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Departure of US AG and Democratic House Control Improve Prospects for Hemp Industry

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Recent changes in Washington, D.C., are good news for the U.S. hemp industry.

  • The recent departure of Jeff Sessions from the Attorney General’s Office may make it easier for states to enforce their own laws in relation to cannabis and hemp legalization.
  • The Democratic majority in the House may ease the passage of the delayed Farm Bill.
  • These changes could improve the prospects for hemp and cannabis producers.

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile) is a pioneer in the hemp industry, with trial cultivation operations under way in Washington and a range of hemp-derived products on the market. Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: CWBHF) (CSE: CWEB) is also focused on hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products and recently raised its profile through TV coverage. Even before the prospect of reform, CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI) was seeing record profits this year and increased its profile by becoming a sponsor for the Hemp Industry Association’s 25th anniversary conference. Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTCQB: ISOLF) is benefiting from changes not just in the United States but in Mexico, where new regulations will support its sale of diverse CBD products. The first publicly traded U.S. cannabis company, Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) is also seeing growth, with record sales and a continuing high profile.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

A United Group within a Divided Nation

This November’s Congressional elections have been some of the most divisive in U.S. history. Bitterly fought campaigns have culminated in knife-edge results, featuring recounts to settle tiny vote margins amid loud accusations of cheating from both sides.

While the election results and their aftermath have been mixed for both Democrats and Republicans, they have been overwhelmingly positive for one group — hemp producers. A Democratic majority in the House of Representatives may finally bring an end to months of bickering over this year’s Farm Bill renewal, leading to the expected federal legalization of hemp farming in the process. And the forced resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which President Donald Trump pushed once the elections were over, has removed one of the biggest stumbling blocks the industry faced.

How Sessions’ Departure Affects Hemp

The resignation of Jeff Sessions was welcomed with relief by companies in the hemp sector, including Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA), just as his arrival was greeted with disappointment two years before.

During his election campaign, Trump had supported medical cannabis and states’ rights to legalize their own industries. This was good news for hemp companies, which expected to function as the primary producers of medical cannabis.

Hemp, which does not get users high and is useful for a variety of purposes, was banned by the sweeping laws of drug prohibition decades ago. Recent state-level reforms have allowed the establishment of projects such as MCOA’s hemp project in Scio, Ore, in conjunction with their joint venture partner Global Hemp Group Inc. But tension has existed for years between state-level legalization and the continuing federal prohibition on all forms of cannabis. Trump’s offer of reform appeared to be a solution.

Then Sessions came into office. As the government’s top law enforcement officer, he had the power to clamp down on all things cannabis related. And as a vociferous opponent of cannabis, that was exactly what he promised to do.

Though Sessions was not able to launch a new escalation of the war on drugs, his stance on the subject frustrated cannabis proponents. Even as brands such as MCOA’s hempSMART brought a state-legalized flood of hemp-derived products to the health and wellness markets, Sessions’ presence threatened to stifle the fast-growing industry.

However, the cannabis trade and surrounding industries continued to grow despite Sessions’ presence. MCOA is a shining example of an industry-savvy company that has recognized opportunities for growth and development in an industry that reached an estimated value of $9 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach over $47 billion by 2027. The company developed a distinct hemp derived CBD brand — hempSMART™ — and established high yielding hemp cultivation farming projects in the United States and Canada while also investing in Moneytrac Technology, a business providing financial and support services for the cannabis industry.

However, federal restrictions have created uncertainty for companies. By this fall, the White House was hinting at taking a more liberal stance. While this could be seen as a political ploy to balance Sessions’ presence in the minds of cynical cannabis-conscious voters, it also hinted at divisions within the government. It’s hardly surprising with a populist president like Trump. With 64 percent of Americans supporting legalization of cannabis and 74 percent supporting states’ rights to legalize, Sessions was up against the popular view on a widely discussed issue. Though both his appointment and his departure were driven by other factors, his absence opens the way for cannabis reform. And in fact, cannabis companies’ stocks initially rose when the news was announced.

But Sessions’ departure wasn’t the biggest issue for hemp companies such as MCOA. These companies are also closely watching what is happening in the House.

Passing the Farm Bill

The 2018 Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation the hemp industry has ever seen. A wide-ranging bill covering U.S. agricultural and food policy, it includes provisions that would legalize the large-scale cultivation of industrial hemp.

Under the previous Farm Bill of 2014, such cultivation became legal on a limited scale for purposes of research and trial crops. This led to hemp crop development, such as the cultivation harvested by MCOA this fall at its Oregon site, but not wide-scale production.

The hemp provisions in the 2018 bill are set to change that. Given their potential to offer a profitable new crop for struggling farmers in Republican-held districts, the provisions have gained cross-party support and ensured a place in the bill.

Unfortunately, other provisions have been more controversial. Arguments over how to allocate federal food assistance and how to deal with illegal immigration stalled the bill earlier in the year, and arguments over who will benefit most from the funds have prevented compromise in the months that followed. The future of hemp companies such as MCOA has been in limbo thanks to issues that have nothing to do with hemp.

With the Democrats about to gain control of the House, that appears likely to  change. The biggest hurdle to passing the bill is House Republicans’ desire to set tougher controls for allocating food stamps. But neither Democrats nor Senate Republicans favor these strict rules, so a Democratic majority in the House and the Republican-majority Senate could break the impasse and pass a bill. This has also given Republicans more incentive to pass the bill while they still have power to shape its outcome in the House.

Greater Opportunities for Cannabis Companies

This change is great news for MCOA. As an industrial hemp company, its operations have so far been limited by the provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill and legalization in specific states. The legalization of hemp will allow it to expand its existing cultivation, set up new operations and more easily sell its products into markets across the country.

