420 with CNW — CDC Study Shows Major Drop in Teen Cannabis Use in Washington’s Largest County Post-Legalization

A recent federal study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown a notable decline in cannabis use among teenagers in King County, Washington State’s largest county, following recreational use legalization in 2012. The study indicates a substantial decrease in both frequent and current cannabis use among 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students, according to data from 2008 to 2021.

According to researchers, the legalization of marijuana combined with related rules and age restrictions may have made it less available to minors. They do, however, concede that the COVID-19 epidemic may have contributed to more recent drops in use.

Using youth survey data from the state’s health department, researchers found that “current cannabis use,” defined as use within a one-month time frame, decreased significantly from peak levels of 15.5% in 2012 to 9% in 2021 for females and 20.4%in 2010 to 7.7% in 2021 for males.

Although the trend of reduced teen-use rates started soon after the legalization of recreational cannabis, according to the study’s authors, the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the imposition of stay-at-home regulations in March 2020, may have exacerbated the decline in recent years.

Since peak usage in 2012, there has been a steady decline in teen use of cannabis. For instance, the percentage of males who used the substance frequently, meaning more than six days a month, decreased from 7.5% in 2014 to 3.7% in 2021. Though usage among female students declined as well, it did so more gradually, with rates dropping from 15.5% in 2012 to 9% in 2021.

Interestingly, 2021 was the only year where female users had a slightly higher prevalence of current use. Nonetheless, male users still reported more frequent use compared to their female counterparts.

According to the study, there has been a noticeable decline in the gender gap in recent cannabis use prevalence rates. Although the study hypothesized that changing societal norms surrounding marijuana could be connected to gender variations in marijuana use, the authors urged further research to look at cannabis-use patterns related to gender and norms.

These results are consistent with another study conducted on high school students in Canada, which found that once marijuana was legalized, most felt that it was less accessible. The study authors attributed the outcome to both national legalization and COVID-19 social-distancing measures. Additionally, another CDC analysis also showed a decline in high school students’ marijuana use after legalization in most states.

Such research findings don’t support prohibitionists who argue that ending cannabis prohibition by allowing such as Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) to operate would result in skyrocketing teen access to the drug.

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

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420 with CNW — Several Bills to Legalize Cannabis Filed in Indiana

The potential legalization of cannabis in Indiana is expected to be a prominent issue in the upcoming legislative session. In previous years, legislators have pointed to the proximity of neighboring states with legalized cannabis as a driving force behind Indiana’s consideration of the matter. The allure of increased tax revenue, witnessed in nearby states such as Michigan and Illinois, serves as a persuasive incentive for lawmakers to contemplate legalization.

Currently, nine measures in both the Indiana senate and house have been proposed, with each incorporating “marijuana” in their titles.

SB 99, sponsored by Senators Rodney Pol and Fady Qaddoura, proposes allowing marijuana use for individuals aged 21 years and older or those with serious medical conditions. Additionally, it introduces an excise tax on cannabis.

SB107, proposed by Senators Qaddoura and David Niezgodski, proposes the establishment of a legal framework for the growth and distribution of marijuana in the state.

SB 126, put forth by Senator Greg Taylor, seeks to create a medical cannabis program, enabling doctors to prescribe the substance for specific medical conditions. The bill also proposes the formation of a regulatory committee and the repeal of certain taxes related to cannabis.

SB 294, authored by Senator Eric Bassler, proposes removing cannabis from Schedule I of the controlled substance list. It suggests permitting medical cannabis use for individuals with serious medical conditions, prescribed by a healthcare professional. Similar to Senate Bill 126, SB 294 proposes the establishment of a state marijuana commission to oversee the program.

HB 1146, introduced by Representative Jim Lucas, aims to establish a program allowing medical cannabis growth, testing, processing and distribution by licensed operators. Additionally, the measure makes it illegal to discriminate against people who use medicinal cannabis and also provides legal assistance to anyone found operating a car while under the influence of cannabis.

