420 with CNW — Study Finds Marijuana Users Possess Greater Understanding, Empathy

A recent study, featured in the “Journal of Neuroscience Research,” has shed light on the enhanced emotional understanding observed in regular cannabis users. The study, conducted by a team of neurobiologists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, underscores the potential positive impact of cannabis on interpersonal relationships and its plausible therapeutic applications.

The research involved a comparison of empathy measurements between two distinct groups: 85 regular marijuana users and 51 individuals who abstained from cannabis use. The researchers utilized a 33-item written test and MRI images to gauge the participants’ empathic responses.

The written test, designed to evaluate both cognitive and affective empathy, delved into specific areas, or subscales, including the ability to empathize by placing oneself in another’s shoes and recognizing others’ impressions and emotions. Additionally, it gauged the capacity to resonate with positive and negative emotions.

The authors found that marijuana users exhibited higher scores on emotional comprehension scales, emphasizing their proficiency in recognizing and understanding others’ emotions. However, distinctions in empathy subscales beyond emotional comprehension did not reach statistical significance.

Researchers posited a potential link between cannabis use and heightened empathy, though they urged caution, emphasizing the necessity for further research to unravel the complexities involved. In their attempt to elucidate the findings, the authors highlighted the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a susceptible region to cannabis effects and a key player in the complex process of empathy. The study proposed that the differences in emotional comprehension scores and brain functional connectivity observed in regular marijuana users might be linked to the impact of marijuana on the ACC, an area rich in CB1 receptors crucial for representing others’ affective states.

Despite these insights, the authors acknowledged certain limitations. Notably, they couldn’t rule out preexisting differences before marijuana-use initiation, emphasizing the study’s inability to establish causation. Moreover, empathy assessments relied on self-reported responses, lacking biochemical markers alongside subjective reports.

Additionally, the study recognized a potential disparity in THC potency between Mexican and U.S. cannabis, with the former containing lower THC levels. They noted that Mexican marijuana contained approximately 2% to 20% THC on the illegal market, potentially influencing brain outcomes differently than in studies reporting emotional dysfunctions in cannabis users.

Despite these caveats, the authors asserted that the results pave the way for further investigation into the clinical applications of cannabis in affecting mood and social interactions. The findings of such studies could end up giving major industry players such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) ideas on how they can tweak their products and appeal to consumers with specific needs.

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

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420 with CNW — German Legislators Push Cannabis Legalization Vote to Next Year

German lawmakers have decided to delay the final vote on a cannabis legalization bill, initially set for this week, pushing the potential implementation of the reform to at least early next year. The bill, slated for its final reading in the Bundestag, Germany’s national parliament, has been rescheduled for a decision in December, according to member Carmen Wegge.

Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, a member of the Green Party, cited the need to refine certain aspects of the legislation as the reason for the delay. Despite this setback, she assured the public that legalization is inevitable, albeit postponed.

Responding to inquiries about the Bundesrat’s stance, Wegge confirmed that the legislative body representing German states would be compelled to make a statement in February if the Bundestag proceeds with the bill in December.

Although the delay is currently projected as a two-month setback, critics, including the German news outlet LTO, argue that the “traffic light” coalition government’s commitment to initiating the reform by Jan. 1, 2024, has been compromised. LTO questions the feasibility of enacting legalization by March.

The Bundestag had previously postponed the initial debate on the legislation by a week, attributing the delay to the conflict in Palestine and Israel. Last week, lawmakers in the Bundestag’s Health Committee conducted a hearing where opponents voiced concerns about certain elements of the proposal. The Union, a political alliance of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), presented an alternative policy focusing on health protection, prevention, education and research, eschewing cannabis legalization.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party proposed redirecting attention to medical cannabis, advocating for its integration into national healthcare law to address risks and benefits comprehensively. However, several groups, including the German Association of Judges, the Federal Medical Association, and various police and medical organizations have opposed the coalition government’s legalization proposal.

The legalization measure, spearheaded by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, outlines provisions allowing adults to possess cannabis and cultivate up to three plants for personal use. It also introduces social clubs for marijuana distribution. Critics argue that these clubs could be limited by factors such as proximity to schools and membership restrictions.

Lauterbach initially disclosed details of the legalization plan in April, distributing legislative text in the following month. The government’s framework, approved by the federal cabinet late last year, underwent revisions to align with international laws.

