Tag: MMEN

US President, Producers Envision ‘Green Acres’ with Signing of Historic Hemp-Legalizing Farm Bill

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Moments prior to signing a historic 2018 Farm Bill and effectively legalizing industrial hemp, President Donald Trump tweeted out a video of his performance at the 2005 Emmy Awards, singing the song “Green Acres.” Having already passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate, the bill was met with much fanfare across nearly the entire cannabis sector, including benefactors such as Green Growth Brands (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF) (GGB Profile), Cronos Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED), Harvest Health and Recreation (CSE: HARV) and MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTC: MMNFF).

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Trump’s signature was the last hurdle for the $867 billion bill. Now the market is gearing up for the massive potential of hemp-derived cannabinoids hitting stores. Among the benefactors of the passage is Green Growth Brands (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF), whose goal it is to become the leading retailer of cannabis and CBD products in North America. Under its Seventh Sense brand, the company is about to market its own line of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) personal care products.

Back in September 2018, the market research firm Brightfield Group published a 2018 market overview and analysis on hemp-derived CBD. Among the observations made in the report was the possibility that the CBD market could eclipse the cannabis market. Less than three months after the report’s release, the Farm Bill’s passage significantly improved this possibility.

According to the Brightfield Group’s analysis, the CBD market is expected to annually grow by 147 percent, from $591 million in 2018 to an estimated $22 billion by 2022.

A ‘Monumental Policy Shift’

Upon the passing of the bill on December 20, 2018, the cannabis retail innovators at Green Growth Brands saw the timing as nearly perfect for their company. Having passed just ahead of the launch of its hemp-derived CBD personal care product line under the Seventh Sense brand, Green Growth Brands announced its goal to become North America’s leading retailer of cannabis and CBD products.

“The new bill is a significant step in America’s acceptance of CBD and the benefits it can provide consumers,” said Peter Horvath, CEO of Green Growth Brands, in the company’s corresponding press release. “This development dramatically accelerates our ability to grow our North American retail network. This piece of legislation provides clarity on how we can build out our operations and logistics, reassures those investing with us in this new, exciting industry and gets us closer to the ultimate goal of giving customers high-quality, CBD-infused personal care products at affordable prices.”

According to an AMA (Ask Me Anything) interview, Horvath expressed his excitement over the company’s current selling of test quantities of the Seventh Sense CBD brand in a couple of national retailers’ stores already. “The selling is surprisingly good for products in the personal care category, exceeding our sell-through expectations,” said Horvath. “These are products never before seen, in a brand that’s totally new, and without any marketing.”

Green Growth Brands expects to roll out bulk orders for the product in 2019 and will announce the wholesale partners it is working with when appropriate. Already the expectation is for the launch of a web store and CBD kiosks, which Horvath deems are a “category killer,” in February 2019.

The company expects to derive up to 39 percent of its annual revenues from the CBD segment in 2019, with the potential for that figure to rise to 43 percent by 2021. Current company estimates place the dollar figure of the annual revenue from this segment at roughly $59 million for fiscal year 2019.

Due to Green Growth Brand’s overwhelming amount of c-level retail sector experience, Horvath and his team have a healthy degree of authority on their expectations. The company roll call includes expertise from several household names, including Victoria’s Secret, Designer Shoe Warehouse, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works and more.

Branding is a quintessential aspect of Green Growth Brands’ future success. The team’s strategy is focused around being the best brand, coming from what it calls an “emotional brand” perspective. The company has an array of brands — including Camp, Meri+Jayne, Seventh Sense and Green Lily — all of which will be utilized for both CBD and cannabis purposes.

To move its CBD products to market, the company will have three separate strategies: wholesale, e-commerce and kiosks. The latter strategy is an indication of Horvath and his team’s extensive retail knowledge, as they work to grow their brand. Kiosks help to reduce leasing costs for retail exposure while selling brand-specific emotional brands at a relatively inexpensive price. One executive on the team had significant success with this strategy as a former executive of Sunglasses Hut.

By the end of 2019, Horvath’s company expects to have approximately 1,400 SKUs on the market. Should it reach this goal, Green Growth Brands would have a strong case for dominating the CBD products market. The timely passing of the 2018 Farm Bill may only serve to speed up the process.

Additional Benefactors of the Hemp Bill

Prior to the final signing of the Farm Bill, Canadian cannabis company Cronos Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) grabbed headlines by entering into a subscription agreement with tobacco company Altria Group, Inc. Altria agreed to make an equity investment in Cronos of approximately $2.4 billion. The strategic partnership provides Cronos Group with additional financial resources, product development and commercialization capabilities. Cronos is one of the few Canadian producers listed on a major U.S. exchange, while not having any current operations in the country.

