Category: CannabisNewsWire Release

420 with CNW – Washington D.C. Sees Spike of Synthetic Marijuana Overdoses

It seems the synthetic marijuana overdoses that had the authorities in Washington, D.C worried in July have resurfaced after a lull. In one 24-hour period alone, first responders were called to assist dozens of people who exhibited severe signs of distress from K2 or Spice, a known synthetic form of cannabis.

Even more distressing is the fact that students witnessed some of the victims being helped on the street as the students were strolling about during their break. This was near Mundo Verde Bilingual Public School. The authorities responded by imposing restrictions on how far students could go during their break.

Some of the symptoms exhibited by the people overdosing on K2 are particularly worrying. The known chemicals from which K2 are made don’t usually cause users to bleed in the way that some of the D.C. victims have been seen to bleed.

One possible explanation for that bleeding may have been found after toxicological tests revealed that the synthetic marijuana was laced with the chemical brodifacoum. This is a substance that is used to make rat poison and other pesticides.

The chemical stops vitamin K from doing its work in the blood of the organisms that ingest it. Consequently, vital processes, such as blood clotting, will be affected, and bleeding will result.

The consumers, especially low-income people, don’t seem to be bothered by the risk of K2 and other synthetic forms of marijuana. To them, all that seems matters is that they get a high at an affordable cost.

Authorities say that they have been compelled to play cat and mouse games with the people who make or distribute these synthetic forms of marijuana. This is because the chemicals used are often permitted chemicals, except that the formulas used aren’t approved. Banning one chemical found to be harmful only spurs the makers of the product to switch to another unknown product.

Furthermore, distributors often escape regulatory scrutiny by labeling the synthetic marijuana as “not for human consumption”. The CDC, DEA and other agencies are therefore often chasing a ghost that is hard to pin down.

However, the authorities are now determined to hunt down and stamp out these dangerous products whose overdoses have reached crisis level and are spreading to various parts of the country.

The big question on many people’s minds is that if this is happening in Washington, D.C., where marijuana is legal, can something be done to make the legal product more affordable for those with limited means? You can bet your last dollar that Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA) and NUGL Inc. (OTC: NUGL) are praying that these products be wiped out so that the industry doesn’t get a bad reputation at this early stage.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

420 with CNW – Cannabis and Crypto

Cannabis firms have fought regulations and misconceptions for quite a long time as they have made attempts to inform the public on the medical benefits of the plant. In the recent couple of years, cannabis companies have started recording a surge in interest, as evidenced by their monthly record sales. Investors in Wall Street project that the industry will attain a valuation of $75 billion by the end of 2030.

Almost coincidentally, cryptos have also been enjoying a surge in popularity, with values of top cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and Ethereum hitting record levels. Toward the end of 2017, the total market capitalization of the cryptocurrency industry hit $600 billion.

Apart from the growth prospects of the two industries, both experience legal uncertainty, high-risk environments and tighter government regulations. This makes cannabis and cryptos perfect partners.

How Blockchain is Facilitating Cannabis Trade

The blockchain technology that is the backbone of crypto transactions can help the cannabis industry to secure its exchange transactions. The cannabis trade has been criticized for channeling funds into the black market. With the blockchain, these worries can be put to rest and loopholes for fraud and funds leakages into the underworld sealed.

When this happens, both the crypto and cannabis industries can legitimize their activities in today’s dynamic modern economy. For instance, in the United States, only Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts have legalized marijuana for both recreation and medical use. The rest of the states have legalized the drug only for medical use.

Using cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions in the cannabis market is hugely important. This is because it widens the playing field and promotes inclusion to other groups all around the globe that previously were secluded from the trade. Since cannabis is still a Schedule I drug together with methamphetamine and heroin, players in this industry are barred from using bank accounts.

Any attempts by the banking system to facilitate cannabis payments could lead to dire legal consequences, including charges for money laundering. The exclusion of the banking system also renders the use of credit and debit cards impossible. Operations for cannabis businesses in the U.S. are cash-based.

Legitimizing the Cannabis Industry through Crypto

Cryptocurrency companies have come up to support trading activities and other development initiatives within the cannabis industry. One of the companies offering blockchain technology solutions customized for the cannabis industry is Pacific Software Inc. (OTC: PFSF). The company seeks to improve the compliance, transparency and efficiency of cannabis supply in states where it has been legalized.

Cannabis companies and traders who want to use the company’s Hyperledger blockchain applications are required to pay transaction fees, cash, loyalties and other forms of payment depending on the nature of the transactions.

GreenBox POS, LLC (OTC: GRBX) has also built customized payment solutions for different industries, including cannabis. The point of sale system is fully integrated, easy to use and intuitive.

By connecting buyers and sellers, crypto firms are creating a legitimate, centralized online meeting place where cannabis enthusiasts can share information and engage with one another. Usually, participants are rewarded with crypto coins that can be exchanged for goods and services or converted to fiat currency.

