At the moment, millions of people all over Asia, the U.S. and Europe have been forced into self-isolation. In the few months that it has been active, the Coronavirus has wreaked havoc, with more than 300,000 people infected and at least 12,944 dead, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The virus is very communicable, and the best preventive measures are self-isolation and social distancing.

However, that’s easier said than done. And for those who aren’t used to working from home or long periods of isolation, it’s going to be quite tough. As more and more U.S. states go into lockdown to curb the spread of the condition, there has been a spike in demand for marijuana as people stock up. There is plenty of evidence that marijuana can help reduce stress levels and anxiety, and it could be the perfect companion during a long period of isolation.

Researchers have found that high-CBD/high-THC strains reduce stress while high-CBD/low-THC strains help limit depression. If you’re planning on using marijuana to help cope with the anxiety and stress of self-isolation, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

For starters, if you’re smoking with other people, do not share joints, pipes, bongs, vape pens, or anything that will touch your lips. “Community has always been central to cannabis culture, but given the health crisis we find ourselves in, it is best we think of community a little differently,” says Erik Altieri, Executive Director of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws. He suggests moving any group sessions to FaceTime, Zoom or Skype.

Secondly, make sure you keep your smoking equipment clean. A study conducted by Moose Labs, a Los Angeles-based cannabis accessories company, found that cannabis equipment can collect a staggering amount of germs. According to co-founder Jay Rush, the average gas station toilet has about 900 bacteria per square inch, while the average bong has about 3,000 bacteria per square inch.

Altieri says to regularly clean and disinfect your equipment with high percentage isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to ensure they stay sterile.

Lastly, experts advise against smoking as it affects lung health. The Coronavirus attacks respiratory systems, and smoking puts you at greater risk. New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, recently stated that smokers and vapers are indeed more vulnerable to the Coronavirus. “If you are a smoker or a vaper, this is a very good time to stop that habit,” he said.

Instead, opt for edibles, oils, and tinctures as they don’t need to be combusted and inhaled. If you’re a little adventurous, there are plenty of marijuana recipes that are sure to keep you busy.

The entire cannabis industry, including companies like HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF), is hoping that people adhere to all the recommendations provided by health experts so that everyone can come out of this crisis stronger.

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

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Cannabis is becoming more and more popular these days, and it’s not only due to its psychoactive properties. A while back, it was discovered that the controversial plant was filled with cannabinoids, a group of unique chemicals that have potent medicinal properties. What’s more is quite a number of states have recognized this potential, and have taken steps to legalize both recreational and medical marijuana use within their borders.

In Maine, preparations for this year’s season are in full swing, with the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy issuing its first round of conditional adult-use marijuana business licenses. It gave provisional approval to 31 businesses to open growing operations, manufacturing facilities and retail shops in 10 cities and towns in the state.

The Office of Marijuana Policy granted conditional approval to one nursery, 10 growing operations, four manufacturing facilities, and 16 retail stores. “We have said the adult-use industry will launch in spring 2020, and today’s announcement moves us another step closer to honoring that pledge,” says Erik Gundersen, Director of the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy.

He says that the state won’t issue active licenses until it has a testing lab ready, with all its licenses and certifications, to run the health, safety and potency tests required under state law. At the moment, there are four labs thinking of entering the Maine market, but only one is close to being fully licensed.

A conditional license is the first step in a three-step process. After one is issued, the business has to obtain local authorization before returning to the state to obtain the final active license. Depending on the town or city, this process could take two weeks to an entire year. However, host towns will have 90 days or if they have an extension, 180 days to respond to applicants’ requests for local authorization.

According to Gundersen, the Office of Marijuana Policy will receive completed local authorization forms as well as continue to review pending conditional licenses through April. He expects the first active state licenses to be issued then, and retail sales to begin in June, with the delay in between to allow cultivation and harvest.