Another company that’s been keeping its eye on U.S. regulatory changes is Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED). The company wasted no time in commending the passing of the Farm Bill by announcing that “Canopy Growth will participate in the American market now that there is a clear federally permissible path to the market. Consistent with the spirit of the Farm Bill, Canopy Growth will participate in ways that support American farmers.” Canopy already has a deep hemp-specific portfolio of intellectual property through a previous acquisition of Colorado-based ebbu, Inc. In addition, much speculation has surrounded the potential for the company’s ongoing partnership with Constellation Brands to develop new cannabinoid-infused products, which will likely include a line (or multiple lines) of CBD drinks.

Following the closing of a reverse takeover of RockBridge Resources, Inc., vertically integrated Harvest Health & Recreation (CSE: HARV) announced the acquisition of Colorado-based CBx Enterprises, a producer of cannabis products and technologies for extraction and processing. Harvest’s footprint spans across 10 states, including California, Colorado and Massachusetts. The company reported revenue of $29 million in 2017 and has made $18 million in investments resulting in 40 permits and licenses across the United States. Having focused its attention solely in the United States, Harvest has no immediate plans for international expansion. With each regulation change in the Farm Bill, the company’s fortune appears to look brighter.

However, the Farm Bill’s passing may not please companies solely focused on the dispensary side of the sector. After already going through a rigorous process to be licensed in the states that it operates in, groups such as MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) gained exclusivity to carry and sell legalized cannabis products. Upon hemp-derived CBD becoming legal and available, the door to more open competition in the space could open widely. MedMen doesn’t seem to be fazed by the passing, having recently announced the finalization of the acquisition of Chicago-based PharmaCann, one of the largest medical cannabis providers in the United States, with ten retail stores and three production facilities across multiple states.

Whether or not federal legalization is in the cards for the United States is up in the air. However, the unfettering of CBD could be seen as the first step. Now with the anti-cannabis stance of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions out of the way, the path to legalization starts to get a little bit clearer. With the majority of Americans, including Republicans, now in favor of legalization and a bevy of CBD-infused products on the way, the days of cannabis prohibition may be on their way out. With a soon-to-be-launched line of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) personal care products, Green Growth Brands is poised to enter the potential billion-dollar CBD market opened up by the Farm Bill’s passage.

For more information on Green Growth Brands, visit Green Growth Brands (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF). Please also visit PotStockNews.com.

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.

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Booming Cannabis Consumables Space Continues to see Product Innovations

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The North American Marijuana Index of leading cannabis stocks continues to hold onto the 250 range that it meteorically climbed into at the start of the year.

  • Growing acceptance of cannabis is setting the stage for a consumable cannabis boom.
  • Major companies have begun to throw their hats into the ring.
  • North America is steadily headed towards broad legalization.

Canada is legalizing cannabis across the board, Mexico is fast-tracking legalization, and industrial hemp appears to be headed for legalization in the United States thanks to landslide approval in the Senate (86 to 11) of its version of the new hemp-friendly Farm Bill. Prospects of a shift in the reluctant attitude of the House as Democrats prepare to take majority there have also had a positive impact. The global cannabis market is on track to hit $146.4 billion by the end of 2025, and the industry hasn’t even seen the first real breakout commercial product in the fastest-growing CBD (cannabidiol) and beverages/edibles markets. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) (LXRP Profile) is a contender for that recognition with bio-absorption-enhancing technology and a growing line of hemp oil CBD products. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) continues to be the leading name in cannabinoid prescription medicines with its FDA-approved, oral CBD anti-seizure solution, Epidiolex. WeedMD Inc. (OTCQX: WDDMF) (TSX.V: WMD) ranks as one of the top licensed Canadian producers, with a multichanneled distribution strategy and 70,000 square feet of production space already online. HEXO Corp. (OTC: HYYDF) (TSX: HEXO) is another Canadian producer with a track record for low-cost production that currently has around 310,000 square feet of space with plans to tack on a whopping 1 million square feet by the end of the year. Los Angeles-based MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (OTCQX: MMNFF) (CSE: MMEN) is a rapidly expanding U.S. cannabis company with 19 licensed facilities in four key states representing both cultivation and dispensaries.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Cannabis-Infused Consumables Primed to Explode

Cannabis-infused beverages saw 88 percent growth in sales from 2016 to 2017, according to analyst Flowhub, and that benchmark is likely to be met or surpassed this year. CBD and the widely known psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are finding their way into alcoholic beverages as decades-old cannabis prohibition slowly retreats ahead of growing consumer confidence about the safety of medical cannabis and recreational marijuana use.

With huge new markets opening up across North America, the potential for cultivators appears to be almost unlimited. Even in places where recreational-use legalization may be a long shot, typically some form of medical access already exists. With baseline metrics such as these, it is little wonder that the North American cannabis market alone was recently projected to hit $41 billion this year, before climbing to $95 billion in 2026.

