Tag: DJACF

420 with CNW – Ottawa Police Department Rejects Cannabis Roadside Test Kits

The police department in Ottawa, Canada, has rejected the roadside test kits which the federal government approved for catching drivers who are impaired by the consumption of marijuana.

DrugTest 5000, already in use in several states across the U.S., was introduced in Canada ahead of the October 17 date when recreational cannabis will be available across the country. The Ottawa P.D. cites a number of reasons for its stance.

First, the police say that the DrugTest 5000 kits are very expensive. Each unit reportedly costs $6,000. The regulations in place require the police to conduct a cannabis test as soon as a driver is suspected of being impaired. This means that every police patrol vehicle would have to be equipped with the test kit, an undertaking that would take a lot of money.

Secondly, the sample of saliva taken must be kept at a certain temperature in order to give reliable results once tested for THC. This is too much of a hassle for the police department to deal with on a daily basis.

More opposition to the test kits is resulting from the information filtering in from across the border in the U.S. Apparently, the devices have been successfully challenged in the courts of law for being unreliable, since so much is left to the subjective assessment of the officer selecting drivers to screen.

Some people have even said the cannabis test process is as effective as “tossing a coin” to determine whether someone was impaired due to the presence of marijuana in their blood.

Another fundamental question that needs to be answered is how much THC (tetrahydrocannabinoid) is sufficient to cause impairment. Experts seem to agree that it isn’t as clear cut as is the case with the blood alcohol level detected during a Breathalyzer test.

In light of the above, it seems that the Ottawa Police Department is onto something by rejecting these roadside test kits, which currently appear to be expensive gadgets whose results may not stand up to legal scrutiny.

The decision to train more drug recognition experts may be a smarter move by the Ottawa Police Department, since it provides a better way to identify and possibly prosecute those who will drive under the influence of marijuana. One is left wondering what the thoughts of companies like Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTC: CHOOF) and Hiku Brands Co. Ltd (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF) may be on this matter.

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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.

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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.

Pliability of Canadian Cannabis Industry Triggers New Business Development

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The Canadian cannabis industry is pliable, changing shape amid mounting public support, favorable legislative action, an influx in capital, and the integration of alcohol and tobacco. For years, this massive industry was entirely illegal; its potential unavailable to legitimate investors. As Canada heads toward legalizing recreational cannabis later this year, however, the continuous sculpting of the industry provides investors a wealth of consumer-driven investment opportunities. Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) (CHOOF Profile) is targeting the recreational user via its own brand of high-grade handcrafted cannabis. Cannabis lifestyle brand Hiku Brands Co. Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF) (DJACF Profile) recently received a $10 million equity investment from Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTC: APHQF), denoting high expectations for recreational cannabis. Canopy Growth Corp.’s (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) recent investment from a big alcohol brand reveals a glimpse of how separate sectors of recreational consumables are interwoven. This strategic blending means big business for cultivators such as ABcann Global (TSX.V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF) (ABCCF Profile), a recognizable licensed producer and seller of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products.

Canada Heads for New Highs

An estimated 5 million Canadians already smoke cannabis once a month, with another 900,000 expected to join them after legalization. In 2015, the country was already spending nearly as much money on cannabis as on wine, indicating the huge business potential of this sector. The question is, how will companies tap into that wealth?

One of the big changes expected over the next few years is the integration of recreational cannabis with the alcohol and tobacco industries. With their experience of producing, distributing, and marketing recreational consumables, these businesses have the most relevant experience to shape the marketplace. Their investment and expertise will help cannabis companies find creative ways to cater to consumer demand, not just medical users.

Brand Identity

Among the companies preparing to make the most of this opportunity is Choom (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF). Based in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, the company is well-placed to make the most of the production, sales and marketing opportunities offered by the impending retail market, which has a forecast value of $4.9 billion – nearly $9 billion (http://cnw.fm/xch0D).