Plenty of hemp and cannabis companies across the United States will be seizing opportunities created if federal prohibition ends. Many of these companies, such as Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: CWBHF) (CSE: CWEB), are focused on products using CBD. Its widespread use in health and wellness products has propelled these companies into the limelight, with Charlotte’s Web CEO Hess Moallem appearing on CNBC to talk about the growth of CBD and cannabis businesses in the country.

Politicians’ willingness to change their stance on hemp is unsurprising given the growing momentum behind the industry. The Hemp Industry Association is throwing its 25th anniversary convention this year. The milestone event, sponsored by CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI), marks two-and-a-half decades of revival for a once-powerful industry. The sponsorship opportunity has been hugely beneficial for CV Sciences, which saw record sales and gross profits in the third quarter of 2018.

Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTCQB: ISOLF) is another company focusing on CBD. Its products cover a wide spectrum of uses, including sleep aid, pain management and skin needs. While the political changes in the United States appear positive for Isodiol, the company has also been closely following events in Mexico, where it has distribution agreements with several companies specializing in pharmaceuticals. At the end of October, Mexican authorities published new regulations covering CBD products. These allow hemp to be used in cosmetics, food supplements and herbal products, as well as in medicines. Based on these changes and its established agreements, Isodiol expects to start sales in Mexico in early 2019.

Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, continues to go from strength to strength. Its subsidiaries have been exhibiting at events across America this year as it continues to develop its profile. Like CV Sciences, it has recently seen record sales as the cannabis and CBD markets grow across North America and beyond.

The hemp industry is growing around the world but, with change in the cards in Washington, America appears set to stay at the forefront of the industry.

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

About CannabisNewsWire

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

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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.

CBD Contributes to Continued Growth for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Cannabis Key Players

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Cannabis companies are seeing substantial growth, with the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) playing a significant part in their positive outlook.

  • CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis.
  • It can provide health benefits without the psychotropic effects of other cannabis chemicals.
  • This has led to a growth in companies selling CBD treatments, sometimes alongside more conventional wellness products.

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile) is one of these companies, having recently expanded its range of products to include CBD therapies for muscle pain, sleeplessness and mood improvement. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has created a CBD treatment for child-onset epilepsy and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its sale as a medicinal product. Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) has also developed a cannabis-derived epilepsy treatment, even as it makes deals to expand its distribution network in Canada. Aphria, Inc. (OTC: APHQF) (TSX: APH) has seen a steady rise in profits based on its cannabis work and is now working with branding specialists to capitalize on its opportunities. Isodiol International, Inc. (OTC: ISOLF) (CSE: ISOL) is providing not only a range of CBD products but also a platform for patients to connect with doctors to help manage cannabis-based medical treatment.

Cannabis Growth Continues

The past few years have seen substantial growth in the cannabis industry. As the plant’s legalization spreads, an increasingly diverse range of businesses have appeared to fill the needs of a growing wellness market. From hydroponic supply companies to seed providers, the industry is expanding at a rapid pace, and at its heart are the cannabis companies themselves, several of which have seen their stocks soar.

One of the reasons for recent growth is the development of a market in cannabidiol (CBD) drugs and wellness products. One of the active ingredients in cannabis, CBD is being used in a wide range of treatments to help with everything from epilepsy to mental alertness. A growing body of research and increasing range of uses have seen CBD oil become a significant part of the cannabis market, distinct from recreational marijuana. For companies invested in CBD, this trend is providing a fresh surge of growth.

The Power of Cannabidiol

A growing number of companies are producing and supplying CBD products — not just specialist firms, but other suppliers such as lifestyle company Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI). So what’s the fuss about?

CBD is one of the most prominent active ingredients in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause users to get high, but it can have other effects on the body and mind. Those beneficial effects have led to CBD’s rising popularity for use in a variety of medicines and wellness products as researchers have learned more about it.

The distinction between CBD and THC is an important one. In some jurisdictions, industrial hemp, a type of cannabis plant that includes CBD but non-noteworthy amounts of THC, can be grown in circumstances where marijuana can’t. The legality of CBD products is different from that of cannabis cultivation itself in some places. Even in places where cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational uses, CBD is preferable to many health-conscious consumers who want its health effects without getting high.

It’s this potential that has drawn companies such as Youngevity to CBD. This market is expected to see tremendous growth based on forecasts for a range of uses beyond oils, such as CBD’s inclusion in food, drink, cosmetics and emerging health products. That’s a pretty impressive reason for companies to take an interest in CBD, whether they’re experienced cannabis insiders or newcomers such as Youngevity.

Wider Market Growth

Medical cannabis is now legal in more than half of North America. Legal recreational use has been enacted within nine states and the District of Columbia in the United States, and it will premiere nationwide in Canada in October. The cannabis plant’s ardent fan base is increasing public awareness and a growing acceptance of the potential benefits of products derived from it. Companies are moving to make the most of the opportunity as a previously frowned-on and illegal industry shifts into the mainstream.

This means that Youngevity’s cannabis-derived products will benefit from a wave of public awareness, publicity and market growth. The global value of this market was estimated at $7.7 billion in 2017, and it’s been predicted to reach $34.1 billion by 2021.

That growing market means that there’s now space for CBD products both on the shelves of high street stores and in the inventory of companies such as Youngevity.

Youngevity’s first entry into this market is the HempFX™ product line, introduced at the company’s 2018 convention in San Diego, Calif. A set of three distinct hemp-derived CBD oil products under the HempFX banner use organically grown products in proprietary formulas to help users through their day. The products include Soothe™, a blend of botanicals designed to relieve muscles by calming aches and pains; Uplift™, which combines CBD with St. John’s Wort to improve cognitive performance and mood; and Relax™, which combines CBD with a variety of herbs and melatonin to bring relaxation and a better night’s sleep.

This diverse range of uses shows why CBD is becoming so popular. By applying it to a variety of wellness issues, companies are able to market their products to a broad range of consumers, increasing sales and awareness.