Bioavailability Tech Could Be Game-Changer

Because of the way the body metabolizes ingested cannabinoids, edibles traditionally are understood to act slowly, taking one to two hours to kick in. Comparatively poorer absorption by the gastrointestinal tract prompts many consumers to pursue more dangerous methods of consumption, such as smoking, in order to achieve the desired effectiveness more rapidly. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) has developed a proprietary lipophilic enhancement technology to bypass this problem, achieving bio-absorption rate increases 10 times greater than other products while slashing the effect onset time from hours to under 20 minutes.

Lexaria’s proprietary technology is patent protected for CBD and other nonpsychoactive cannabinoids and has patents pending for THC, other psychoactive cannabinoids, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), nicotine and other molecules. Essentially a B2B, Lexaria is in an enviable position amid the rise of cannabis edibles ranging from recreational drinks to CBD-based nutraceuticals, with a key piece of technology that the company can out-license to third-party partners. Moreover, the company’s proprietary technology may mask undesirable tastes, eliminating the need for sugar-filled edibles, and may actually allow cannabinoids to bypass being broken down by the liver if desired.

Established Presence, Superior Tech—A One-Two Knockout Punch

Lexaria also already has a considerable, established presence in the edibles space, with brands such as the company’s ViPova line of CBD-infused coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The company has seen success since 2014 with beverages such as its original Yunnan Black Tea, which contains 50 mg of Multi Scandinavian full-spectrum hemp oil per serving. These beverages lack the typical oily residue found in most CBD-infused drinks and have virtually no cannabis odor or flavor.

At the low cost of only 2 cents per milligram ($1.25 per serving), the company’s delicious ViPova teas, which come in a variety of flavors including Earl Grey and Herbal Masala Chai, are a testament to Lexaria’s ability to deliver high-value beverages to the cannabis market. The increased bioavailability of the CBD in these beverages, thanks to the company’s proprietary technology, combined with the low per-unit price, represents an incredible value that consumers are noticing. Also, Lexaria’s product mix currently includes the company’s branded Lexaria Energy Foods as well as TurboCBD supplements.

Bottles and Cans Giving Way to Packets of Powder

Capitalizing on its bioavailability-enhancing technology and established presence as a CBD-infused product developer, Lexaria has now moved to tackle the U.S. soft drinks market, which is expected to be worth $388 billion-plus by 2025, introducing a discreet, single-serving foil packet cannabinoid drink powder named ChrgD+. Lexaria is confident that a small two-gram foil packet that can be discreetly carried in a shirt pocket or purse for incorporation into a beverage will be a big hit. After all, consumers can’t show up at their kid’s soccer game with a can of soda whose branding announces “cannabis” to everyone in view.

The multi-spectrum cannabinoid portable drink powder ChrgD+ can turn any drink into a CBD-infused beverage, including wine or cocktails. While currently only available in a CBD-from-hemp version, Lexaria is in talks with cannabis companies to realize its objective of deploying a THC version of the powder.

Powdered single-serving packets of consumers’ favorite drinks have exploded in popularity during recent years as an increasing number of beverage makers are opting to give consumers the convenience of mixing their own drinks from flavor packets containing the rich, distinct flavor profiles of brands they have come to know and love. The same thing is now happening in CBD drinks, and Lexaria may possess some distinct advantages over the competition.

All Kinds of Consumables

CBD and THC appear to be rapidly making their way into all kinds of consumables. The industry’s reputation continues to be improved in the eyes of consumers due to advancing breakthroughs in cannabinoid medicines used to treat everything from epileptic seizures to inflammatory bowel disease.

GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) broke the blockade in cannabinoid medicines with the highly purified, plant-derived CBD indication Epidiolex, which is available in the United States as of November 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with severe forms of epilepsy. This one company has arguably done more than any other to improve public perception of the cannabis sector, specifically medical cannabis. The company is not resting on its laurels either, following up the availability of Epidiolex via physician prescription with a patient support program designed to help Epidiolex users obtain access to therapy.

WeedMD Inc. (OTCQX: WDDMF) (TSX.V: WMD) moved recently to exploit its position as a leading federally licensed Canadian producer and distributor by executing a pivotal, exclusive development agreement with Montreal-based pharmaceuticals, natural health products and cosmetics developer Smart Medicines GMP. The partnership maps out a comprehensive five-year development plan, including ramping up the operational capabilities of Smart Medicines’ 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Montreal laboratory. WeedMD also recently signed a multiyear retail sales distribution agreement with Lifford Cannabis Solutions, which specializes in helping cannabis companies advance their products through control boards to retail.

