420 with CNW — Ohio Dispensaries See Long Lines as Recreational Marijuana Sales Begin

Last week, Ohioans flocked to dispensaries for the highly anticipated launch of recreational cannabis sales. Almost 100 medical cannabis dispensaries were permitted to sell recreational marijuana to adults after obtaining operational certificates from the state’s marijuana control division.

In Cincinnati, Jeffrey Reide was so excited about the historic day that he camped out in his car to ensure he would be the first in line at a local dispensary. “I’m thrilled; this has been a long time coming,” Reide said, reflecting the sentiment of many others eagerly awaiting this moment. Similar scenes were observed in Youngstown and Columbus, where dispensaries reported long lines of excited consumers anxious to make their first legal purchases.

One of the early birds in Columbus was Bloom Medicinals, located at 1361 Georgesville Road, which opened its doors around eight in the morning. The dispensary welcomed about 20 customers, all keen to be among the first to purchase cannabis without needing a prescription.

The store, originally a medicinal dispensary, set up a separate line to accommodate its regular customers who still rely on marijuana for medical purposes. Customers waited in orderly lines at the security station to have their identification examined to make sure they were authorized to purchase marijuana.

In terms of pricing, most cannabis flower products were approximately $40 for 2.83 grams, roughly equivalent to one-tenth of an ounce. The pricing range for edibles was wider, varying from $17 to $100 based on the product’s size and nature. Gavin McKenney, general manager of Bloom Medicinals, pointed out that consumers used to buying marijuana in Michigan would find that Ohio’s costs are a little higher for the time being.

While 98 locations were given the all-clear to begin selling, it was unclear how many were up and running from the outset.

Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana last November, allowing adults 21 years of age and older to buy, possess and cultivate limited quantities of marijuana for personal use. However, the start of sales was postponed while the state established a regulated framework for transactions and finalized other regulations.

Under the new regulations, adults can purchase and hold up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Additionally, individuals are permitted to cultivate up to 6 plants at home, with a household limit of 12 plants. A 10% tax applies to legal sales; this revenue will be used to pay for job programs and social-equity initiatives within the cannabis sector, as well as to support addiction treatment, municipalities that have dispensaries and administrative expenditures.

The entire marijuana industry, including players such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be happy that the sales launch in Ohio went without a major glitch and will hope that more retail outlets open quickly so that residents can have easy access to the products they need.

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

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420 with CNW — Nebraska’s Judiciary Committee Considers Measures to Legalize, Regulate, Tax Adult-Use Marijuana

The Nebraska Judiciary Committee recently reviewed two proposals aimed at legalizing cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. Senator Justin Wayne introduced LB52, which outlines a regulatory structure for the marijuana industry, including a 25% sales and excise tax on marijuana products. The tax revenue would be allocated to the Education Future Fund.

Additionally, LB52 proposes the creation of the Nebraska Marijuana Enforcement Commission to supervise the sector, administer licenses and impose sanctions for infractions.

Another proposal, LB71, was put forward by Senator Terrell McKinney. This bill also seeks to legalize recreational marijuana but suggests a 16% sales and excise tax on marijuana products. Under LB71, 50% of sales tax revenue would go toward funding the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund and 40% would go toward funding the Education Future Fund. Remaining funds would be allocated to grants for youth outreach, education, prisoner reintegration programs and economic development.

Both proposals aim to remove marijuana from the state’s Controlled Substances Act (CSA). LB52 includes a provision that, starting January 2025, marijuana-related offenses would automatically qualify for clean slate relief, allowing for the removal of certain convictions from criminal records.

McKinney noted that legalizing recreational cannabis could provide significant tax revenue to support property tax reduction and education. He also highlighted the potential to lower the number of inmates in the state, which would lower operating expenses.

Jason Witmer, speaking on behalf of the Nebraska ACLU, backed both proposals, noting that criminalizing marijuana is a waste of tax dollars, negatively affects Black Nebraskans disproportionately, and has no positive effect on public safety. Legalizing cannabis for recreational use, according to Witmer, might result in tax breaks without burdening hardworking Nebraskans more.