Youngevity CEO Steve Wallach highlighted the strong potential link between CBD and broader trends in healthy living. “We firmly believe in plant-based nutrition, and hemp-derived (CBD) oil perfectly complements our product development philosophy. Entering this market, which is growing almost exponentially, also should offer a tremendous advantage to our many distributors around the world,” he stated in the company’s news release announcing the HempFX line.

The Power of Existing Pipelines

Wallach’s reference to distributors highlights why a company such as Youngevity is so well-positioned to benefit from the surge in CBD. New companies set up to cater to the CBD market have to build their sales pipelines from scratch, whereas established operators already have those pipelines in place. Youngevity’s massive network of direct sellers means that it has an immediate way of getting new products into the hands of consumers. Experience derived from 21 years of development has provided the company with the tools it needs to carve out its place in the market.

Being on-brand is important to such a move. Not just any company can jump into CBD and expect customers and distributors to come along with it. But according to Wallach, this isn’t a problem for Youngevity.

“Hemp-derived cannabidiol aligns with what we do very well,” he stated. “We’ve taken what we know about essential nutrients, along with decades of knowledge specializing in natural, plant-based nutrition and their most beneficial nutrients, and put that knowledge to work to develop high-end cannabidiol products.”

More Companies Take Up CBD

While CBD is often used in over-the-counter medicines and wellness products, it is also finding use in prescription medicines. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has created a CBD-based medicine to tackle child-onset epilepsy, a condition that can make a normal life almost unmanageable for the children it affects. This treatment has been approved by the FDA, making it the first cannabis plant-based prescription medicine to be legalized by the U.S. federal government (once the Drug Enforcement Administration reclassifies CBD, as expected this month in response to the FDA’s decision).

A global leader in the medical cannabis market, Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) works in research, cultivation, processing and distribution, providing cannabis extracts and flowers to patients, researchers and medical professionals on five continents. As Canada prepares for growth in the cannabis market following legalization, the company has made deals with Canadian partners to sell its products into that market. It has also developed a CBD and THC oil that has shown promising results in tackling drug-resistant epilepsy.

One of the more successful companies in the cannabis sector, Aphria, Inc. (OTC: APHQF) (TSX: APH) saw its profits and revenues rise steadily through 2016 and 2017. Aphria recently signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture with Perennial, Inc., in which the companies will collaborate on developing products for the Canadian cannabis market. Perennial’s expertise in strategic brand development will help Aphria reach more customers with its leading cannabis-based products, expanding its presence in one of the world’s most important cannabis markets.

Isodiol International, Inc. (OTC: ISOLF) (CSE: ISOL) is focused on CBD product development, with a range of offerings that includes skin cream, pain management and help with sleeping. It has recently expanded beyond its core products into support for those using cannabis-derived medicines through the creation of ISOCare. This secure platform will help to connect patients, their family doctors and physicians working with cannabis to ensure that patients receive the best possible longitudinal care.

The health benefits of cannabis and its derivatives are increasingly widely recognized. With huge potential for growth over the next few years, CBD and cannabis are drawing customers and companies like never before.

For more information on Marijuana Company of America, visit Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

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.

Specific Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) Validated by FDA

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: In a landmark announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a drug derived from pure cannabidiol (CBD), Epidiolex, to treat seizures associated with certain forms of severe epilepsy, setting the stage for huge changes in the world of cannabidiol (CBD).

  • FDA approval of a cannabis-based drug represents seismic political, legal and economic shifts
  • Approval likely will lead to more clinical research and further validation of CBD therapeutic efficacy
  • CBD market projected to explode to more than $2 billion in two years with 39 percent CAGR

What’s most transformative about this drug approval is that this is the first time the FDA — the governmental arbiter of safe and effective medicine in the United States — has approved any substance derived from the cannabis sativa plant and validated certain therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol. The FDA is, to some extent, endorsing what has been anecdotally accepted by the masses for millennia.

CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can be extracted from the industrial hemp plant, is understandably generating worldwide interest from both the scientific and investment communities. A large part of CBD’s mass appeal is that it’s believed to aid with a broad range of wellness concerns. CBD is known to interact with the human endocannabinoid system, which is found throughout the body’s nervous system, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune system. Research indicates CBD may have the potential to treat a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, high blood pressure, skin issues and chronic pain. It’s being researched to treat Alzheimer’s, and one study even suggests CBD might be a useful addition when given with conventional antipsychotic medications in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Continued rigorous clinical research is being conducted to further confirm all the potential therapeutic benefits that may be found in this cannabinoid extract. In the meantime, the mass appeal of CBD remains unabated, and the market for CBD products continues to grow at an astounding rate. Committed to the legal hemp-derived CBD market, Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile) provides consumers with pure, hemp plant-based CBD nutritional products through its global hempSMART™ brand and has initiated broad-ranging, innovative cultivation programs for legal, high-quality hemp. Others vying for position in the burgeoning CBD space include Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F), CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI), PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. (OTC: POTN) and Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA).

The Boom Has Just Begun

Three years ago, in 2015, the hemp-derived CBD market racked up $90 million in sales. Last year that number reached $190 million in sales — and the boom has just begun. The Hemp Business Journal projects $2.1 billion in total CBD sales by 2020 and estimates that $450 million of that will come from hemp-based sources. The explosive demand projections are attributed to an increased public awareness of the wide-ranging potential health benefits of hemp CBD oil and advancements in cultivation, plus the convenience and reach of online retailing — all of which contribute to a global CBD oil market expected to grow at an eye-popping CAGR of 39.19 percent through 2021.

Hemp Focus

With an overarching focus on the cultivation, development and distribution of legal industrial hemp-derived products, Marijuana Company of America (OTC: MCOA) aims to capture an outsized share of growing worldwide demand. Pure hemp-based consumer nutritional products are at the core of this demand,  and the company has developed a portfolio of ancillary hemp-centric businesses to vertically integrate hemp production and sales. Cultivation of high-quality hemp from portfolio companies feeds MCOA’s proprietary CBD-based formulations, dovetailing to produce the finest quality nutritional supplements on the market.