HEXO Corp. (OTC: HYYDF) (TSX: HEXO), which produces cannabis through its Hydropothecary brand, issued a major announcement in August that it will develop nonalcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages with Molson Coors Canada. This joint venture with one of the world’s biggest beer makers is a serious play by HEXO to establish itself in the burgeoning cannabis-infused drinks market. This announcement was followed up by word that HEXO has closed on the acquisition of its first major facility outside of Quebec, taking a big step toward realizing the company’s hub-and-spoke business expansion strategy.

MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (OTCQX: MMNFF) (CSE: MMEN) recently signed a definitive $33 million agreement to acquire control of Level Up (Kannaboost Technology and CSI Solutions), which has a 25,000-square-foot production facility as well as retail locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, Ariz. Furthermore, MedMen will obtain a 40 percent stake in the top-selling K.I.N.D. Concentrates brand via the acquisition. MedMen also recently acquired the retail operations and license for a key location in Santa Ana, California, from Captor Capital Corp. in an all-stock transaction, adding to the company’s growing strategic footprint in one of the most affluent areas of Southern California.

With several of the world’s largest beverage makers on the fence about entrance into the CBD-infused beverages market, the stage is set for smaller players, as well as majors from parallel sectors without a significant ground game in nonalcoholic drinks. But beverages are just one aspect of a rapidly evolving industry that spans the gamut from edibles and concentrates to grow-ops and biopharma development.

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.

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

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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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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.

Political Wins Hold Promise for Strong Cannabis Strategies

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: State ballots and the departure of Jeff Sessions have led to fresh confidence in the cannabis sector.

  • The cannabis industry is going through a period of huge growth.
  • Two states recently voted to legalize medical cannabis and one voted to legalize recreational cannabis.
  • The departure of Jeff Sessions removes a significant block for the industry.
  • A variety of strategies—some focused on product and others on support services—are emerging to make the most of this market.

Generation Alpha, Inc. (OTCQB: GNAL) (GNAL Profile) has developed a dual strategy to make the most of this opportunity, investing in both product and supplies for producers. MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) is financially supporting further legal reform while building up a cultivation and retail business across several states. KushCo Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: KSHB) has grown from a packaging company to one providing a range of support services. As new niches emerge, The Green Organic Dutchman (OTCQX: TGODF) (TSX: TGOD) is staking its claim through a focus on organic, sustainably grown cannabis. Even non-cannabis companies are profiting from this growth, with Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG) investing in hydroponics offerings that will supply crucial equipment to cannabis cultivators.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

A Blooming Industry

Cannabis companies are in a jubilant mood following the results of last week’s events in American politics. At the polls, two states voted to legalize medical cannabis while another voted to permit its recreational use. Though Congress lost several pro-cannabis Republicans, a majority for the Democrats, America’s less conservative party, is a good omen for reform. And with President Trump’s sacking of Jeff Sessions, the country is now rid of a staunchly anti-cannabis attorney general.

This opens the way for companies with strong cannabis strategies to make bold moves in the coming year. From entering new states to producing fresh product lines, the options for growth and development are many. A few key considerations define the strategies of the current cannabis players.

Product Versus Infrastructure

Two basic approaches to business strategy currently dominate the cannabis market — one based on infrastructure and the other based on product. However, these strategies don’t have to be separate, and Generation Alpha, Inc. (OTCQB: GNAL) is building strong businesses by combining them. And the way this strategy plays out shows a lot about where the industry is at.

The product strategy is an obvious one and typically garners the most public attention. Companies going down the product path focus on the production, processing, and retail side of cannabis. These are the companies setting up farms and dispensaries, feeding the growing demand from consumers across North America. It a strategy that Generation Alpha recently moved into, under its previous name of Solis Tek, with the acquisition of cultivation and processing facilities.

The other strategy is to provide support services and supplies for product-oriented companies. As the market grows, there will be more and more need for such services, which profit off cannabis but are better insulated from shifts in the market and its political oversight. Generation Alpha started out with this strategy, as a vertically integrated technology innovator, developer, manufacturer and distributor bringing products and solutions to cannabis growers. Providing horticultural and lighting supplies, the company grew by providing cannabis growers with the equipment they needed.

Each strategy can work well on its own, but running a double strategy, while more complex, has real potential benefits. As both supplier and customer for cultivation equipment, companies such as Generation Alpha can create great efficiencies in their supply chains. And by developing both business streams, they can benefit from the security of a picks-and-shovels approach while also accessing the growing profits of the front-line cannabis trade.

Location, Location, Location

Choosing which states to operate in is an important consideration for American cannabis companies. Although it is widely anticipated to change, cannabis currently remains illegal at a federal level, and it is only through state-level initiatives that the market has been allowed to emerge. Cultivation and retail effectively operate on a statewide scale at best, so looking at where a state stands now and where it is likely to go in the future is vital to making savvy business decisions.