Representative Blake Johnson’s HB1282 aims to provide guidelines for Indiana’s legal marijuana cultivation and sales. House Bills 1349 and 1350, both authored by Representatives Heath VanNatter, Steve Bartles and Jake Teshka, propose decriminalizing the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis and lays out guidelines for Indiana’s legal marijuana production and distribution, respectively.

Lastly, House Bill 1410 put forth by Representative Zach Payne, would allow the sale and consumption of marijuana to anyone who is at least 18 years of age. It also requires the state’s health department to set up a system for citizens to receive medical cannabis cards, permitting anyone under the age of 18 to use the drug for medical purposes with a prescription. Furthermore, the measure also suggests exempting medical marijuana from the sales tax.

The debate over cannabis legalization in Indiana is expected to change as these proposals move through the legislative process, influenced by factors including taxation, regulations and public health.

Indiana is one of the remaining states that haven’t legalized cannabis in some form, and the progress of the these bills could attract the interest of several cannabis companies, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as the spread of the reform movement reaches these holdout states.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Governor Urges Lawmakers to Enable Adult-Use Cannabis Sales

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has urged state lawmakers to enable recreational marijuana sales before the end of the year. During a recent interview with newspaper editors, Gov. DeWine said that although Ohio voters approved a measure to legalize recreational cannabis in late 2023, recreational sales won’t begin until the end of 2024.

The governor noted that Ohio is in a sort of “goofy situation” where recreational cannabis consumption and cultivation are legal, but the state still hasn’t approved retail locations to sell adult-use marijuana. As a result, black-market sellers are stepping in and taking advantage of the market gap to sell unregulated cannabis to often unsuspecting consumers.

The Republican governor called the situation a “real mess” and called on the Republican-controlled legislature to take action and remedy the issue by granting the authority to start selling legal adult-use cannabis in the state. He suggested that the state could start by allowing adult-use cannabis sales through medical marijuana dispensaries with the possibility of launching sales around 60 days after a legislature-passed initiative.

DeWine has already expressed support for a recreational cannabis regulation bill that was passed by the Senate in December and is still waiting for action by House legislators.

According to DeWine, gaining the support of both the Senate and House will be critical to starting a conversation about legal adult-use cannabis sales and working on a bill to facilitate legal sales.

Ohio became the 24th state in the U.S. to legalize recreational cannabis after voters approved Issue 2 in the November 2023 ballot. Issue 2 allowed adults aged 21 years and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 15 grams of marijuana extract. Eligible adults can also grow up to six cannabis plants in households with one adult and up to twelve plants in homes with more than one eligible adult.

DeWine is adamant that Ohio lawmakers advance legislation as soon as possible and ban the purchase of intoxicating hemp products as the legislature comes back into session this year.

The cannabis black market is a problem that affects most states with legal markets, including California, which is currently the largest cannabis market on the globe. DeWine is keen on avoiding the issue before Ohio’s adult-use industry launches.

Such a bill would allow regulated retailers to begin selling recreational cannabis “on a controlled basis,” DeWine says, and would allow the state to launch adult-use sales quickly through medical marijuana centers.

Operators in more mature cannabis markets, such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be watching to see how Ohio navigates its entry into the fast-growing recreational marijuana industry.

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420 with CNW — SD Assembly Approves Legislation Sanctioning Cannabis Companies Without Warnings on Gun Ownership

South Dakota’s Assembly has passed two bills highlighting that those who use medical cannabis may be prevented from legally possessing firearms under federal law. The legislation includes adding policy notices in cannabis dispensaries and on patient applications. Failure to comply with these standards may result in daily fines for dispensaries.

The first measure, relating to marijuana patients’ applications, received resounding support with a 68 to 1 vote, while the second one, concerning dispensaries, faced a more divided vote, passing 42 to 27.

According to the legislation, medical marijuana dispensaries in South Dakota must display a warning sign stating that federal law forbids firearm possession for persons addicted to or using cannabis. The measure allows suspension if the attorney general certifies that federal law no longer prohibits firearm possession for such individuals.