The unique company vision emanates from Donald Steinberg, MCOA’s CEO. A cannabis industry pioneer, he founded the first cannabinoid-centric company to trade on a U.S. stock market. His vast knowledge and industry experience give MCOA unparalleled insights into the machinations of the CBD markets and the vision to capitalize on industry opportunities in a market projected to exceed $2 billion in the coming years. In keeping with this ambitious strategy, Steinberg and his partner, Charlie Larsen, formed Marijuana Company of America as well its sister company, Canadian-based Global Hemp Group, Inc. (OTC: GBHPF), which is focused on the legal cultivation and processing of industrial hemp. MCOA continues to build an impressive portfolio of synergistic companies across the hemp spectrum. From farm to finished products, MCOA’s socially conscious strategy is to capitalize at each profit point and establish a significant footprint at multiple inflection points across the entire hemp value chain.

Hemp-Based Nutritionals

MCOA has worked to create a recognized and respected hempSMART product line that contains levels of clinically researched ingredients designed to exceed consumer expectations and support the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. To serve health-conscious consumers, hempSMART includes an array of proprietary nutritional products.

  • hempSMART Brain is a patent-pending formulation designed for optimal brain function support.
  • hempSMART Drops offer the highest concentration and potency of full-spectrum bioavailable CBD.
  • hempSMART Pain Capsules contain a blend of premium CBD and botanical supplements.
  • hempSMART Pain Cream is a proprietary formulation for relief from muscle and joint pain.
  • hempSMART Full Spectrum Pet Drops is a unique nutritional supplement designed for furry family members.
  • hempSMART Face is a topical face moisturizer that combines CBD oil with ayurvedic herbs and botanicals.

MCOA’s hempSMART goes through an exacting CO2 extraction process to ensure the highest quality in the company’s natural wellness product line. By combining these pure industrial hemp-based cannabinoids with some of nature’s most effective wellness ingredients, MCOA’s hempSMART products are poised to deliver optimally formulated wellness products to health-conscious consumers.

In a forward-thinking plan to expand retail distribution and capitalize on impulse buys in high-traffic stores, MCOA took a 25 percent equity stake in BeniHemp-branded CBD products. BeniHemp health-focused products include topicals, tinctures and edibles packaged in one-day, two-day and thirty-day supplies widely distributed to convenience stores, smoke shops, gas stations and small retail outlets.

A Growing Portfolio

In addition to the hempSMART and BeniHemp consumer products lines, MCOA continues to strategically assemble synergistic portfolio companies. In a joint venture with sister company Global Hemp Group, MCOA launched a 125-acre industrial hemp cultivation project in northeast New Brunswick, Canada. The project targets the promotion of hemp farming while providing year-round jobs in crop and finished product processing.

Also in conjunction with Global Hemp Group, MCOA is developing Covered Bridge Acres, an innovative high-yielding CBD hemp cultivation project in Oregon. The project utilizes both traditional outdoor cultivation and what will ultimately become more than 19,000 square feet of indoor greenhouses, which are slated to eventually supply the raw oil needed for the hempSMART CBD product line.

MCOA also took a 15 percent equity stake in MoneyTrac Technology, Inc., a subsidiary of Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE). MCOA made this investment to help establish and market MoneyTrac Technology as an alternative banking solution for the cannabis industry.

Others Vying for Position

Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) grows and harvests hemp on an industrial scale then processes it to extract the cannabidiol for distribution. The company commercializes pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids, micro-encapsulations and nanotechnology for consumable and topical skin care products. Isodiol has announced plans to develop additional over-the-counter and pharmaceutical drugs, expand its phytoceutical portfolio and expand into Latin America, Asia and Europe.

CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI) operates in two business segments. The company’s drug development division develops and commercializes novel therapeutics utilizing synthetic CBD. Its consumer product division manufactures, markets and sells plant-based CBD products to a range of market sectors. The company is also developing and pursuing FDA approval for drugs with specific indications utilizing cannabidiol as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Founded by MCOA CEO Donald Steinberg in 2009, Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) was the first U.S.-traded CBD company. The company develops, distributes and sells hemp oil that contains naturally occurring cannabinoids, including CBD. The company sells its hemp-derived CBD products through a variety of distribution subsidiaries. The company was among the first to bring hemp-based CBD oil products to market in the United States and the first to receive federal government import approvals in Mexico, Paraguay and Brazil.

PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. (OTC: POTN) is a publicly traded company that acts as a holding company for its subsidiaries, First Capital Venture Co.; Diamond CBD, Inc.; and Sunrise Auto Mall, Inc. Diamond CBD focuses on the research, development and multinational marketing of hemp extracts that contain a broad range of cannabinoids and natural hemp derivatives. Diamond CBD’s team consists of hemp industry professionals, chemists, doctors and scientists — all working together to produce CBD oils.

Seismic Shift

Modern science has begun to substantiate both the anecdotal history and the therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol. The FDA’s recent approval of a cannabis-based drug represents a seismic shift and is further indication of the enormous curative potential that may be found in CBD. As more scientific validations ensue, the market for CBD products could easily exceed expectations, and well-positioned companies in the space could outperform the market.

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

About CannabisNewsWire

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

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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.

$1 Trillion Global Health and Wellness Sector Presents Growing Opportunities for Cannabidiol Companies

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Cannabidiol (CBD) products are reaching into the mainstream through a growing health and wellness sector, and savvy companies are looking to position themselves to make the most of this momentum.

  • The health and wellness market grown to over $1 trillion globally as of 2017
  • Positive shifting regulations globally is opening major international markets to CBD products, especially CBD infused food, beverages and natural health products
  • Larger fortune 500 level food and beverage companies are beginning to consolidate this major growth market via major investments and mergers and acquisitions.