Arizona, where Generation Alpha recently acquired cultivation and processing facilities, provides a useful example of how local conditions shape the market. The state made medical cannabis legal in 2010. Despite a closely fought vote, opponents of cannabis have failed to overturn or limit the market despite ongoing campaigns. The state’s supreme court even overturned a rule keeping medical cannabis off college campuses. Arizona’s medical cannabis market seems secure.

In 2016, an attempt to legalize recreational cannabis in the state failed by a narrow margin. Medical legalization faced a similar setback in 2002, only eight years before passing. As recent generations are generally more liberal toward cannabis than their elders, it is likely that a similar pattern will play out for recreational cannabis, with a successful vote almost inevitable. Companies that have become established under the medical licensing laws will be in a strong position to make the most of this.

“We are excited about this opportunity in Arizona and its growth and profitability potential,” said Generation Alpha CEO Alan Lien. “We are pleased to have partners such as Future Farm Technologies and Yorkville Advisors to collaborate and support the build-out and growth of this facility. Our collective experience and knowledge in cannabis will position this Arizona operation for success. We are excited to commence Phase 1 of the development and construction of our state-of-the-art cultivation and processing facility and look forward to many additional opportunities in the cannabis industry.”

Expanding Operations

The potential of the Arizona market hasn’t gone unnoticed by other companies. MedMen has invested heavily in getting into the state, acquiring a top Arizona medical cannabis wholesaler.

This is part of a wider pattern of companies spending big to secure their spots in a burgeoning cannabis sector. For example, drinks giant Constellation Brands has spent billions investing in a Canadian cannabis company to give itself a foothold in the industry. Canadian and American companies are looking at cross-border investment, while outsiders are moving into the market as well.

This big spending only adds to the strength of infrastructure plays such as Generation Alpha’s strong position in cultivation equipment. Much of the money being invested will go into growing more cannabis. That means more hydroponics, lighting and related services will be needed across the legalized states. Any investment in cannabis cultivators ultimately becomes an investment in their suppliers.

Where Next for Cannabis?

The next few years promise solid growth for the cannabis industry in North America. Even before this month’s political upheavals, analysts projected that the $9 billion industry would grow to $47.3 billion by 2027.

The fallout from the mid-terms means that investors can be even more confident about what happens next. The forced resignation of Jeff Sessions removes one of the biggest obstacles to growth for the cannabis industry in the United States. Sessions, a staunch opponent of cannabis, had rescinded the Obama-era memo committing federal law enforcement to non-intervention in state-level cannabis industries. With him gone, cannabis shares rose as businesses and investors looked forward to a more tolerant regime.

This won’t mean an end to campaigning for MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF), the largest financial supporter of progressive marijuana laws, but it does mean that the company’s campaigning efforts are more likely to pay off, creating space for expansion of its cultivation and retail business. The company already operates 19 facilities in four states and has recently announced the addition of a fifth, through a move into Arizona. Despite the limitations created by federal laws, MedMen is showing that cannabis companies can operate on an inter-state level.

Like Generation Alpha, KushCo Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: KSHB) entered the sector by providing support services to cannabis producers, in the form of packaging solutions. The company has since expanded its operations, creating a one-stop shop for the cannabis market. Seeing the huge potential currently available, it has recently formed an advisory board to guide strategic growth initiatives, making the most of a constantly expanding market.

While KushCo provides another example of the infrastructure strategy, The Green Organic Dutchman (OTCQX: TGODF) (TSX: TGOD) is focused on product. A producer of organic, sustainably grown cannabis, the company is making the most of the connection between cannabis consumption and concern with environmental issues. In a market large enough to start dividing into specialist niches, it is tapping into the higher prices people will pay for organic products.

Not every company profiting from cannabis is focused on that market. Lawn, garden and outdoor living company Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG) has been benefiting from the demand for cultivation equipment that cannabis’s success brings. It recently acquired the United States’ foremost distributor of hydroponic equipment, which is crucial to the cultivation of cannabis. As the cannabis industry grows, so too does hydroponics.

Political change offers further growth for an already flourishing industry, allowing profits from a wide range of strategies.

For more information on Generation Alpha, visit Generation Alpha, Inc. (OTCQB: GNAL)

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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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.

Industrial Hemp Floodgates Open as CBD Demand Grows

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The growing popularity of cannabidiol (CBD), a powerful but nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in plants of the cannabis family such as industrial hemp, has a lot to do with consumer experience roundly validating the increasingly body of scientific evidence for CBD’s therapeutic value.

  • CBD demand is increasing rapidly as consumers run ahead of the studies.
  • Branding is key to capturing market share while formulation quality drives consumer loyalty.
  • The global potential for the CBD market is immense and largely untapped.

