CannabisNewsBreaks – Alternative Products Expo, the Counterculture Festival and Vape Trade Show, Returns to Atlanta this October

Alternative Products Expo (“Alt Pro Expo”), the flagship event series in the global counterculture industry, returns to Georgia at the Atlanta Alt Pro Expo 2024 (“expo”). The upcoming counterculture festival and vape trade show is scheduled for October 10-12, 2024, at the Cobb Galleria Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The expo will showcase an incredible portfolio of must-have products, including vape and hemp products, Delta8, CBD, disposables, kratom, mushrooms, functional beverages, dietary supplements, nootropics, nicotine replacement, energy enhancers, mood changers, herbals, pet products, and other accessories. Given its vast array of vendors, the expo will allow attendees to gain a wealth of invaluable insights, increase market exposure, and build exciting connections.

“Following the success of this year’s Houston event, we are thrilled to be returning to the city of Atlanta, which holds tremendous promise for the counterculture industry. Alternative Products Expo has honed a reputation as the premier platform in this space, and offers unmatchable value in terms of professional networks, educational content, business support to scale your venture, and fine-tuning innovation and distribution strategies. Moreover, we find that the enthusiasm and passion of attendees at our events is palpable and certainly a must-attend for business owners, vendors, growers or anyone else seeking to expand their footprint and knowledge in the region,” said Sebastian Carmona, Director of Partnerships at ZJ Events.

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/qXEwd

About Alternative Product Expo

Alternative Products Expo, formerly USA CBD Expo, is a production of ZJ Events. Its founders were once exhibitors who, after attending countless trade show events, saw an opportunity to build upon their experience and create an event that combined the best they had seen, with their own notion of what was missing in these business gatherings. By bringing the alternative community together, Alt Pro Expo seeks to provide industry professionals from all corners of the market with an immersive and unique opportunity for networking and business expansion. For more information, please visit https://altproexpo.com/

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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Demonstrates Continued DehydraTECH(TM)-Liraglutide Performance with Ongoing GLP-1 Diabetes Animal Study

Lexaria, a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, is reporting on its eight-week body weight results from its WEIGHT-A24-1 ongoing animal study
The study was made up of three main groups of formulations: DehydraTECH-processed CBD; semaglutide (including “Rybelsus(R)”) and liraglutide
The DehydraTECH-CBD and DehydraTECH-liraglutide both outperformed Rybelsus(R), which was a surprise outcome. DehydraTECH-liraglutide posted a weight reduction of 4.74%, the most significant in the study
For Lexaria, this continued outperformance of DehydraTECH-liraglutide is of particular interest, particularly since many third-party studies have shown semaglutide to be more than twice as effective as liraglutide in promoting weight loss
As the study progresses, Lexaria’s management is optimistic that it will realize positive and ground-breaking results that will demonstrate the superiority and potential of its technology

Lexaria (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, is reporting on its eight-week body weight results from its WEIGHT-A24-1 ongoing animal study. This study explores Lexaria’s patented technology, DehydraTECH(TM), and its potential in addressing diabetes and weight loss. More importantly, it looks to establish whether DehdyraTECH processing results in higher brain absorption than non-DehydraTECH arms, with a focus on glucagon-like peptide 1 (“GLP-1”) drugs, liraglutide and semaglutide (https://cnw.fm/iAhxm).

This part of the study was comprised of eight different formulation arms. Arms A through D used different DehydraTECH-CBD compositions, with arms E and F using DehydratTECH-processed Rybelsus, and arms G and H using pure GLP-1 drugs (semaglutide and liraglutide, respectively) processed with DehydraTECH. At the eight-week mark, the liraglutide arm H posted a weight reduction of 4.74%, the most significant weight reduction from the entire study. Equally interesting, two of the DehydraTECH-CBD compositions also led to weight reductions and also outperformed both Rybelsus(R) and pure semaglutide (https://cnw.fm/iAhxm).

For Lexaria, this continued outperformance of DehydraTECH-liraglutide and DehydraTECH-CBD is of particular interest. Lexaria fully owns DehydraTECH-CBD, while liraglutide has become available in generic version. This presents a massive opportunity for Lexaria and its goal of offering a potential treatment option for diabetes and weight loss.

The global diabetes drugs market in 2023 was valued at $79.925 billion. By 2032, it is projected to hit $153.98 billion in value, representing a CAGR of 7% over the forecast period (2024-2032) (https://cnw.fm/fo3Ut). Lexaria looks to carve out a decent market share from this growth with its DehydraTECH technology, primarily by offering a viable oral treatment alternative to what is currently in the market. Its DehydraTECH technology has proven itself many times to improve drug delivery, and it has also done so in its ongoing studies. The company looks to build on this, ultimately offering an oral alternative to diabetes treatment.