Any effort to boost accountability and transparency in the logistics and supply chain of cannabis is therefore welcome. The adoption of blockchain technology is yielding positive effects by fighting the social stigma around the sale and use of marijuana. As this positive ecosystem expands, buyers and sellers will feel safe, just like any other participants in a market platform.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

Canadian Cannabis Legalization Set to Transform the Industrial Hemp Industry

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The legalization of cannabis in Canada is about to bring big changes not just for medical cannabis companies but for hemp growers as well.

  • The law legalizing recreational cannabis in Canada will come into force on October 17.
  • This will create new opportunities for hemp growers to produce the plant for CBD extraction.
  • Hemp growers will now be able to profit from all parts of the plant.
  • Cannabis companies are experimenting with growing techniques, expanding their businesses, and seeking supply agreements in preparation for the change.

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile), which grows industrial hemp in Canada, will now be able to sell leaves and flowers as well as other parts of its plants, and is preserving this year’s crop in preparation for the change. In the United States, Isodiol International, Inc. (OTC: ISOLF) is raising the profile of the industry through a celebrity partnership and the expansion of its retail chain. Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTC: ACBFF) has been acquiring financing to fund a program of expansions and takeovers, preparing the way to dominate the American market. Organigram Holdings, Inc. (OTC: OGRMF) and Emerald Health Therapeutics (OTC: EMHTF) have both set up a string of supply agreements, giving them quick access to the Canadian recreational market come October.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Transforming Canada’s Cannabis Industry

On October 17, cannabis will become legal in Canada. Under the provisions of the Cannabis Act, Canadians will be able to buy and consume cannabis for recreational as well as medical purposes. Careful licensing, together with clear rules around cultivation and processing, will ensure that a previously illegal industry becomes a well-regulated part of the legal economy. As Prime Minister Trudeau said when the law was passed, “It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana — and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that.”

The Cannabis Act promises to be a great boon to the Canadian economy. Since 2014, the Canadian medical cannabis industry has grown to include over 100 licensed companies, many of which will be able to expand their sales and research under the new rules. In a year’s time, further rules will come into force that allow the sale of concentrates and edible cannabis products, creating a cannabis food and drink industry. But one of the biggest changes will take place within the industrial hemp industry.

Cannabis without the High

While the term “cannabis” is most often used to refer to plants with psychoactive effects, it actually covers a broader range of crops. One of the most historically prevalent varieties of cannabis is industrial hemp, a form of cannabis grown by companies such as the Marijuana Company of America (OTC: MCOA).

Industrial hemp is distinct from more controversial forms of cannabis — marijuana — in that it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient that gets users high, but rather it contains cannabidiol (CBD), which has recently grown in popularity due to its variety of medicinal benefits. Hemp was used for hundreds of years to produce fibers for cloth and rope and was widely grown in North America. But for most of the past century, it has been out of production thanks to broad-ranging anti-cannabis legislation.

The past few years have seen a resurgence for industrial hemp. Legislation created for the cultivation of medical marijuana has created the opportunity for companies such as MCOA to grow hemp in Canada. In the United States, the 2014 Farm Bill created legal space for trial crops of hemp. That bill’s 2018 successor appears set to make it entirely legal in the United States, allowing farmers to grow a highly profitable new crop.

The passing of the Cannabis Act will further improve the potential of hemp in Canada, as it will allow producers to extract cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol is an active ingredient that’s commonly found in high concentrations in certain varieties of industrial hemp. It doesn’t have the psychoactive properties of THC but has been shown to have beneficial effects on health. As a result, it’s used in a growing variety of health and wellness products, including MCOA’s brand hempSMART.

Using the Whole Plant

Up until now, Canadian hemp producers have been limited in what they can do with the plant. The seeds could be extracted and used; fibers could be turned into textiles; and leftover elements known as hurds could be turned into either animal feed or construction materials. The use of leaves and flowers was specifically prohibited.

The Cannabis Act allows for a broader range of uses. Health Canada has proposed the introduction of new industrial hemp licenses to make this a reality. Under the proposed system, industrial hemp producers will be able to sell the whole plant or any of its parts to other licensed operators within the hemp industry. They could even process it themselves, extracting CBD oil as well as seeds, fibers and hurds.

It’s a change that will create a more efficient and profitable industry, as parts of the plant will no longer go to waste. And growing interest in CBD as a wellness ingredient could lead to a significant rise in income for hemp farmers. Companies such as MCOA, whose operations cover the whole industrial chain from hemp production to the sale of CBD products, will be able to build solid, sustainable supply chains that maximize profits at every step.

This is all before taking into account the possibility of agricultural subsidies. There is currently disagreement within Canada over whether cannabis growers will be eligible for subsidies under existing rules, but with the arrival of cannabis-based foods and beverages next year, lines will become increasingly blurry. MCOA and its joint venture partner, Global Hemp Group Inc., have received financial support from Canadian government agencies to research hemp cultivation. As the commercial landscape changes, hemp producers may soon find themselves eligible for even more government help.

Sowing the Seeds for a Growing Industry

MCOA’s growth in the Canadian hemp sector comes through its establishment of a high-yielding CBD hemp cultivation project in New Brunswick (NB). This collaboration with Global Hemp Group has revived hemp cultivation in the region 20 years after a previous effort failed.