“Setting such a date will ensure stores have time to stock their shelves and allow products to build up in the system to meet the demand for marijuana and marijuana products in the first few days of legal retail sales. This approach has been used by other states,” says Gundersen. The delay will also allow the state’s first licensed testing lab to come online before the recreational markets are open to consumers.

“Testing bottlenecks have occurred in many states during implementation. To avoid a similar situation in Maine, we will continue to work closely with our prospective testing facilities to ensure they are able to provide this new industry with adequate testing in a timely manner.”

The news of the provisional licenses is likely to be welcomed by the entire cannabis industry, including companies like HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF), which would like adults who wish to consume marijuana to have access to tested products regulated by the state.

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

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A bill which is seeking to legalize medical marijuana has been introduced in Tennessee’s House of Representatives by legislators. The bill, called House Bill 637, would permit patients with one or more conditions on the list of qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana. It would also establish a regulatory framework for the production and distribution of medical marijuana products.

A Republican Rep. Ron Travis and a Democrat Rep. Jason Hodges introduced this year’s measure. Earlier this year, Republican Sen. Janice Bowling, reintroduced a similar bill in the Tennessee Senate.

Last year, Senator Bowling also introduced a similar bill during the legislative sessions, but the legislators opposed it.

HB 637 is also known as the Tennessee medical marijuana Act. It would allow patients with serious medical ailments to use medical marijuana. The patients would first have to obtain a physician’s approval (recommendation), or documentation showing that their diagnosis qualifies to be treated using medical marijuana.

The following are some of the medical conditions that could allow patients to have to access to medical marijuana:

• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Epilepsy
• Chronic radiculopathy
• HIV/AIDS
• Muscular Sclerosis, Opioid addiction
• Renal failure
• Severe nausea
• Chronic pain
• Persistent muscle spasm
• Seizures
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Severe psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Any medical condition producing cachexia
• Post-laminectomy syndrome
• Terminal illnesses
• End-of-life care management or palliative care
• Complex pain syndrome such as trigeminal neuralgia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Parkinson’s disease
• For patients younger than 18 years, they can use medical marijuana if they have the following conditions, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and osteogenesis imperfecta.

The patients are required to obtain medical marijuana cards from the state to buy, possess, and use medicinal cannabis. Medical marijuana cards are active for two years with a single option of renewal after they expire.

Under HB 637, the state would establish a commission referred to as the Medical Cannabis Commission, which would be responsible for regulating the cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of medical marijuana products. The state would also create a medical marijuana fund that would finance the administration of the program.

Forty-five percent of the tax proceeds from the retail sale of medical marijuana products would be assigned to the medical marijuana fund to cover all regulatory expenses; 20 % would be assigned to the Department of Economic Community Development for rural and community development programs in Tennessee. A quarter of the tax proceeds (25%) would be allotted to the Department of Agriculture in the state to fund programs and grants from the agency. And the last 10% would be used to finance drug enforcement operations carried out by the Bureau of Investigation in the state against opioid and methamphetamine.

If the bill is approved, Tennessee would be the 34^th state to legalize medical marijuana. Last week on Tuesday, the House Facilities, Licensure, and Regulations Committee approved a bill legalizing marijuana oils, lotions, and pills although, it banned smokable pot, vapes, and edibles. However, the following day, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee delayed deciding on the measure.

Experts think that numerous companies, such as HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF), may be hoping that the legislation is passed so that patients can have an additional treatment option to manage their health conditions.

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

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On Tuesday, Mexican Senate committees approved legislation seeking to legalize marijuana across the country.

The revised reform legislation that was circulated during the weekend was approved during a joint meeting held on Tuesday by the Justice, Health, Legislative Studies, and Public Safety committees.

The legislation would permit individuals aged 18 and above to possess and grow marijuana for personal use. The people who are of legal age are also allowed to cultivate a maximum of 20 registered plants as long as their overall yield does not exceed 480g per year.

People are also allowed to carry with them a maximum of 28 grams, and the law would also decriminalize possession of up to 200 grams.

