Canadian Cannabis Sector Thriving Despite Slow Legalization Process

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Despite legislative delays, the legalization of recreational cannabis will take place in Canada, likely by the end of summer at the latest. Companies are coming to grips with the licensing process and are ready to reach this new market. One of the leaders in the new industry is Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) (CHOOF Profile), which has gained licensing experience and developed a slick brand designed to appeal to the recreational market. Grower and seller Cronos Group, Inc. (TSX: CRON) (NASDAQ: CRON) is eyeing the international market through a cross-border deal with MedMen. Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) has been focusing on retail licenses and is now an approved supplier for every province that has gone through an approval process. Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) is moving from medical into recreational cannabis though an expansion strategy that has seen growth in profits and revenue. Hiku Brands Company. Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF) has gained an early sales license for its subsidiary company and is setting up state-of-the-art growing facilities ready for the legal change.

A Matter of Time

Ever since Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party were elected on a pro-legalization platform, Canada has been heading towards an in-plain-view cannabis market. Bill C-45, legalizing the trade, was passed in the House of Commons by a two-thirds majority last November and is making its way through the Senate. The passage of the bill has taken longer than expected, but even the Conservatives are not trying to block its passage. A whole new consumer sector is coming to Canada.

The delays have largely been caused by concerns about practicalities. The recreational cannabis market will be tightly regulated, just as the medical market is now. Conservatives and Liberals alike want to ensure that the police and local authorities have time to prepare. Though this concern is causing delays, it also creates an opportunity for companies that are well prepared. A company that can show it is organized, responsible and compliant with government regulations will have an edge in getting licensed and started in the new market. Balancing that with a consumer-facing image of a fun, relaxing product may be key to early success.

Responsible Groundwork

One of the companies leading the way in this is Choom Holdings (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF). A purpose-built recreational brand, Choom is led by an experienced management and leadership team that understands the complexities of the market it is entering. President and CEO Chris Bogart has more than twenty years of experience in international capital markets and was a co-founder of InMed Pharmaceuticals and Magnum Uranium. He has structured complex equity financing transactions in the United States, Europe and Canada.

The team has been preparing for the coming change in the cannabis market for more than four years. Choom has been going through the process of applying for an ACMPR (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations) license in Vernon, B.C. In 2017, it has offers to acquire three additional applicants, including one already involved in the process in Vancouver Island, B.C. The company is working diligently to be ready to sell cannabis as soon as legalization comes.

Going through the cannabis licensing process could provide Choom with another advantage. Its staff has developed the skills and experience to quickly navigate the regulatory process and has proven to authorities its ability be become a responsible cannabis grower. The company has been working for future retail growth and distribution. With Alberta alone expecting to license 250 stores in the first year (http://cnw.fm/Wgt5F), regulators are clearly going to be busy working through all the applications. Companies such as Choom that have experience, a good reputation and a well-presented application may have a critical edge in successful retail licensing.

Effective Supply Chain

The Canadian cannabis industry is estimated to be huge. Deloitte notes that it could be worth as much as $22.6 billion per year (http://cnw.fm/eOkR5). Even the more conservative estimates predict a market larger than spirits and nearly as large as wine. That’s a lot of profit available to companies that can move in quickly and provide a reliable retail experience.

Choom could provide that through its fully integrated seed-to-sale supply chain. The company will be growing its own cannabis in ACMPR-licensed facilities. The company has four ACMPR licenses in late-stage review: one applicant has been acquired with three others under offer, as well as its first applicant expecting to receive a cultivation license from Health Canada in the next few weeks. There is approximately 68,000 square feet of facilities being retrofitted to increase growing capacity in time for legalization, with a further phase of expansion planned for later in the year, thereby building production capacity to produce a steady supply of cannabis.

This cannabis will be packaged as Choom brand products and sold through a series of Choom stores. The company will run corporate stores, with other stores being operated across Canada by independent retail investor/owners. This plan is designed to ensure that Choom products have a prominent place in the Canadian retail market and can be found easily by consumers.

Great Branding

While an efficient supply chain is important to placing products in front of customers, it’s the presentation of the product that will draw consumers in. Again, Choom appears to be well prepared.

With tight marketing restrictions in place, cannabis companies won’t be able to rely on mass advertising to raise customer awareness. Instead, they’ll need appealing brands that quickly attract consumers and lead to word-of-mouth recommendations.

Choom’s brand is built around a fun, relaxed style that draws on Hawaii’s mellow atmosphere and the cannabis culture on the island in the 1970s. The name of the company itself comes from island slang, including “the Choom gang,” a well-known group from that era that famously included the hippest president in American history, Barack Obama. It’s a strong, clearly identifiable brand style, firmly established to attract the recreational market.

The strength of the brand is supported by the design of the company’s retail stores. Designed by the team behind some of the most recognizable retail spaces around, Choom stores are designed with a cool and modern layout and are designed to appeal to serving everyone, from current users to “curious customers.”

The combination of clean white space and open concept creates a comfortable, familiar atmosphere that is meant to make the stores accessible to both existing cannabis consumers and new customers. Plants and sofas signal that this is not just a shop but a place to hang out, a part of that relaxing Hawaiian vibe.

Cannabis Companies Prepare for Growth

Other Canadian cannabis companies are also preparing for an era of huge growth.

Toronto-based cannabis grower and seller Cronos Group, Inc. (TSX: CRON) (NASDAQ: CRON) has become the first pure play cannabis company to be traded on Wall Street (http://cnw.fm/BQk4n). This shows the growing acceptance of the cannabis market not just in countries where the drug has been licensed but in the broader investment community. Investors see growth ahead for these companies and are taking the opportunity to invest before prices rise. As a cannabis company with international ambitions, Cronos is also distinctive. Its corporate goals include becoming a global force, and it has created a first-of-its-kind cross-border venture with Los Angeles-based cannabis retail brand  MedMen (http://cnw.fm/wLhX4).

Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) is establishing its retail presence. The company has been chosen by the government of Manitoba (http://cnw.fm/fEb9K) as one of the first companies to set up licensed cannabis retail stores in the province. Of the four Canadian provinces that have established retail and supply frameworks, all have now chosen Canopy Growth as a trusted supplier, giving the company a strong place in the retail market.

Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) is a successful company in the medical cannabis market, with both profits and revenues consistently rising throughout 2016 and 2017. The company is looking to continue this expansion, with further growth in the medical sector alongside expansion into the recreational cannabis market. It has signed a deal to buy Nuuvera Inc. (http://cnw.fm/O3oHY) and shows no sign of slowing down.

Like Canopy Growth, Hiku Brands Company, Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF) has gained one of the early licenses to set up cannabis retail stores through selection by the Manitoba government (http://cnw.fm/1EdHP). This license for its subsidiary Tokyo Smoke will put Hiku in a strong position to sell to a new customer base once Bill C-45 reaches its expected passage. The company is near the end of the ACMPR application process and has a state-of-the-art growing facility, with another set to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2018. It should, therefore, have a vertically integrated business, with a complete supply chain from growth to sales.

Delays in the passage of Bill C-45 have caused no slowing in the growth of the Canadian cannabis market. If anything, the extra time has allowed companies to better prepare. When the recreational market opens later this summer, several strong businesses appear to be ready to step up and play their part.

For more information on Choom Holdings, please visit Choom Holdings (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF).

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.

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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.

Cash-Heavy Cannabis Industry Looking for Alternative Fintech Banking Solutions

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: In a world where legal cannabis is rapidly becoming more mainstream, a vexing financial issue continues to haunt the businesses and consumers taking part in this multibillion-dollar industry; namely, what to do with all that cash when federally chartered banks can’t accept it and credit card companies won’t touch it.  Marijuana is still a federally prohibited substance, after all, which makes businesses that handle the highly regulated plant outcasts when it comes to traditional banking methods. This aversion to risk, as defined by the banking sector, is actually a welcome opportunity for companies that cater to “high-risk” industries, such as the rapidly expanding and lucrative legal cannabis market. Among the top players enabling marginalized cannabis-related businesses and other high-risk industries to thrive are Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) (GOHE profile), Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG), CannaRoyalty Corp. (OTCQX: CNNRF), SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING), and MassRoots, Inc. (OTCQB: MSRT).

Billions Upon Billions

While the legal cannabis industry may just be getting started in the United States, it is expected to generate nearly $57 billion in worldwide sales by 2027, according to a Forbes article quoting Arcview Market Research (http://cnw.fm/C7wd8). The adult use market for recreational cannabis will get the lion’s share of that spending — 67 percent — while medicinal cannabis gets the remaining 33 percent. And that’s just the beginning, according to Arcview’s analysis, with the largest group of those cannabis spenders coming from North America. These folks are expected to shell out $9.2 billion in 2017 and more than $47 billion a decade later. That, as Carl Sagan would say, is “billions upon billions” of big bucks.

Is Cash Really King?

Lack of access to traditional banking services means legal cannabis businesses and their customers are usually dealing solely in cash. Some cannabis dispensaries can conceivably do $1 million a month in business, attorney James Smith says (http://cnw.fm/XWWx4).

“You don’t want that to be cash,” said Smith, a founding partner at Smith, Costello and Crawford, a firm which represents cannabis companies. “The state doesn’t want it, the industry doesn’t want it, even the federal government doesn’t want it.”

Keeping large amounts of cash onsite raises the risk of theft or embezzlement and increases the cost of security measures. MoneyTrac Technology, Inc. (“MTRAC”), a partner of Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE), is taking aim at solving this industry-wide concern with a full-service banking solution powered by GreenBox blockchain technology. MTRAC’s payment solution offers cashless methods to process payments for consumers and gives business owners the ability to remit payments to vendors, employees and other business affiliates.

Key to Cashless™

Unbanked cash presents a host of problems for business owners and the states in which they are licensed to do business. Even Canada, which is poised to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use by the end of the summer, is struggling with the issue since many of its largest banks steer clear of the cannabis industry. That may change in Canada once full legalization takes place, according to an article in Marijuana Business Daily (http://cnw.fm/wQi0V).

But why wait for traditional financial institutions to solve a problem when several companies have been working hard to provide a solution? Global Payout’s MoneyTrac Technology specifically offers alternative fintech banking solutions to these high-risk industries in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“The goal of MTRAC from the beginning has been to leverage the different technologies available to us to remove the use of cash as the primary form of payment throughout the cannabis industry,” said MTRAC CEO Vanessa Luna in a news release (http://cnw.fm/xX6yC). “While other companies have struggled to find supportive financial solutions, MTRAC opted to take a different approach, and one that has relied heavily on the use of blockchain technology to address this problem for a massive and growing industry.”

Inside the Box

MTRAC’s revolutionary payment process for businesses operating across a wide array of alternative high-cost and high-risk industries utilizes closed-loop blockchain technology. Simply put, merchants and consumers are assured that currency moved into MTRAC’s system, either in the form of cash or through a debit/credit card via MTRAC Kiosk or a customer/merchant e-wallet, is converted to a digital representation of the currency’s value using secure, encrypted digital keys.

The MTRAC Kiosk, powered by the forward-thinking blockchain technology solutions offered by GreenBox, can be placed in any business that wishes to go cashless, making it simple and easy for merchants and customers alike to complete financial transactions. The concept is already generating buzz as MTRAC and GreenBox share their innovative payment solution with industry leaders in fields such as energy, water-tech, IoT, mobile and electronic payments, and security technologies (http://cnw.fm/z5UcA).

Looking Back

Several years ago, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a Financial Institution Letter aimed at encouraging depository institutions to serve their communities by taking a risk-based approach when considering customer relationships instead of declining to provide banking services to an entire category of customers. That was in 2015, and, to date, little has changed when it comes to whether banks and credit unions are interested in welcoming the cannabis industry with open arms. Out of more than 16,000 FDIC and NCUA depository institutions registered in the United States, a 2017 federal report on marijuana banking noted only 400 of the institutions currently work with marijuana-related businesses (http://cnw.fm/s3TXu).