The joint venture partners are in process of completion of the first phase of what is known as the Hemp Agro-Industrial Zone, or HAIZ. The aim of the HAIZ is to provide a steady supply of hemp by building a local industrial cluster, guaranteeing a market for farmers and leading to year-round jobs for others in the region. Through trial crops and careful measurement of the results, the project is providing valuable data on important issues such as pests, fertilizers and growth rates.

Recent developments at the site include the installation of drying equipment in preparation for processing. In the short term, this will allow the company to effectively store its current harvest until it can be sold and processed under the rules coming in October. In the longer term, it will increase its options for growing, processing and selling hemp. The joint venture partners are currently in the process of negotiating off-take agreements with extraction companies to sell the biomass produced during the October harvest in New Brunswick.

MCOA and its partners in New Brunswick have been finding ingenious ways to improve techniques impeded by decades outside the law. This year, the team in NB experimented with a modified bean harvester to strip leaves and flowers from the plants without picking up much straw. Based on the results, this technique is being extended to the entire 125-acre project.

Cannabis Cultivation Creates New Industry

In less than two decades, a whole new industry has grown up around the cultivation of hemp and other forms of cannabis. Even with restrictions still tight in much of the world, companies are finding ways to legally profit from these crops.

Isodiol International, Inc. (OTC: ISOLF) has become an important and active voice for the industry, employing former NFL player Marvin Washington as a director and spokesperson. The company has developed a variety of cannabis and CBD-derived products, tapping into the medical and vaping markets. Its KURE Corp subsidiary provides a strong retail front and has recently set its sights on further expansion through new and acquired shops.

A prominent player within the industry, Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTC: ACBFF) is making the most of a young market to rapidly expand its business. A $150 million loan from the Bank of Montreal is giving it a short-term financial boost to get ahead of the long-term game. It’s this sort of long-term thinking that has led the company to acquisitions such as the takeover of MedReleaf, increasing Aurora’s market share. Some commentators have compared this strategy with that of Amazon, focusing on market dominance as the route to profit.

Organigram Holdings, Inc. (OTC: OGRMF), a medical cannabis company, is preparing to expand into Canada’s recreational market in October. The company has established a number of agreements with other companies, most recently the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, to supply its products to stores. These agreements will ensure that the legal recreational market quickly grows from a principle to a reality.

Emerald Health Therapeutics (OTC: EMHTF) is also setting up supplier agreements to give it a place in the recreational starting lineup. Its partners include the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation and Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation.

The Canadian cannabis industry is set to experience a transformation on October 17, one that will prepare companies to expand as laws change elsewhere in the world. From medical cannabis companies to hemp growers, many business enterprises are likely to profit from this change.

For more information on Marijuana Company of America, visit Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA)

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

Receive Text Alerts from CannabisNewsWire: Text “Cannabis” to 21000

For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com and or https://CannabisNewsWire.News

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

DISCLAIMER: CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by CNW are solely those of CNW. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable CNW for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. CNW is a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and is NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, CNW, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer’s filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer’s securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment.

CNW HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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

420 with CNW – Massachusetts Credit Union to Offer Banking Services to Cannabis Industry

The GFA Federal Credit Union has become the first financial institution to announce that it is opening its doors to recreational and medical cannabis businesses in Massachusetts.

The announcement, due to take effect on October 1, brings a huge sigh of relief to numerous legitimate cannabis businesses that have struggled to attain the same level of recognition as other kinds of legal businesses within the state.

GFA Credit Union revealed that it studied the legal and business sense of making its move for about a year and finally decided to open its doors to this young industry.

GFA’s CEO, Tina Sbrega, said that its decision was primarily motivated by public safety concerns regarding such huge amounts of cash being left on the street. Robberies, money laundering, tax evasion and other related crimes were likely to escalate as the industry, currently worth millions of dollars in the state of Massachusetts, was left to operate as a cash-based industry.

Her public safety concerns are echoed by law enforcement agencies who welcomed the decision to provide banking services to the cannabis industry.

To be fair, Tina Sbrega admitted that GFA stands to benefit by adding businesses in the marijuana industry to its clientele.

However, not all is rosy for the cannabis industry as yet.

Initially, GFA Federal Credit Union will only accept a limited number of cannabis businesses as clients. Those selected businesses must meet all the existing requirements for operating a recreational or medical cannabis establishment. For example, the businesses must be licensed and have a letter of approval from the local authority where that business is based.

This restriction on how many cannabis businesses will be allowed to become GFA clients will leave all the others in the cold, unless more financial institutions step up to the plate and absorb them.

Many financial institutions are likely to drag their feet on this issue since they are unsure about the likely legal complications that may come from dealing with players in an industry that is regarded as illegal at the federal level. However, it is hoped that more will eventually follow GFA’s lead in order to get their cut of the pie presented by the recreational and medical cannabis industry.

The second speed bump for cannabis businesses is that even those lucky few who are taken on as GFA Credit Union clients will not immediately have access to loans to finance their operations. The credit union says that it will consider starting loan disbursements next year.

GFA Federal Credit Union wants to use these initial months of taking on cannabis businesses as clients to study how this relationship pans out before expanding to the provision of loans.