Despite criticisms, lawmakers are also planning to introduce a second measure establishing pilot programs for commercial sales in various cities, with legislation expected to be submitted to the European Commission for review. The legislation outlines cost estimates for program implementation and regulation, projecting savings from reduced enforcement and anticipating new revenue through wage taxes from cannabis club employees.

If legalization is implemented the way it has been implemented in the markets where companies such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operate, the benefits of legalization could exceed more than taxes and jobs. Many more downstream opportunities will be opened, such as the development of ancillary verticals around the marijuana industry.

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420 with CNW — Connecticut Doubles Recreational Cannabis Purchase Limit

Beginning in December, adults in the state of Connecticut will be allowed to buy up to one-half an ounce of cannabis in one retail transaction. This comes after the state doubled its purchase limit from quarter of an ounce of marijuana.

The state’s Department of Consumer Protection announced the scheduled increase last week, explaining that it was the result of a continuing analysis of demand and supply and was designed to make certain businesses maintain sufficient supply for both medical cannabis patients and adult-use consumers.

It should be noted, however, that the limits imposed on medical cannabis remain unchanged.

The state department’s commissioner, Bryan T. Cafferelli, added that as more production companies, retailers and other licensees in the supply chain came online, the industry’s capacity had increased. Cafferelli noted that they were confident the measured approach to recreational sales had created a healthy market for businesses as well as a fair and safe marketplace for both medical cannabis patients and adult-use marijuana consumers.

Currently, possession of marijuana in the state is capped at one and a half ounces for adults. Adults are also allowed to store no more than five ounces in a locked trunk, glovebox or a locked container in their homes. Cafferelli also highlighted that purchased marijuana needed to remain in its original packaging and be out of reach of children.

The state legalized the recreational use of cannabis via the legislature in 2021. Since then, the state has recorded steady sales. Thus far, the adult-use market has seen a number of consecutive record-setting months of legal purchases. For instance, the state recorded $10.8 million worth of medical marijuana sales and $14.4 million in adult-use sales in September.

It is important to remember that the limits imposed on the purchase of products besides raw marijuana flower are set by equivalence.

Earlier in August, the state also launched a fund to provide support to social equity cannabis businesses. The established loan program will offer financial assistance to help individuals who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs to expand their businesses in this burgeoning industry.

In addition, in July of this year, the state legalized home cultivation of cannabis for personal use. It also adopted tax breaks for legal marijuana businesses in the same month. This move to help businesses that cannot make federal deductions under the IRS 280E code is expected to bring in $4.7 million in industry relief for the 2024 fiscal year. Projections from the office of the governor expect this figure to increase in the 2025 fiscal year, reaching $6.2 million.

The growth that is likely to result from this recent adjustment to how much recreational marijuana adults can buy could create opportunities for many local companies to grow to the levels experienced by companies that are licensed in other jurisdictions, such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED).

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420 with CNW — MSO’s Foray into Marijuana Delivery Business Births Expansion Plans

Two years ago, MariMed, a Massachusetts-based multistate cannabis operator, decided to establish a cannabis delivery service within its home state. Following comprehensive research on existing marijuana carrier services, the company contemplated two primary strategies: initiate a delivery service from scratch or look into acquiring an existing delivery company in Massachusetts.

Ultimately, MariMed opted to invest in Little Dog Delivery, and the two entities formed a strategic partnership. The essence of the partnership was MariMed’s aspiration for Little Dog to function as an extension of Panacea Wellness, the trio of retail establishments that MariMed owns in eastern Massachusetts.

Presently, Little Dog boasts a fleet of three delivery vans, each assigned to one of the Panacea Wellness locations, and operates under the moniker Panacea Delivery Powered by Little Dog. The delivery radius encompasses a 25-mile span around MariMed’s three dispensaries, covering eastern Massachusetts from the New Hampshire border down to Cape Cod. To incentivize customers, there is a nominal $10 delivery fee, which is waived for orders exceeding $200.

Operating the delivery service involves specific requirements stipulated by the state. These include equipping the delivery vehicles with GPS and a partition segregating the cannabis products from the driver. Moreover, the law mandates that a second employee accompany the driver in the passenger seat.