With its relaxed, youthful brand, Choom is positioning itself to reach the ideal growth market of cannabis users. Consumers in their 20s tend to be more socially liberal than their elders. They have substantial disposable incomes and are used to spending a large part of them on consumables such as food, drink and tobacco, and are therefore likely to make up a large part of the recreational cannabis market.

To connect with these consumers, Choom has created a hip and modern brand inspired by Hawaii’s culture and relaxed atmosphere. The brand’s story taps into the history of the 1970s “Choom Gang,” a group of buddies in Honolulu (including former President Barack Obama) who knew how to relax with “choom,” the local’s term for marijuana. Choom’s trademark slogans pivot off another unconventional phrase, “Say Hello to…”, bringing a heady dose of good times and good friends together as the company invites investors to “Say Hello to Choom™” as it lights up the adult recreational cannabis market in Canada.

Reaching Out to Customers

This aesthetic extends to the design for Choom’s “Aloha”-style dispensaries. It’s a clean, modern, stylish look, crafted by the designers behind some of the world’s most recognizable retail environments. Couches, pale wood and carefully chosen banner fonts create a relaxed atmosphere. Clean white shelving and neat presentation make a space reminiscent of Apple stores — another well-recognized brand with a strong hold on the disposable income of millennials.

One of the most important factors in marketing recreational cannabis is going to be establishing such an aesthetic. Brand specialists will want to leave the cold formality of medical use and the seedy criminal associations behind, while retaining hip association with cannabis. Choom’s branding is ideally designed to make this shift, while establishing prestige brands for the discerning consumer.

The stores are designed to appeal to the widest possible market. Choom is aware that its core business will rely on existing users looking to obtain their cannabis legally, and their stores will make a comfortable shopping environment for these consumers. But there are also the “curious customers” — those without a medical need for cannabis and who did not want to consume it illegally. They’re expected to fuel a 19 percent increase in the number of cannabis users in Canada. By creating a familiar shopping space, Choom will make it easier for them to enter the market.

Experience and Integration

Choom’s business proposition extends beyond the retail face of the cannabis industry. It is also looking to place itself within the ancillary markets that will support the consumer business. Testing labs, security, infused products, consumption paraphernalia and crop cultivation will all be part of an expanding industry. Choom is looking to establish a vertically integrated enterprise, from cultivation through to sales, all under a single hip consumer brand.

Choom’s application with ACMPR (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations) has received security clearance and is now in the detailed review stage. The company has also submitted a second late-stage ACMPR application, which is in its confirmation of readiness stage. Aggressively preparing to reap the benefits of this license, Choom has retained Cannabis Compliance Inc. to help expedite Choom’s initial license applications and ready the company for legalization of recreational marijuana.

One of Choom’s greatest strengths is its experience. The managers and directors have decades of experience covering investment, entrepreneurship, business development and pharmaceuticals. Their knowledge of the existing Canadian medical cannabis market ensures that strategic decisions are backed up by real expertise and analytical insight. The company has over five years of experience in the cannabis sector. It knows how to produce naturally grown premium cannabis. Existing license and production assets mean that Choom is well positioned to scale-up rapidly once legalization takes effect, to meet the anticipated Canadian market. This will put it ahead of companies set up in response to the legal change and provide an accelerated path for rapid market growth.

This is exemplified by the company’s existing cultivation facilities at Vernon and Chemainus. Both are receiving a state-of-the-art retrofit, with expectations that Vernon will be completed by July, the same month Canada legalizes recreational cannabis use.

The Vernon property will boast 6,800 square feet of growing space, capable of producing 660 kg/year of cannabis for an estimated revenue of $6.6 million, excluding oils. A potential phase 2 of this facility would double the size and enable additional growing capacity of 1,500 kg/year, also doubling the facility’s revenue.

While the second facility, on Vancouver Island, is smaller – 4,500 square feet – its retrofit is also slated to be completed by July 2018. Plans include doubling this space, which would add about $9 million in annual revenue, excluding cannabis oils.