The legislation was approved in a majority vote of 26-7.

The next stage for the bill is either for the committees to continue discussing it, and pass the amended version, or proceed to the Senate floor. The legislation will head to the Chamber of Deputies after clearing the Senate.

Under the measure, the Mexican Institute of Regulation and Control of Cannabis would be established to regulate the market and issue marijuana businesses with licenses.

Under the legislation, a tax of 12% would be imposed on all marijuana sales, and the tax proceeds would be used towards a treatment fund for substance abuse.

The measure also allows public consumption of marijuana, but only in consumption lounges. Regulations that apply to products with THC would not be applied to hemp and CBD.

The measure was passed irrespective of the fact that in February, the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that his administration is focused more on medical marijuana reform instead of recreational marijuana legalization.

The legislators are dedicated to reforming marijuana laws concerning medical, adult-use, and industrial purposes of cannabis.

Senator Julio Menchaca of the MORENA ruling party said that the vote is a representation of the significant step the country has made in the fight against violence and fair enforcement of human rights.

Although some issues must be first resolved, Senator Migue Mancera said that he voted for the legislation enabling the country to take the essential step in regulating medical, adult-use, and industrial pot in the country.

The PRI party legislators abstained from voting while the members of the PAN party opposed the bill.

The legislators started working on the wide-ranging draft legislation after the Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting marijuana for personal use is unconstitutional in 2018.

Last year, before the court’s deadline, which was in October, the Senate committees approved the bill, but the lawmakers requested a deadline extension before it reached the floor, which was granted by the court. Now they must pass legislation to end the ban before the end of April.

Marijuana advocates are frustrated with the revised version because it does not address their concerns, such as enhanced social equity, protections for marijuana consumers, as well as ensuring that the market empowers local farmers, particularly those affected by prohibition.

It would be great to hear what comments established companies like HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF) have about this current version of the marijuana legalization law in Mexico.

About CNW420

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

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On Friday afternoon, the Florida Senate filed a proposal whose aim is to put a limit on the amount of THC available in medical marijuana products. The potency cap would be at 10%.

THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. It induces the high effect. THC can be found in all forms of marijuana ranging from whole-flower, tinctures, oils, vaporizers, and edibles.

The amendment was filed by Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) and it was part of a larger health care package. The bill’s last stop is the Senate Rules Committee, and it will take up the amendment early this week.

The current law in Florida places a cap on the amount of THC in marijuana edibles only. The edibles should contain no more than 10mg of THC per serving and an overall of 200mg. According to industry experts, the current doses in edibles are higher than what most patients would consume in a normal situation.

The amendments cap on THC at 10% applies to people who are under 21years, excluding those who are terminally ill and those whose doctors recommend for medicine with a high THC concentration.

Harrell said that she is worried that young people have access to marijuana products with high THC concentration, and it could negatively affect brain development.

Limiting the amount of THC in medical marijuana was first introduced during the 2019 legislative sessions, where a House Bill that would have put a 10% cap on smokable medical marijuana or flower was proposed. The legislation would have barred doctors from certifying patients below the age of 18 for full-strength marijuana products.

The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero) quoted a study which indicated that marijuana containing high levels of THC was associated with early onset of psychosis and the development of schizophrenia in marijuana consumers.

Rodrigues cited a Swedish study, which was based on patients who self-reported their history of marijuana consumption and had also experienced at least one psychotic episode in their life.

The bill never advanced in the House despite the support from the Speaker Rep. Jose Oliva (R-Miami Lakes).

Last week, Senator Jeff Brandes held a press conference where he urged the House not to support a THC cap. He noted that the Senate would put a hold on the issue. Brandes expressed his disappointment on Friday, when he said that the Senate should focus on solving real problems.

Speaking to Herald Times, Brandes said that physicians understand the legislation better as well as the needs of their patients; therefore, they should be allowed to weigh in on the benefits and risks for their patients.