Jennifer Henning, mother of a seven-year-old child with severe disabilities, also testified in support of the measures. She clarified that by offering an alternative to pharmaceutical medications such as methadone and ketamine, legalizing marijuana could enhance her son’s quality of life.

On the other hand, Colonel John Buldoc, Nebraska State Patrol superintendent, voiced concerns about the proposals, citing potential risks to public safety. “Based on my extensive experience, cannabis unquestionably impairs one’s ability to drive safely. It is the most prevalent illegal substance detected in the bloodstreams of drivers engaged in collisions,” Buldoc said.

Douglas County sheriff Aaron Hanson also opposed the proposals, stating that neighboring states with legalized adult-use cannabis, such as Missouri and Colorado, have seen increases in traffic fatalities, violent crimes and homicides.

Deputy Solicitor General Zachary Viglianco from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office shared concerns about health risks associated with cannabis use, including higher chances of cancer, mental health issues and heart attacks.

The committee has yet to take any action on either LB71 or LB52 following the testimonies. The entire cannabis industry, including entities such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will likely observe how the proposals are considered to glean whether prohibition could soon end in this state as well.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Companies Are Incorporating Reused Inputs in Packaging

While quantifying the exact amount of waste produced by the regulated cannabis sector is challenging, it’s evident that the waste generated is substantial. According to the National Cannabis Industry Association, cannabis byproducts in landfills contribute to an increase in carbon emissions of about 27,876 metric tons annually.

Additionally, a 2020 study indicated that the U.S. marijuana industry produced approximately 1,754 tons of fresh and 520 tons of dry-weight trash that year. This figure does not even include packaging waste, which could potentially surpass the estimated biomass waste.

Disposable vaporizers have become increasingly popular in the last few years due to their affordability, portability, ease of use and attraction to cannabis tourists. They accounted for 15% of all vape pen purchases in Canada and 29% in the United States in the first three months of 2024, according to Headset, a Seattle-based marijuana analytics company. Despite their convenience, these products contribute significantly to landfill waste due to their flammable batteries and nonbiodegradable plastics.

In response to the waste problem, some marijuana companies are exploring more sustainable solutions. In April, PAX Labs, based in San Francisco, introduced the PAX Trip, the company’s first product created from recycled and repurposed ocean plastic. Initially launched in Massachusetts and California, the PAX Trip is expected to expand to New York and Colorado. The company collaborated with rePurpose Global to certify all of its products as plastic negative. For every unit of plastic used, PAX funds the removal of twice that amount of plastic from the environment.

Other major players in the industry are also adopting sustainable packaging practices. In October, Canadian marijuana company Tilray Brands announced it had begun converting some of its product components and packaging to hemp to reduce single-use plastics. Tilray has diverted almost 131,000 kg of plastic garbage since the program’s inception, and its Good Supply brand has stopped nearly 925,000 kg of plastic from ending up in landfills.

In 2021, Oregon-based Wyld, a competitor of Wana Brands for the top market share in gummies, unveiled a compostable bag to conform to Canadian market laws. Wyld has extended its ecofriendly packaging to several of its CBD and marijuana-infused products in the American market. Additionally, in 2022, the company released the Good Tide brand, which employs entirely compostable and recyclable paper tubes, some of which have a compostable lining to retain freshness.

Startups such as Ecoshell, previously known as Spark Sourcing, are also developing innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and plastic use. The company is currently evaluating unique packaging designs from three different cannabis companies. Ecoshell, a Canadian company based in New Brunswick that caters to the North American sector, debuted a patented substance mainly composed of eggshells in October. This substance can replace up to half of the plastic component in various items after going through a seven-step process to turn it into pellets.