As any optimist would put it, the step by GFA Federal Credit Union may be small, but it is a major trail-blazing step that is sure to change the relationship between cannabis businesses and financial institutions for the better. At the very least, it is a major piece of good news for companies like Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (GRYN) and GreenBox POS, LLC (GRBX) that may sniff new opportunities for growth and expansion from this horizon that has been expanded by the events in Massachusetts.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

420 with CNW – UCLA Team to Investigate the Painkilling Effects of Cannabis

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 42,000 Americans died from an overdose of opioids in 2016 alone. Meanwhile, the consumption of cannabis by members of the American public has been growing rapidly over the years. How are these two issues related to the planned research on cannabis?

Plenty of anecdotal evidence exists to support the claim that cannabis has painkilling abilities. Several scientific studies also point to the possibility of cannabis having painkilling effects. However, little reliable scientific information is available to support or disprove those claims.

That may no longer be the case if the proposed study by a team of researchers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is completed successfully.

The researchers would like to ascertain what combination of CBD and THC provides the highest degree of painkilling effects for opioid patients.

Dr. Jeffrey Chen is the Executive Director of the Cannabis Research Initiative, which came up with the idea of conducting this study.

The actual study was designed by a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology, Edythe London. She explained that the research isn’t intended to provide evidence for or against the cannabis industry. The study is a scientific undertaking to understand a substance that is reputed to have so many medicinal effects.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study seeks to shed some light on one particular claim, the claim that cannabis can help to ease the pain suffered by patients.

The success of the study in proving that cannabis can combat pain would provide a glimmer of hope that a solution may be at hand for the opioid crisis facing the nation. Such a solution is desperately wanted, given the fact that about 40 percent of the opioid overdose fatalities reported by the CDC in 2016 were connected to prescription opioids.

Dr. Chen points out that the scientific community needs to play catch up quickly so that more information can be available to the public about cannabis. This information could save people from falling for yet-to-be-substantiated claims by cannabis product manufacturers.

However, the researchers have a huge task to overcome two major obstacles before the study can commence.

First, cannabis is federally regarded as a schedule 1 controlled substance, “a substance without any medical value and has a high potential for addictiveness.” The researchers must convince the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), to grant them permission to proceed with the study. It isn’t clear how easy, or how quickly, such regulatory approval can be secured.

Secondly, the researchers must look for funding for their study. Some money has been secured from UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and from some private donors. Additional funding requests have been made to local and federal sources. Entities like Canopy Rivers Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) and FinCanna Capital Corp. (CSE: CALI) (OTC: FNNZF) must be keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that the necessary funding and approval is obtained so that the debate on the painkilling effects of marijuana can be put to rest once and for all.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

420 with CNW – Canadian Cannabis Investors at Risk of US Entry Bans

In a disturbing development, Canadians who have invested in the cannabis industry now face the risk of being banned permanently from entering the United States. This reality came to light when a prominent Canadian venture capitalist, Sam Znaimer, was told he was permanently barred from entering the U.S. due to his equity holdings in American cannabis companies whose shares are publicly traded on Canadian stock exchanges, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange.

He was shocked by the decision, since no single question had been posed regarding whether or not he consumed cannabis.

His shock is understandable given the fact that many people have shares in investment vehicles, such as mutual funds, and those investors have no clue where that money is channeled in order to earn the investor a return on his or her investment.

The example above is just one of a growing number of similar bans handed out by the Customs and Border Protection department of the U.S.

For now, it seems only those who have invested in American cannabis companies are being targeted. However, CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officials have revealed that even those who consume marijuana could be affected, especially when the smell is detected while pre-entry checks are being done at border crossings.

The view of the U.S authorities is that cannabis is a controlled substance, so anyone associated with it contravenes U.S. law and may be denied entry. However, no blanket action is foreseen, and border officials will exercise their discretion in enforcing the eligibility requirements for any alien trying to enter the U.S.

People who have been banned from entering the U.S. due to their connections to the cannabis industry will unfortunately have no recourse regarding the ban. However, the affected persons can apply for a temporary waiver so that they can be allowed into the U.S.

The process of obtaining the waiver is likely to be drawn out and very expensive, since there will be legal fees and application fees. There is no guarantee that whoever applies for the waiver will get it.

The risk of being barred from entering the U.S. is likely to put a damper on people who were considering investing in cannabis stocks. This fear is certainly real for Americans, since cannabis is illegal at the federal level. By law, Americans can’t be denied entry as they return from abroad, but that is little comfort since other actions could possibly be taken against them now or in the future.

It remains to be seen how cannabis players, such as Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (MCOA) and Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (REFG), will be affected in the medium- and long-term by the tough stance taken by the U.S Customs and Border Protection agency.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

420 with CNW – Study Finds Marijuana Use Among Older Americans Has Doubled

A study published recently in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence has revealed that the use of cannabis among older Americans has increased remarkably from the level where it was a decade earlier.

The rise was 100 percent among baby boomers (those aged 50 to 64-years), since cannabis use prevalence rose from 4.5 percent a decade ago to 9 percent, according to data collected from 2015 to 2016.