Representative Kevin Jensen sponsored both bills, noting his vast background as a gun trainer and dealer. He stated that many people are unaware that this specific federal statute even exists.

Some industry players argue that the law requiring dispensaries to display notices of the statute at entrances and every point of sale brings an unwarranted burden on the operators. In response to these worries, Jensen stated that dispensaries wouldn’t have to pay more as a result of the regulation. He also noted that the $250 daily fine for noncompliance is only one-half of the cost that federal authorities impose on retailers that neglect to post notices on tobacco products.

Additionally, Jensen stated that the state’s health department would be in charge of implementing the rule and gathering fines as part of their regular inspections.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has continuously argued in federal courts that the ban on firearms for marijuana users is necessary because possession presents a special risk, similar to the situation where people with severe mental illnesses aren’t permitted to possess firearms. The DOJ justified the prohibition by citing historical precedence and claiming that cannabis users pose a threat to society since they would likely store their weapons improperly.

Despite the federal government’s view, certain federal courts have ruled that the marijuana-related firearm restriction is unlawful, prompting the DOJ to file an ongoing appeal.

A 2019 FBI memo came to light, suggesting that the federal authorities do not usually view the possession of firearms by medicinal cannabis producers and caregivers as a legal crime.

In the broader context of gun and marijuana policy, GOP congressional legislators have introduced two bills this session aiming to address the intersection of gun ownership and cannabis use.

The proposed reforms in South Dakota are still a developing story, and major cannabis companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) operating in more established markets are unlikely to give the legislation much thought until the final law takes shape and its ramifications on the broader industry are assessed.

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CannabisNewsBreaks — Boston Hemp Inc. Unveils New Product Designed to Redefine Cannabis Consumption

Boston Hemp, a pioneer in the cannabis industry, has launched its latest product: THCa Crumble Extract. According to the announcement, the groundbreaking new product showcases the company’s commitment to providing consumers with high-quality, cutting-edge solutions for a diverse range of cannabis experiences. A carefully crafted concentrate, THCa Crumble Extract is designed to “harness” the power of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (“THCa”) and provides the user with a full-spectrum, entourage effect during a premium, authentic cannabis encounter. THCa Crumble offers purity and potency as well as versatility, allowing users to explore various methods of consumption, including dabbing, vaporizing or incorporating the substance into edibles. The new product features natural terpene profiles and lab-tested quality, with every batch undergoing third-party lab testing to ensure quality, potency and safety. “Our THCa Crumble Extract represents a significant leap forward in cannabis consumption,” Boston Hemp COO Marc Maltisanti in the press release. “We’re proud to offer a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our growing clientele nationwide.”

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

About Boston Hemp Inc.

Boston Hemp Inc is a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, dedicated to providing premium, natural products that redefine the way consumers in all 50 states experience cannabis. With a focus on innovation, quality and sustainability, the company strives to set new standards for excellence in the evolving cannabis market by offering federally legal THCa products available nationwide. To learn more about the company, visit www.BostonHempInc.com.

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — Congressional Researchers Highlight Shortcomings of Cannabis Rescheduling Recommendation

A recently published Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has highlighted the potential shortcomings of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) marijuana rescheduling recommendation. Last year, the HHS published a series of documents recommending that the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reschedule marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. HHS officials justified the recommendation on the grounds that cannabis currently has “accepted medical uses” and thus did not meet the conditions required of Schedule I drugs.

Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III would finally make it legal for doctors to prescribe marijuana at the federal level and would be a major step forward for the country’s medical marijuana industry. However, Congressional researchers argue that the rescheduling recommendation has many shortcomings. The recent report outlined the legal consequences of rescheduling marijuana.

It noted that the country’s state marijuana markets would still be illegal at the federal level and certain cannabis activity-related criminal penalties would remain in place even if cannabis is rescheduled. According to the CRS, approving the rescheduling without any additional legal changes would not make the state legal recreational and medical marijuana industries compliant with the federal Controlled Substances Act.