Ryan Crandall, MariMed’s chief revenue officer, reveals that the company has observed a consistent uptick in transactions each month. He states that the delivery consumer base is high-value and more loyal, with their average order value typically surpassing that of in-store shoppers.

To boost the delivery business, MariMed fosters partnerships with local businesses, such as yoga studios, to whom it gives discount codes to distribute among employees. According to Crandall, the keys to success in cannabis delivery include punctuality, effective communication, discounts and establishing loyalty reward programs.

Following the success of its venture in Massachusetts, MariMed expanded its delivery services to Delaware, another market under its purview. However, unlike in Massachusetts where MeriMed partnered with an existing business, the company established the Delaware delivery service from scratch, seamlessly integrating it into its existing medical retail model.

Despite maintaining a semblance of standard operating procedures across delivery services, certain variations arise due to differing state regulations. Delaware, for example, only mandates one employee per delivery vehicle, in contrast to Massachusetts, which necessitates a driver be accompanied by a second person.

Though MariMed has yet to introduce delivery services in Illinois, its third operating state, Crandall anticipates the eventuality of offering delivery to consumers in the state and seeks to be well prepared for that opportunity.

MeriMed’s evolution shows how numerous marijuana companies, such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), are nimble and leverage any opportunities that come their way in order to deepen their penetration of the market.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Wholesalers Opt for Island-Hopping in Hawaii

Several medical cannabis companies in Hawaii have pioneered a new sales route in the state that involves delivering wholesale cannabis flower and other cannabis products from one island to another. Hawaii legalized medical cannabis in 2000 via the state legislature and has only eight licensed medical marijuana dispensaries scattered across the archipelago.

The island state’s unique topography may have allowed for the growth of this new sales route as medical marijuana businesses strived to increase their reach and serve as many Hawaiians as possible.

Hopping between islands by boat, helicopter or plane is common for both residents and visitors, and cannabis businesses in the state are leveraging established transportation pathways to deliver their products across various islands. Although these businesses haven’t been quick to share how they move their products between islands, likely to avoid legal and other issues, it is clear that they are island hopping to serve the thousands of medical marijuana patients in the state as efficiently as possible.

This new process is in a legal gray area because traveling between islands in Hawaii requires moving across federal waters — and federal law still outlaws cannabis. Hawaii legislators allowed cannabis operators in the state to island hop in June when they legalized wholesale marijuana sales by state-licensed firms to cannabis businesses on other islands. The interisland trade route officially became legal in August, and cannabis operators in Hawaii have been quick to take advantage.

Big Island Grown was the first company to complete Hawaii’s first cannabis wholesale interisland deal with Kauai-based Green Aloha dispensary. Green Aloha sold out of Big Island Grown’s cannabis flower in only slightly over a week at its dispensaries in Koloa and Kappa, Big Island Grown CEO Jaclyn Moore says.

Big Island Grown is also the sole licensed hydrocarbon extractor in Hawaii, and it is currently seeking Hawaii State Department of Health approval to deliver concentrates such as live resin vape pens and gummies wholesale to retailers. Moore says the cannabis company noticed a market for cannabis concentrates on the other islands that don’t have hydrocarbon extractors. The company now supplies around 30% of all weighted marijuana products in the Hawaiian market, Moore says.

Moore declined to discuss specific details on logistics and cannabis transportation, citing worker safety and the inherent sensitivity of the issue.

Big Island Grown and other companies may be using commercial flights and island-hopper planes, commercial boats and private charters to move their products between islands.

Given the challenging operational environment that cannabis companies often have to contend with, it isn’t surprising that island hopping has become the norm. Even large companies such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operating in large markets such as Canada also have their own regulatory issues to navigate.

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420 with CNW — Study Reveals No Major Change in Youth Cannabis Use Following Legalization in Canada

A recent study, featured in the JAMA Open Network, has shed light on the impact of marijuana legalization in Canada, specifically concerning its effects on young individuals and potential adverse consequences. The research, conducted in Ontario, focused on a cohort of young adults aged between 19.5 to 23 years, aiming to understand changes in marijuana consumption patterns and related outcomes. Over the span of three years, from February 2017 to February 2020, the researchers conducted surveys every four months, collecting data that encompassed both the pre- and post-legalization periods.

The study involved 619 participants, with an average age of 21 and a standard deviation of 1.2 years. Approximately 56% were female, and 53% held bachelor’s degrees at the latest recorded time point. Notably, before legalization, around 33% reported occasional marijuana use as the norm.