Older adults (those aged 65 and above) increased their use of cannabis exponentially from 0.4 percent in 2005/2006 to nearly 3 percent 10 years later.

It is also noteworthy that more than half of surveyed baby boomers confessed during the study that they had used marijuana at least once by the age of 21. In contrast, less than a quarter of the older adults (65 and older) admitted to have used cannabis at age 21 or younger.

It is also important to note that a significant proportion of the seniors revealed that they used cannabis upon the recommendation of a doctor. The legalization of medical cannabis may therefore provide one of the possible reasons why older Americans are increasingly using pot.

Another possible reason why cannabis use could have increased among the age groups covered in the study is that society has evolved in the way it regards cannabis. There is a growing level of acceptance of marijuana, and this may explain why those who use it are willing to admit it during surveys.

However, a few professionals are expressing some concerns about the rising use of cannabis by older Americans. First, the strains of the plant currently available may be very potent when compared to what the baby boomers and those older consumed decades ago. Accidental overuse may therefore result from exposure to these stronger strains.

Secondly, many older citizens have chronic health challenges, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. There are fears that cannabis consumption may interact adversely with the medications that seniors are taking for those ailments.

The advanced age of these older citizens may also mean that their bodies are less capable of handling the effects of cannabis, since most body systems may no longer be functioning as robustly as they once did during the younger days of those consuming marijuana.

This study highlights the need for further research on how cannabis use is affecting older Americans. Not much (cannabis-wise) is known about these age groups, yet a lot of information is available on the use of cannabis among teenagers. It would be interesting to hear what the participants in the legal cannabis industry, such as Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (NUGS) and The Flowr Corporation have to say about the implications of this study.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

420 with CNW – The Marijuana Bill Undergoes Congressional Vote

Today, the Judiciary Committee of congress is voting on the Medical Cannabis Research Act. The proposed legislation is sponsored by a Republican, Mathew Gaetz, and 40 more cosponsors from both sides of the house. The Medical Cannabis Research Act is primarily intended to remove the legal barriers to the licensing of other producers of marijuana for research purposes. Other related issues are also included in this landmark legislation.

Players in cannabis medical research have previously complained that the single grower (University of Mississippi) of the plant is often unable to supply cannabis of an acceptable quality and volume for the different facilities involved in studying how this plant can be used to treat different health challenges. This frustrates the researchers and slows down their work.

The fact that the act is up for a vote in a congressional committee is itself a victory since the Republican Party has traditionally been opposed to any form of cannabis legalization. The timing of the bill is also favorable given that President Trump has voiced his support for cannabis law reforms.

However, a cloud still hangs over how the vote will go since several objections still exist to some of the provisions within the proposed law. For example, the requirement that manufacturers should get the approval (i.e. letter of good standing) of the law enforcement agencies in their areas of operation has taken some flak since enforcement agencies have been vocal about their objection to cannabis reforms.

Concern has also been raised about the provision which seeks to bar anyone with a drugs conviction from participating in the permitted aspects of the cannabis industry. This, reform advocates are convinced, is geared at excluding large sections of the African American and other minorities who have borne the brunt of drugs enforcement efforts.

Nevertheless, some sections of cannabis stakeholders view the legislation with positive lenses. Matt Gaetz, for example, sees this law as the first step in the right direction, its imperfections notwithstanding. With different states passing their own cannabis legislation, it is only a matter of time before broader reforms are instituted at the federal level. The Gaetz bill is therefore seen as one of the key steps to dismantling the prohibition wall around cannabis.

Observers don’t expect major changes to be made to this bill since it was carefully drafted to include concessions that address the interests of those on both sides of the debate. The question on everyone’s mind is how that bill will pass at the committee level and the impact of the discussions in the committee on how the entire house will receive that bill. Industry players like BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. (TSX.V: DNAX) (OTC: BKKSF) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS) are keeping a keen eye on this matter since their businesses could greatly benefit from a favorable congressional vote.

More from CannabisNewsWire

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

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

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

The CBD Bonanza on the Horizon

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Leveraging ever-expanding scientific evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of CBD (cannabidiol), specialty biotechnology companies are creating novel new formulations of the chemical compound to capitalize on the titanic growth expected in the cannabis-derived pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.

Cannabinoids have been used for medicinal purposes for millennia, but it wasn’t until the discovery of the human endocannabinoid system in the 1990s that scientists began to comprehend their importance in healing and homeostasis. The identification of human cannabinoid receptors opened the floodgates to new cannabis-based medications. Increased understanding of the endocannabinoid system sparked further scientific research and led to the realization that cannabinoids impact a much wider range of physiological functions than previously realized. Specialty biotechnology companies soon blossomed and now these companies research and develop wide-ranging novel new drug candidates to improve and extend patients’ lives, creating unique medicines to treat multiple maladies and answer unmet medical needs. These pioneering biotech companies are committed to developing cannabis-based pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals delivered with unparalleled safety and new-found efficacy. At the vanguard of this surge in cannabinoid therapeutics, Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) (ETST Profile) has taken another major step in its mission to become a global leader in the research, development and sale of hemp-derived, CBD–based pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. The company’s recent decision to uplist on the OTCQB exchange will likely increase visibility and liquidity, and its comprehensive strategy of scientific development combined with robust retail creates a unique opportunity in the burgeoning medical cannabis markets. Other companies vying for position in these lucrative markets include CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI), Axim Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTC: AXIM), GB Sciences, Inc. (OTC: GBLX) and Vitality Biopharma (OTC: VBIO).