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA) (MCOA Profile) has taken several key steps to set itself up as a power player in the burgeoning CBD space, acting as a cultivation site landlord while also developing revolutionary products containing proprietary CBD compounds via its wholly owned subsidiary, hempSMART. CV Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI) just introduced PlusCBD Oil™ Gummies at the Natural Product Expo East 2018. Los Angeles-based MedMen (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) just signed a $33 million deal to acquire Kannaboost Technology Inc. and CSI Solutions LLC, collectively known as Level Up, an Arizona-based vertically integrated marijuana firm. OrganiGram (TSX.V: OGI) (OTCQX: OGRMF) has just has signed a supply agreement with BC Liquor Distribution Branch, the sole, wholesale distributor of nonmedical cannabis for British Canada. And symbolic of its presence in the cannabis market, Aphria (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APH) debuted on the New York Stock Exchange last week.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

CBD Already Hot and Getting Hotter

No doubt about it, the CBD market is hot right now. With analyst projections ranging from $2.1 billion to $3 billion within the next three to four years, historic change in the form of a 2018 U.S. Farm Bill that could make CBD and industrial hemp legal nationwide might send the market into hyperdrive.

Diverse Approach Focused on Legal Market

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTC: MCOA) has constructed a business model around the immense potential of the industrial hemp-based CBD market and just recently applied for an uplisting to the OTCQB in conjunction with an S-1 filing and anticipated access to a $10 million line of equity financing. The company also tapped former Price Waterhouse and Deloitte & Touche man Jesus Quintero for its CFO job, where his extensive public company reporting and SEC/SOX compliance experience should help expedite matters handily.

The success of the company’s hempSMART line comes from its innovative products, such as HempSMART Brain, a unique formulation of Ayurvedic herbs and botanical compounds with premium CBD designed to enhance brain function. The company’s success also stems from its affiliate marketing program, which allows people to earn income via commissions and bonuses, assisted by a sophisticated networking architecture that was engineered to maximize customer loyalty and market penetration.

Global Potential, Next Level Moves

MCOA has even tapped 35-year direct sales industry veteran Ian Harvey to spearhead hempSMART’s upcoming international product launch starting in Europe at the outset of 2019. As the company’s global sales director, Harvey will seek to deliver the same kind of success with the hempSMART network marketing program as was demonstrated throughout his career in the direct sales industry.

Recently the first of many regional events to be held across the country took place, and the hempSMART South West Regional Event showcases how quickly MCOA has built up its CBD product brand and leveraged its advanced affiliate marketing platform to harness the might of the $189.6 billion direct sales industry. While the company is busy breaking new ground at the forefront of direct sales and CBD, MCOA continues to advance its property interests as well and is focused on leasing turnkey facilities to sector operators in appropriate states and jurisdictions. The latest news from the company’s CBD hemp farming joint venture in New Brunswick, Canada, with Global Hemp Group Inc. demonstrated the ingenuity of MCOA’s farming group. An OXBO bean harvester was used at the New Brunswick project to maximize target yields of the parts of the plant with the highest CBD concentrations, despite unusually difficult crop conditions created by this year’s drought.

Just the Beginning of the Property Leasing Ladder

At the partnership’s Covered Bridge Acres joint venture in Scio, Oregon, work is proceeding apace of expectations. The facility will comprise when completed, some 19,000 square feet of greenhouses for year-round production, paired up with traditional outdoor orchard-style cultivation on the remaining square footage of the 109-acre site. MCOA plans to continue to expand its property footprint in both the United States and Canada as the overall cannabis industry heats up. The company may hold an ace up its sleeve in the form of a close working relationship with British Columbia-based Global Hemp Group. Both companies share a common vision about the disruptive potential of industrial hemp, particularly as evinced by the growing popularity of CBD.

And while many in the mainstream media may still be skeptical about what consumers seem to be discovering firsthand about CBD’s health benefits, a growing body of scientific data appears to back up popular sentiment. Research regarding the ability of cannabinoids such as CBD to regulate homeostasis by impacting the body’s endocannabinoid receptors found throughout nearly every tissue system suggests that consumers are not just experiencing some kind of placebo effect.

Two-Pronged Solution to Soaring Demand

MCOA has put together a noteworthy approach to the overall space, emphasizing immediate access to legal areas of the market. On one hand, Marijuana Company of America has a dynamic affiliate marketing program to promote and sell its legal hemp-based consumer products. In addition, the company has put together a growing property-based presence that looks to increasingly benefit its hempSMART brand’s performance metrics. CBD continues to be costly to produce, and the demand for cultivation sites will likely continue to increase proportionally.

A preeminent supplier and manufacturer of hemp-derived phytocannabinoids, CV Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI) added to its leading brand, PlusCBD Oil™, with the release of its gummy product. CV Sciences operates two distinct business segments: a drug development division focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics utilizing synthetic CBD, and a consumer product division focused on manufacturing, marketing and selling plant-based CBD products.