Harrell and Brandes have different views on the issue of the THC cap. The Senate President Bill Galvano indicated that he was open to considering the THC cap.

Those who are opposed to the amendment said that if it is approved, it will be a burden on medical marijuana prices because the prices for the products will be hiked, and this would eventually force patients to buy from the illicit market to self-medicate with higher THC marijuana products.

Colorado had raised the THC limit to 16% in 2016 via a referendum but later withdrew the proposal.

It would be interesting to hear how sector players like HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF) would weigh in on this debate regarding THC caps on medical marijuana products in light of the black market which still commands a huge share of total marijuana sales.

About CNW420

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

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New Mexico has ruled out the enrollment of non-resident in their medical marijuana program. This week, New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law a bill that denies issuance of medical marijuana cards to non-residents.

Last year the state approved a change in statute, which was signed by the governor, allowing out of state patients to enroll in the state’s medical marijuana program. And since September, more than 600 patients from Texas, Arizona, and other states have enrolled in the New Mexico medical marijuana program. Under the new law, the patients will not be able to renew their medical marijuana cards in New Mexico, but under the reciprocity rule, they will still be able to buy medical marijuana in New Mexico using their state’s medical marijuana cards.

New Mexico health officials later backtracked and said that the residency requirement provision was removed from the legislation unintentionally. They requested the lawmakers to reinstate the residency requirement this year and claimed that opening the state medical marijuana program to other states might attract federal intervention. Interstate transportation of marijuana is still illegal, and allowing non-residents access to the state’s medical marijuana program might tempt people to transport weed across the borders illegally.

On Monday, New Mexico approved the reinstatement of the residency requirement in a vote of 44-19. The state’s largest medical marijuana distributor, Ultra Health, was against the restoration of the residency requirement. The New Mexico governor also signed reciprocity rules allowing patients with medical marijuana cards from other states to access medical marijuana from New Mexico dispensaries.

The CEO of Ultra Health Duke Rodriguez challenged the claim of federal intervention before the lawmakers, noting that out of state patients adhere to the terms of New Mexico’s medical marijuana program as they seek relief from their health ailments such as cancer and other medical conditions that require marijuana prescriptions.

Speaking to the House committee on health policy, Rodriguez said that there is no threat of federal intervention.

Last year, Ultra Health went to court to compel the state to issue medical marijuana cards to non-residents and succeeded; however, their success was short-lived since the state approved a law reinstating the residency requirement.  Ultra Health has more than 20 dispensaries within the state, and it has been in conflict with the state’s Health Department because it is pushing for an increase in marijuana production caps to ensure that the supply is sufficient to serve the patients.

During the residency reinstatement vote, Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf excused himself from the debate and the vote since he represents Ultra Health as a private attorney.

Non-residents who are already enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program and have medical marijuana cards would be allowed to use their cards for a period of three years with no chance of renewal, said the state’s Health Secretary Kathyleen Kunkel.

Four states border New Mexico, and all have legalized medical marijuana, but Texas is notable for only allowing the sale of medical marijuana containing low THC levels. And Colorado has legalized the recreational sale and use of marijuana.

It remains to be seen whether other sector players, such as HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF), will react to this measure that appears to take New Mexico a step back on matters of marijuana policy reform.

About CNW420

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

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HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF) is a hemp-biomass cultivation, extraction, formulation and refining entity that utilizes its trademarked Delta Reclaiming System technologies to limit CBD waste. A recent article discussing the company reads, “HTC Extraction Systems’ working relationships with other cannabinoid industry players further shore up its revenues possibilities. Most recently, the Canadian company closed its acquisition of a California-based company in the United States. The recently acquired Kase Farma Inc. is authorized to work with hemp cultivation, extraction, refining, formulation and business operations in the world’s largest cannabinoid market (http://cnw.fm/vl8KO), and HTC Extraction will reap the experience of Kase Farma’s former owner, Starling Brands Inc., which remains involved through a management-services agreement for navigating the business and regulatory climates in California. . . . New equipment that will enable Kase Farma to process and distill up to 12,000 pounds a day of dried hemp-biomass that, at an 8% CBD yield, will give over 400,000 grams daily of CBD and a sizable profile during the upcoming cultivation season. New equipment HTC Extraction Systems is installing at its Saskatchewan facilities will similarly allow the company to receive a projected 2 million kg of hemp biomass for extracting CBD full-spectrum oil (‘FSO’) distillate north of the border under a tolling strategy coordinated with highly recognized area farmers.”