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Massive Markets

Little wonder that cannabis biotech companies are operating at full throttle. The global medical marijuana market is anticipated to exceed $55 billion by 2025 and, to meet increasing consumer demand, hemp-based nutraceuticals are rapidly gaining significant traction in a global nutraceuticals market projected to surpass $319 billion within the next five years. These eye-popping projections bode well for diversified cannabis biotech companies. CBD pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are the fastest growing sectors in the legal cannabis markets and the sector itself is among the fastest growing in all the markets. With multiple clinical research studies suggesting that CBD based pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals have the potential to treat arthritis, MS, chronic pain, depression, epilepsy and a myriad of other illnesses and maladies, the prodigious market projections might even be underestimated.

Another Milestone

Seizing on the immense market opportunity and validating efficacy through scientific processes, Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) is intent on becoming a global leader in the research, development and sale of hemp-derived, CBD-based pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.  The company has racked up a succession of achievements since inception and its latest announcement establishes another milestone in its march toward global recognition. The company just issued a press release confirming that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the company’s Form 10 Registration Statement and Earth Sciences has officially up-listed to an OTCQB fully reporting company as of Sept. 10. The higher standards of the OTCQB markets provide a strong baseline for transparency, as well as the technology and regulations to enhance both access to information and trading experiences for investors. “Historically, up-listing to the OTCQB and being fully reporting has resulted in greater liquidity and awareness. We are committed to the higher level of corporate and financial disclosures required as an OTCQB fully reporting company, demonstrating our commitment to our loyal shareholders,” stated ETST’s President, Director and Chairman Nickolas S. Tabraue.

Eyes on the Prize

Grounded in science, ETST still understands that sales are essential for continued success. Earth Science aggressively markets and sells the highest-available quality and purity full spectrum hemp oil containing CBD. The company’s products are formulated using superior supercritical CO2 cold liquid extraction, where the cannabinoids are kept at the rawest state possible to maintain essential therapeutic properties. Earth Science’s CBD products are marketed through multiple venues including a national group of independent distributors representing grocery and convenience stores, a national association of buying groups and trade organizations reaching up to 90,000 retail outlets, health food giant Karmavore Superfoods, international supplement distributor Forzagen, innumerable vape and e-liquid smoke shops, and online.

The company has four distinct, wholly owned subsidiaries:

  • Cannabis Therapeutics, Inc., (CTI) is developing an array of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
  • Kannabidioid, Inc., manufactures and distributes vapes/e-liquids and gummy edibles to vape and smoke shops.
  • Earth Science Pharmaceutical, Inc., (ESP) manufactures low-cost medical devices and vaccines for protection against sexually-transmitted infections.
  • Earth Science Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization formed to accept grants and donations to conduct further studies and help donate CBD products to those in need.

Cannabis Therapeutics is deeply invested in research and development to explore and harness the medicinal power of cannabidiol. Over 113 cannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plant, many obscure and only in trace amounts, but CBD, for which Cannabis Therapeutics has a provisional application patent, is the most promising of all. CTI’s mission is to develop proprietary cannabinoid-based nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products using Earth Science Tech’s existing cannabis CBD patent and IP, as well as expected future technologies.

The company recently updated its report on research progress on two new cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drugs, which are unique CBD formulated products – a neuron protector and a breast protector. Earlier studies by DV Biologics, a leading biological company, confirmed ETST high-grade hemp CBD oil deterred the formation of reactive oxygen species and cell death in human brain cells in vitro and may serve as a neuroprotectant to mitigate neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. With strong initial evidence that CBD contains anti-breast cancer properties, Earth Sciences also launched the development of proprietary prophylactic therapies to prevent breast cancer, and a treatment to help women with aggressive breast cancer. The company is very bullish on these CBD formulas.

The R&D work in progress at the prestigious laboratory, Centre De Développement Bioalimentaire Du Québec (CDBQ), has been exceptionally promising. CDBQ is highly experienced and able to utilize the most effective and economical solutions to develop products with the best efficacy and price-to-quality-to-market ratios. CDBQ is meticulously finalizing formulations that will include natural protective agents to assure long shelf life of the CBD formula.

The third CBD formula is a revolutionary superfood with unique organoleptic properties never seen on the market. Formulated from a mix of hemp oil and other vegetal oils, and enriched with a highly potent antioxidant, this product is designed to improve antioxidant ingestion. Earth Science developed this novel formula in collaboration with experts that successfully developed multiple products for some of the largest players in the food industry.