Coast Cannabis Co., an edibles manufacturer located in Massachusetts, teamed up with AE Global to produce environmentally friendly packaging made from recycled ocean plastic. Coast also introduced a marijuana-infused chocolate bar packaged with recycled ocean plastic in June. AE Global focuses on reducing plastic waste by making investments in international waste-management infrastructure. The company provides the cannabis market with specialized supply, labeling and packaging options.

With leading cannabis companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) crunching the numbers and seeing options that minimize waste can also be cost effective, the reputation of the industry as one that generates significant waste could change.

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420 with CNW — Kamala Harris Backs Marijuana Legalization, a First for Major Presidential Candidate

Vice President Kamala Harris’s opinions on marijuana have changed over time, much like those of many other Americans. Back in 2010, she urged voters to reject a ballot measure that sought to legalize recreational marijuana when she was the district attorney for San Francisco. Her position at the time was in accord with that of a majority of California voters, of whom 54% eventually voted against the initiative.

However, the perspective on marijuana began to change not long after. By 2016, California voters had passed Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis throughout the state. Then, in 2019, as California’s junior senator, Harris cosponsored legislation to lift the federal ban on cannabis. Nearly two-thirds of Americans favored legalizing marijuana, according to a Gallup poll conducted that year, a substantial increase from the 46% of respondents in 2010.

Today, support for cannabis legalization has risen to 70%. Harris has consistently, in her tenure as VP, stated that no American should be imprisoned for using marijuana. She has supported the efforts of the Biden administration to relax some federal marijuana prohibitions and to pardon individuals who have committed minor marijuana infractions.

Harris’s journey from a skeptic to a supporter of legalization reflects a broader shift among Americans. As with many voters, her opinions changed as medical marijuana gained greater traction. While serving as San Francisco’s district attorney, Harris vowed not to prosecute individuals using or selling medical cannabis.

The move toward full cannabis legalization gained momentum in 2012 when voters in Washington and Colorado became the first states to pass recreational cannabis regulations. By 2016, the number of states where marijuana was legal had grown to nine. Currently, 24 states have legalized cannabis.

Living in a state where marijuana is legalized probably helped Harris change from being a fierce opponent to a supporter. This pattern is evident in other states, such as Colorado, where voter support for legalization has increased since the laws were first enacted. No state has revoked its cannabis legalization laws, as these policies have generally met the expectations of voters and lawmakers and are seen as better alternatives to criminalization.

Despite the shift in public opinion, federal cannabis policies have remained largely unchanged. Many politicians in Congress still hold outdated views on cannabis, reminiscent of the Reefer Madness era, which most voters have long rejected. These lawmakers need to update their views to align with current scientific understanding and public opinion, much as Harris did. Those who fail to adapt risk falling out of step with their constituents.

That Harris has brought the debate on marijuana legalization to the highest level of elected leadership in the United States is a welcome happening for cannabis companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) because it will bring the subject of drug-policy reform to the center of public discourse, at least during the election cycle and possibly beyond.

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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Releases Q3 2024 Financial Results; Offers a Roadmap for its Key GLP-1 Study Program

The company provided updates for its study programs for 2024, with a focus on its glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) agonist research program, targeting a significant step up in addressing worldwide diabetes and obesity, a tremendous market
Lexaria has its Human Pilot Study #3 lined up, as well as its chronic dosing human study, both studies will begin dosing later this year

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, just released its fiscal report for the third quarter of the 2024 financial year (“Q3, 2024”). Of note was growth in cash and marketable securities from $1.5 million during the same period in the 2023 financial year to $8.5 million as of May 31, 2024. The company reduced certain R&D expenditures and experienced other savings (https://cnw.fm/OxPux).

Most importantly, however, were the program updates for initiatives it embarked on for 2024. A highlight of its projects has been its glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) agonist research program. GLP-1, a class of drugs, has demonstrated an ability to significantly address diabetes and obesity. What Lexaria’s unique drug delivery platform offers is the added ability to greatly improve the otherwise poor oral bioavailability of GLP-1 drugs, making it possible for simple oral application versus traditional injection, an opportunity of huge implication in the marketplace.