As the study progresses, Lexaria’s management is optimistic that it will realize positive and ground-breaking results that will demonstrate the superiority and potential of its technology. They are also confident that results from the study will inch the company closer to carving out a market share in the diabetes and obesity treatment market, even as it continues to create value for its shareholders.

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

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

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420 with CNW — Study Finds Drop in Marijuana Use by Teens, Rise Among Adults

A recent study revealed that marijuana use has been on the rise in the United States, though surprisingly not among young teens. The study, which analyzed the cannabis consumption habits of more than 500,000 people between 2013 and 2022, was published in the latest edition of Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports. It highlighted that marijuana use saw significant growth among individuals living in households with an annual income exceeding $75,000 and those holding college degrees.

Along with examining usage patterns over the previous 30 days, the study also looked at trends related to household income, age, gender, race, ethnicity and educational background. One unexpected outcome of the research was that cannabis use among teenagers did not increase.

The study grouped all teens aged 12 to 17 years of age together, which may have contributed to the stable numbers. The authors noted that some differences might exist if data on younger and older teens were examined separately. Notably, recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a decrease in marijuana use among high school students, dropping from 23% in 2013 to 17% last year.

State-level cannabis legalization could likely be a factor in reducing teen marijuana use. Dispensaries are strictly prohibited from selling to individuals under the age of 21 and typically require ID scanning to verify age, which may reduce illegal purchases compared to liquor stores. Other factors could also be influencing teen behavior, such as the pandemic. According to the authors, there was a notable decline in cannabis use during the pandemic, possibly due to less peer interaction and more parental supervision.

Although marijuana use among teens has stayed steady or declined, the research showed a marked increase in usage among people at higher socioeconomic levels. Cannabis consumption increased by more than threefold among individuals with college degrees and those from higher-income households.

In 2013, only 4% of college-educated people reported using cannabis, but that number grew to nearly 13% by 2022. Similarly, among households earning more than $75,000 annually, marijuana use rose from 6% in 2013 to 13% in 2022.

This shift may be related to changing attitudes toward marijuana due to legalization. Cannabis has become more normalized, especially with endorsements from public figures, including celebrities and athletes. The increasing number of dispensaries in affluent neighborhoods and near universities may also be contributing to this trend.

The authors also suggested that improved access to medical marijuana could explain part of the rise in use among wealthier individuals.

Another notable finding from the study was that marijuana use was most prevalent among non-Hispanic multiracial individuals compared to other racial and ethnic groups, with more than 25% of this group reporting marijuana use in 2022.

This recorded drop in the number of teens using marijuana provides credence to what proponents of legalization indicated that creating a regulated market in which entities such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) are allowed to operate would curb the use of this substance by underaged individuals.

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420 with CNW — New Research Shows Cannabis Users Fared Better During COVID-19

According to a recent study, individuals who use cannabis are less likely to die, require a ventilator or suffer from extreme COVID-19 infections. Researchers from New York’s Northwell Health conducted the study, which was just released in the peer-reviewed “Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research” journal.

The study analyzed the National Inpatient Sample Database’s data, focusing on patients admitted with a COVID-19 diagnosis. The patients were divided into two groups: those who used marijuana and those who did not. To ensure fairness, researchers adjusted for various factors, such as race, age, gender and existing health conditions.

Cannabis users had a lower risk of passing away or developing major conditions, including respiratory failure or the need for intubation, according to the study.

According to the data, 28.2% of marijuana users experienced extreme COVID-19 infections, compared to 46.6% of those who did not use marijuana. The death rate among marijuana users was 2.8%, while it was higher at 5.1% for nonusers. Similarly, intubation rates were lower for marijuana users at 7.1%, compared to 9.7% for nonusers. Marijuana users also spent slightly less time in the hospital, with an average stay of 6.4 days versus 7.0 days for those who didn’t use cannabis.

However, Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a medical cannabis expert and author of “The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook,” pointed out some limitations in the study. These include difficulties in properly matching the patients and a lack of specific data, such as the types of products used and the levels of inflammation in patients.

Despite these limitations, Caplan stated that the results were encouraging. He suggested that cannabis could help avoid severe COVID-19 effects by reducing inflammation and immunological reactions.

Further supporting these findings, a 2022 study indicated that certain marijuana compounds might prevent SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, from infecting human cells in a lab setting. Researchers discovered that two cannabinoid acids found in hemp, cannabidiolicacid (CBDA) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), could bind to the spike protein of the virus. By doing so, these compounds might block the virus from entering cells and causing an infection, opening up potential new treatment and prevention options.