To view the full article, visit http://cnw.fm/p3uHi

About HTC Extraction Systems

HTC Extraction Systems has developed and optimized proprietary technologies designed for biomass extraction, distillation and purification of ethanol and ethanol-based solvents used for the hemp-biomass and cannabidiol (“CBD”) industry as well as gas and liquid extraction. HTC’s extraction and purification systems are engineered to large scale to reduce capital and operating costs while delivering superior performance measured by reduced energy usage, lowered emissions and improved quality of the product produced. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HTCExtraction.com.

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

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CBDWire (CBDW) is a specialized information provider focused on (1) reporting CBD-related news and updates, (2) releasing CBDNewsBreaks crafted to keep investors abreast of the latest and greatest in the CBD market, (3) refining and enhancing corporate press releases, (4) delivering end-to-end distribution and social media services to client-partners and (5) constructing effective corporate communication solutions based on the unique requirements of CBD companies. CBDW is exclusively positioned in the burgeoning CBD sector with a proven team of journalists and researchers working to deliver high quality content to an expansive target audience of investors, consumers and industry news outlets. Our dissemination network of over 5,000 downstream distribution points allows us to deliver unparalleled reach, visibility and recognition to companies operating in both cannabidiol and the wider cannabis space. CBDWire (CBDW) is where CBD news, content and information converge.

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Southeast and Midwest states in the U.S. are historically conservative, and they are opposed to the legalization of marijuana in any form, but in recent years, several states such as Florida and Louisiana have been adopting marijuana reform for legalizing medical marijuana. And Alabama is among the 17 states where medical marijuana is still illegal. But new legislation which was introduced last Tuesday in the state Senate by Senator Tim Melson is seeking to authorize medical marijuana.

The legislation SB 165, which would establish the Compassion Act, would allow the state of Alabama to legalize certain forms of medical cannabis, create cultivation programs, and administer and tax the sales of marijuana products. However, even if the bill is approved, people are not expected to smoke or vape weed legally within the state.

The bill was introduced last week following an intensive study by a commission composed of doctors, legislators, and lawyers. The study commission was chaired by Senator Melson.

The bill states that people with specific ailments or conditions such as anxiety, cancer, and other chronic conditions would be allowed to get a medical marijuana card. However, the legislation prohibits any form of marijuana smoking, vaping, or edibles within the state. The type of marijuana products patients’ are allowed to consume include pills, gelatinous cubes or lozenges, topicals ( creams or oils), suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, and inhalers.

Patients who do not suffer from any of the conditions listed on the list of qualifying conditions within the state could appeal to the board for special considerations.

Once the legislation is approved, Alabama would be the 34^th state to legalize medical marijuana in the U.S. while adult-use cannabis is legal in 11 states, including Washington D.C.

Alabama is not the only state in the U.S. joining the rest of the country; earlier this month, Kentucky advanced a bill seeking to legalize medical marijuana.

The Alabama legislation would enact stringent controls on the people cultivating and selling medical marijuana.  They would employ the use of electronic trackers to keep tabs on the inventory as well as the card holders. Medical marijuana products would also be subjected to a sales tax of 9%, and some of the tax revenue would be used to fund the operation of the medical marijuana program within the state.  The state would also create a unique account for the Medical Marijuana Research Fund.

If the bill is approved and the governor signs it, it would immediately become law. Experts believe that sector players like HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF) are hoping that the draft legislation sails through and gives people in Alabama an extra treatment option for their health challenges.