In a groundbreaking move, Phivida Holdings, Inc. (CSE: VIDA) (OTCQX: PHVAF) (PHVAF Profile) has become the first CBD company to have their CBD food, beverage and natural health products cross over into major national mainstream grocery distribution in the United States. Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) is also expanding CBD’s reach through a growing chain of vaping shops. And the potential for wellness beverages is demonstrated by Koios Beverage (CSE: KBEV) (OTC: SNOVF), with its expanding range of brain-boosting drinks. Within the cannabis market, The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) is providing organic, sustainable cannabis, a source of CBD that meets other consumer interests. And CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI) is researching new CBD products and searching for ways to bring those products to market as the sector continues to grow in size and diversity.

Adding to Health and Wellness

The health and wellness sector is currently huge business. Conservative analysis places its value at over $1 trillion, while at least one commentator cites figures as high as $3.7 trillion. The willingness to make purchasing decisions based on better health and a longer life is no longer a niche interest. From gyms to health foods to counseling, consumers are spending a growing proportion of their income on creating healthier, happier lives.

Cannabidiol (CBD) products have become significant recent additions to the wellness market. Derived from cannabis plants, CBD is an active ingredient that has shown many potential health benefits without the intoxicating “high” provided by cannabis’ other main active ingredient, the THC found in marijuana. Research into CBD is still in its infancy, but that research has shown the ingredient’s potential to improve wellness in several ways. As legal changes make it easier to develop and produce CBD products, those products appear set to take an important place in the health and wellness market.

Reaching into the Grocery Market

One of the companies benefiting from this trend is Phivida Holdings, Inc. (CSE:VIDA) (OTC:PHVAF). Phivida (pronounced “fii-vee-daa”) is a producer of premium hemp oil extracts and capsules, the company provides health-conscious customers access to the benefits of CBD without unnatural chemicals. With a new C-suite management team in place consisting of former senior executives of Red Bull, Proctor & Gamble, Labatt’s and the former CEO of Seagram’s International, Phivida is now preparing to launch a CBD-infused beverage brand and has found a major partner to work with to ensure this strategic move is successful.

Phivida recently announced a groundbreaking exclusive national agreement with Acosta, Inc., a sales and marketing leader for the consumer-packaged goods industry in the United States, to distribute Phivida’s products, including the new beverage. Distributed through Acosta’s Natural Specialty Sales (NSS) division, Phivida’s drinks will be the first CBD hemp brand to cross over into the national mainstream distribution system in the states.

Natural specialty groceries are a significant market in North America, currently valued at USD $4.1 billion and growing. Obtaining a foothold in this market marks a historic milestone for CBD products, as well as a commercial coup for Phivida. NSS’s reach extends into 2,400 regional natural specialty grocery stores and the potential to expand into over 25,000 major national grocery stores across the U.S, including leading retailers such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Walmart, and Kroger’s.

The major disruptive nature of the rapidly expanding cannabis and CBD-hemp markets have begun to draw attention from big players in the food and beverage industry as well. For example, Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) behind Corona beer and Svedka vodka, recently made a major investment in cannabis company Canopy Growth. And Southern Glazer’s, North America’s biggest wine and spirits distributor, has created a Canadian subsidiary to sell cannabis-infused products.

This trend is one that other major food, beverage and alcohol companies will almost certainly follow. As the market for CBD products grows, forward-thinking organizations will be looking for mergers and acquisition opportunities with CBD companies to gain exposure to this fast-growing market and protect their positions against disruption from the global cannabis sector.

Changing Regulations Drive Growth

The growth of the CBD sector is being driven by a global shift in the legal status of cannabis.

In the United States, regulated cannabis is now legal for both medical and recreational use in a number of states. On a national level, the Senate and House of Representatives are working to resolve differences between the two Congressional bodies’ versions of the 2018 Farm Bill, which include action to legalize industrial hemp. If the pro-hemp language remains in the final version of the bill, it would mark a significant shift in policy at the federal level, making it easier for businesses across the country to grow hemp and produce CBD products derived from it.

In Canada, the passing of Bill C-45 is set to make recreational cannabis legal across the country in October. The bill also includes rules for the production and sale of CBD-infused food and drink, creating a market for companies such as Phivida to sell new products as early as 2019.

Such moves are supported by the work of major global bodies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently completed a report that found CBD is neither toxic nor addictive, making it safe for consumption. The report also highlighted CBD’s health benefits. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, allowing athletes to use it for treatment of pain and inflammations.

Making the most of this shift, Phivida is focusing on establishing an international presence. The deal with Acosta will provide distribution into a network of more than 27,000 U.S. retail outlets. In Canada, the company has created a joint venture with WeedMD to be the first to market with one of the first-ever federally legal cannabis beverage manufacturing facilities in the world — a major milestone. A deal with Namaste Technologies means Phivida products open the European Union and United Kingdom markets, while another deal with Asayake provides new opportunities for distribution in Japan. These partnerships have helped establish Phivida as the fastest-growing brand in CBD foods and beverages just as that market appears ready to take off.

Building a Business

Of course, CBD isn’t a magic product that will instantly give businesses success. Phivida’s achievements have been made possible by a skilled management team with experience in the beverages sector.

The company’s chief officers are all veterans of Red Bull’s North American operations, where they helped build the energy drink category from nothing to $300 million a year. CEO James Bailey worked as president of Red Bull Canada and held senior positions at Merrell Outdoors, Beneath Apparel, Adidas, Blue Goose and Salomon. Chief Marketing Officer Michael Cornwell is a former director of marketing at Red Bull Canada and was CMO at both Samsung NZ and Microsoft NZ. Chief Commercial Officer Doug Campbell was previously director of sales at Red Bull North America and director of national accounts at Stoli Group. The company’s advisers and directors also bring a powerful raft of experience to their roles, including time spent in senior management at Proctor and Gamble, in executive management at Labatt’s, and as CEO at Seagram’s International.