Human pilot study #1, utilizing Novo Nordisk’s(R) semaglutide (Ozempic(R), Rybelsus(R)) was reported on in January 2024, and human pilot study #2, using the same drug, is expected to be reported on in August and September, 2024.

Lexaria has made notable progress, having commenced another research program, the completion of which is set for August. This program will be executed by the National Research Council of Canada (“NRC”). It will seek to evaluate the molecular properties of DehydraTECH-processed pure semaglutide using simulated gastric fluid, which mimics conditions in the human gut.

Lexaria also looks to follow through with its chronic (12-week) dosing human study set to be carried out in Australia. This study, which will involve 70-90 human study subjects with pre-diabetic and Type 2 diabetic conditions, will be run in Australia, and preparations have already begun. It will leverage the use of Rybelsus as a positive control, and then in four additional separate arms, DehydraTECH-processed 1) semaglutide, 2)CBD, 3) tirzepatide, and 4) combo CBD plus semaglutide This larger study will be registered as a Phase 1 level study and carried out into 2025.

Human Pilot Study #3 is also in the pipeline, a study that will enroll up to eight healthy human volunteers, intending to evaluate DehydraTECH’s effectiveness in combination with a dual action GLP-1 agonist and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (“GIP”) drug, Eli Lilly’s(R) well-known tirzepatide. The study will aim for several endpoints, including blood sugar, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability. Already, the company has brought a contract research organization (“CRO”) to run the study and is expecting to begin dosing in September.

Lexaria is bullish about its GLP-1 studies, since revenues for this product class exceeded $31 billion, with the market projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The company continues to make progress toward this extremely high-value target.

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

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

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420 with CNW — Chinese Money Launderers Taking Over Marijuana Trafficking in US

For decades, Chinese criminal organizations have covertly operated in major U.S. cities such as New York and San Francisco. Their activities, which include cybercrime and wildlife trafficking, have largely flown by without law enforcement noticing due to their nonviolent nature.

Historically, these groups have remained more active and visible in the Pacific and Asia, especially in nations such as Singapore and Australia, where they have targeted Chinese companies with their money-laundering operations. However, their new partnerships with drug-trafficking groups in Latin America have elevated them to the status of leading money launderers globally.

In 2018, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division initiated Project Sleeping Giant, a coordinated effort among various government agencies to combat Chinese-associated money-laundering and drug activities. The DEA had identified some Chinese money brokers who were engaged in the fentanyl trade in locations including Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Over the following months, investigators began to uncover the extent of Chinese involvement with Mexican cartels.

The money-laundering process starts with Mexican cartel members delivering cash from fentanyl sales to Chinese money brokers in the United States. After that, these intermediaries make sure the cartels in Mexico get paid the same amount in pesos or cryptocurrencies. Large sums of money are occasionally delivered straight to cartel stash houses by a Chinese partner in Mexico.

In Mexico, the brokers use unofficial trade networks to keep a regular supply of cash on hand. Purchasing expensive devices, associates in China, especially in Guangzhou, ship the devices to Mexico. Later, Mexican companies sell these products for less money, giving the cartels the money they need.

Unlike traditional methods, this Chinese money-laundering system doesn’t involve physically moving cash across borders. It’s safer, faster and cheaper, allowing Chinese brokers to charge the cartels less than other groups, thanks to their additional revenue stream from Chinese customers buying U.S. dollars.

DEA analysts identified individuals around the country by carefully examining these Chinese money-laundering networks between 2018 and 2020. It was found that a large number of them had a passing acquaintance with a specific Queens, New York, neighborhood. Plans were made to target more than 100 money launderers in various cities, but the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in fentanyl deaths shifted federal focus to drug seizures and trafficker arrests.

Before the pandemic, investigators found that money-laundering organizations were also involved in the cannabis trade. The brokers in New York were buying properties in states such as California and Colorado to cultivate cannabis, which was then distributed to cities across the country. However, the DEA had largely ceased pursuing cannabis cases following a 2013 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) memorandum discouraging federal enforcement in states that had legalized cannabis.