Not a One-trick Pony

Earth Science’s up-listing announcement is only the latest in a succession of successful advancements the company has made since its genesis. Last year’s achievements verify that.  In addition to talented and experienced leadership, the company’s success lies in the broad diversification of products, joint ventures, IPs and initiatives. Beyond the company’s multiple CBD-based initiatives and ventures, Earth Science’s medical device subsidiary Earth Science Pharmaceutical is making significant strides in the development of low-cost, noninvasive diagnostic tools, medical devices, testing processes and vaccines for sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases. The company’s first medical device, MSN-2, is a home kit designed for the detection of STIs, such as chlamydia, from a self-obtained gynecological specimen. ESP is working to develop and bring to market medical devices and vaccines that meet the specific needs of women.

Others Vying for Position

CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI) focuses on the drug development, marketing and sale of products containing cannabidiol as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, and is engaged in the sale of CBD as well. The company operates two distinct business segments: a drug development division focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics utilizing synthetic CBD; and a consumer product division centered in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of plant-based CBD products to a range of market sectors.

Axim Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTC: AXIM) researches, develops and produces cannabis-based pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic products. The company has several products developed or in developmental stage for the treatment and/or prevention of multiple conditions and symptoms. Axim’s flagship products include a CBD-based, controlled-release chewing gum, another gum containing 50 mg of CBD undergoing clinical trials in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and a combination CBD/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gum that will undergo clinical trials for the treatment of pain and spasticity associated with MS.

GB Sciences, Inc. (OTC: GBLX) is a diverse cannabis company focused on standardized cultivation and production methods, as well as biopharmaceutical research and development. The company’s goal is to create safe, standardized, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid therapies that target a variety of medical conditions. Company growth strategy is two-pronged — biomedical research for the development of cannabis-based therapies and the recreational market for cannabis in Nevada.

Vitality Biopharma (OTC: VBIO) is focused on the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders. The company has developed cannabinoid prodrugs, known as cannabosides, which upon ingestion may enable selective delivery of THC and CBD to the gastrointestinal tract. Vitality has filed intellectual property applications and is seeking global patent protection for prodrugs of THC, CB, and CBDV, as well as for its proprietary prodrug biosynthesis platform utilizing enzymatic glycosylation.

The Takeaway

As the list of curative applications continues to grow, there’s no longer any doubt about the therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol. Employing that same certitude for impending CBD market growth has the potential to create a profit bonanza in strategically positioned portfolios.

For more information on Earth Science Tech, visit Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST)

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

Receive Text Alerts from CannabisNewsWire: Text “Cannabis” to 21000

For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com and or https://CannabisNewsWire.News

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

DISCLAIMER: CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by CNW are solely those of CNW. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable CNW for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. CNW is a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and is NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, CNW, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer’s filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer’s securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment.

CNW HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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

Latest Farm Bill Developments Hold Out Hope for Hemp Farmers

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: After years of wrangling, the U.S. Congress stands on the verge of legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp.

  • Hemp is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant that doesn’t generate a psychoactive effect.
  • Traditionally used to produce cloth and rope, hemp can also now be used in wellness products and food.
  • Competing legislations by the House and Senate are being aligned with an anticipated September 30 deadline.
  • The legalization of hemp has cross-party support and appears likely to pass.

The expected change in U.S. law will be beneficial for companies such as Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile), which is already invested in industrial hemp and support for hemp growers. Across the border, Canopy Growth Corp. (NYSE: CGC) has established acres of Canadian hemp cultivation and gained financial backing that would support huge growth. Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTCQX: ACBFF) has also received substantial funding in the past few months, which will help its ongoing expansion effort. Hemp cultivation will provide plentiful CBD to be used by companies such as CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI) as an ingredient in a wide and growing range of health and wellness products. All this growth is aided by support companies such as Terra Tech Corp. (OTC: TRTC), which provides equipment for cannabis cultivators.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Hemp: Caught Between Politics and Business

Industrial hemp is a crop with a strange history in the United States. For centuries, it was used to produce products such as ropes and sails, playing an integral part in the economy. This ended in the twentieth century when hemp was caught up in a broad ban on the cannabis family of plants, despite the fact that hemp itself is not usable as a recreational drug. Now its tentative return depends upon the outcome of a far broader agricultural bill.

Because it doesn’t share the psychoactive properties of marijuana, hemp has potential to be regulated and grown separately. Early tests in restoring this industry have produced significant profits for farmers. If the political will can be found to change its status, it could create great opportunities for businesses and their suppliers.

Hemp Cultivation Project in the United States

Several companies, including Marijuana Company of America (OTC: MCOA), are already growing hemp in the United States with their Scio, Oregon Cultivation Project, in conjunction with their joint venture partner Global Hemp Group Inc. (CSE: GHG) (OTC: GBHPF) (FRANKFURT: GHG).

Under their high-yielding CBD hemp cultivation projects, the two joint venture partners have formed Covered Bridge Acres, LTD. The key to the project was the acquisition of a 109-acre agricultural property in Scio, Oregon, with a history of hemp cultivation over the past few years. In July 2018, 40,000 hemp clones were planted on the property for Cannabidiol (CBD) propagation on approximately 33 acres of the property.

MCOA and GHG are now in the process of evaluating different harvesting, drying, storage and processing strategies in preparation of an early October harvest. The joint venture partners are also in negotiations with guaranteed offtake agreement offers and are considering strategies involved with selling the attained biomass from harvest in bulk.