This powerful team is committed to ensuring Phivida operates with a tight capital structure. The company has more than $15.5 million CAD in cash and no debt. Just over 60 million shares have been distributed or are outstanding. With a fully diluted total of 71 million shares available, the company has ready access to approximately CAD $29 million in cash. With a strong leadership team and financial foundations, Phivida has achieved the first crossover of CBD beverages into major national mainstream retail distribution across the United States, as well as globally.

Surge of CBD

Regulatory change and consumer interest are also driving growth for a range of CBD and wellness businesses.

Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) provides a wide range of CBD products. Through its KURE Corp. subsidiary, the company strongly promotes CBD in vaping products. KURE recently announced plans to expand its retail footprint by opening new premises and acquiring existing vaping stores.

 Koios Beverage (CSE: KBEV) (OTC: SNOVF) is a manufacturer and distributor of drinks and supplements designed to boost brain function, enhance health and improve productivity. The company recently announced the release of four new flavors of its brain-healthy drinks. Like Phidiva, Koios is turning beneficial supplements into beverages, making the drinks more appealing to a wide market.

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) produces cannabis tailored to the wider interests of health and well-being customers. Many of these consumers are deeply concerned with environmental issues, and the company’s organic, sustainably grown cannabis means that its products live up to these ethical standards.

 CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI) is a CBD company with two distinct divisions. The pharmaceuticals part conducts research to develop new products, thereby expanding the possibilities of CBD. Meanwhile, the consumer products division focuses on getting those products to market.

The intersection of the CBD and wellness sectors is creating opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. As laws, attitudes and expectations continue to change around the world, these opportunities will only continue growing.

For more information about Phivida Holdings, please visit Phivida Holdings, Inc. (CSE:VIDA) (OTCQX:PHVAF)

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.

Farm Bill Legislation May Springboard Federal Hemp Acceptance

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The United States House passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which will redefine subsidies to farmers, nutritional welfare recipients, conservationists and others. Tucked into this bill of more than 1,000 pages is hemp legalization legislation supported by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Demand – and thus farming revenue – for tobacco is waning, and McConnell says hemp farming could help bolster farming communities in his home state of Kentucky and across the country. Currently listed as a controlled substance under federal law, the new bill will declassify hemp as a schedule 1 drug and label it as a viable agricultural commodity. Through its hempSMART™ subsidiary, Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile) is one example of a few companies currently providing consumers hemp plant-based products under the rubric of existing laws, and the company has undertaken broad-based legal hemp cultivation programs. Other companies that could feel the ripples of change in the space are Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F), CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI), Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), and Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP) (LXRP Profile).

Hemp’s History

Archaeological evidence reveals that for over 10,000 years hemp has been used by humans for pottery, shoes, ropes, clothing, food, medicine, and a wide array of other applications. Since early populations ingested hemp seeds, it stands to reason they also discovered the medicinal properties found in the plant. Ancient Asia, Egypt, India, Greece and the Islamic world all have rich histories relating to medicinal cannabis. In the 19th century, cannabinoids gained popularity for therapeutic use in Western medicine, but regulatory efforts imposed strictures during the 20th Century, eventually leading to a ban on its use in the U.S. under federal drug controls because of hemp’s relation to its more drug-user-friendly cannabis counterpart, marijuana. But, in recent years, society has turned to modern science to substantiate anecdotal claims about the therapeutic efficacy of non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) found in the hemp plant.

“I know there are farming communities all over the country who are interested in this,” McConnell told the Senate Agriculture Committee amid debate over his bill. “Mine are particularly interested in it, and the reason for that is — as all of you know — our No. 1 cash crop used to be something that’s really not good for you: tobacco. And that has declined significantly, as it should, given the public health concerns.”

The federal government has exhibited schizophrenic regulatory tendencies toward hemp since the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 that quashed hemp production with exorbitant excise taxes.  Reversing course during WWII, the government urged farmers to grow hemp for fiber and also waived taxes, and over 400,000 acres of hemp were cultivated between 1942 and 1945. After the war, hemp again had persona non grata status. Congress then passed the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, prohibiting the use of all cannabis for any purpose whatsoever and effectively terminating all industrial hemp production. Hemp extracts, however, are considered legal because they contain less than 0.3 percent THC, but the cultivation of hemp remains federally verboten. Now, the advancement of the Farm Bill signals a revived federal interest in the industrial hemp industry.

Hemp Pioneers

Led by hemp industry pioneers, Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) has spearheaded efforts and staked claims on multiple legal hemp cultivation projects. The company’s innovative strategy is to vertically integrate hemp production and sales – from seed to shelf. Cultivation of quality hemp will feed MCOA’s innovative CBD-based formulations, which use the highest-quality hemp to produce what could be the finest-quality botanical supplements on the market. The hempSMART™ product line contains tested levels of clinically researched ingredients to meet consumer needs that support the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.

From seed to shelf, MCOA has built its business model around industrial hemp-based CBD products. Hemp has a myriad of uses beyond CBD therapeutics – as a food, a natural fiber, and even as a commodity in the building materials sectors. No part of the plant goes unused, and MCOA’s overarching strategy is to capitalize at each profit point – from farm to finished products. MCOA appears to be establishing a commanding presence at multiple inflection points across the entire hemp value chain.

hempSMART™, Inc.

Expanding on ancestral wisdom, MCOA has combined the most effective ingredients in wellness technologies with pure plant-derived industrial hemp-based cannabinoids to create optimally formulated wellness products for health-conscious consumers.

hempSMART™ offers a number of different products within a wide range of delivery systems, such as its capsule-based formulations hempSMART™ Brain, a patent-pending nootropic product designed to support natural brain function; and hempSMART™ Pain, which is formulated with a blend of premium full-spectrum CBD and botanical supplements designed for pain associated with physical activity.