Similarly, a recent Canadian study discovered that by keeping the virus out of cells, lowering oxidative stress and stopping the cytokine storm, cannabinoids may help lessen the severity of COVID-19 infections.

However, not all studies paint a positive picture of marijuana use in relation to COVID-19. Research from the University of Washington, published earlier this year, found that cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19. Additionally, there is no concrete evidence that smoking cannabis can cure or prevent COVID-19.

As more studies are conducted on the potential therapeutic effects of marijuana on the way people fared during the recent pandemic, there is a possibility that the science could show that the cannabis industry and its many actors, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), might have in one way or the other supported some people in their struggle against the infection.

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New York Cannabis Insider Conference: The State’s Premier Cannabis Event

Cannabis traders, entrepreneurs, growers, stakeholders, service providers, regulators, industry leaders, and investors, are invited to attend the state’s premier cannabis event at The Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York on Sept. 25. The NY Cannabis Insider Conference provides a major learning and networking platform to the New York cannabis industry.

As the legal weed industry grows, the conference is designed to address the evolving issues of the industry. The live events at the conference allow participants to learn the licensing and regulatory policies, the latest technology resources and products, and a number of operational tips from stalwarts attending the event.

The event format consists of keynote speaker sessions, panel interviews and training sessions for startups and veteran business owners. The NY Insider team has arranged for consultations for attendees looking to establish or expand their business.

Eminent industry leaders will preside over the speaker sessions giving impactful insights on topics ranging from current retail/AUCC/AUCP/legacy operators as well as advanced topics that will pave the way for future operations. Attendees can connect with peers and industry leaders at the networking events, lunch, a happy hour, and more.

This conference represents a phenomenal platform for industries or businesses awaiting a license as they can learn about relevant topics of accounting, business planning, insurance, real estate, retail concepts and medical marijuana, from the experts hosting the speakers and discussion panels, training sessions, and so on.

The conference will also feature a vendor fair, where businesses can exhibit their products and services to gain exposure among customers and industry businesses. The conference team has arranged onsite vendors who will offer onsite consultations and solve queries on legal, accounting, and other business matters of the cannabis spectrum. They will also assist cannabis entrepreneurs in setting up their business teams specific to their business requirements.

To learn more, please visit https://cnw.fm/maASU

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420 with CNW — Nebraskans to Vote on Medical Marijuana Legalization This November

Nebraska voters will have the opportunity to decide on the legalization of medical marijuana in the state during the upcoming November election, according to an announcement made last week by state officials. Bob Evnen, the secretary of state, confirmed that two separate measures regarding medical cannabis will be included on the ballot.

Officials from the pro-medical cannabis advocacy group, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, revealed earlier this year that they had gathered almost 114,000 signatures from voters in favor of legalization. This figure greatly surpasses the necessary 86,000 signatures to include the measures on the ballot. Evnen noted that, thus far, his office has confirmed about 89,000 signatures for each of the proposed ballot initiatives.

Additionally, both initiatives have met the state’s requirement of gathering signatures from a minimum of 5% of registered Nebraskan voters in at least 38 counties.

The initiatives campaign manager, Crista Eggers, expressed her enthusiasm about the progress made, noting that voters will now have the chance to express their perspectives on this issue after years of assiduously focused efforts.

One of the proposed measures focuses on legalizing medical cannabis while the other is designed to establish a regulatory system for the sale and production of medical marijuana. This comes after an earlier attempt to put a medical cannabis legalization proposal on the ballot was denied by the state’s Supreme Court in 2020 on the grounds that the initiative broke a state law that forbade ballot measures that addressed several legislative subjects.

Evnen noted that he has not yet legally qualified the measures for the ballot, as some counties were still in the process of verifying signatures. If the verified signatures reach 110% of the requisite number, the verification process will be concluded, and the secretary of state will certify the measures for inclusion on the ballot.

Following the announcement, supporters of cannabis policy reform celebrated the opportunity for voters to weigh in on the legalization of medical cannabis. According to a poll conducted earlier this year by the Nebraska Examiner, 70% of voters support the legalization of medical cannabis.

Nebraska’s inclusion of these ballot measures aligns it with three other states — South Dakota, Florida and North Dakota — where voters will also decide on cannabis policy reform initiatives this year. In contrast to Nebraska’s focus on medical cannabis, voters in these three states, which have already legalized medical cannabis, will be considering measures to legalize recreational marijuana. To date, 24 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, while 38 have legalized it for medical purposes.

