Tag: LXX

420 with CNW – Three Studies Give Further Proof of Marijuana’s Effect on Opioid Crisis

A trio of scientific studies has provided further proof that legalizing marijuana can reduce the opioid crisis facing America. At first glance, it may appear that legalizing marijuana will increase opioid overdoses. However, the studies conducted gathered data that proves otherwise.

  1. Arthritis Sufferers Who Underwent Reconstructive Surgery Used Fewer Opioids if Cannabis Was Accessible

A new study whose findings appeared in the Journal of Orthopedic Proceedings analyzed the toxicological tests of more than 520 patients. The tests in question were conducted between 2012 and 2017.

The researchers found that patients who used cannabis before undergoing reconstructive surgery to repair joints affected by arthritis increased from just 9 percent to 15 percent during the period being studied. At the same time, the prevalence of opioid use dropped to 17 percent from 24 percent.

There appears to be a correlation between the increase in access to marijuana and a reduction in the use of opioids.

  1. States with Legal Marijuana Have Fewer Opioid Prescriptions

Another group of researchers gathered data on more than 1.3 billion prescriptions of opioids. Those prescriptions were spread over several years from 2011 to 2018. The researchers analyzed that data in order to establish whether there was a connected between marijuana laws and the rate at which opioids are prescribed.

The investigators found that in states where marijuana was fully legal (for recreational and medical purposes) prescriptions for opioids, especially morphine, reduced by 6.9 percent every year.

The study found that in the states where only medical marijuana was legal, morphine prescriptions reduced by 6.1 percent each year.

The researchers concluded that access to cannabis caused the rate at which morphine is prescribed to reduce by a percentage which is statistically significant.

  1. Opioid Abuse Decreased as Cannabis Use Went Up

The federally funded National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted in 2017 compared the level of opioid misuse among Americans in 2016 and 2017. The researchers found that about 11.4 million Americans abused opioids in 2017 yet the number was higher (11.8 million) the year before.

The same survey found that the number of Americans who used marijuana in 2016 was 24 million while those who used cannabis the next year increased to 26 million. This increase in cannabis use could possibly explain why opioid abuse reduced in the years under scrutiny.

As you can see, studies conducted by private entities and those funded by states or the federal government all seem to point to the strong possibility of marijuana having the key to the opioid epidemic the country is facing. Such findings are good news to industry players like Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP).

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

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Canada Leads International Cannabis Boom — and It’s Not About Smoking

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Legal changes in Canada are creating an ideal base for cannabis companies, which are shifting their focus away from smoking.

  • As the first G20 nation to make recreational cannabis legal, Canada is creating an opportunity for its cannabis companies to become global leaders.
  • Analysis shows that the global cannabis market is larger than expected — and set to keep growing.
  • Many new consumers prefer not to smoke their cannabis, leading to a shift towards cannabis-derived food and drinks.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) (LXRP Profile) has developed patented technology that helps make cannabis available to nonsmokers; the company’s innovative development methods make cannabis’ active chemicals more palatable and more effective in food and drink. Companies such as Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) are expanding their production to cater to this growing market, resulting in rising share values. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has leveraged its position in the market to raise extra financing through a $345 million public offering.  Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTC: ACBFF) (TSX: ACB) has been focusing on ensuring access to a broad market, setting up supply agreements across Canada. Meanwhile, other companies are evaluating international growth opportunities, with Cronos Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) having established subsidiaries on five continents.

The Canada-led Revolution

This month marks one of the most dramatic changes ever in the cannabis market, a moment set to transform the industry and the way that it’s viewed. As of Oct. 17, consumers across Canada are able to buy cannabis for recreational consumption for the first time. Canada is the first G20 nation to make such a change, and the precedent could be critical. Other countries are watching what happens in Canada, as voters around the world push their governments toward similar legalization; there are already more than 30 countries around the world where cannabis is legal in some form for medical use.

The Canadian example comes just as analysis shows that the cannabis market is larger than previously realized and set for continued growth. This puts Canadian companies in a powerful position, able to make the most of being based in a country that’s friendly to the cannabis industry. By using the freedom and opportunities this presents, these companies could easily become global leaders in a fast-growing sector.

Canada Legalizes Cannabis

For Canadian companies working in the cannabis sector, such as Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), huge changes are coming.

After much political maneuvering, recreational cannabis is now legal in Canada in keeping with a promise made by Justin Trudeau when he was elected prime minister in 2015. The wait has been frustrating for some, but it has given companies such as Lexaria time to establish their leadership position.

Canada already has a thriving medical cannabis industry, in which tight regulation provides control over the use of drugs. The new regulations extend this careful approach to the recreational market. Using a model similar to liquor licensing, retailers will have to be licensed to sell cannabis and follow clear rules. Those who try to sell outside the system will be quickly shut down.

In setting up its system, the Canadian government and provincial authorities have learned from the example of legalization in certain U.S. states. They worked with cannabis companies to ensure that the licensing system for both production and retail was ready for the Oct. 17 deadline While there will undoubtedly be hitches, including the likelihood that demand will initially outstrip supply, this appears likely to be a smooth launch.