The company also offers sublingual CBD tinctures to customers including hempSMART™ Full-Spectrum Drops and their natural pet supplement hempSMART™ Pet Drops with advanced bioavailability.

hempSMART™ has also expanded upon its established line of products by offering topical products such as hempSMART™ Pain Cream, which is designed to provide temporary relief and soothe sore, aching muscles and joints. The company also launched a new cosmetic product, hempSMART™ Face, a CBD facial moisturizer that has been designed to refresh, replenish and restore skin cells on the face.

MCOA’s hempSMART™ CBD consumer products are sold at www.hempsmart.com.

Hemp Cultivation

In what appears to be a vertically integrated business strategy, MCOA entered into a joint venture with Global Hemp Group Inc. (OTC: GBHPF) to launch multiple industrial hemp cultivation projects in the legal marijuana states of the U.S. and in Canada. The first is a 125-acre industrial hemp cultivation project in northeast New Brunswick. The project is well under way with objectives of promoting hemp farming and attendant year-round jobs.

A certified professional agronomist, Joan Parker-Duivenvoorden, has been hired to manage the project. She has over 15 years of experience with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and with the New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association, which will prove invaluable as the project expands to encompass and employ over 50 farmers.

Planting has been completed on the first 77 acres, and the remaining 48 acres will be seeded soon. Drying equipment is being evaluated to process the hemp after harvest, and management is already in discussions with several potential processing partners for extraction of cannabinoids. Once all the licenses have been acquired for importing and manufacturing finished CBD products, the New Brunswick site could easily serve as a distribution center for MCOA’s hempSMART™ subsidiary.

In another joint venture with Global Hemp Group, MCOA is also developing Covered Bridge Acres, a high-yielding CBD hemp cultivation project in Oregon. Operations at the farm are well under way. The project will utilize both traditional outdoor cultivation and what will be over 19,296 square feet of greenhouses.

“Our evolving project in Scio, Oregon, highlights the quality of the team in place as they continue to lean on their many years of experience cultivating hemp. Activities such as these will help to secure the raw oil that we will need for our hempSMART brand of CBD infused products,” stated Donald Steinberg, MCOA’s CEO.

The Takeaway

With rapidly expanding retail distribution and burgeoning, diversified hemp cultivation programs underway, MCOA is fast approaching the vertical integration that typically impacts bottom lines and drives shareholder value.

Other companies already operating in the CBD space include:

Isodiol International (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) grows and harvests hemp on an industrial scale and then processes it to extract cannabidiol (CBD) for worldwide distribution. The company pioneered the commercialization of 99 percent-plus pure, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids, micro-encapsulations and nanotechnology for consumable and topical skin care products.

CV Sciences (OTC: CVSI) operates in two business segments. The company’s drug development division develops and commercializes novel therapeutics utilizing synthetic CBD. Its consumer product division manufactures, markets and sells plant-based CBD products to a range of market sectors.

Medical Marijuana (OTC: MJNA) develops, distributes and sells hemp oil that contains naturally occurring cannabinoids, including CBD, and other products containing CBD oil. The company sells its hemp-derived CBD products through its distribution subsidiaries. The company was among the first to bring hemp-based CBD oil products to market in the United States.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP) out-licenses its patented delivery technology, which lowers dosing of lipophilic active molecules and enhances their effectiveness. The company’s technology increases intestinal absorption rates, speeds delivery to the bloodstream, and masks tastes for orally administered bioactive molecules including cannabinoids, vitamins, NSAIDs, nicotine and other molecules.

Together, MCOA and these companies weave a tapestry of industry, innovation and intuitive concern for the communities they serve with nature-based hemp products that appear to be once again losing the stigma that has come from being marijuana’s staider sibling.

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

About CannabisNewsWire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dangers Lurking in Synthetic CBD Underscore Value of Quality Product

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Dating back thousands of years, people have found ways to treat pain and other ailments with cannabidiol (CBD) oil which is harvested from the hemp plant. However, the natural healing properties of CBD are being jeopardized by the advent of man-made synthetic CBDs. These chemical analogs are dangerous imitations of plant-derived product, binding to human endocannabinoid receptors at astronomically larger quantities than natural cannabinoids. These designer drugs prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a national health alert warning about synthetic cannabinoids. Shunning synthetics, Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile) provides consumers complete transparency and delivering only pure, plant-based 100% hemp-derived products through its hempSMART™ brand. While Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) and PotNetwork Holding, Inc. (OTC: POTN) market hemp-derived CBD products, some companies such as Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) and CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI) utilize extraction techniques to produce isolated cannabinoid compounds for both commercial and/or research uses.

Surging Demand Creates Copy Cats

Hemp-derived CBD grew from a market category that didn’t exist five years ago to generating $190 million in sales in 2017. The U.S. industry is poised to reach $1 billion dollars in 2018, led by hemp-derived CBD, food, personal care and industrial products. Hemp Business Journal estimates the U.S. hemp industry will grow to a $2.6 billion market by 2022 with an estimated five-year CAGR of 25%.

In a recent article, “Fighting fakes: Hemp leaders on the dangers of synthetic CBD,” public health investigators issued warnings when 50 people were sickened after consuming synthetic CBD. What the epidemiologists found was that the products, while labeled CBD, did not contain CBD compounds. Instead, the products contained a synthetically produced cannabinoid.

CBD products are often mislabeled, both in how much CBD the products contain and where the CBD comes from. A study published in JAMA revealed that nearly 70% of online CBD marijuana extracts are mislabeled, some had extra CBD, some less, and some contained hidden CBDs. Blind testing found that only about 31% of the extracts tested contained the amount of CBD listed on the label.

Differentiated from Others

The company’s commitment to quality may differentiate Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC:MCOA) from all others in the sector. MCOA uses the highest-quality sourced raw materials to produce the finest quality botanical supplements and topicals on the market. To ensure quality and transparency, the company’s hempSMART™ product line has been rigorously tested to validate its purity. Products developed by hempSMART are derived and formulated from industrial hemp containing naturally occurring CBD compounds that help support the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. All hempSMART™ products contain tested levels and clinically researched ingredients designed to meet and exceed consumers expectations.

