabis companies like Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) who believe the full benefits of marijuana are yet to be discovered.

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420 with CNW – Florida Approves Medical Marijuana Edibles

Four years after Florida voters approved the legalization of medical marijuana, edible marijuana products can finally be sold in the state. On Wednesday night, the Florida Department of Health, which oversees the state Office of Medical Marijuana, quietly published emergency rules for edible medical marijuana products. This opens the road for the legal sale of edibles down the line, albeit with some restrictions.

The rules are what you would expect from a medical marijuana state. The edibles must be a geometrical shape and can be sold as lozenges, chocolate, drink powder, gelatins, or baked goods. However, the emergency rules state that medical marijuana edibles cannot contain any color additives whether natural or artificial, cannot bear a ‘reasonable resemblance to commercially available candy’, cannot be decorated with icing, sprinkles or other toppings of any kind, and can’t be a primary or bright color.

Additionally, the rules state that edibles cannot bear any markings, symbols, images, words, or graphics other than the universal symbols used to mark edibles. Most of these conditions are meant to avoid accidental ingestion of the edibles by children. According to the emergency rules, “edibles shall be produced in a manner to minimize color intensity and other color and visual characteristics attractive to children.”

This is in line with the 2017 law that gave the state Department of Health authority to “determine by rule any shapes, forms and ingredients allowed and prohibited for edibles” to prevent children from consuming them. The law further stated that the products may not be “manufactured in the shape of humans, cartoons, or animals, in a form that bears any resemblance to products available for consumption as commercially available candy or contain any color additive.”

Despite all these limitations, CBD sellers are happy and raring to go. According to Liz Conway, Florida’s president for Atlanta-based company Parallel, “this is very significant, both for our customers and our business.” The Atlanta-based company is looking to sell edibles in the state at their Surterra Wellness dispensaries. “Florida’s medical cannabis patients have been waiting for the arrival of edibles, not only for dosing convenience, but for the extended relief that comes with ingesting medical cannabis.”

Companies that are interested in selling edibles in the state will have to be approved by the Florida Department of Health as well as receive an inspection of their food manufacturing facilities and receive a food safety certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is unclear how soon edibles will hit the shelves.

The expansion of the products that patients using medical marijuana can access in the state is likely to please industry players like Pure Extracts Corp. even if they aren’t directly active in Florida.

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CBDNewsBreaks – NxGen Brands Inc. (NXGB) Expands CBD-Based Offerings to Include Health, Wellness and Active-Lifestyle Products

NxGen Brands (OTC: NXGB) today announced its addition of various new CBD-based products to manage various sports and lifestyle pain and injuries. The new offerings, each certified THC-free and made with 100% natural, organic hemp, will be available under the LeafyWell brand and added to the existing CBD-based product line. “We have tested these products internally and feel that these products should be made available to the public. With this stated, we have developed a product line, which we anticipate will be available in stores through distribution chains and online within the next 45-90 days, before the holidays,” said Angel Burgos, president and CEO of NxGen Brands Inc., in the press release “This will introduce high-quality CBD to markets alternate to the traditional stores in sizes that start in one ounce. Now that CBD is legal for the public, we are looking to secure a space in the retail marketplace. When you feel good, you are more likely to keep a healthy lifestyle and stay active.”

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/jPAVI

About NxGen Brands Inc.

NxGen Brands owns 100% of its subsidiary, NxGen Brands LLC, which is doing business as LeafyWell. The company’s websites can be viewed at www.LeafyWell.com and www.NxGenBrands.com. Its pursuit is to leverage equity, acquire, merge and or joint venture with early-stage companies in emerging industries to stimulate growth, cash flow and increase broader distribution channels. The company’s newly added proprietary and licensed, formulated products, including commercial, industrial and residential cleaning supplies, disinfectants and sanitizers, can be seen at www.NxGenBrands.com or www.LeafyWell.com. For more information or to make bulk purchases, please contact Sales@NxGenBrands.com. For more information on NXGB, please visit the corporate website at www.NxGenBrands.com.

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CBDWire (CBDW) is a specialized information provider focused on (1) reporting CBD-related news and updates, (2) releasing CBDNewsBreaks crafted to keep investors abreast of the latest and greatest in the CBD market, (3) refining and enhancing corporate press releases, (4) delivering end-to-end distribution and social media services to client-partners and (5) constructing effective corporate communication solutions based on the unique requirements of CBD companies. CBDW is exclusively positioned in the burgeoning CBD sector with a proven team of journalists and researchers working to deliver high quality content to an expansive target audience of investors, consumers and industry news outlets. Our dissemination network of over 5,000 downstream distribution points allows us to deliver unparalleled reach, visibility and recognition to companies operating in both cannabidiol and the wider cannabis space. CBDWire (CBDW) is where CBD news, content and information converge.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF) Announces Filing of Prospectus Supplement

Supreme Cannabis Company (TSX: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF), today announced that, further to the previously disclosed amendments to the terms of its outstanding 6.0% senior unsecured subordinated convertible debentures issued in October 2018, it has filed a prospectus supplement that qualifies the issuance of up to 58,300,000 common shares of the company to holders of debentures (“debentureholders”) residing in eligible jurisdictions. According to the update, in consideration of the reduction of the principal amount of the debentures by $63.5 million, among other considerations, the company will issue an aggregate of 116.6 million common shares (“consideration shares”) to debentureholders. Debentureholders residing in eligible jurisdictions will receive half of the consideration shares as freely-trading shares, with the other half subject to a four-month restricted period. Debentureholders residing in other jurisdictions will be entitled to receive consideration shares subject to restricted periods and applicable securities laws.