Companies have also been making adjustments. For example, Lexaria recently announced a new subsidiary, Lexaria CanPharm Corp., which is focused purely on applying the company’s technology to the cannabis industry. Because Lexaria sells technology, if is already earning revenue in several locations both within and outside of Canada without touching the plant. Lexaria has a Canadian base but international reach.

Cannabis Market Larger Than Expected

Judging the potential size of the legal cannabis market is a tricky business. The drug’s widespread illegality around the world means that data is almost entirely drawn from surveys, in which respondents may be wary of admitting their consumption. Legalization will likely lead to changes in consumption patterns; easier access will almost certainly increase both medical and recreational demand.

Despite the limitations on judging the market, observers have been keen to estimate what the market could represent. A survey from before legalization indicated that 4.2 million Canadians consume cannabis on a regular or occasional basis. Based on this data, companies and commentators have predicted an industry worth billions of dollars, which could quickly surpass the whiskey industry.

But leading cannabis commentators are now suggesting that previous estimates may have undervalued cannabis’ potential. The only specialist cannabis analyst for a major Wall Street trading firm believes that the impact of legalizing a previously illegal market has been underestimated. Legalization could lead not just to large-scale sales of cannabis but also to its use as an ingredient in other products. Because Fortune 500-type companies are now interested in the space, the market could eventually be worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

If that analysis is accurate, then many cannabis companies are being massively undervalued. That’s good news for the future prospects of businesses such as Lexaria.

Consuming Cannabis without Smoking

This growth is likely to be coupled with changes in the way cannabis is consumed — changes of huge relevance for Lexaria.

A recent survey of U.S. consumers showed that many would like to try cannabis if it became legal. They also said that they would be more likely to do so if they could consume the plant through food. Putting cannabis into drinks and snack foods will make it easier for people to enjoy in a social setting with friends, in a similar way that they currently consume alcohol. That would make it a more popular and accepted part of everyday life.

Lexaria’s patented technology could be invaluable for companies catering to this desire. Its lipophilic enhancement technology is designed to improve the biological conductivity of active compounds, including those found in cannabis. It increases their potential for absorption by the body, meaning that consumers get better value for their cannabis. It also improves the taste, which will be important in making cannabis food and drinks popular. Recent tests have shown good results for applying this technique to active ingredients derived from cannabis.

Lexaria plans on licensing this technology to third-party partners and was recently awarded its 9th and 10th granted patents applicable for cannabis beverages. With cannabis-infused food and drink set to hit the Canadian market next year, and with large companies eyeing its potential, plenty of companies are sure to be interested in such technology that takes advantage of Lexaria’s leadership position.

Growing with the Market

The legalization of recreational cannabis is good for companies already working in the Canadian medical market such as Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY). A company with a strong pedigree in research and development, Tilray is expanding its sales potential in preparation for the recreational market. Its High Park Farms subsidiary recently received a license to sell cannabis in Canada and has already carried out several harvests to get stocks ready for sale. Such moves have led to positive views of the company’s future, with Wall Street commentators predicting a huge rise in the value of its shares over the next year.

The expectation of huge growth in the cannabis industry is helping companies raise extra finance to tap into that market. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has just raised over $345 million through a public offering. A medical cannabis company, GW isn’t currently involved in the recreational sector but is still profiting from the growth it brings.

One of the big players in Canada’s medical cannabis market, Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTCQX: ACBFF) (TSX: ACB), has been laying the groundwork to make the most of recreational sales. The company has supply agreements with provinces across Canada, giving it the opportunity to reach a broad customer base. As well as providing quick profits, this will help to establish brand recognition early on for greater influence as the market grows.

While attention is currently focused on Canada, that is just one part of the cannabis market. As with other industries, global reach will eventually decide the biggest players, and Cronos Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) is already working on such expansion. With subsidiaries in North and South America, Europe, Australia and Israel, the company is tapping into growing cannabis markets around the world. Lessons from Canada will help in developing these other markets and in positioning Cronos to make the most of them.

The legalization of cannabis in Canada is a critical part in an international puzzle, one whose pieces include unexpected growth, global connections and transformations in consumer habits. Put together, these pieces offer the hope of a profitable future for cannabis companies.

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

About CannabisNewsWire

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

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

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

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

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

420 with CNW – UK Doctors to Start Prescribing Cannabis in November

Doctors in the UK (Wales, Scotland and England) will soon start prescribing cannabis for their patients who have conditions that can be improved by this substance.

This announcement was made by the UK Home Secretary, Sajid Javid. He stated that cannabis would see its status changed from a schedule 1 substance (substances with no therapeutic value but having a high likelihood of being abused) to a schedule 2 controlled substance.

That change would allow doctors to prescribe cannabis-products for those patients who would benefit from such derivatives (CBD oil, for example).

However, cannabis would still be controlled since its new status would still regard it as something that has a high potential for being abused.

The Home Secretary said as much when he reiterated that adult use of cannabis would not be accepted and no patient would be allowed to smoke cannabis as a way of treating his or her condition.

The new regulations that will amend the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 will come into force on November 1.