The company is led by cannabis industry pioneer Donald Steinberg, MCOA’s CEO and an experienced veteran of the cannabis and industrial hemp industries. Steinberg founded the first marijuana company ever to trade on a U.S. stock market, and his extensive background and knowledge of the industry may give the company unparalleled insights into the global industrial hemp and cannabis markets.

Celebrated Family of Products

Derived from industrial hemp containing CBD compounds, MCOA’s hempSMART™ product line is among the finest quality of botanical supplements on the market. Scientifically driven, each of MCOA’s hempSMART™ products are created to ensure only the highest quality products reach discerning consumers. MCOA’s hempSMART™ CBD consumer products are researched, developed and sold at www.hempsmart.com.

The company recently re-launched its patent-pending wellness nootropic product hempSMART™ Brain, a “first of its kind” researched formulation for optimal brain function support, with 300mg of full spectrum CBD per bottle. HempSMART products also include full spectrum bioavailable CBD drops in form of a tincture containing a high concentration and potency of CBD, hempSMART ™ Pain capsules with a blend of premium CBD and botanical supplements, and hempSMART ™ Pain Cream with a synergistic combination of natural botanicals and full spectrum hemp extract to treat aching muscles and joints. In addition, the company now provides hempSMART™ Full Spectrum Pet Drops, exclusively designed for fur-bearing family members.

To virally expand sales, MCOA created its own unique hempSMART affiliate network marketing program. The affiliate marketing program provides a generous compensation plan to promote and sell hempSMART’s CBD consumer products in the United States. Advocates of hempSMART’s CBD products make the best ambassadors and the sales model lends itself to rapid global expansion.

Diversified Opportunity

In addition to the research and development of hemp-based consumer products, MCOA is strategically expanding its footprint across multiple facets of the hemp industry, building a portfolio of diversified investments and joint ventures to grow the company and potentially drive shareholder value.

The company recently provided updates on its 125-acre industrial hemp cultivation project in northeast New Brunswick with joint-venture partner Global Hemp Group Inc. (OTC: GBHPF). Planting on the first 77 acres is complete and the remaining 48 acres will be seeded soon. Drying equipment is being evaluated to process the biomass after harvest and management is in discussions with several potential processing partners for the material.

To target impulse buys in high traffic convenience stores, MCOA secured a 25% equity stake in Convenient Hemp Mart, LLC’s BeniHemp branded products. BeniHemp products will include topicals, tinctures, and edibles packaged in one-day, two-day, and 30-day supplies distributed to convenience stores, smoke shops, gas stations and similar small retail businesses.

Each owning 42.5%, MCOA and Global Hemp Group formed a joint venture, Covered Bridge Acres LTD., to develop a high yielding CBD hemp cultivation project in Oregon and committed to jointly invest a total of US$1.2 million into the project. A cornerstone of the project is the acquisition of a 109-acre agricultural property in Scio, Oregon. The property, located 70 miles south of Portland, is situated in the fertile Willamette Valley and has a history of hemp cultivation over the past two years. The farm is ideal for cultivating hemp as it contains a high level of organic matter in the soil and has an established irrigation infrastructure with sufficient water rights.

MCOA successfully raised $1 million in funding for Bougainville Ventures to construct and manage a turnkey state of the art cannabis cultivation and processing facility. The joint venture has completed the setup of 10,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space and waiting for completion of inspection, the final step before commencing cultivation.

Active Companies Vying for Market Position

CV Sciences (OTCQB: CVSI) operates two business segments: a drug development division focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics utilizing naturally occurring CBD; and, a consumer product division focused on manufacturing, marketing and selling plant-based CBD products to a range of market sectors. The company recently announced the June 7, 2018, publication of the toxicology and safety results of an extract from the base raw materials used in its PlusCBD Oil™ consumer products. The study, designed to investigate the safety of oral consumption of the company’s hemp CBD oil and to support a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Independent Conclusion, concluded that the test article was non-mutagenic, non-clastogenic and non-genotoxic.

Isodiol International (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) is focused on pharmaceutical grade phytochemical compounds and is among industry leaders in the manufacture and development of consumer products. The company pioneered the commercialization of 99%+ pure, pharmaceutical grade cannabinoids, micro-encapsulations, and nanotechnology for consumable and topical skin care products. Isodiol earlier this month entered into a binding agreement to acquire 51% of Round Mountain Technologies, LLC (“RMT”), a cultivator of organic hemp with operations in Nevada.

Medical Marijuana (OTC: MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States (founded by current CEO of Marijuana Company of America Don Steinberg), develops, distribute and sells hemp oil that contains naturally occurring cannabinoids, including CBD and other products containing CBD oil. In recent news, MJNA announced its favor on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) recent statement on the legality of CBD — which further clarifies that some CBD products, such as hemp-derived CBD products, are legal to distribute throughout the United States and do not fall under the regulations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Additionally, the company’s HempMeds® subsidiary reported the historic authorization of its Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X™ (RSHO-X™) CBD hemp oil product for import into Argentina.

PotNetwork Holding (OTC: POTN) is a holding company for its subsidiaries, First Capital Venture Co. that owns Diamond CBD, Inc., the maker of Diamond CBD oils. Diamond CBD researches, develops and markets hemp extracts that contain a broad range of cannabinoids and hemp derivatives. The company recently announced that Diamond CBD’s online sales increased 639% higher than the year prior. PotNetwork is in currently preparing to file with the SEC to become a fully reporting company.

With an estimated 25% compound annual growth rate, there’s little doubt the about the trajectory of the CBD market. As the market continues its rapid expansion and more people become aware of the dangers lurking in synthetic CBD, it seems reasonable that evermore consumers will gravitate toward high-quality natural CBD product. Companies like MCOA aim to answer that call.

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

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