Catering to these “unbankable” businesses is exactly what Global Payout planned to do in 2015 when MoneyTrac Technology Inc. was brought under the company’s banner. The goal, then and now, is to focus on the development of financial technologies that specifically address many of the challenges that enterprises in a variety of alternative and high-risk market sectors face in processing financial transactions. MTRAC may be one of the most configurable and intuitive financial technology platforms available to alternative and high-risk enterprises, providing solutions that effectively manage everything from pin debit and virtual currency to compliance and cash flow logistics.

Playing a Pivotal Role

MTRAC’s commitment to working with the burgeoning cannabis industry is illustrated by the company’s recent announcement that it has joined the National Cannabis Industry Association at its highest membership level. The NCIA connects organizations, builds networks and serves as an advocate for the cannabis industry nationwide. Advocacy is encouraged as the cannabis industry continues its push for legitimacy and legalization, the NCIA states on its website (https://thecannabisindustry.org/).

“NCIA truly represents one of the most important and valuable associations in our industry,” Luna said in a new release published on CannabisNewsWire (http://cnw.fm/bCD0N). “Their hard work and advocacy over the past 17 years has played a pivotal role in helping to pave the way for the growth and continued legitimacy of this industry as well as in being a crucial resource to the thousands of businesses, such as MoneyTrac, who are committed to conducting business the right way, in an industry that remains highly scrutinized.”

The Home Stretch

Canada’s push to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use is being carefully watched on many fronts. Canadian lawmakers are still in the process of fine-tuning and adjusting the legislation that many expect to be in full force by September. Canadians are being assured that the government is planning “orderly implementation nationwide” with an overriding policy goal of keeping cannabis out of the hands of children (http://cnw.fm/0jyV7).

Even if select Canadian banks decide to finance cannabis operations or purchases, many are concerned about jeopardizing their operations based in the United States, where cannabis remains illegal at the federal level (http://cnw.fm/4PkeV).

Opportunity Beckons

The launch of MTRAC’s full-service banking solution, powered by GreenBox blockchain technology, offers the cannabis industry and other high-risk sectors cashless payment options they desperately need, Luna said (http://cnw.fm/3neCm).

Joining the effort to provide cannabis dispensaries and related businesses with payment solutions is Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG). After working with targeted participants in the state-sanctioned cannabis industry, Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions has rolled out its payment system to serve the global medical cannabis and banking industry.

“This fully concludes our transition from development stage and government relations to revenue stage,” said Jeremy Roberts, CEO of Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions. “We’re excited to bring our services to the industry and to bring increased value to our shareholders.”

Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions was developed to solve a major problem in state-sanctioned marijuana: banking and cashless payments. The company’s cutting-edge payment solution allows consumers to buy items using U.S. currency and will soon allow Bitcoin, Roberts said in a news release (http://cnw.fm/lh4xO).

Building and supporting a diverse portfolio of businesses ready to grow in high-value areas of the cannabis sector is the aim of Ontario-based CannaRoyalty Corp. (OTCQX: CNNRF). These areas include research and brand development, devices and intellectual property. In 2017, CannaRoyalty co-launched Trichome Yield Corp. (“Trichome”) to be a preferred asset-backed lending partner to emerging and established Canadian and global cannabis companies.

CannaRoyalty also recently announced its acquisition of three California cannabis-related businesses: RVR, a large-scale distributor of both medical and recreational cannabis brands; Alta Supply, a smaller distributor of medical marijuana; and Kaya Management, a maker of edibles and vaporizers (http://cnw.fm/rU7cL).

Providing full-service mobile technology solutions keeps SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) in the spotlight as the company capitalizes on two high-performing market sectors: legal cannabis and cryptocurrencies. In a March 7, 2018, shareholder update, SinglePoint announced the soft launch of its SingleSeed Bitcoin payments solution. SingleSeed stands to address the lack of viable payment options for the cannabis industry by providing a user-friendly, easy-to-track transactional platform that enables merchants to accept non-cash payments (http://cnw.fm/dht1X). SinglePoint also recently announced the official launch of SingleSeed’s newly updated website, which is focused on selling cannabidiol (“CBD”) based products direct-to-consumer (http://cnw.fm/f9D4M).

MassRoots, Inc. (OTC: MSRT) has developed a technology platform for the cannabis industry and its users. The company’s technology platform enables cannabis consumers to join a social network, which is accessible through several portals and mobile apps. Cannabis enthusiasts can post reviews, follow their favorite dispensaries and stay connected with the cannabis legalization movement (https://www.massroots.com/). MassRoots recently formed a subsidiary focused on utilizing blockchain in the cannabis industry, which pairs well with the company’s marketing strategy of building technology platforms for the regulated cannabis industry. The company’s mobile apps have more than 1 million registered users.

Economic Impact

The ongoing regulatory uncertainty that surrounds legalized cannabis in the Unites States. can be a divisive conversation among lawmakers, the cannabis industry and members of the public. It is a topic not likely to go away as more states consider measures to legalize cannabis in some form or another. One thing all parties can agree on, however, is businesses that work mainly in cash invite a myriad of problems. Reducing that risk by providing alternative cashless payment solutions offers safeguards traditional banking isn’t able or willing to give at this time.

For more information on Global Payout, Inc., please visit: Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE).

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)
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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.

Infusion of Biotechnology Into Cannabis Market Leads to Booming Growth

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The tremendous growth of the licensed cannabis market has naturally led to an increase in research in this area. A number of specialist biotech companies have emerged, creating innovative cannabinoid applications. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) (LXRP Profile) has developed technology to improve the palatability and speed of absorption of cannabinoid therapeutics, leading to a range of licensed products and related patents. Plant biotechnology company 22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE American: XXII) is altering the level of active ingredients in both cannabis and tobacco, allowing new strains to be grown for medical and other purposes. GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has developed extensive expertise in research, regulatory allowances and manufacturing, creating a pipeline of products for illnesses including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. INSYS Therapeutics, Inc.  (NASDAQ: INSY) is creating drugs for previously unmet patient needs, researching novel systems to deliver active ingredients as effectively as possible. Even rare illnesses are being addressed by this research boom, with Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYNE) focusing on neurological disorders, including fragile X syndrome and Tourette’s syndrome.