The amendments come hot on the heels of prominent cases in which several kids were denied the right to use cannabis oil as a way of controlling their epileptic seizures. Those cases were controversial because cannabis oil had been found to be beneficial for people suffering from refractory epilepsy.

The new regulations will permit three avenues through which a person can consume cannabis-based products. The first way is when the patient gets a prescription from a doctor to get a medical product made from cannabis.

The second way through which one can consume a cannabis product is when such a product is being used in an investigational program (clinical study) into which the user has been enrolled.

The third and final way through which one can consume a cannabis product is when such a product has been approved for sale by the relevant regulators. This category includes medicinal cannabis products that have been approved as over the counter products for which a prescription isn’t required.

The regulatory changes by the UK government comes at a time when an expert committee of the World Health Organization is set to meet in November to review the classification of marijuana as a schedule 1 controlled substance. That meeting also comes at a time when Canada has just made history as the first G8 member state to legalize recreational marijuana.

These positive actions in the cannabis industry are pieces of good news to Koios Beverage Corp. (CSE: KBEV) (OTC: KBEVF) and Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) who are convinced about the benefits that this product can bring.

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About CannabisNewsWire

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

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CBD Exploding into Mainstream Wellness Products

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Bolstered by millennia of anecdotal evidence and ever-mounting scientific validation, cannabidiol (CBD) is rapidly being integrated into myriad mainstream consumer wellness products around the globe.

  • Global cannabis market expected to quadruple to over $63 billion by 2024
  • CBD oil market to grow at CAGR of 39.19 percent through 2021
  • CBD products exploding into a wide variety of product lines
  • Diversified, sales-driven companies expected to outpace standard growth curve

Humans have used hemp, a variety of Cannabis sativa and a primary source of CBD, for more than 10,000 years in food, textiles and medicine. The world is again recognizing the therapeutic benefits of hemp extracts, and consumers are embracing cannabis-based products at a breakneck pace. Consumer demand has triggered an explosion of product innovations that range from oils and edibles to pet products and infused beverages. Intent on staying at the vanguard of the upsurge in CBD-based wellness products, sales and marketing powerhouse Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile) recently expanded its HempFX™ line with the launch of two new hemp-derived cannabidiol products. Others are entering the sector as well. Beer and spirits conglomerate Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) just made the largest investment to date in the cannabis industry. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) was one of the first companies to enter the pharmaceutical cannabis space with Marinol, which is almost chemically identical to THC, the main component in marijuana. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP) offers DehydraTECH, a drug delivery platform that could be a game changer for several industries, including the recreational and medical cannabis markets. And Neptune Wellness Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT) recently received a Confirmation of Readiness letter from Health Canada, a key milestone in its quest to become a licensed producer of cannabis oil in Canada.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

The CBD Boom

Cannabidiol is understandably generating worldwide interest from both the scientific and investment communities. It’s hard to ignore a market sector projected to nearly quadruple from about $16 billion last year to more than $63 billion worldwide by 2024. In just the United States alone, the marijuana industry could create an economic tsunami estimated to surge past $75 billion annually by 2022.

Explosive demand projections are attributed to increased public awareness about wide-ranging potential health benefits, natural pain mitigation and anti-inflammatory properties, advancements in cultivation and processing, plus the convenience and reach of online and direct 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. The upward trend is indisputable, and corporations are jockeying for position, racing to produce a variety of CBD products, staking out distribution channels and opening a realm of possibilities in previously unimagined markets. All the projections and activity send clear signals of what’s to come.

The Mission Matters

With deep roots in health and nutrition spanning over 20 years, omni-direct lifestyle company Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) is still dedicated to the core mission of its founder: learning how to live younger, longer. Expanding on the pioneering biomedical research of Dr. Joel D. Wallach, Youngevity is aggressively and ethically growing its business through a unique admixture of direct selling, traditional marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and stellar organic growth. The direct sales model and international roll-out strategies of Youngevity provide synergistic leverage to capitalize on the immense potential in high-growth emerging markets, exactly what’s occurring in the CBD arena.

Youngevity’s recent announcement about the launch of two new hemp-derived cannabidiol products in its HempFX line intermeshes with the company’s explosive sales growth and its mission to provide nutritional and lifestyle solutions to achieve optimum health and wellness goals. “Plant-based nutrition is fundamental to our product development philosophy,” stated Youngevity CEO Steve Wallach.

The new HempFX products expand YGYI’s CBD line and join a vast stable of more than one thousand products and services the company already offers. The new tablet-based CBD products are designed to work in conjunction with Youngevity’s Y-DR8+ proprietary water bottle system. The company’s exclusive Y-DR8 filter utilizes activated carbon cloth designed to reduce chemicals and deliver CBD in great tasting water. The portable Y-DR8 filter holds cannabidiol tablets above the water line, and YGYI’s CBD formulations are infused into the water as it flows over the tablets.

“This bottle system is intended to provide people with a revolutionary point-of-use water system for great tasting water and enables consumers to customize tap water based upon their health and wellness needs. It is a beverage technology that we expect will have broad consumer appeal and we are extremely excited to combine this technology with the benefits of hemp-based CBD,” stated Vice President of Innovation and Emerging Markets Rick Anson.