It’s this sort of established enterprise that will allow Choom to build brand loyalty and position cannabis as another popular consumable, enjoyed in the same way as alcohol and tobacco.

A Growth Sector

A similar approach is being taken by Hiku (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF), premium cannabis lifestyle brand growing high-quality handcrafted cannabis flower. Hiku’s wholly owned subsidiary is a licensed producer of cannabis under the ACMPR that has requested its Pre-Sales License Inspection, the last step prior to receiving a license to sell cannabis under the ACMPR. Hiku’s Dominion Facility is a state-of-the-art ACMPR licensed production facility capable of producing approximately 660 kg year of dried cannabis flower. Phase one of its “FUTURE LAB” production complex is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2018, in time for legalization. Utilizing an industry-leading multi-tier system powered by LED lighting provided by Fluence BioEngineering, Hiku’s annual production capacity is expected to be in excess of 5,000 kgs, letting it cater to a large part of the cannabis consumer market. The company’s merger with Tokyo Smoke is expected to create the first brand and retail-focused craft cannabis producer.

This development is backed up by a $10 million investment from Aphria (TSX: APH) (OTC: APHQF), a leading Canadian medical cannabis company. With an expansion strategy based on targeted investment and collaboration with other companies, Aphria has been working to advance growth in the U.S. medical cannabis market. This provides the company with the production and distribution facilities needed to enter the market for recreational cannabis.

While the involvement of medical marijuana companies will be important in the growth of Canada’s cannabis sector, the real test for commercial cannabis will be the involvement of consumer brand-based businesses. Their entry into the market will signal faith in the future of recreational cannabis, as well as bringing consumer branding expertise to the sector. One of the first examples of this is the investment in Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) by Constellation Brands. The $42 billion company behind Corona, Modelo and Svedka Constellation Brands has taken a stake in Canopy Growth worth about $191 million, with the option of purchasing additional stakes.  It will use this investment to create cannabis-infused drinks, using Canada as a market in which to innovate in anticipation of markets emerging elsewhere.

The growing Canadian cannabis market bodes well for ABcann (TSX.V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF), a globally licensed, cost-efficient producer of premium quality organic standardized medicinal cannabis. One of the earliest licensed Canadian medical marijuana producers under Canada’s federally controlled ACMPR, ABcann has five years of operating experience in the burgeoning medical marijuana space. The company currently owns and operates a fully functioning 14,500-square-foot facility in Ontario, as well as 65 acres of real estate with proper zoning and existing infrastructure in place to support the construction of another production facility of up to 1 million square feet. Along with this growth capacity, ABcann has a healthy cash balance, steady sales growth, an established operations team and global expansion plans, making it well positioned to compete in the rapidly expanding Canadian cannabis industry.

Though it’s still several months away from fulfillment, Canada’s recreational cannabis market is already providing a diverse range of businesses and investment opportunities. Building on the techniques of medical marijuana companies, the market appears set to diversify into drinks, retail outlets and premium products. This will establish cannabis as part of the existing market for recreational consumables.

For more information on Choom, please visit Choom (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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Companies That Will Remap Canada’s Cannabis Retail Industry

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Out of 120 applicants, Manitoba recently awarded four master retail licenses, a monumental action as Canada prepares to legalize cannabis for recreational use this summer. The entities that now hold prized licenses to retail pot and its associated paraphernalia in the province are: Tokyo Smoke, a subsidiary of HIKU Brands (CSE:HIKU; OTCBB: DJACF) (DJACF Profile); a consortium of Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. and Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF); National Access Cannabis (CSE: NAC) (OTC: NACNF); and 10552763 Canada Corporation. One key industry player that missed out on this licensing opportunity is MedReleaf (TSE: LEAF) (OTC: MEDFF). These licenses open the doors to considerable recreational retail revenue potential, and investors with foresight were quick to take action, with Aphria (TSX: APH) (OTC: APHQF) and Koicha Partners LP investing millions into the big four’s newest presence, HIKU.