The report said that while moving cannabis to Schedule III would make it legal for doctors to prescribe it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would first have to approve cannabis medicines before federal law allows physicians to prescribe cannabis.

Additionally, the manufacturers and distributors of any cannabis products that receive FDA approval would have to register with the DEA and meet regulatory requirements for drugs in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act before they can begin handling their respective products. Medical marijuana users would also need to acquire prescriptions from licensed medical providers that will most likely be subject to different federal requirements. The report adds that the rescheduling will only change certain criminal penalties while some marijuana-related penalties would remain unchanged.

On a positive note, the report noted that the rescheduling would finally allow cannabis businesses to deduct their business expenses when they file their federal taxes, something they have been unable to do since the industry’s inception due to federal prohibition. The CRS report also said that regardless of how the rescheduling issue plays out, the Justice Department wouldn’t be able to interfere with state medical cannabis programs, thanks to an appropriations rider renewed annually by Congress since 2012.

As long as the rider remains in place, the report explains, players in America’s state-legal medical cannabis industry will be protected from federal prosecution as long as they comply with state cannabis law.

Despite these shortcomings revealed in the CRS report, cannabis industry actors and ancillary companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) are likely to see the rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule III as a step in the right direction. Other reforms can follow this significant step in due course.

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420 with CNW — Study Suggests Marijuana Isn’t Effective as Treatment for Opioid Addiction

A recent study involving 8,367 patients undergoing treatment for opioid-use disorder has challenged the notion that cannabis serves as an effective remedy for overcoming opioid addiction. The study, published in “The American Drug and Alcohol Abuse” Journal, revealed that marijuana, when used outside of medical supervision, fails to exert any noteworthy impact on opioid consumption.

The study carries significant implications for treatment programs in the United States, some of which impose a prerequisite for patients to abstain from marijuana before qualifying for life-saving interventions. This is predicated on the idea that people who use cannabis are more inclined to use opioids for nonmedical purposes.

The study also casts doubt on the competing and growingly popular theory that suggests cannabis can help wean individuals with opioid-use disorder off of opioids. Opioids, while effective in alleviating pain, harbor the risk of addiction, contributing to an ongoing crisis in the United States.

The nation witnesses approximately 120 daily deaths resulting from opioid-related overdoses, while the economic toll of opioid addiction and related fatalities surpasses $1 trillion annually.

While the most common justification for medical cannabis legalization is pain management, more and more states are expanding the list of acceptable cannabis-treatable diseases to include problems that can be treated with opioids, including the disorder in certain instances. The researchers attributed this in part to the perception that cannabis is less dangerous now that it is allowed for recreational use in several states.

Nevertheless, the study fails to provide clarity on whether marijuana aids or impedes the treatment of opioid addiction. While certain studies suggest that marijuana helps mitigate pain and alleviate opioid-withdrawal symptoms, others propose that it may elevate the likelihood of reverting to opioid use.

The study, a meta-analysis consolidating data from 10 long-term trials, spanned an average of 10 months. Participants were monitored for nonmedical opioid use, encompassing the consumption of opioids not prescribed to them and exceeding prescribed dosages. The study compared the frequency of such use between cannabis users and nonusers.

The results revealed no discernible connection between marijuana use and the rates of nonprescribed opioid use. According to the authors, the results neither support nor refute worries that cannabis use may increase the use of nonprescribed opioids in patients receiving treatment for opioid addiction.

The authors cautioned, however, that the study had limitations, including inconsistencies in the methodologies of the studies incorporated into the meta-analysis and systematic review. This includes variances in the baseline condition of opioid usage as well as disparities in the methods used to measure cannabis and opioid use. Furthermore, while the findings are relevant to cannabis usage in general, people with cannabis-use disorders could not benefit from them.