Using patent-pending extraction and bioavailability processes, YGYI’s HempFX products contain only U.S. organically grown non-GMO hemp. The full-spectrum phytocannabinoids are third-party tested to ensure only the highest quality allergen-, gluten- and THC-free hemp oils are produced and sold to the public in compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards.

HempFX Hydration™ – Sleep is formulated to improve sleep patterns and deliver the health benefits of CBD. YGYI’s high-quality cannabidiol formulation contains melatonin and is administered using the company’s proprietary beverage enhancement tablet. HempFX Hydration – Pure contains 25 mg of organic, full-spectrum, hemp-derived cannabidiol oil per tablet and quickly dissolves in water as it is consumed.

“Plant-based nutrition is fundamental to our product development philosophy,” Wallach stated. “That’s why we’re especially excited to enter this rapidly growing market with two new products.”

HempFX Hydration – Sleep and HempFX Hydration – Pure are expected to be available next month, and sales may well outperform YGYI’s three other hemp-based products, which sold out of preproduction quantities during the company’s August sales convention.

Sales and Marketing Powerhouse

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Direct Selling Companies, Youngevity is a sales powerhouse that more than doubled revenues from $75 million in 2012 to $166 million in 2017. The company shows no signs of slowing down, posting an 8.7 percent revenue increase in Q2 YTD 2018 over Q2 YTD 2017 and a 9.6 percent increase in gross profits over the same period.

The NASDAQ-listed company, added to the Russell Index in June, operates in large, scalable global market segments driving significant revenue growth in skin care, anti-aging, weight loss, brain health and coffee. The expansion into CBD products appears likely to boost revenues even further, potentially placing the company at the forefront of the CBD boom. Making quality products is only one aspect of carving out space in this new sector; sell-through is the more important criteria to measure success during the upswing.

Youngevity’s unique marketing hybrid buttressing the direct-selling business model with powerful e-commerce and social selling initiatives has created a global panoply of products and services under one corporate umbrella that supports healthy, empowered lifestyles. Youngevity now offers more than one thousand high-quality nutritional and lifestyle products and services through a wide range of channels in fast-growing retail categories:

  • Health and Nutrition
  • Home and Family
  • Food and Beverage
  • Spa and Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Essential Oils
  • Photo and Scrapbooking
  • Services for Home and Business

“One thing that makes Youngevity so unique is our broad product offering,” President and CFO Dave Briskie stated during the company’s 2018 convention. “It allows us to reach many markets and gives our customers a wide range of high-quality lifestyle products. We will continue to do our best to align our products to the needs of our market.”

The Epiphany

There’s little doubt about the trajectory of the global CBD market. Some have likened the impending surge of industry players to the dot.com era — some will become Amazon.com while others will disappear faster than Pets.com. Investors looking to capitalize on the immense opportunity ahead are likely best served by strategic positions in diversified companies driven by sales and galvanized by a mission to excel.

Others in the Arena

Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) just made the largest investment to date in the cannabis space. The company is already a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits. With its $4 billion investment in Canopy Growth Corp. (NYSE: CGC), Constellation looks to accelerate its market position and expand its portfolio in emerging cannabis markets around the globe.

Primarily a pharmaceutical company, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) offers a synthetic cannabis-based drug on the market. Marinol is an FDA-approved, prescription drug used to alleviate nausea or vomiting for chemotherapy patients; it may also help AIDS patients who have lost their desire to eat.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp.’s (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP) DehydraTECH drug delivery platform features a patented, cost-effective delivery mechanism that improves the taste and smell — as well as the bio-absorption — of ingestible substances. Cannabinoid-infused edibles and concentrates represent the fastest-growing segments of the cannabis industry, and DehydraTECH may position Lexaria as a prime partner for offerings in these spaces.

Working to develop unique extracts and formulations in the legal cannabis wellness field, Neptune Wellness Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT) is well on its way to obtaining official approval to move forward. The Confirmation of Readiness letter “brings us to the threshold of becoming a Licensed Producer of cannabis oil in Canada, and is a very exciting moment,” said Neptune president and CEO Jim Hamilton. “Our entry into the legal cannabis industry leverages our established expertise in the development of innovative Omega3 oil products, navigating global regulatory frameworks, worldwide commercialization of wellness solutions, and production of high-quality extracts.”

For more information on Youngevity, 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

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CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
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www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

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.

420 with CNW – American Cannabis Producers Fear Canadian Industry Dominance

Cannabis industry players in the U.S. are concerned that the stubborn insistence on prohibition by the federal government will give Canadian producers a chance to dominate the marijuana industry.

These sentiments were voiced by Derek Peterson, the CEO of marijuana firm Terra Tech based in California. He revealed that industry players in the U.S. are constrained by many factors which put a damper on their growth and activities.

First, cannabis cannot cross state lines since marijuana is still outlawed at the federal level. This restriction means that producers must operate at low capacity just for the market within the state where they are licensed to operate.

Secondly, the players in the marijuana industry cannot access funding from major banks since the banks fear federal repercussions resulting from doing business with an industry that is considered illegal. Marijuana companies therefore face funding challenges each time they want to expand or conduct expensive product research. In contrast, Canadian firms are trading publicly and amassing capital.