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/R8nn5

About Supreme Cannabis Company Inc.

The Supreme Cannabis Company is a global diversified portfolio of distinct cannabis companies, products and brands. Since 2014, the company has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing, premium plant-driven lifestyle companies. Supreme Cannabis’ portfolio of brands caters to diverse consumer experiences, with brands and products that address recreational, wellness, medicinal and new consumer preferences. The company’s brand portfolio includes 7ACRES, Blissco, Truverra, Sugarleaf and Hiway. Supreme Cannabis’ brands are backed by a focused suite of world-class operating assets that serve key functions in the value chain, including scaled cultivation, value-add processing, centralized manufacturing and product testing and R&D. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Supreme.ca.

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

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Halo Labs Inc. (NEO: HALO) (OTCQX: AGEEF) (Germany: A9KN) Announces Strong Sales Trend, California and Oregon Operations Growth

Halo Labs Inc. (NEO: HALO) (OTCQX: AGEEF) (Germany: A9KN) today announced that retail sales of the company’s Hush(TM) branded products continue to grow in the states of California and Oregon. According to the update, aggregate unaudited total revenues were approximately $2.18 million in July. In addition, unaudited revenues from sales to dispensaries were $1.94 million, reflecting the largest monthly sales in the company’s history. “Our California and Oregon operations are growing and the sales trend is strong, as we expand the assortment and bolster distribution channels—even as the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the economy from mid-March 2020,” said Kiran Sidhu, CEO and co-founder of Halo, in the press release. “With harvest only eight weeks away, we are poised to grow even more rapidly as we debut and distribute fresh material and new product lines.”

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/kyP8f

About Halo

Halo is a leading, vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, extracts, manufactures and distributes quality cannabis flower, oils and concentrates, and has sold approximately 1.2 million grams of flower and pre-rolls in 2020, as well six million grams of oils and concentrates since inception. Halo continues to scale efficiently, partnering with trustworthy leaders in the industry who value operational expertise in bringing top-tier products to market. Current growth includes expansion in key markets in the United States and Africa, with planned geographic expansion into U.K. and Canadian markets. With a consumer-centric focus, Halo markets value-driven, branded and private-label products across multiple product categories.

Recently, the company acquired a dispensary permit in Los Angeles, and a 30,000-square-foot cannabis processing and wholesale facility in Ukiah, California. The company plans to acquire three KushBar(TM) branded dispensaries, five development permits in Alberta Canada, and Canmart Limited, a company that holds wholesale distribution and special licenses, allowing the import and distribution of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (“CBPMs”) in the United Kingdom.

Halo is led by a strong, diverse and innovative management team, with deep industry knowledge and blue-chip experience. The company is currently operating in the United States in California, Oregon and Nevada. Internationally, the company is currently cultivating cannabis at Bophelo Bioscience & Wellness (Pty) Ltd, in Lesotho under a 200-hectare license, and is planning importation and distribution of CBPMs into the United Kingdom via Canmart.

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

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420 with CNW – House Leadership Confirms Upcoming Vote on Marijuana Legalization

Congressional leadership announced formally on Friday that the House would vote on a cannabis legalization bill in September.

James Enos Clyburn, the Majority Whip (D-SC) confirmed in a mass email to members that the chamber is expected to debate the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement) in the September period. This is despite the floor vote having not yet been scheduled.

The bill was first introduced by Jerrold Nadler, Judiciary Committee Chairman (D-NY) last year after which it cleared the committee and was pushed forward to other committees. However, it is not yet known if the committees in question will relinquish jurisdiction or markup the proposed bill for it to get a majority vote.

The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement Act would suspend marijuana’s illegality, annul records of individuals who had been convicted for cannabis and levy a 5% governmental tax on its sales. The revenue collected would be used to revive communities that have been the most affected by the ongoing drug war.

The Act would in addition make way for the resentencing of those who had been imprisoned for cannabis crimes, and prohibit government agencies from refusing security clearances or public benefits to individuals because of using cannabis.

Additionally, the act would offer protection for immigrants who may be denied citizenship over marijuana.

In the email, the Majority Whip requests the lawmakers to brief him by Monday if they plan on supporting the bill on the floor.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who is a chief advocate for marijuana reform in Congress, recently stated in an interview that the marijuana legalization bill was a chance to stop the prohibition policy that had reigned for a lengthy period of time, over which selective enforcement was practiced against many BIPOC’s, mostly black men.

He also added that there was a significant urgency to this bill, given the protests of racial injustice throughout the country. He explained that Congress seizing the opportunity to align marijuana laws with the wants of the majority of the Americans would be historic, thus assuring that restorative justice was implemented.

Earlier this month, House leadership received a letter from major civil rights and drug policy organizations such as the NAACP, American Civil Liberties Union, Drug Policy Alliance (“DPA”) and the Human Rights Watch. The letter demanded a floor vote before the end of September on the MORE Act.

Policy manager for DPA, Queen Adesuyi also added that the advancement of this bill met this political moment’s principles, adding that the House Democrats now had the opportunity to pass a bill that enjoyed bipartisan support while also responding to calls for racial justice and justice reform resounding in the country.

Marijuana industry actors like Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) are likely to follow the House proceedings keenly since history may be in the making with regard to marijuana policy.

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