The Importance of Cannabis Biotech

As the cannabis market grows, biotechnology is taking an increasingly important place in that market.

From a position of almost global illegality 20 years ago, cannabis is evolving into a multibillion-dollar legal industry. Shifting social attitudes have led to the legalization of licensed medical cannabis in more than half of the United States and in many other countries around the world. A handful of countries are also now moving to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, accelerating the growth of the industry. Because of these changes, much of the public’s attention has been on social and legal developments.

This focus ignores the groundbreaking work emerging from cannabis research and design departments. Biotechnology has become a crucial part of the cannabis market as researchers explore new applications for the plant’s active ingredients and new ways of delivering drugs derived from them. This has led to exciting efforts in tackling opioid addiction, helping brains age more healthily and managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, just to name a few. The medical application of cannabis is becoming more sophisticated, and the cannabis biotech sector is growing in both power and profitability.

Business-to-Business Biotech

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) has taken an important place in this part of the market.

Lexaria is a research-driven company whose work focuses on improved drug delivery systems. This expertise started with DehydraTECH™, a technology that has been proven both in the laboratory and the market to improve the consumption of beneficial compounds.

Many of these compounds are lipophilic, meaning they are fat soluble. They taste and smell unpleasant, are poorly absorbed by the body, and are vulnerable to being broken down by the stomach and metabolized away by the liver. This leads to poor bioavailability, or how much of the compound the body can use. Smoking, vaping and added chemicals have all been used to try to alleviate this, but DehydraTECH offers a different solution. The lipophilic compound is combined with fatty acids in a process that makes it nearly odorless and tasteless while protecting it from hostile stomach conditions to increase both its speed of delivery to appropriate biological systems and rate of absorption.

This technology can also be applied to vitamins, supplements, nicotine and pharmaceuticals. And it is particularly applicable for both cannabis and tobacco-derived drugs because it allows patients to benefit from the active ingredients without having to smoke, thereby reducing harmful side effects from smoking. By increasing the efficacy of drugs, the technology also reduces quantities needed, cutting costs and minimizing drug-related side effects.

Lexaria has focused on licensing out its technology utilizing a business model similar to that used by software companies. Through licensing agreements with companies in Canada, the United States and beyond, Lexaria’s technology could benefit patients around the world. Meanwhile, the company itself can stay focused on biotechnology research without the burden of expensive commercial operations.

Piling Up the Patents

The result is a company that has developed a significant volume of intellectual property in its short history — and that volume continues to grow. Currently Lexaria has 15 patent applications filed in the United States and over 30 pending in more than 40 countries, plus two patents granted for cannabinoid delivery in the United States and one granted in Australia. With researchers continuing to refine the DehydraTECH system, the patents keep piling up.

In March the company received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office relating to substances that improve the taste and absorption of cannabinoids  (http://cnw.fm/A14bT). This is expected to lead to the granting of yet another U.S. patent soon to add more protected commercial values for Lexaria’s partnered companies.

The company is also exploring the use of DehydraTECH in the absorption of drugs through the skin. Lexaria has recently filed a new patent to improve the speed and quantity of absorption for transdermal applications (http://cnw.fm/4sYzF). A recent breakthrough in testing discovered that DehydraTECH can double the transdermal absorption of cannabidiol  compared with leading commercial alternatives. This will allow the company to newly license its technology to create improved patches, creams, cosmetics and more.

In addition, the company’s work has been enhanced through an R&D agreement with the Canadian government’s National Research Council. This agreement is expected to result in a better understanding of how Lexaria’s technology works, leading to more agreements with other businesses.

It is ironic that this technology was developed for the cannabis industry but has already received patent protection for many other commonly used drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins and nicotine could all be deployed using Lexaria’s disruptive technology. Supplements, pain relief and smoking-cessation or smoking-alternative nicotine products are all possible as a result of Lexaria’s research. To this end, the company recently commenced a study into nicotine absorption (http://cnw.fm/DLo69). Who would have thought that cannabis research might lead to broader biotechnology applications that could benefit non-cannabis consumers?

Immediate Benefits

Cannabis is a fast-growing sector; moving quickly to develop and deploy new technology is important. Every year sees new areas of the world opening up to licensed cannabis use, as well as new products being commercialized to make the most of this market. Companies are rushing to develop the products that will fill this developing market.

The sooner these products can be patented, the sooner they can be brought to market, and Lexaria may again have a distinct first-mover advantage in this area. With patents filed and backdated to 2014 for a range of related technologies in dozens of different jurisdictions, the company may soon be able to commercialize its systems around the globe. Lexaria’s IP is steadily increasing, covering more effective bio-delivery of medical cannabis, recreational cannabis and over-the-counter pain remedies such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Through licensing to partner companies, Lexaria may soon be using this technology to drive value and prove the advantage of its systems worldwide.

The Broader Picture of Cannabis Biotech

Of course, Lexaria isn’t the only company applying biotechnology to cannabis in a search for new products. A wide range of research is leading to a diverse range of innovations set to disrupt this exciting sector.

Plant biotech company 22nd Century Group (NYSE American: XXII) is focused on changing the chemical composition of plant strains. Initially working on tobacco, the company has developed plants that have both very low and very high levels of nicotine. This broad range can be used to help smokers quit or reduce harm to those still smoking. Through its Botanical Genetics subsidiary, 22nd Century Group is turning its attention to controlling the level of active ingredients in cannabis. This has potential not only to create more effective medicines but also to support industrial hemp growth by removing active ingredients so that the plant can more easily be farmed for fibers and food.

Based in the United States and the United Kingdom, GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) is a developer of cannabinoid-based medicines. Twenty years of work have given the company extensive expertise in research, regulations and manufacturing, allowing it to manage the whole pipeline, from research inspiration to a complete product. Its medicines are used in tackling the symptoms of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, with more in the research pipeline.