About CNW420

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

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Hemp biomass cultivation, extraction, formulation and refining entity HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF) is slated for market growth through 2020 as the U.S. hemp-based, CBD-products market continues to flourish. A recent article discussing the company reads, “Overall, HTC Extraction Systems has a highly optimistic outlook when it comes to its extraction market expansion, where it is already a key player. The company expects a wealth of opportunities for growth in the near future, given the rapid expansion of the cannabinoid market as a whole. U.S. sales of hemp-based CBD products are projected to reach $22 billion by 2022, up from $591 million in 2018  (http://cnw.fm/d0qTB). CBD derivatives such as vapes and edibles are expected to generate $900 million in 2020 (http://cnw.fm/60DBi). Canada legalized limited forms of recreational cannabis for adult users in the fall of 2018. Sales of these increasingly popular products demonstrate sustainable growth, which will reflect on HTC’s bottom line.”

To view the full article, visit http://cnw.fm/j1jgS

About HTC Extraction Systems

HTC Extraction Systems has developed and optimized proprietary technologies designed for biomass extraction, distillation and purification of ethanol and ethanol-based solvents used for the hemp-biomass and cannabidiol (“CBD”) industry as well as gas and liquid extraction. HTC’s extraction and purification systems are engineered to large scale to reduce capital and operating costs while delivering superior performance measured by reduced energy usage, lowered emissions and improved quality of the product produced. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HTCExtraction.com.

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The adult-use marijuana industry in the state of Illinois started on a high note. On Monday, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced that in the month of January, marijuana sales came to a total of $39.2 million.

Recreational marijuana sales became legal on the Jan. 1, 2020, and within January, marijuana customers bought approximately one million cannabis products. The majority of the marijuana products were purchased by residents of Illinois and this amounted to $30.6 million, while $8.6 million was purchased by out-of-state consumers.

The sales figures above do not account for medical marijuana sales; it is only for recreational marijuana sales. Illinois Supply and Provisions, which was previously called HCI Alternatives, is located in the Collinsville, and it is the only dispensary selling both adult-use and medical marijuana in the Metro East. The customer waiting time ranges from 90 to 120 minutes.

The regional director Kathleen Olivastro said that she is amazed that the queues are still present. And he noted that it is the new normal.

The one-month sales figures in Illinois outpaced all the other states’ sales numbers. For instance, recreational marijuana sales in Colorado did not hit the $40 million mark in one month until March 2015. Similarly, recreational marijuana sales in Washington did not hit the target until May 2015, which shows that both states were a year into their respective marijuana programs when they hit that milestone.

The shortage of marijuana flower in Illinois has prompted marijuana dispensaries across the state to limit the amount of marijuana sold to consumers or cutting back on days open to recreational customers.

Olivastro said that in order to keep up with consumer demand, Illinois Supply and Provisions keeps rotating the products available in the store.

She further said that before the day starts, they identify items of the day so as to offer the customers a wide range of healthy supply. The system helps the dispensary serve the consumers daily despite the shortage, said Olivastro.

Currently, recreational marijuana demand in the Metro Area of Collinsville is high, as it has only one dispensary open. The Green Solution Dispensary based in Sauget has a permit but is yet to announce when it will start operating.

Collinsville assistant city manager Derek Jackson said that the location of the dispensary had facilitated many trips in Collinsville in a positive way.

Jackson further said that he is hoping that the people who drive to Collinsville to buy adult-use cannabis also use money to eat in a restaurant or purchase gas before leaving. Since the city also imposes a sales tax on individual marijuana sales, it stands on making between $1 million and $1.3 million each year as tax proceeds.

Jackson further said that they have seen reports of cities making between $3 million to $4 million annually and that they are expecting that estimate conservatively.

Industry watchers strongly believe that the entire cannabis industry, including sector players like HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) (OTCQB: HTPRF), are glad that the industry has taken off to such a dream start.

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

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