The third impediment is that Customs and Border Protection has vowed to deny entry to any marijuana industry investors. This has deterred some foreign nationals who may have wished to put their money in U.S. cannabis companies.

These shortcomings have given a chance to Canadian companies to spread their operations to the U.S. For example, Tilray was recently permitted to export marijuana extract capsules for use during a study on the impact of cannabis on essential tremor. This was after the researchers convinced the DEA that such products weren’t available locally.

Such inroads are likely to grow over time since Canada has had a head start due to the forward-looking regulatory framework that was passed in Canada upon the legalization of medical cannabis years back and the impending decriminalization of adult use of marijuana a few days from now.

Private firms were allowed to participate in the industry right from its legalization, and that private enterprise has permitted Canada to be a world leader in this young industry. In contrast, the U.S. has for long allowed only Mississippi University to hold the sole license for cannabis cultivation until states started decriminalizing marijuana and licensing their own producers.

The U.S. is therefore having to play catch up with Canada, but the federal prohibitionist stance still limits how quickly the domestic industry can grow since the players are fragmented and can only operate in small jurisdictions. The large U.S. market will only be exploited fully for rapid growth once cannabis is legalized at the federal level. That decriminalization will allow firms like Koios Beverage Corp. (CSE: KBEV) (OTC: KBEVF) and Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) to put all their energies in capturing the massive potential market across the nation.

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

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Intangible Assets Power Growth, Acquisitions in the Pharmaceuticals Sector

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Intangible assets such as patents increasingly dominate the global business landscape, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.

  • Intangible assets are estimated to be worth trillions of dollars in the United States alone.
  • These assets drive deals as companies acquire smaller patent holders.
  • In growing sectors such as cannabis, smaller companies are rushing to establish intangible assets ready for expected market growth.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) (LXRP Profile) is one of the leaders in the world of cannabis, with applications made for more than 50 different patents and more to come. Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is also focusing on building its intellectual property (IP) portfolio, including exclusive rights to at least 22 issued or pending patents. In wake of receiving FDA approval of its Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) oral solution for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has applied for five new Epidiolex patents. Recently Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) announced that it has, alone or with its subsidiary or joint-venture partners, filed eight provisional U.S. patents pertaining to the delivery and application of cannabis and cannabinoid-based therapeutics. And through its ownership of CanniMed, Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (OTCQX: ACBFF) has obtained six patents related to cannabinoid delivery for pain management.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

The Power of Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is now one of the most important parts of the global economy. Copyrights, trademarks and patents are a vital weapon in the arsenal of many businesses. For some companies, this is a secondary consideration, a way to strengthen and protect their positions within their fields. For others, it’s their entire focus — a way to dominate a sector or provide valuable returns.

The power of IP means that no part of the economy goes untouched. New industries often arise off the back of new IP. Even when that’s not the case, the development of new techniques and technologies frequently lead to the creation of patents, as companies work to innovate and control techniques that give them an edge over their competitors. For relatively new sectors, such as the cannabis market, this means the sudden flourishing of IP and a race by companies to stake their claim on these valuable assets. As a sector matures, so will its IP market.

The Value of Intangible Assets

Patents are a big part of business for companies such as Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), for whom developing and protecting new technology is fundamental to success. Whether it’s underlying technology such as DehydraTECH, the company’s system for increasing the body’s absorption of chemical compounds, or specific products derived from DehydraTECH, such as TurboCBD, Lexaria’s success is founded on its distinctive IP.

IP is part of a wider sector of the economy — intangible assets. This is the wealth provided not by physical assets and the processes that directly transform them but by less visible, more abstract resources. It includes IP, whose value is often examined and measured, as well as harder-to-pin-down elements such as business processes and reputation.

These factors have always played a part in business, but their growing recognition and analysis has led to the growth of companies whose main focus is on intangible assets, from investment research firms and reinsurers to patent licensing and enforcement companies.

Representing around a third of the U.S. economy, intangible assets are now consciously analyzed and developed by virtually every business, even if they don’t recognize the “intangible asset” label. Companies with a solid focus on these areas can place themselves in positions of great strength.

Patents in a New Sector

The speed at which intangible assets can develop is well illustrated by movements in the cannabis sector, where many of Lexaria’s patents apply.

The legal global cannabis market started to emerge only recently, thanks to a handful of countries allowing medical marijuana. The market has started to mature through a small but growing number of territories with legal markets for recreational cannabis, as well as the separate management and licensing of industrial hemp. Legal cannabis is now a multibillion-dollar business. Although Lexaria’s technology has other profound drug delivery applications, cannabis is where it looks set to have the most immediate impact.

This has led to a rush to control intangible assets around cannabis. It’s noteworthy that Chinese companies own more than half of the cannabis-related patents registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization, even though the cannabis trade remains illegal in China. China has a good eye for long-term developments and is setting itself up to control a growing global trade.