Like Lexaria, INSYS Therapeutics (NASDAQ: INSY) is focused on producing new cannabinoid medicines and delivery systems to make better use of the drugs. The company is also studying how to use the newly unleashed potential of cannabis to create drugs for previously unmet patient needs. New drugs developed by the company’s researchers may help medical professionals support patients who previously lacked effective treatment. Drugs in the pipeline include an oral treatment for treating spasms in children.

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ZYNE) is developing cannabis-based treatments for rare and near-rare neurological disorders. The company is working on transdermal drugs to help patients suffering from fragile X syndrome, certain forms of epilepsy and Tourette’s syndrome.

Cannabis biotech efforts are unleashing a range of new treatments. As more is discovered about the cannabis plant’s potential, treatments for a range of previously hard-to-manage conditions are being found along with better options for widespread illnesses. In providing innovative solutions and new products, the sector is growing in sophistication and strength.

For more information on Lexaria, please visit Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP).

 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.

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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.

Cannabis Continues to Provide Progress in Medical Sector

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The emergence of a legal recreational cannabis sector has drawn attention away from the medical cannabis market. However, many companies continue to move forward in this strong sector, benefiting from extensive research and development work. PreveCeutical Medical, Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) is developing new cannabis-based medicines and delivery systems through partnership with researchers in Australia. Invictus MD Strategies Corporation (TSX-V: GENE) (OTC: IVITF) has created a network of profitable growing facilities that allowed the company to pay out a million-dollar dividend in 2016, the first dividend payout by a Canadian cannabis company, and Radient Technologies, Inc. (TSX-V: RTI) is partnering with cannabis companies to produce medical cannabis extracts. Already the owner of a large growing facility, WeedMD, Inc. (TSX-V: WMD) is in the process of creating 610,000 square feet of greenhouse space that will increase its cannabis production from 1,500kg to 33,000kg over two phases of expansion. Wildflower Marijuana, Inc. (SUN: CNX) sells a range of cannabis-based products, including vaporizers and soap, and is set to expand in the lucrative California market through new licenses in Los Angeles.

Recreational Cannabis’s Big Brother

A lot of attention in the cannabis industry is currently focused on the recreational market. A few nations and states, most notably Canada and California, have legalized recreational cannabis or are on the road to legalization. It’s a huge deal commercially, as companies prepare to exploit new markets. But in the background, the medical sector continues to make leaps forward in cannabis use.

Despite tight restrictions limiting research, a number of different medical benefits from cannabis have already been found. Best known are its use in managing chronic pain and alleviating the nausea and vomiting that follow chemotherapy. Some evidence indicates it might also be effective in dealing with neurological problems, including multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Scientists are also exploring the use of cannabis in treating HIV and AIDS patients, as well as those suffering posttraumatic stress disorder and a range of other ailments. With so much potential, it’s little wonder that medical cannabis companies are examining every opportunity to leverage their presence in the market.

Prevention, Not Just Cure

PreveCeutical Medical, Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) is among the companies committed to researching and developing new cannabis-based treatments.

Founded in 2015, PreveCeutical is the creation of Stephen and Kimberly Van Deventer. Entrepreneurs with extensive experience in venture capital and business development, they have been working together since 2009. As the minds behind Cornerstone Global Partners, they supported the emergence of other companies with significant presence in the medical cannabis sector.

The Van Deventers’ involvement in this sector peaked their interest in health and wellness. They started looking into how they could use their business skills in offering new treatments to health-conscious consumers. Their aim was to combine scientific research with the benefits of natural remedies in order to provide the best of both worlds. PreveCeutical was founded to support this objective, with a focus on preventive medicine, as reflected in its name.

PreveCeutical has shown a strong commitment to working with researchers, teaming up with research centers to develop new and improved options for treatment. The company’s early work has focused on acute problems such as cancer, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, pain management and neurological disorders. That initial focus has naturally led to work with cannabis because of the drug’s use in tackling many of these ongoing ailments.

With its organic and nature identical products, PreveCeutical is well oriented to appeal to consumers looking for ethically sourced and effective treatments for diseases that other drugs are struggling to treat.

Research into Cannabinoids

This week marks an important moment in PreveCeutical’s efforts to improve healthcare through cannabis.

In fulfillment of an agreement announced earlier this year, the first in a series of cannabis shipments has been shipped to the Pharmacy Australia Centre for Excellence (PACE) at the University of Queensland. The cannabis flowers and oils have been provided by Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQX: ACBFF) as part of a deal with PreveCeutical. Grown within Canada’s carefully licensed and increasingly sophisticated cannabis industry, the flowers and oils will be used by PreveCeutical’s Australian researchers to create and improve cannabis treatments.

Such international work is made complicated by the legal status of cannabis, which varies significantly from one country to another, and is tightly controlled even in territories where it can be legally sold. For this one project, the companies have had to obtain licenses for the export of cannabis from Canada and for that cannabis to be brought into Australia for research purposes. Strict standards have to be met for any sort of work on these products.

PreveCeutical’s partnership with Aurora is an important one in that it has the potential to bring considerable benefit for both companies. As part of the deal, Aurora has received rights including the option to either license resulting technology for Canada and Australia or to opt for a royalty arrangement on product sales (http://cnw.fm/8iRlH). This agreement shows faith in PreveCeutical’s ability to provide effective, profitable treatments based on its research.

“We see an important market for cannabis-based products that are more narrowly targeted at specific therapeutic areas but that are higher value add and being involved with initiatives such as PreveCeutical’s is part of our strategy to gain access to these types of products,” said Terry Booth, CEO of Aurora.

Expanding into Australia

To further support its research efforts in Australia, PreveCeutical recently incorporated a new subsidiary in the country (http://cnw.fm/3kcN2).

Led by its director of International Operations, Dr. Maher Khaled, PreveCeutical (Australia) Pty Ltd will work closely with the company’s chief research officer, Dr. Harry Parekh, to advance the company’s goal of providing new health care options based on rigorous research.

This expansion into Australia has been shaped by the country’s strong academic and clinical research, as well as support from government programs. The Australian government supports scientific innovation through a range of programs and incentives, including a research and development tax break. This provides a 43.5 percent tax offset for eligible R&D activities, from which PreveCeutical’s new subsidiary will benefit.