New name, established brand

Although the name HIKU is new, the brands behind it are well-known and have interesting back stories. Tokyo Smoke was named “best brand” at the inaugural Cannabis Industry Awards in December 2017, and in January 2018 the company joined forces with Doja Cannabis Company to create HIKU. HIKU is led by CEO Alan Gertner and President Trent Kitsch, who founded the best-selling men’s brand, SAXX Underwear.

Gertner ran a $100 million business as head of an Asia-Pacific-wide sales team during his tenure in corporate strategy at Google. When he found that what he thought was his dream job was less than fulfilling, he shifted gears and co-founded Tokyo Smoke with his father Lorne Gertner, formerly PharmaCan chairman (now Cronos Group), who was dubbed the ‘Godfather of Canadian Cannabis’.

Tokyo Smoke is a seasoned retailer, already running stores online and several successful brick-and -mortar shops, selling a range of experiential products that feature the creative use of cannabis. Established already in key markets like Toronto and Calgary, Tokyo Smoke’s cannabis will soon be on shelves in legal recreational dispensaries in the United States.

East meets West in merging of cannabis retail and production minds

Partnering with Doja Cannabis, a seasoned Kelowna-based pot producer, was Gertner’s first foray into production. The strategy of merging minds with industry expertise in producing and retailing pot brought Gertner, based in the east, and Kitsch, based in the west, to a new market in the Manitoban middle ground.

The cannabis industry is growing at a rapid pace. While powerful players are teaming up to establish brand presence and formulate creative ways to differentiate themselves, the smaller contenders will begin to get weeded out. With Manitoba’s major retail cannabis players now clear, the stage is set for companies to continue their push toward becoming Canada’s first dominant cannabis retailers. HIKU, with shares trading over $2.50 and an estimated market cap topping $300 million, is definitely one to watch.

Comparables:

Aphria (NASDAQ: APHQF) (TSE: APH) was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Leamington, Ontario. The company calls itself one of the lowest-cost producers of marijuana, and produces dry cannabis, as well as cannabis oil of varying qualities and strength. Its cannabis is 100 percent greenhouse grown. Aphria’s estimated market cap is over $2 billion.

Canada’s largest producer, Canopy Growth (OTC: TWMJF) (TSE: WEED), has a market cap of more than $4 billion, with shares currently trading over $22, a 61.3% increase over the last three months.  Formerly known as Tweed Marijuana Inc., Canopy Growth was founded by Bruce Linton in 2014, and is based in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Canopy Growth is the first federally regulated, publicly traded cannabis producer in North America. It operates numerous production facilities across Canada and around the world with over 700,000 square feet of production licensed under Canada’s medical cannabis framework.

National Access Cannabis (OTC: NACNF) (CSE: NAC) National Access Cannabis’ market cap is over $135 million; stock is trading over $1. The company operates medical cannabis care centers across Canada, National Access is adapting its established medical clinic model to meet the needs of the Manitoba retail market.  National Access works alongside Health Canada and Licensed Producers to help qualifying patients gain access to their license. After receiving the Manitoba retail National Access announced it intends to deepen its relationships with CannaRoyalty Corp. and Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp.

MedReleaf (TSE: LEAF) (OTC: MEDFF) was voted Top Licensed Producer at the Lift Canadian Cannabis Awards.  MedReleaf is an Ontario- based, R&D-driven company dedicated to innovation, and delivering products to the global medical market, and providing brands and product assortment for the recreational consumer market. MedReleaf’s market cap is currently over $2.26 billion.

For a more in-depth look into HIKU Brands, visit HIKU Brands (CSE:HIKU; OTCBB: DJACF) or read the FULL Report: Cannabis Investors Need Three M’s To Success: Money, Moxie, and Management

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