Outside of China, Lexaria is one of the world’s biggest holders of cannabis patents with eight patents already granted. The company currently holds four patents in the United States and four in Australia, covering aspects of its work to make beneficial drugs more palatable and effective. In addition, the company has further patent applications in process in more than 40 countries as part of a concerted strategy to expand its patent portfolio. This is made possible by the focused, tangible research and development being carried out by the company and is ultimately driven by the need to develop and control intangible assets.

Lexaria has disclosed it expects four more patents to be granted in 2018, bringing its total to twelve. Of note, all twelve of these are within a single patent family — and Lexaria expects patent success across all nine families of its current applications. Indeed the company recently revealed that it has seven more patent families in the works. Lexaria’s goal is to have some 200 patents pending or granted which, if achieved, could turn the organization into an IP behemoth in the global cannabis industry.

The Value of Patents

The commercial value of patents, even those still pending approval, can be extraordinary, reaching billions of dollars. In 2011, Nortel sold 6,000 patents and patent applications for $4.5 billion. The following year, AOL sold 925 patents to Microsoft for more than a billion dollars. While some companies develop patents purely to protect their work, others develop them specifically to be sold.

This focus on intangible assets drives many mergers and acquisitions. The Craftsy digital network developed online shows such as “Man about Cake” with a focus on audience rather than immediate profit, leading to the company’s acquisition by NBC Universal. The intangible assets of the company’s identity, reputation and audience had become highly valuable in themselves.

Similar priorities can be seen on a far larger scale in SoftBank’s $31.4 billion acquisition of chip designer ARM Holdings, or roughly $7 million per patent or patent application. ARM’s revenues were only $1.5 billion per year, but its 4,500 patents cover technology of potentially incredible value. In just three years, the desire to control patented drugs and processes in the healthcare sector overall resulted in 58 mergers and acquisitions with values of a billion dollars or more.

In Lexaria’s field of pharmaceuticals, patents are crucial, representing both the outcome of years of R&D and also potential market share and control in the emerging global cannabis business. Lexaria is attempting to own enough IP in the global cannabis industry that patent royalty revenues begin to flow worldwide.

Because patents are among the most valuable assets a company can own, a small investment in research now may pay off in a huge way in years to come. In a sector with such huge growth potential as cannabis, Lexaria’s IP portfolio may generate cash flows regardless of whether other companies intend to license the technology or not; by owning core IP, other companies may be forced to pay royalties. If Lexaria’s goal of owning hundreds of issued patents becomes a reality, the company’s patent portfolio could have huge ramifications on its valuation.

Powered by Intellectual Property

Lexaria isn’t alone in its commitment to strengthen its IP collateral. Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is also focusing on building its IP portfolio including exclusive rights to at least 22 issued or pending patents. Tilray CEO Brendan Kennedy has observed that if cannabis companies are going to move forward, they’ll need to develop IP in both the medicinal and recreation aspects of the cannabis spectrum.

GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has established a leading position in the development of plant-derived cannabinoid therapeutics through its intellectual property portfolio, proven drug discovery and development processes, and regulatory and manufacturing expertise. The company successfully developed the world’s first prescription medicine derived from the cannabis plant.

In addition to the eight provisional patents it has filed, Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) has updated applications relating to earlier insomnia patent applications, bringing its total number of U.S. provisional patent filings to 39. The filings are part of a concerted plan by Canopy Growth to deliver to patients and healthcare providers innovative medicines and health products targeting disease areas with substantial medical needs.

Aurora Cannabis, Inc.’s (OTCQX: ACBFF) pain-management patents are only part of the company’s commitment to creating a stronghold in the cannabis market. Aurora has become one of the fastest-growing cannabis companies, as evidenced by Aurora Sky, the company’s 800,000-square-foot flagship facility; by launching the world’s only mobile app for ordering medically prescribed cannabis; and by being the only LP to service two metropolitan areas with same-day delivery.

With so much value placed on intangible assets, patents are fueling growth and acquisitions worth billions of dollars. In the pharmaceutical sector and beyond, patents definitely appear to be where the big money is.

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

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

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420 with CNW – Calgary Police Officers Barred from Consuming Cannabis Ahead of Legalization

Calgary police officers have been told they aren’t allowed to consume recreational cannabis just weeks before recreational marijuana hits the shelves of retail outlets. The news was communicated in an internal memo circulated to all police officers.

The ban excludes members of the police service who cannot be deployed or called to a scene of crime. These include desk officers or those whose work is entirely administrative.

The police top brass say this policy decision was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent any workplace safety issues that may arise. It isn’t known for how long someone can remain impaired after consuming cannabis.

The Calgary Police Service has expressed a desire to partner with an academic institution to conduct relevant research that will provide the concrete information needed to modify this blanket ban on the consumption of recreational cannabis. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) and Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA) would certainly appreciate any windows of regulatory change signaled by the authorities in their areas of operation.

The willingness by the police authority to modify the ban may come as a small piece of good news since police officers were wondering how they could be banned from lighting up a joint during an entire five-day break from duty.

The ban may also raise some fundamental rights issues. Can the Calgary Police Service dictate what its officers do when they are off duty?

A look at how the army has handled the same issue can shed more light on how unfair this policy may be. Members of the military are required to abstain from consuming cannabis within eight hours before reporting for duty. Can’t a similar provision be made for the police service?