The company’s Australian research program is centered around the Sol-gel system (http://cnw.fm/on3FQ). An innovative drug delivery system, Sol-gel consists of medicine in liquid form that patients administer via the nasal cavity. There, it forms a gel that stays in place, slowly and steadily releasing active ingredients into the bloodstream.

Sol-gel is ideally suited to deliver drugs targeting the brain. When delivered by traditional methods such as pills and injections, medications have to travel through complex bodily systems, slowing down their arrival and resulting in the filtering out of much of the medicine, thereby limiting the effectiveness of a given dose. Sol-gel uses hydrogels and delivery close to the brain to bypass many of these barriers.

Given cannabis’s potential in tackling pain and neurological symptoms, many cannabis-based medicines are likely to target the brain. With Sol-gel, PreveCeutical may be in a strong position to provide one of the most effective delivery systems for a growing class of drugs.

Using Cannabis as a Cure

Many companies are now involved in providing cannabis-based medical treatments.

Invictus MD Strategies (TSX-V: GENE) (OTC: IVITF) has a foothold in the Canadian cannabis market and with an eye to future growth. Founded in 2014, the company has a number of licensed growing facilities and over 250 acres of property ready to be turned into cultivation space. The one-million-dollar dividend it paid out in 2016 was the first dividend payout by a Canadian cannabis company. With a platform that includes ancillary products such as fertilizers and nutrients, the company benefits from all elements of cannabis production.

Radient (TSX-V: RTI) specializes in the extraction of compounds from biological materials through microwave-assisted processing. This patented technology platform lets the company extract the beneficial elements from all manner of plants for use in food, pharmaceuticals, personal care and other products. This includes working with cannabis growers to produce cannabis extracts for medical use.

WeedMD (TSX-V: WMD) is a medical cannabis company with a 26,0000-square-foot growing space in Ontario. A producer of consistently high-quality cannabis, the company is expanding as the Canadian cannabis market grows. The first phase of an ambitious project to expand its growing facilities is currently underway, with the aim of creating 610,000 square feet of greenhouse space. This will increase the company’s cannabis production from 1,500kg to 21,000kg per year, with a goal of reaching 33,000kg with phase two of the expansion program.

Wildflower Marijuana (SUN: CNX) is focused on providing cannabis health and wellness products for the U.S. market. The company sells a range of products using cannabinoids, including vaporizers, capsules and soap. Its recent acquisition of retail and cultivation licenses in Los Angeles may allow the company to expand in the increasingly lucrative California market.

With so many companies providing a diverse range of products and services, the medical cannabis market continues to go strong, even as recreational cannabis draws the headlines.

For more information on PreveCeutical, visit PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H).

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)
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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.

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (CIIX) Doubles Down on Commitment to Cryptocurrency

  • CIIX acquires equipment to participate in cryptocurrency mining; installing AntMiners and ASIC machines in secure datacenter, it intends to explore feasibility of earning coins such as bitcoin and Litecoin
  • Warren Wang, CEO of CIIX, said that the move positions the company to capitalize on the growing blockchain industry; firm already has a daily broadcast on cryptocurrencies and sponsors bitcoin ATM
  • CIIX may add graphical processing units (GPUs) and more mining equipment in the future

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) is doubling down on its commitment to cryptocurrency. The company recently announced that it has acquired various pieces of equipment, including AntMiners, and installed them inside of a secure datacenter near Seattle. CIIX intends to use this equipment to explore blockchain mining (http://cnw.fm/6QXnU).

CIIX said that, based on initial reports, it believes that cryptocurrency mining will result in a successful venture. If this forecast proves correct, CIIX anticipates ordering 500 or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) units. Additionally, the company would consider purchases of graphical processing units (GPUs) and other equipment used for blockchain mining.

The goal of these efforts is to achieve minimum hash rates that are consistent with the equipment specifications by the end of CIIX’s fiscal year on May 31, 2018. ASIC chips are seen as the ‘hashing workhorses’ of AntMiner units (http://cnw.fm/4cVVi).

CIIX is a company focused on educating and informing its global Chinese-speaking audience on a variety of financial subjects. It also has a core consulting business that manages brand building and roadshows for clients.

Prior to this new focus on the exploration of actual cryptocurrency blockchain mining, CIIX had already assumed a leadership position in this industry. It hosts a bitcoin ATM in the lobby of its San Gabriel, California, headquarters. It also broadcasts a daily video from the floor of the NYSE, titled ‘Bitcoin MultiMillionaire’, reporting on cryptocurrency news. Additionally, CIIX maintains an online crypto news website at www.NewCoins168.com.

In a news release, Warren Wang, CEO of CIIX, explained, “The Company endeavors to be on the cutting edge of blockchain technology and to stay ahead of the curve in an effort to continue to build shareholder value and increase revenues this year… This initial step into cryptocurrency mining positions the company to capitalize on a growing industry which could have tremendous upside potential.”

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

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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)
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Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) Helping Smokers Light Up Less

  • Poised to revolutionize smokeless tobacco
  • Proven effective in cannabinoid delivery, undergoing testing for nicotine
  • An enabling tech seeking third-party partnerships within the tobacco industry

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) is helping smokers light up less. Using LXRP’s revolutionary technology, smokers could be able to give up smoking without giving up nicotine. With one billion smokers worldwide, companies are seeking safer delivery technologies to help wean smokers from this deadly habit. Through third-party partnerships with major tobacco industry players, LXRP is poised to revolutionize smokeless tobacco (http://cnw.fm/YP8jF).

Lexaria is gaining prominence for its proprietary delivery technology. The company’s DehydraTECH™ technology, already proven effective in cannabinoid delivery, is undergoing testing for nicotine. Smoking is harmful due to the 4,000 chemicals released when the tobacco is lit up, even though the amount of nicotine absorbed by smokers represents a minimal hazard. Inhalation through the lungs is not healthy. Non-combusted food and drink through the human GI have been found to be much safer. However, previous methods of infusing tobacco in gum, mints or coffee have irritated the gastrointestinal tract, creating cramps and other symptoms, and required sweeteners to mask the bitter taste.