By acquiring control of Level Up, MedMen (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) gains access to two vertically integrated operations in Arizona, which include retail locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, as well as 25,000 square feet of cultivation and production capacity in Tempe and Phoenix, and a stake in the top-selling K.I.N.D. Concentrates (“K.I.N.D.”) brand, which is currently distributed in more than 90 percent of Arizona dispensaries. The acquisition strengthens MedMen’s presence in one of the top cannabis markets in the United States.

A leading licensed producer of cannabis for the medical and adult-use recreational markets, OrganiGram (TSX.V: OGI) (OTCQX: OGRMF) has now secured cannabis distribution agreements in eight of ten provinces in Canada. Organigram also recently signed an agreement with to acquire 8,333 common shares of Alpha-Cannabis Germany, representing a 25% stake in ACG’s capital. ACG has been preparing the development and production of further cannabis-based products for the swiftly growing German and European markets.

In addition to uplisting on the NYSE, Aphria (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APH) recently closed acquisitions of assets in Latin America and the Caribbean from Scythian Bioscences. As a result of the transaction, Aphria has solidified an important foothold in Latin America and the Caribbean by acquiring industry-leading cannabis-related companies in Colombia, Argentina and Jamaica as well as a right of first offer and refusal to a majority interest in a Brazilian entity seeking a cannabis cultivation and sales license.

CBD is quickly establishing itself as the darling of the booming cannabis industry. Investors will want to keep a close eye on companies such as MCOA that are able to operate within the sizeable, already-legal portions of the overall cannabis market and that have a specific emphasis on products containing CBD derived from industrial hemp. However, the entire cannabinoid market is worth examining in greater detail, while those companies with unique advantages deserve special attention, as they could be tomorrow’s brightest stars and richest buyouts.

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.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.

Flow of Finance Funds Acquisitions and Investment Across the Cannabis Sector

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: A growing market is supporting a wave of acquisitions and cross-company investments in the cannabis industry.

  • Significant growth in the cannabis industry is supporting a range of multimillion-dollar investments.
  • Some of these have taken the form of acquisitions, as innovators evolve into established companies.
  • Others are cross-company investments, some within the sector and some from outside.
  • Profits are coming not just from cannabis itself but from support services, with companies profiting from pick-and-shovel plays.

One of the companies making a pick-and-shovel play is Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) (SGMD Profile), which is expanding its position in cultivation supplies through acquisitions and marketing agreements. GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) recently carried out a public offering to fund further growth, raising $345 million to expand its cannabis-oriented pharmaceuticals work. AbbVie, Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), on the other hand, has retained only a limited connection to cannabis, moving instead into other treatments. Specialist consulting company MariMed, Inc. (OTCQB: MRMD) provides advice for those looking to expand in the sector, covering the development and management of cultivation facilities, and recently investing in a related software company. For Medmen Enterprises, Inc. (OTCQX: MMNFF) (CSE: MMEN), expansion means a vertically integrated supply chain across four US states as it expands a carefully developed brand.

Cannabis Acquisitions Continue as Companies Seek Liquidity

With the completion of cannabis legalization in Canada, investors are watching closely to see what effect this will have on the market. Over less than 20 years, cannabis has evolved from nothing into a multimillion-dollar industry, with companies ranging from cultivators and retailers to payment specialists and equipment suppliers. As it continues to expand at a rapid rate in both Canada and the US, the market is seeing growth for players both big and small.

To fuel this development, many companies are looking for fresh finance. Liquidity is needed to fund research, development, and expansion, from building larger cultivation facilities to setting up new retail outlets. This is both driven by and driving a wave of new finance deals and acquisitions, as the sector matures and consolidates its resources.

Acquiring the Fundamentals

The appeal of acquisitions is driving the strategy of companies such as hydroponics supplier Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD). Hydroponic equipment is essential to the indoor cultivation of cannabis, so the growth of the sector promises a boom in demand for hydroponics. Sugarmade is using this boom to attract additional finance and undertake a raft of acquisitions, with an end goal of becoming a major player not just in hydroponics but in the cannabis space itself.

Such acquisitions have taken off in a big way over the past year. The first half of 2018 saw 145 mergers and acquisitions in the cannabis sector, nearly double the number for the same period in 2017. Some of these represent consolidation by existing cannabis players, as they mature from innovative startups into established businesses in a widely accepted field. But money is also coming in from the outside, for example through Constellation Brands’ acquisition of a large portion of Canopy Growth.

A pattern is emerging of cannabis-adjacent companies moving directly into the sector. For a company such as Constellation, the move is a sideways one from investment in alcohol to one in cannabis, protecting its place in the recreational consumables market. It’s the same play that other alcohol and tobacco companies are eyeing. For Sugarmade, acquisitions represent expansion within its existing business, ensuring a firm hold on hydroponics, as well as a move up and down the supply chain to better profit from the businesses it is already tied to.