When Is a Drug Not a Drug?

Hemp is one of a range of different cannabis plants. Unlike the versions smoked by recreational users, it doesn’t contain significant quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that gets smokers high. It does contain the active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), which has been widely reported to have medicinal value — reports that now have been substantiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Importantly, hemp also contains fibers that can be used for a wide range of purposes.

In the twentieth century, cannabis plants were banned as the U.S. government and others worldwide cracked down on drug use. Though hemp doesn’t get drug users high, the governments apparently banned the cannabis plant because of the difficulty of distinguishing between the plant varieties. The decision to include hemp in a list of banned drugs was based on political expediency rather than science.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century and the rules surrounding hemp have started to change, allowing the creation of companies such as MCOA. Hemp has a huge number of potential uses, including the manufacture of cloth and paper and the processing of food. Under licenses designed to cater to research and the medical market, farmers have begun growing industrial hemp with expectations of earning up to 150 times as much money per acre of land as they would growing alfalfa.

The Great Agricultural Debate

Farm bills are an important part of how the U.S. government establishes policy around food and agricultural production and how that policy is enshrined in law. Roughly every five years, Congress creates a bill covering a wide range of agricultural topics. With its huge financial implications and many different political angles, passing the bill can be a messy business.

Following a pilot research program for hemp growers created in the 2014 Farm Bill, the current Farm Bill includes the legalization of industrial hemp. There’s a lot at stake for hemp growers as well as those hoping to enter and establish a foothold in the industry. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable has gone so far as to hire attorney Daniel Cameron, an experienced Washington legal counsel, to lead its advocacy on the bill.

The House and Senate have both passed versions of the 2018 Farm Bill that support the legalization of the hemp industry without drug enforcement oversight. On Sept. 5, the first bicameral conference committee on this Farm Bill began meeting in an attempt to resolve competing elements between the two bills, with a deadline to present the president with an agreed-on final version of the bill by the end of the month.

The good news for companies such as MCOA is that the hemp element of the Farm Bill has cross-party support. Hemp’s potential to revive the fortunes of American farmers makes it a potential vote-winner for rural politicians nervously eyeing up the polls. The bad news is that in a bill affecting everything from agricultural subsidies to environmental conservation to food stamps, there’s plenty for politicians to disagree over.

Hemp Products

Sail cloth and rigging were enough to make hemp profitable in the eighteenth century, but the world has changed since then. So what sort of products can the world expect to see from a resurgent hemp market?

Many products will undoubtedly be targeted towards the health and wellness market, using CBD as an active ingredient. A leading example of these types of products is MCOA’s hempSMART line, including hempSMART Brain, which is developed to help with alertness and concentration; hempSMART Pain Capsules and Pain Cream, formulated to be an effective product combination for the temporary relief of minor pain associated with physical activity; hempSMART Full Spectrum Drops; and hempSMART Face, a nourishing facial moisturizer infused with Ayurvedic herbs and botancials.

A Growing Industry

Many companies already engaged in the cannabis market are exploring ways they may be able to benefit from the growing popularity of hemp. Canopy Growth Corp. (NYSE: CGC), one of Canada’s foremost cannabis companies, has a hemp division with expertise in this area and acres of hemp production already under way. The company also recently received a $4 billion investment from Constellation Brands, a leading beverage company, to help it expand within the fast-growing cannabis market. With such levels of investment, Canopy Growth will be in a strong position to increase production as the market for hemp products grows.

The medical use of CBD is a major area of interest for Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTCQX: ACBFF), which is developing different strains of cannabis to benefit from their different medical properties. Like Canopy Growth, Aurora has an eye to expansion while the market is still young. Its recent takeover of MedReleaf appears to be just one step in a far bigger plan. The company has just taken out a $150 million loan with the Bank of Montreal, betting on the power of a short-term financial boost to make it a market leader, more than capable of repaying the debt when the time comes.

Another company exploring the medical potential of CBD is CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI). CV Sciences has a strong focus on research, with a division devoted to developing new drugs that use CBD as an active ingredient. Its consumer products division works through health care providers, health food shops and online sales to market CBD-based wellness products.

The increasing number of growers is good news for supporting companies such as Terra Tech Corp. (OTC: TRTC). Terra Tech produces growing systems — including moving tables and hydroponics — for cannabis farmers. These products are designed to increase the productivity of indoor cannabis cultivation, which is where a lot of CBD and marijuana plants are grown. The company’s environmentally friendly systems can reduce waste and thereby cut costs while also increasing productivity.

The anticipated changes in the U.S. laws governing hemp cultivation signal implications for a large number of companies in the wider cannabis sector as well. If the Farm Bill gets through Congress as expected this month, it could open up a sea change in agricultural production and U.S. wellness industry products.

For more information on Marijuana Company of America, visit Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA)

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

Receive Text Alerts from CannabisNewsWire: Text “Cannabis” to 21000

For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com and or https://CannabisNewsWire.News

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

DISCLAIMER: CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by CNW are solely those of CNW. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable CNW for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. CNW is a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and is NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, CNW, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer’s filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer’s securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment.

CNW HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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