That takes the police back to the limited information on how long cannabis can render someone impaired.

Understandably, the union of police officers isn’t happy about this policy, but they have little to do since they have been promised that the policy is likely to change as more information becomes available about how cannabis affects cognition, psychomotor function and other processes in the human body.

One of the sentences in the memo states that it can be hard for one to self-detect that he or she has had their cognitive abilities impaired by cannabis. The abstinence policy therefore remains a logical position until more research is done to understand the effects of cannabis.

It would be interesting to listen in to the conversations that may be taking place among the leaders of the law enforcement agencies in the U.S. states where recreational cannabis has been decriminalized. Would they also take the path of forced abstinence like the Calgary Police Service has decided?

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

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420 with CNW – UC San Diego Researchers to Study Effect of Cannabis on Essential Tremors

Researchers at the University College San Diego have announced their intention to investigate the effect of using cannabis extracts to treat or manage essential tremor.

The announcement came after the group of researchers (led by Dr. Fatta Nahab) got permission from the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to import capsules of CBD and THC from Tilray, a Canadian-based cannabis company. Tilray conducted an initial public offering (IPO) in the U.S.

The researchers opted to import the capsules since none are available from the sole source of cannabis for research purposes (University of Mississippi). Capsules were preferred for this study because of two main reasons.

The first reason is that it would be easy for the researchers to control how much cannabis the study subjects received. This isn’t easy to do if the subjects smoke or vape the product.

Secondly, capsules were thought to be more acceptable to the study subjects who may have had issues with being asked to smoke or vaporize the cannabis.

The researchers had to jump through numerous hoops in order to get approval for the importation of the cannabis. For example, they had to submit the designs of the study to the research review panel of California as well as explain that the selected ratio of 20:1 CBD and THC was tailored to minimize the high and possible addiction by the patients who consumed the products during the study. The regulatory hurdles faced by the researchers are well known to companies like Lexaria Bioscience Corp (CSE: LXX) (OTC:LXRP) and Phivida Holdings Inc. (CSE: VIDA) (OTC:PHVAF), who have the eagle eye of regulators on everything they do.

The research team hopes to enroll 16 to 20 essential tremor patients to participate in this study that is expected to begin early next year and run for a year or more.

It is hoped that the study will provide scientific evidence for the anecdotal claims that essential tremor patients improved when they consumed cannabis. The researchers want to discover how much cannabis is sufficient to produce the desired results without triggering any adverse effects.

Such a cure would be a major breakthrough, since there is no medication designed for managing or treating essential tremor (ET). Patients are given high blood pressure medication or epilepsy drugs to manage this neurological disorder. The results of such interventions vary widely.

About 10 million Americans suffer from ET, and the condition is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease. The International Essential Tremor Foundation and Tilray have funded the research. Tilray insists it will not have any say in the outcome of the study.

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

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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)

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

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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.

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Subsidiary Industries Prepare for Growing Cannabis Market

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Impending legislation in Canada is the most recent step in the spread of legal cannabis consumption. As the industry grows, so do the support businesses supplying related services for retailers and consumers. Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) (GOHE profile) is providing payment systems and business support through its MoneyTrac partnership. MassRoots Retail (OTC: MSRT) is using blockchain to provide a review aggregator and dispensary finder. GB Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: GBLX) is working in research and design, focusing its efforts on growing more effective strains and exploring better delivery systems. Lexaria Bioscience Corporation (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) is also improving delivery systems through research aimed at improving the effectiveness of orally consumed cannabinoids. And for the cannabis-focused consumer, General Cannabis Corporation (OTCQB: CANN) has set up Chiefton Supply Co, a clothing brand catering to the growing cannabis culture.

Across the board, the cannabis industry is becoming a more diverse and interesting place.

The Broader Potential of Recreational Cannabis

After many months of political maneuvering, this summer will see the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Canada. It’s a huge step, even in a country where medical cannabis is already widely available. The expanded Canadian cannabis market is expected to be worth between $10 and $20 billion with many companies preparing to take a chunk of the supply and retail business.

That vast market won’t just consist of cannabis growers and retailers. Many other businesses are looking for entry points into the cannabis industry, whether it’s through payment solutions, accessories, technology, or any of the other products and services that businesses and consumers will be looking for. Businesses who get in now won’t just profit from what’s going on in Canada. Dozens of states and the District of Columbia currently have laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form, and legalization is spreading. The global medical cannabis market alone is expected to reach $55.8 billion by 2025 (http://cnw.fm/2EjPt), so there is a potential for tremendous growth for early cannabis support businesses.

Secure, Straightforward System

Any retail business needs a secure, straightforward system for taking payments. That system needs to be adapted to their particular needs, whether it’s portability for market stalls or strict security for high price transactions. Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) is providing payment solutions adapted to the special needs of the cannabis market.

The outlet for this project is MoneyTrac Technology, a Global Payout partner. In collaboration with Greenbox, another partner company, MoneyTrac has launched a payment system specifically geared towards the cannabis market, which will make payments easier and more secure.