A Pick-and-Shovel Strategy

Earlier this year, Sugarmade announced that it was moving to acquire two other suppliers of cultivation equipment. Now details of those deals are emerging, with the signing of a binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to acquire Sky Unlimited, LLC. This could allow Sugarmade to expand its distribution channels, thanks to the different models followed by the two companies. While Sugarmade’s sales to the cannabis sector primarily come through online buyers, Sky Unlimited specializes in selling to wholesalers and large commercial cultivators. Combining the two may create manufacturing, logistical, and marketing efficiencies across an expanded customer base.

“The trend in cannabis cultivation is toward the larger commercial cultivation operations, and Sky Unlimited is in the thick of that dynamic marketplace,” said Jimmy Chan, CEO of Sugarmade. “This year, Sky Unlimited and its associated operations are expected to produce in excess of $40 million in revenues with profitability and positive cash flow. This new revenue stream combined with our recently upwardly guided revenue forecast of $30 million for next year will make Sugarmade one of the largest publicly traded suppliers to the booming cannabis cultivation marketplace, with a combined revenue forecast for next year in excess of $70 million.”

The types of company being targeted by Sugarmade reveal a pick-and-shovel strategy. Rather than making a direct jump into cannabis, the company is investing in the underlying products and services cannabis suppliers need. It’s a more conservative move than investing directly in cannabis, one that will buffer Sugarmade against the immediate effects of a fast-changing and still controversial sector, while letting it profit from the sector’s growth.

Following a previous Master Marketing Agreement with BizRight, this latest move makes Sugarmade one of the largest publicly traded cannabis supply companies. The company shows no sign of stopping there, having announced its intention to continue with an expansion strategy. The next likely move may well be brand acquisition, providing a higher price-to-earnings ratio for investors. Having already made an acquisition proposal for a Washington state retailer with $5 million in annual revenues, Sugarmade is on its way to becoming a more public fixture in the cannabis market.

Financing Growth in Cannabis

As in any sector, the success of expansion strategies will depend upon their liquidity. Fortunately, the state of the cannabis market appears to currently ensure a steady stream of finance. The US cannabis market alone is expected to be worth $10 billion in 2018, 50 percent more than it was only two years ago. Canada’s market is also expected to be worth billions, as legalization transfers the recreational consumer base from illegal dealers to legitimate businesses.

Cannabis companies are using this opportunity to channel finance into growth. Some are striking deals for bank loans in newly legalized regions, while others are using public offerings to raise fresh finance through sales of shares.

Sugarmade is taking a different approach, using expansion to fund further expansion. Following the BizRight and Sky Unlimited deals, the company has upgraded its projections for revenue in 2019 from $6 million to $70 million. Its previous deals will now provide the liquidity for future acquisitions, allowing a rolling strategy of expansion across the sector.

The pick-and-shovel plays look to pay off.

Cannabis Companies Making Big Moves

As the market keeps growing, so do many of the companies working in cannabis.

GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) is a world leader in the development of cannabis-related medicines, thanks to its strong research program and manufacturing expertise. Already a major player in the sector, the company has recently sought funds for expansion through a public offering. The result was an extra $345 million in funds, reflecting investors’ faith in the cannabis sector and in the future of companies such as GW. These funding will allow the company to keep growing its research and production work, with that research work expanding its portfolio of cannabis-related intellectual property.

While some companies invest more heavily in cannabis, others are diversifying. Pharmaceuticals manufacturer AbbVie, Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) is the company behind Marinol, a drug used to tackle appetite loss due to AIDS and cancer treatments. But while Marinol’s active ingredient is chemically identical to THC, the best-known active ingredient in cannabis, the company has filed only a handful of patents relating to cannabis and shows no sign of expansion into the sector. It’s a move that may help AbbVie in marketing to cannabis’s opponents, but one that leaves the space open for competitors.

The expansion of cannabis companies has supported the emergence of specialist support services, such as those provided by MariMed, Inc. (OTCQB: MRMD). A cannabis consulting firm, MariMed provides professional guidance on the development, funding, and operation of cultivation facilities. This can help other firms navigate the complicated issues surrounding the industry, covering everything from real estate to regulatory compliance. The company recently invested in Sprout, a software company supporting cannabis brands and dispensaries, allowing it to bundle software with its other business solutions.

Medmen Enterprises, Inc. (OTCQX: MMNFF) (CSE: MMEN),  has used expansion to develop a vertically integrated supply chain. The company works in both cultivation and retail, meaning that it handles the product all the way from planting first seedlings to placing packaged cannabis into customers’ hands. Its recent acquisition of dispensary and cultivation facilities from Treadwell Simpson Partnership means that it is spreading its carefully managed brand from existing bases in California, Nevada, and New York into Florida.

The growth of the cannabis market is providing a flow of finance, leading to acquisitions and cross-company investments across the sector.

For more information on Sugarmade, visit Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD)

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.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.