The entire marijuana industry, including enterprises such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be watching how voters in those states with marijuana reforms on the ballot cast their votes since it could expand the reach of the reform movement around the country.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Golden Triangle Ventures Inc. (GTVH) Announces Partnership to Boost Operational Capacity, Sustain Revenue Growth in Logistics Division

Golden Triangle Ventures (OTC: GTVH), a multifaceted consulting company, today announced a strategic partnership between LE Logistics, LLC, its wholly owned subsidiary, and West End Trucking, Inc. The partnership is expected to significantly boost the company’s asset base and operational capacity and set the stage for continued revenue growth and long-term success. Under the partnership, LE Logistics will manage and operate a fleet of 13 trucks and trailers under its own and West End’s licenses. Specifically, LE Logistics will handle all day-to-day logistics operations and create a robust system for fleet management, while West End will ensure compliance with all legal and safety standards. LE Logistics will receive 100% of the income generated by the trucks and trailers, with West End handling factoring services through their established provider.

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/tgEbg

About Golden Triangle Ventures Inc.

Golden Triangle Ventures is a multifaceted consulting company, which operates as the parent business pursuing ventures in the health, entertainment and technology sectors along with others that provide synergistic value to these three core divisions. The company aims to purchase, acquire and/or joint venture with established entities within these areas of business. The goods and services represented are driven by innovators who have passion and commitment in these marketplaces. The company plans to utilize relationships and create a platform for new and existing businesses to strengthen their products and/or services. The three points of the Golden Triangle exclusively represent the three sectors in which the company aims to do business. Golden Triangle Ventures is highly focused on acquiring a well-diversified portfolio of companies under one umbrella, which are all managed and owned by the company. An amazing team of professionals supports each division and continues to help Golden Triangle Ventures grow daily. For more information about the company, please visit www.GoldenTriangleInc.com.

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

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420 with CNW — Cannabis Reclassification Unlikely to Happen Until After Elections

A ruling on whether to change cannabis classification to a less dangerous substance in the United States is not expected until after the November election, making it a significant topic in the closely contested presidential race.

Last week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration scheduled a hearing on the proposed changes for Dec. 2, 2024. Given this date, a final decision might not be made until the next presidential administration. Although there’s a chance it could happen before the end of President Biden’s term, marijuana attorney Brian Vicente notes that issuing a decision before Inauguration Day would be a rushed action.

The matter may draw fresh focus to the positions taken by presidential contenders regarding marijuana.

Vice President Kamala Harris has shown support for cannabis decriminalization and expressed disapproval of the drug’s current Schedule 1 listing, where it is classified along with LSD and heroin. Harris’s stance has changed over time, though. She took part in enforcing marijuana laws while serving as California’s attorney general in 2010 and opposed the state’s recreational cannabis legalization.

On the other hand, Donald Trump, the GOP nominee, recently expressed support for a marijuana legalization initiative in Florida, reflecting his growing belief that individuals should not be jailed for cannabis use because it is legal in a majority of states. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump supported medical cannabis and suggested that states should decide the legality of cannabis. However, during his term, Jeff Sessions, the then-attorney general, reversed an Obama-era directive that limited federal crackdowns on the cannabis industry in states where it was legal.

Marijuana rescheduling would mark the biggest change to drug policy in the United States in 50 years and might have a significant impact on younger voters. Nonetheless, organizations such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana are against the proposal. Kevin Sabet, president of the organization, contends that insufficient evidence exists to support placing cannabis in the less hazardous schedule 3 category, where it would be placed with drugs such as ketamine.

Sabet stated that the DEA’s decision to hold a hearing was a success in making sure that medical science, not politics, would be the deciding factor. He added that his resistance to the proposal is backed by attorneys general from 18 states.

Rescheduling could enable state-licensed cannabis enterprises to claim federal tax deductions that are presently unavailable to anyone engaged in the trade of schedule I or II substances. Some advocates also hope that rescheduling could push Congress to enact laws that would make it easier for banks to provide services to marijuana businesses. Currently, because of its legal classification, most banks are hesitant to offer financial services to cannabis businesses.

Moreover, rescheduling could also simplify cannabis research, as conducting authorized studies on schedule 1 substances is currently challenging. However, some advocates worry that the debate has become too politicized, with the focus on how rescheduling might impact the industry overshadowing the potential benefits.

All that entities such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) can do is to wait for the next steps of the rescheduling process to play out so that once the final rule is published, they can determine how the change could impact their business projections.