Chinese groups seized control of the cannabis business from Mexican cartels, who had moved on to more lucrative substances such as fentanyl and heroin because there was less chance of prosecution. There are 23 states where Chinese-owned marijuana businesses are known to operate, and the money made from these operations is frequently used to finance additional crimes, including human trafficking.

Oklahoma has been a production center since 2021 due to its cheap land and lax medical cannabis legislation. More than 3,000 farms have been closed by local authorities, with 80%–90% of these farms being connected to Chinese organized crime.

Recently, Chinese manufacturers have moved to Maine, where it is thought that an estimated 100 illicit businesses are still in operation, although more than 40 have been shut down since January. According to former DEA agents, attempts to dismantle Chinese criminal networks have been hampered by the move away from marijuana charges.

Although there are no clear connections between marijuana businesses and the Chinese government, inquiries are still underway, according to a June testimony given by FBI director Christopher Wray. Meanwhile, a report by a bipartisan house committee revealed that the Chinese government supports the production of illicit drugs that are exported to the United States.

Chinese officials, however, deny these allegations. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, stated that China has been cooperating with U.S. antimony-laundering operations and emphasized that Chinese citizens are urged to follow local laws abroad.

While U.S. officials have long criticized China for inadequate cooperation in combating the drug trade, a recent exception occurred in June when federal law enforcement in California indicted 24 individuals, 9 of whom were Chinese nationals, for laundering $50 million in illegal drug proceeds for the Sinaloa cartel. One suspect, Peiji Tong, was arrested by Chinese authorities after fleeing the U.S. This indictment follows similar cases in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia and Arkansas.

Even with these initiatives, congressional representatives and veteran DEA officers emphasize that much more work has to be done.

This issue of Chinese cartels cornering sections of the marijuana industry without being licensed to engage in commercial industry activities undercuts not only licensed cannabis companies but also ancillary entities such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that are denied an opportunity to serve more legitimate businesses since the market is being cornered by these illicit actors.

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420 with CNW — New Poll Suggests Florida Cannabis Ballot Measure Has Ample Bipartisan Support to Pass

A new survey reveals that Florida’s initiative to legalize marijuana, set to be on the ballot in November, has enough support to potentially pass, boasting majority approval across various demographic groups.

The poll, conducted by the University of North Florida (UNF), indicates that 64% of likely voters favor the marijuana reform proposal. This percentage exceeds the 60% threshold needed to amend the state constitution. The survey respondents were provided with the complete text of Amendment 3 as it will appear on the ballot.

The data shows that Democrats are the most supportive group, with 79% backing the initiative, independents at 63% with GOP supporters at 50%. Additionally, the poll reveals widespread support across different age and racial groups, as well as among both those who voted for President Joe Biden (78%) and Donald Trump (50%) in the 2020 election.

Polls on the Florida initiative have consistently shown that most people support it, even though not all of them have shown the necessary 60% of votes to pass. The most recent survey results, which were released less than four months before election day, give supporters of the proposal hope.

However, the current 64% support is three points lower than the figures reported by UNF in a previous poll. Michael Binder, a political science professor at UNF, noted that the effectiveness of the opposition’s efforts to reduce support remains uncertain.

The poll surveyed 774 voters in Florida between July 24–27, with a margin of error of ±4.6 percentage points. Another opposition group, Vote No On 3, recently conducted its poll, which also found 64% support for the reform.

Governor Ron DeSantis attacked Amendment 3 earlier this month, making inflated assertions about its possible implications, which Amendment 3’s proponents have refuted. He contended that the amendment would grant an unrestricted right to marijuana usage, implying that it would provide more protection than the First and Second Amendments’ guarantees of free speech and the right to bear arms. Furthermore, he falsely claimed that the majority of Colorado voters regretted legalizing marijuana, even though current polls show that the state’s citizens remain strongly in favor of the change.