LXRP’s technology enables the delivery of bioactive substances via oral ingestion without the need for the unhealthy practice of inhalational dosing or the addition of unhealthy sugars or sweeteners. In addition, DehydraTECH acts as a Trojan horse, allowing the drug to enter the GI tract, and it is expected to reduce or eliminate uncomfortable side effects that smokers have experienced through previous edible food formats. DehydraTECH is powerful at accelerating intestinal absorption, having already been proven to decrease delivery-time to the bloodstream of edible cannabinoids from the previous 60-90 minutes to a mere 10-15 minutes.

Following its established model in the cannabis industry, Lexaria’s aim is to partner with tobacco companies rather than compete with them. It is an enabling tech, not a competing tech. In the cannabis industry, the company has entered into a licensing agreement with Biolog, Inc. (a Utah-based company not to be confused with a California cell phenotyping company of the same name) to create a unique set of next-generation food and beverage cannabis-infused products for the U.S. market. LXRP also recently entered into an agreement with Cannfections Group Inc. to create cannabis-infused chocolates and candies for the Canadian market.

Lexaria is now looking to out-license its DehydraTECH to third-party partners in the tobacco industry. These partnerships could pave the way for a healthier smoke-free option for the one billion smokers worldwide. Lexaria is the only company in the world that holds a patent for this oral technology, including the pill. A new U.S. patent award protects this nicotine delivery system, creating a path for what could be the world’s first nicotine edibles for the smokeless tobacco industry.

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

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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

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) Subsidiary Attends Cali-Baja Israel Mexico Innovation Expo

Payment solutions company Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE), through majority-owned subsidiary MoneyTrac Technology, Inc. (“MTRAC”), this morning announced its attendance at the Cali-Baja Israel Mexico Innovation Expo in Tijuana on March 20-21. Per the update, MTRAC provided key representational support for its partner, GreenBox, at the event, capitalizing on the opportunity to share the forward-thinking blockchain technology solutions offered by GreenBox with leaders from a wide range of industries. “The primary objective of attending this expo in partnership with GreenBox was to further our efforts in helping them develop their brand image and generate additional buzz for the impressive blockchain technology-based solutions they are prepared to deliver to a variety of target market sectors,” Vanessa Luna, CEO of MTRAC, stated in the news release. “I am very encouraged by the interest and overall excitement we received during the expo especially in knowing that it was received from individuals who are innovators and leaders in the world of technology solutions. My team and I recognize now more than ever the disruptive capabilities GreenBox can infuse into multiple high-cost banking industries and truly be a driving force behind bringing our mission of Banking the Unbankable to fruition.”

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/W97eV

About Global Payout, Inc.

Since the Company’s inception in 2009, Global Payout, Inc. has been a leading provider of comprehensive and customized prepaid payment solutions for domestic and international organizations distributing money worldwide. In 2014, Global introduced its first online payment platform called the Consolidated Payment Gateway (CPG), which allowed its enterprise clients to transfer money to international bank accounts, mobile accounts, and prepaid card accounts. The development of the CPG became the foundation for the introduction of its new, state of the art FINTECH payment system in 2017, for both online and mobile applications to allow account holders to maximize an expanded suite of financial services and minimize operational costs. Global will continue to offer their FINTECH payment system to many vertical markets for support of foreign currency exchange and digital currency, including ongoing support of the banking industry and international governments. For more information, visit www.GlobalPayout.com

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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)
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www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (MCOA) Provides Turnkey Services to Hemp Growers

  • Hemp cultivation in the U.S. is on the rise
  • 33 U.S. states have dismantled barriers to hemp production
  • MCOA provides turnkey services to growers and distributors

Hemp is back! After a hiatus of 77 years, cultivation of hemp in the U.S. began again after the passage of the Farm Bill in 2014. The Farm Bill allows departments of agriculture and institutions of higher learning in states that have legalized hemp cultivation to grow hemp for research and pilot programs. Hemp grown for such purposes is now no longer subject to the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), although, unfortunately, commercial cultivation still is. Despite the continued federal restriction on growing hemp, a majority of states (33) have dismantled barriers to hemp production, and U.S. hemp output doubled from 2016, with about 1,500 state hemp cultivation licenses being issued in 2017. These growers can turn to Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) to get their enterprises off the ground. The company provides turnkey services to the legal cannabis and hemp industries. It also, through wholly owned subsidiary hempSMART™, delivers all of the benefits of hemp-derived cannabinoid (CBD) products to the world through its unique marketing and distribution platform.

The domestic network of hemp farmers and cultivars is set to expand as regulations ease. For example, research has shown that, instead of graphene, hemp bast fiber may be used in super-capacitor batteries to power electric vehicles (EVs) and handheld electric devices and tools. In addition, hemp fiber has long been a staple of housing construction in some cultures; now, it’s building American homes. Hemp houses are on the rise, as hempcrete, which is energy-efficient, non-toxic and resistant to mold, insects and fire, has many advantages over synthetic building materials, lumber and concrete. Hemp fiber can also be used to create environmentally friendly composites and hard bio-plastics for use in everything from airplanes to car parts.

Hemp seeds are also one of the fastest-growing categories in the natural foods industry. A rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs), these seeds provide both stearidonic acid (SDA) and gamma-­linoleic acid (GLA), as well as naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and iron. Hemp seeds are also an excellent source of dietary fiber and a complete protein, containing all 10 essential amino acids with no enzyme inhibitors, which makes them more digestible by the human body.

Through wholly owned subsidiary hempSMART™, MCOA is bringing high quality CBD-based products derived from industrial hemp to market through its affiliate marketing program. Its patent-pending product, hempSMART Brain, provides safe and effective support of healthy brain function, while its recently launched HempSMART DROPS is a full-spectrum CBD tincture formulated with hemp and fractionated coconut oils. The company recently debuted its new encapsulate product, hempSMART Pain, formulated with 10mg of full spectrum, non-psychoactive CBD per serving, which, along with a proprietary blend of other natural ingredients, delivers an all-natural formulation for the temporary relief of minor pain associated with physical activity.