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420 with CNW — Cannabis Stocks Retreat as Rescheduling Hearing Slated for December

The U.S. marijuana industry, valued at $32.1 billion, entered Labor Day weekend for the second consecutive year with significant developments regarding the Biden administration’s attempts to change marijuana’s classification. Despite this milestone, the reaction has been one of disappointment rather than celebration, following the recent announcement that a crucial hearing about cannabis rescheduling won’t take place until December. This delay led to frustration and a slight dip in cannabis stock values.

Last year, the industry had a more optimistic outlook during this period as federal health regulators had recommended recognizing cannabis as medicine, a major step forward in marijuana reform. However, this year brings a less favorable situation as Anne Milgram, chief of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), issued a notice in the Federal Register announcing a Dec. 2, 2024, hearing, signaling that the rescheduling of marijuana is unlikely to occur before 2025. Consequently, cannabis businesses will need to wait a while longer for potential tax relief at the federal level.

Representative Earl Blumenauer, cochair of the Congressional Marijuana Caucus, expressed his dissatisfaction, accusing the DEA of holding up progress on a matter that the White House considers important. On the other hand, some observers, such as Shawn Hauser of the legal firm Vicente, say they expected these kinds of delays and pointed out that a hearing was always a real possibility.

Blumenauer’s disappointment mirrors the sentiments of many in the marijuana industry, including prominent entities such as Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler, who voiced his frustration on social media. The market responded accordingly, with Green Thumb’s stock dropping by more than 8.5%, while other major cannabis companies, including Curaleaf Holdings, Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) and Verano Holdings, experienced similar declines.

The cannabis community’s disappointment spilled onto social media, with industry leaders and advocates expressing their discontent with President Biden, Milgram and even among themselves. Speculation also arose that a potential Republican presidential win, particularly by Donald Trump, could undo the rescheduling process. However, these are only rumors with no factual backing.

Industry insiders, including lobbyists, lawyers and some marijuana executives argue that the December hearing should not be surprising, emphasizing that the rescheduling process initiated by Biden’s executive order in October 2022 remains on track.

The final rule publication will follow the administrative law judge’s hearing, although no specific timeline is mandated by the Administrative Procedure Act. Barring any extended legal challenges, a final decision could still be made before Biden’s term ends on Jan. 25, 2025.

The specifics of who will participate in the December hearing remain unclear. As the industry prepares its case, experts anticipate a showdown with familiar opponents such as Smart Approaches to Cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Trump Notes Support for Cannabis Ballot Measure in Florida, Wants Public Smoking Banned

Donald Trump recently stated that he was confident Florida voters would pass the cannabis legalization initiative during the November ballot. He emphasized that since marijuana is already legal in many other states, it is unfair for someone to be prosecuted as a criminal in Florida.

In addition, Trump attacked the status quo regulations, saying they endanger public health, destroy lives and expose individuals to fentanyl-contaminated marijuana. If voters approve the measure, he encouraged lawmakers to take action by passing legislation outlawing marijuana use in public places.

Former Florida GOP chair, Senator Joe Gruters, praised Trump’s support for legalization. He said, “I am extremely proud to have President Trump join us in our effort to end the unnecessary incarcerations and arrests of adults for minor cannabis possession and to provide Floridians with the same freedom to access safe, vetted products that over half of the nation already practices.”

In line with Trump’s position, Gruters has pledged to support legislation that would outlaw marijuana use in public places should voters approve the legalization initiative.

Trump told a news reporter at a press conference in August 2024 that he was increasingly inclined to believe that people should not be criminalized for using cannabis, especially since the substance is becoming legalized nationwide. He suggested that he would soon make public his formal stance on the Florida marijuana ballot initiative.

Roger Stone, a longtime ally and Republican strategist, who resides in Florida and supports the legalization initiative, later commented that if Trump does endorse the measure, it would almost certainly lead to its approval.

Meanwhile, Representative Nancy Mace, who is sponsoring the States Reform Act to federally legalize cannabis, expressed her hope that Trump will support the Biden administration’s effort to reschedule cannabis. She also noted that many GOP lawmakers in Congress have been hesitant to embrace cannabis policy reform due to fear.

In his recent comments, Trump also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her record on marijuana prosecutions, claiming that she incarcerated thousands of Black individuals for cannabis-related offenses. Although this characterization of Harris’s record is somewhat exaggerated, it highlights Trump’s evolving stance on cannabis decriminalization and his willingness to leverage the issue in the political arena.

Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz has been a strong advocate for marijuana reform, supporting various legislations in Congress and, as governor, signing a comprehensive marijuana legalization bill into law last year.

Marijuana companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be watching the presidential campaigns to see whether momentum is created for making serious changes at the federal level with regard to marijuana policy.

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