POB Ventures, a consortium of cannabis companies, donated $100,000 to DeSantis’s political action committee, the Florida Freedom Fund, to aid in opposition to bills on abortion and marijuana. This donation significantly boosted the campaign’s funds, which had been modest at the start of July.

Patrick O’Brien, POB Ventures CEO, noted that he isn’t opposed to the legalization of cannabis for adult use in general. He did, however, voice concerns with the referendum initiative’s exact wording, which permits regulators to issue more licenses rather than requiring them to.

Questions about the motives behind the donation to DeSantis’s PAC are likely to persist, especially following a CBS News Miami report suggesting that unnamed hemp entities have pledged to support DeSantis’s fight against the cannabis legalization measure, promising a collective $5 million contribution to the state GOP party. This pledge comes after the governor vetoed a bill that could have drastically impacted the hemp market by banning most cannabinoid products.

Despite recent donations, the DeSantis campaign is still far behind the prolegalization campaign, Smart and Safe Florida, in terms of fundraising, with the latter having raised more than $60 million since 2022.

Meanwhile, a Fox News survey conducted last month found that two-thirds of Floridians are in favor of the marijuana proposal, with the measure receiving greater support than the governor. Across the political spectrum, the majority of respondents to the survey supported legalization.

The entire marijuana industry, including entities such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be waiting with bated breath to see whether voters make Florida the latest state to legalize recreational marijuana in the country this November.

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CannaCon Midwest Cleveland Convention To Focus On The Local Community

Cannabis growers, traders, license holders, physicians, patients, regulatory authorities, capital investors, professionals, and enthusiasts are invited to attend the CannaCon Cleveland Conference at the Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland, on October 3-4, 2024. The venue of the event, the Huntington Convention Center is situated in the heart of downtown Cleveland, near the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, among others.

The CannaCon event offers a robust platform for the local cannabis community, with two full days of innovation, learning, networking, and collaboration. Exhibitors from around the world will be pitching their latest products and services to a crowd of established investors and business experts in the cannabis industry. Newbies and startups gain important visibility by showcasing their unique products and services for the right target audience.

Local businesses will be there to connect with cannabis leaders and investors. Attendees will witness an impressive lineup of industry leaders presiding as guest speakers. They will share invaluable insights about current industry trends and discuss the critical issues of current cannabis trade.

These leaders will cover a number of engaging topics, offering the best path forward to the cannabis community. From harvest quality to understanding the best practices to comply with rules and regulations, attendees can get answers to their queries regarding cannabis cultivation and trade in Cleveland.

Several plush accommodations are available near the Huntington Convention Center for the attendees. CannaCon serves as a business as well as an educational experience. Attendees will discover a wealth of information, products, and valuable connections, from cultivation supplies, cannabis innovations, discoveries in genetics, and a wide range of vendor retail displays, to important scientific, legal, financial, and marketing ideas. Don’t miss out on this rich event.

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NECANN’s Michigan Cannabis Convention Offers Unique Business Ideas for Cannabis Sector

Businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, patients, advocates, and consumers are invited to attend the NECANN Michigan Cannabis Convention on September 20-21, 2024, in Grand Rapids. NECANN events are organized to meet the needs and provide collaborative opportunities for the local cannabis community. One of the biggest cannabis conventions in the country, NECANN events witness some of the most eminent dignitaries of the cannabis spectrum gracing the event floor.

Instead of hosting generic cannabis conventions, NECANN took a customized approach. As every region has its challenges, NECANN understands the specific requirements relevant to the area. They collaborate with local traders, growers, investors, sponsors, and industries, so that the regional cannabis community benefits as a whole and enjoys a higher ROI. Operational since 2014, the NECANN team ensures all industry leaders and companies attend the event, expanding business opportunities for local cannabis traders.