MCOA has also collaborated with the founders of HoneyB Healthy Living to develop Convenient Hemp Mart, LLC’s BeniHemp-branded products targeting convenience stores. The brand was officially launched at the recent ASD Market Week (March 11-14, 2018) business trade show in Las Vegas (http://cnw.fm/G74iX). Convenient Hemp Mart has developed a collection of Benihemp-branded, sample-sized products for consumers, including topicals, tinctures and edibles packaged in 1-day, 2-day, and 30-day supplies. The target markets for these offerings are convenience stores, smoke shops, gas stations and similar types of retail businesses where CBD commerce has a greater likelihood of generating sales from the impulse buyer at the register.

As legitimization of the hemp industry progresses, Marijuana Company of America has positioned itself at various points in the value chain. The company not only markets a wide range of hemp-derived CBD products; it also provides turnkey services for marketers and growers alike.

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

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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)
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www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.net

Compensation Disclosure

Section 17(b) of the 1933 Securities and Exchange Act requires publishers who distribute information about publicly traded securities for compensation, to disclose who paid them, the amount, and the type of payment. In order to be in full compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, Section 17(b), we are disclosing that we entered into a contract with Marijuana Company of America, Inc. The Company agreed to compensate us with $5,000 USD a month for our services.

Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (REFG) Now Available To Entire Legal Cannabis Industry

  • REFG fully launched its payment system services to the entire industry
  • Technology is fully FinCEN-compliant
  • Bitcoin payments are on the horizon with Green

 Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG) seeks to provide end-to-end management for medicinal marijuana operations. The company serves the medical cannabis and banking industries through state-of-the-art comprehensive card processing operations, and it has now fully launched its payment system services to the entire legal cannabis industry. The company previously worked only with targeted industry establishments, but its platform is now available to all state-sanctioned establishments in the U.S. and abroad. The company is the first of its kind, empowering cannabis businesses with an advanced client management system that tracks both sales and tax collection. REFG has solved the problem of banking and cashless payments within the cannabis industry.

The company offers electronic payment and e-commerce features that allow businesses direct and immediate access to funds. One of the advantages of using REFG’s top-tier digital payment processing system, Green, is its compliancy with FinCEN. The system tracks sales and tax collection while providing businesses with an advanced client management system. If a business is called on to prove compliance with financial regulations within the cannabis industry, the company cooperates with authorities and defends the client’s interests.

In addition, Green provides cannabis retailers and consumers with payment options other than cash. Consumers can purchase items using U.S. currency, and they will soon be allowed to pay with bitcoin. In November 2017, REFG announced that integration with First Bitcoin Capital’s Weed Coin cryptocurrency and StateSourced’s medical cannabis payment gateway services will soon enable cryptocurrency payments. This will increase the ease of payment and cash handling in the cannabis industry and will allow consumers to overcome many regulatory obstacles.

With growing trends toward widespread legalization, both in the U.S. and abroad, REFG is strategically positioned for growth as the only company on the market that’s currently offering a completely integrated payment processing system tailored to the cannabis industry.

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

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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

Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) Signs Deal to Open Multiple Choom™ Branded Retail Dispensaries

  • Choom™ is a high-quality hand-crafted cannabis brand created for the Canadian recreational market
  • Last month, the company opened retail opportunity to entrepreneurs and businesspeople across Canada
  • Choom™ inked first deal, not for just a single store, but rather for an entire territory

Set to be legalized in July of this year, Canada’s recreational marijuana market is estimated to exceed $8.7 billion annually. That figure doesn’t include ancillary businesses such as paraphernalia, weed-related tourism, testing labs and security services. All factored in, the market potential jumps to up to $22.6 billion a year (http://cnw.fm/h2lwW). The general consensus is that the marijuana market in Canada will only continue along an upward trajectory. Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is rapidly positioning itself to become the premier recreational cannabis brand in Canada and capture a significant portion of this newfound cannabis bonanza.

Choom™ is a high-quality hand-crafted cannabis brand created exclusively for the Canadian recreational market. By cultivating outstanding bud as well as an exceptional customer experience, Choom™ intends to become the recognized market leader in reaching the cannabis consumer. To achieve that end, Choom™ is developing a chain of modern, stylish dispensaries designed by the same team responsible for some of the most desirable retail environments in Canada. The company has expanded the opportunity to entrepreneurs and businesspeople interested in participating in the lucrative new recreational marijuana market by registering for their own Choom™ stores.

Announced only about a month ago (http://cnw.fm/QV1av), the response to owning a Choom™ store is exceeding expectations, as savvy business folks are lining up for a piece of the cannabis pie. This comes as little surprise, since legal recreational marijuana dispensaries are expected to generate more revenue per square foot than Whole Foods. In line with this response, the company recently announced that it has signed the first agreement in its retail investor program (http://cnw.fm/Er5eq).

Following its bold agenda, Choom™ has inked a deal not for just a single store but rather for an entire territory. A consortium of local investors and business partners known as the ‘Thompson Okanagan Choom Group’ has secured the exclusive territory rights to open multiple Choom™ branded retail dispensaries in the Thompson-Okanagan region. The Thompson-Okanagan region is a tourist magnet located in the central interior of British Columbia and offers wineries, boating and loads of outdoor activities. The investment consortium is led by Debra G. Adams, Sherman Dahl, Imre Kovacs and Kent Adams, all of whom are excited about the Choom™ opportunity. In a news release, Adams stated, “We’ve been closely monitoring the explosion of Cannabis companies in Canada and are very pleased to be working with a ‘best in class’ operator such as Choom™. The branding, professionalism and style of Choom™ is second to none and our team can’t wait to get started!”

By cultivating outstanding bud as well as an exceptional consumer experience, Choom™ is likely to attract evermore retail partners and is fast on its way to establishing a significant retail footprint and becoming a recognized leader in the Canadian recreational cannabis markets.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Choom.ca

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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