This research goes to show that patients who are using medical marijuana products from one of the many entities such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) need to consult an experienced professional before trying marijuana for the different health conditions they want help with.

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420 with CNW — Czech Republic Wants to Legalize Marijuana Sans Legal Sales

The Czech Republic has revealed its plan to legalize adult-use marijuana. Local news media outlets reported that the measure aimed at legalizing adult-use marijuana wouldn’t include regulations for a legal market. Expats.cz reported that the government tabled a draft marijuana regulation measure last week.

The Central European nation is among several other countries in Europe that are working on marijuana regulation. The country decriminalized the possession of marijuana for personal use in 2010, then legalized medical marijuana in 2013. However, the recreational use of marijuana remains illegal.

In 2022, the country publicized its plans to legalize adult-use marijuana, which included the creation of a legal market. With recent the news, however, it seems legalization will be limited to home cultivation, possession and the establishment of marijuana social clubs. One of the primary advocates of marijuana legalization in the country, the Pirate Party, said that the measure was a compromise and they were working out additions.

The proposed measure is part of the Czech government’s plan to address addiction via different initiatives. These include endorsing policy based on a scientifically proven and balanced approach to harm reduction and risk prevention in addiction management, as well as the regulation of addictive drugs based on their levels of harm.

The revised measure has already received criticism from the public, primarily centering on legalization without the establishment of a legal market.

Cannabis associations in the country noted in a joint press release that the lack of a regulated market failed to tackle the illicit market, which continued to make significant profits. However, this sentiment isn’t shared by all. Dr. Tomas Ryska, Astrasana Czechs MD, stated in a recent interview that the lack of regulation for a legal cannabis market is part of the plan.

The plan’s objective was to pressure the Christian and Democratic Union, give rise to negative sentiment in the media and demonstrate that citizens weren’t happy with legalization without the establishment of a regulated market.

The Christian and Democratic Union is the only party that opposes the creation of a legal marijuana market. In its argument, the party raised concerns about the possible increase in marijuana users and funds spent on addiction-prevention and treatment programs.

However, JindřichVobořil has consistently asserted that the market’s regulation can control sales, distribution and production, which would make prevention more effective while also generating tax revenues.

According to Ryska, the government plans to pursue the creation of a legal market in the near future.

Players that are in already established cannabis markets such as Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) will be watching the developments in the Czech Republic as those regulatory changes could eventually open international opportunities for these companies.

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420 with CNW — Major Themes Marijuana Investors Can Expect in 2024

Despite a year of major highs and lows in 2023, cannabis investors are hopeful that this year will be better thanks to several major issues that are likely to boost the cannabis industry. Let’s take a look at five themes likely to shape the industry:

Rescheduling prospects

Last year, U.S. marijuana businesses witnessed substantial gains after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). If rescheduling materializes, it could alleviate the burdens imposed by Section 280E of the IRS, allowing marijuana companies to obtain tax credits and standard business tax deductions similar to mainstream businesses.

Despite the potential benefits, the timeline for rescheduling remains uncertain as experts anticipate a proposed rule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), followed by potential legal challenges.

Advancements in cannabis banking legislation

In 2023, the Senate banking committee endorsed the SAFER banking measure with a bipartisan vote of 14 to 9. This act seeks to enable financial institutions to offer crucial banking services to state-regulated cannabis entities without the fear of federal repercussions.

The bill also introduces updates directing financial institutions to cultivate local banking relationships and expand Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. surveys to smaller businesses. The bill has passed the House seven times but has failed in the Senate.

The focus is currently on section 10 of the act, which aims to prevent regulators from displaying favoritism towards specific industries. Strengthening section 10 language could enhance the bill’s chances of gaining approval from conservative House leadership.

Equities sensitization

The marijuana industry’s stock market performance is likely to remain sensitive to regulatory changes, potentially leading to either positive or negative market swings. With uncertainties surrounding rescheduling and the banking legislation, industry players should brace for ongoing equity sensitivity.