Investors can discover fresh and innovative talent at the event. Budding companies can showcase their products and services at the exhibition booths. Investors and cannabis traders can have one-on-one conversations and develop business ties. Attendees can gain insights into the latest trends, and get know-how on the latest industry products and services at the NECANN event.

Top industry leaders conduct speaker sessions where they will share their invaluable expertise. Attendees can gain immense knowledge about current cannabis markets, and can learn about the tips, resources, and tools required to design winning marketing strategies in a competitive cannabis landscape. Experts presiding over the discussion panels will discuss new trends and techniques for the cannabis market to help businesses drive higher ROI.

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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Exploring Alternative Diabetes and Obesity Treatments

Lexaria, a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, is exploring alternatives to traditional diabetes and obesity management through its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology to potentially enhance oral ingestion vs. injection treatment of GLP-1 drugs
The company has made significant strides pairing their bioavailability enhancing DehydraTECH with glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) drugs used for treatment of diabetes and obesity
Projections are that by 2030 over 54.9 of Americans could have diabetes, and that by 2045 one in eight adults globally will be living with the condition

According to the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas of 2021, 10.5% of adults aged between 20 and 79 globally have diabetes. In addition, almost half of them are unaware that they are living with the condition. The Federation further projects that by 2045, one in eight adults in the world will be living with diabetes. This will represent approximately 783 million people, an increase of 46% from the current numbers (https://cnw.fm/QsqcW).

The figures in the United States are just as startling, with 38.4 million people of all ages, or 11.6% of the country’s population having diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) (https://cnw.fm/dHQHL). Also, a Population Health Management report shows estimates that, by 2030, over 54.9 million Americans will have diabetes, representing a 54% increase between 2015 and 2030 (https://cnw.fm/2oSYS). These statistics have prompted organizations and societies to initiate and sustain conversations around diabetes and its management.

They have also pushed organizations to explore ways to manage the condition better, and one that has stood out is Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms. Lexaria looks to offer a better alternative to diabetes management and treatment through its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology. Testing conducted since 2016, has demonstrated the technology’s ability to increase bio-absorption. It has even evidenced an ability to deliver some drugs more effectively across the blood-brain barrier, with its range of applications scaling across bioactive molecules, oral cannabinoids, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”).

Lexaria has recently made strides with glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) studies. It has reported positive interim results from an animal study on diabetes. This milestone best showcases the potential of its patented technology in not only addressing diabetes and obesity. In the last month, the company announced the dosing completion of its human pilot study #2, GLP-1-H24-2, which sought to explore effective oral delivery of GLP-1 drugs. Some evaluated aspects included side effects, blood levels of semaglutide, the GLP-1 drug used in the study, and tolerability. The study also measured blood glucose and insulin levels, ultimately serving as an indicator in the potential treatment of diabetes and weight loss (https://cnw.fm/U3UGj).

GLP-1 drugs have been lauded for their potential to treat diabetes. However, when consumed orally, the stomach’s acidic environment seriously degrades its bioavailability, resulting in meager blood absorption rates of less than 1%, which is far from ideal. This has restricted their administration to painful injections, which can be a deterrent to some people.

“Most GLP-1 drugs sold today are administered by painful and expensive injection devices. More effective and tolerable oral delivery of GLP-1 drugs could be extremely valuable to patients and to industry,” noted Chris Bunka, Lexaria’s CEO (https://cnw.fm/C1osG).

With Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology, increased bioavailability has been evidenced, bringing the company closer to offering a viable alternative to injectable delivery of GLP-1 drugs. In addition, the studies conducted so far have shown better tolerability of the GLP-1 drugs used, mainly Rybelsus(R), further pointing to the technology’s superiority and highlighting its potential in treating weight loss and diabetes.

Lexaria recognizes a market opportunity with its technology. It also recognizes a growing problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. For a market valued at $79.3 billion in 2023, the company looks to create significant additional value for its shareholders (https://cnw.fm/WWCjR). As it continues with its GLP-1 studies, its management is optimistic about their outcome.

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

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

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