The need for such a solution stems from the legal status of cannabis in the United States, currently one of the largest legal cannabis markets. Though cannabis is legal for recreational use in six states and for medical use in over twenty more, it is still covered by antidrug legislation at the federal level. U.S. banks are wary of providing payment services to any cannabis company, even a legally recognized one, in case they come under scrutiny for providing finances to support illegal endeavours.

This situation has created unnecessary risks for cannabis merchants because they have had to work on a cash basis, which can create inefficiencies and increase the risk of theft or fraud. Any group that can offer a way out of this trap could draw business from across the states because cannabis vendors know that a better payment system will more than pay for itself.

The Cutting Edge of Technology

A technology and business development company whose motto is “Key to Cashless™,” MoneyTrac is providing a payment solution for cannabis and other high-risk business areas. MoneyTrac is achieving this by using one of the hottest new technologies of the past few years — blockchain computing.

Blockchain is a distributed ledger system in which electronic records are kept over an open network of participants rather than centralized in a single place. Its most famous use is as the foundational technology behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. But it can also be used for other purposes, including supply chain management and smart contracts that automatically deliver their payments on completion.

Through cryptocurrencies, blockchain has allowed payments to take place outside of the conventional banking system. The creators of the technology intended this to remove the stranglehold of banks and governments on personal finance, thereby improving the efficiency and freedom of financial networks. For the cannabis industry, it means a way of making electronic payments without banks being involved, thus escaping cash-based transactions.

In early April 2018, MoneyTrac launched its blockchain payment system, MTRAC. It provides a payment system in which customers put their money in at one end and retailers are able to extract it at the other end. Customers simply charge up a digital wallet at an MTRAC kiosk or load it from their linked bank account or credit card, then use the money to pay for goods at any vendor using the scheme. In fact, the app can be used to generate a digital Visa or MasterCard gift card that can be used at any retailer that accepts those forms of payment. Banks don’t even need to be involved in the cannabis-buying process.

MoneyTrac’s system provides greater security for cannabis businesses and customers. It can also be used to increase business efficiency through the addition of inventory management, payment processing, and seed-to-sale tracking. For customers, it provides a secure, simple way to pay. For merchants, it is a complete way of tracking the flow of goods and money, increasing efficiency through clear, secure, integrated record keeping.

Wide Support Services

In developing an integrated payment solution, MoneyTrac has gained deep insight into the cannabis industry and how it works. It has also developed a team of employees and a network of contacts that allow it to provide wider support services.

The services MoneyTrac offers to clients include business development, sales and marketing, and guidance on compliance. With so many regulations in place around both cannabis and finance, it’s important for those running a cannabis business to understand and strictly adhere to the rules governing them. MoneyTrac can help in this complex area.

These extra services aren’t just a way to make additional income. They help ensure the long-term viability of the MTRAC payment system. If the companies using the systems are well supported, they are more likely to come out on top of the growing cannabis market, making MoneyTrac’s payment solution a crucial part of the industry.

Backed up by the extensive finance and payment experience of the Global Payout team, MoneyTrac offers a secure, efficient payment system for the cannabis sector. By adding other software and services, it is carving out a niche as an important support system in this growing industry.

A Complete Economic Ecosystem

Like so many sectors, cannabis is developing a broader economic ecosystem. A range of companies are stepping up to provide additional products and services related to cannabis.

Like Global Payout, MassRoots Retail (OTC: MSRT) is exploring the potential of blockchain. The company uses blockchain technology to power features in its business portal. The company provides a central hub for reviews of cannabis products and strains, as well as a dispensary finder. These are available through a phone app, making it easier for customers to find the right product and dispensary for them. MassRoots recently revamped the system to introduce new features and incentivize reviews.

Research and development are among the most important support services for the cannabis market. Legalization is making it easier for research to be carried out and the effects of cannabis to be understood. GB Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: GBLX) works on this side of the market, developing refined cannabis strains that provide a better proportion of active ingredients. It is working with the University of Seville to bring a new time-released cannabinoid formulation to market. As the market grows, so will research into strains, delivery systems and new medical uses, providing more business for companies such as GB Sciences.

Lexaria Bioscience Corporation (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) is another of the companies focused on cannabis research. Its particular focus is on improving the effectiveness and flavor of orally consumed cannabinoids, for which work it has a partnership with the Canadian government’s National Research Council. Oral consumption has great potential to deliver the medical benefits of cannabis without the harmful effects of smoking, and so could be important in unleashing cannabis’s medical potential. With Lexaria’s out-licensing business model, this beneficial technology could be used by many companies, while boosting Lexaria’s research and profits.

General Cannabis Corporation (OTCQB: CANN) is providing a different sort of subsidiary business through Chiefton Supply Co. clothing brand. As cannabis culture spreads and becomes above board, the company is providing distinct, stylish clothes to go with a cannabis-influenced lifestyle. A recently announced distribution deal (http://cnw.fm/LcFR9) with national retailer Tilly’s will see the company reach a wide market.

As cannabis becomes more accessible, companies are finding a wide range of ways to profit from subsidiary services. From T-shirts to payment processing, services for this sector offer incredible potential for business growth and development.

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

About CannabisNewsWire

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

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

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

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

CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
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.