Regulatory shifts could profoundly impact business strategies and investment decisions, and thus stakeholders ought to stay agile in response to these changes.

Additionally, despite potential equity dilution from balance-sheet recapitalization, investors stand to benefit from better financial status among marijuana businesses.

Further stabilization with limited capital formation

The industry is expected to witness continued price stability, fostering a more predictable pricing ecosystem for consumers and businesses. However, states facing diminishing capacity may see pricing power return to marijuana operators.

This year, the influx of new capital into the sector is anticipated to be limited. Even if the DEA agrees to reschedule cannabis, institutional investors are likely to wait for a finalized rule before injecting new capital into the space. This sets the stage for potential investments in companies with proven operational capabilities and scale advantages.

Unlikely mergers and acquisitions

The year 2023 saw subdued activity in marijuana mergers and acquisitions, and this trend is expected to persist in 2024. Last year, companies dedicated their efforts to enhancing cash flow and extending debt, making them less inclined to assume additional debt or divert attention to M&A integration this year.

If the DEA approves rescheduling, most companies will leverage section 280E relief to strengthen their balance sheets rather than engage in a spree of mergers and acquisitions. However, there may be opportunities for smaller-scale mergers and acquisitions, where businesses capitalize on improved financial conditions and potentially high equity valuations for modest, strategic acquisitions.

Existing players such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) are likely to keep a close eye on regulatory developments at the federal level in the United States as these could shape their future plans and operations.

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Astrotech Corp. (NASDAQ: ASTC) Subsidiary AgLAB: Breakthrough Technology For Ag-Distillers

Astrotech subsidiary AgLAB demonstrates the capability of significant improvements in yields for large scale producers of hemp and cannabis CBD-THC oils using breakthrough mass spectrometry technology
The company’s AgLAB 1000-D2(TM) mass spectrometer and the Maximum Value Process(TM) testing method (“AgLAB MVP(TM)”) allows large-scale distillers to analyze oils during processing, and make real-time adjustments to boost yields and potencies
Field trials resulted in improved ending-weight yields by an average of 30%, which can translate into bottom-line profits
Astrotech presented the AgLAB Maximum Value Process at last year’s MJBizCon in November, it is the premier global hemp and cannabis business conference and tradeshow

AgLAB, Inc., a subsidiary of Astrotech (NASDAQ: ASTC), has breakthrough mass spectrometry technology in its AgLAB 1000-D2 mass spectrometer and the Maximum Value Process(TM) testing method (“AgLAB MVP”). AgLAB MVP is designed to improve yields and bottom-line profits for hemp (“CBD”) and cannabis (“THC”) producers of CBD-THC oils by up to 30%.

Large scale CBD and THC oil processors use molecular distillation systems (“MDS”) to produce the valuable oils that are used in lotions, pills, tinctures, and cartridges. Using the AgLAB MVP solution, customers are now able to analyze the oils during processing and make near real-time adjustments that can boost the ending-weight yields and potencies.

“The AgLAB 1000 is a powerful tool for large-scale distillers. This product and method fills a void by providing an easy and accurate real-time analysis that is used to make the right adjustments and improve the yields,” said Joe Levinthal, Chief Science Officer and Master Distiller of AgLAB.

“We are proud to introduce the AgLAB MVP, a breakthrough technology that is more accurate and faster than any other testing method. The AgLAB MVP is very fast and is easy to learn with results that more than pay for itself starting on the first day of use. We believe this is a game changer for the cannabinoid industry and processors must use the AgLAB MVP to stay competitive,” commented Tom Pickens, CEO and CTO of Astrotech.

The AgLAB-1000-D2 mass spectrometer is a ruggedized factory floor analytical instrument designed to quickly and easily analyze complex chemical compounds found in organic plant materials.

About Astrotech Corporation

Astrotech (NASDAQ: ASTC) is an instrumentation company that is focused on commercializing its proprietary ATi Mass Spectrometer Technology(TM) that is now used in airports and agriculture applications throughout the world.

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

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

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