Contrary to concerns about a surge in marijuana use among young people following legalization, the study revealed an overall reduction in marijuana use. This decline in consumption aligns with the existing substance-use patterns within this age group, unaffected by the policy change brought about by legalization.

Interestingly, the most frequent marijuana users before legalization experienced a significant decrease in usage following the legal transition. Consequently, there was a marked decrease in cannabis-related adverse consequences reported among the group. This suggests that the legalization of marijuana may have led to more responsible use among those who were previously heavy users.

On the other hand, individuals who abstained from cannabis use in the period leading up to legalization exhibited a modest but noteworthy increase in consumption over time. Importantly, this increase in use did not result in a corresponding surge in adverse consequences, challenging the notion of increased risks associated with cannabis legalization.

Those who had refrained entirely from using cannabis before legalization experienced no significant increases in negative consequences or usage post-legalization. These observations highlight the complexity of factors influencing marijuana use among young adults and suggest that further research is necessary to fully understand the determinants at play.

This study represents the first longitudinal analysis of the impact of marijuana legalization on young adults in Canada, incorporating multiple time points both before and after legalization.

It is, however, consistent with several U.S. studies that show state marijuana legalization has not significantly changed the consumption habits of adolescents and young people. Over the past 10 years, federal and state data have consistently shown a drop in the overall rate of youth marijuana usage.

This study goes to show that those who regard cannabis companies such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) as possibly doing harm to youth have no justification for their attitude to marijuana legalization.

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420 with CNW — Germany’s Marijuana Legalization Bill Advances Despite Opposition from State Representatives

Contenders of a proposed measure aiming to legalize cannabis in Germany faced a setback as they failed to garner sufficient support to thwart its progression through the legislative process. Germany’s legislative framework comprises two main chambers: the Bundesrat (also known as the Federal Council), comprising individual states’ representatives, and the Bundestag, which comprises democratically elected legislators. The legalization measure was presented in the Bundesrat, where lawmakers advocated for amendments but were unable to halt its advancement.

Germany’s federal cabinet, from whom the measure originally came, will now respond to the Bundesrat’s input before sending the law to the Bundestag for potential approval.

The motion to pause the legislation made by the Bavarian Bundesrat Rep. was rejected, as was a proposal to need the formal approval of the Bundesrat prior to legalization. Another attempt to raise the current draft’s 18-year-old legal possession age limit was similarly unsuccessful. However, there was consensus among the state representatives that the bill had a systemic enforcement weakness. They are seeking amendments to ensure that the states are not burdened with administrative expenditures associated with the federal government’s implementation of regulations.

The legalization proposal received 80 amendments from Bundesrat committees, including proposals to address drunk driving, prohibit alcohol sales and use in marijuana clubs, and set safety requirements for growing facilities.

The cabinet is expected to issue a counterstatement, after which the bill will proceed to the Bundestag. If it passes there, the Bundesrat can debate the measure but cannot block its implementation.

If enacted, the bill would permit adults 18 years of age and older to legally possess marijuana and grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use. Furthermore, the proposal introduces social clubs to distribute cannabis to members, with purchase caps of 25 grams per day for those older than 21 years of age and 30 grams monthly for those aged 18 to 21. The clubs cannot be established within a 200-meter radius of educational institutions or playgrounds. There are also specific limits on the number of clubs per district or city.

The bill also includes cost estimates for program implementation, potential savings from reduced enforcement and expected new revenue collected through employment taxes.

Germany’s journey toward legalization involved months of internal discussions and negotiations, complemented by visits to California marijuana businesses. Additionally, high-level meetings with European counterparts signaled a commitment to ending cannabis prohibition and regulating the industry.

As more markets such as Germany open on the European continent, enterprises such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) could have a larger international market to expand into.

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420 with CNW — California Cannabis Companies Urge Newsom to Veto New Product Labeling Law

California’s cannabis companies are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to reject a recently passed measure aimed at dissuading children from accessing marijuana products. The businesses argue that the bill would result in the prohibition of the current branding of numerous established products while failing to address the persisting issue of the black market.

Last week, the California Assembly passed AB 1207, which effectively bans any packaging or labeling of marijuana products deemed “enticing to minors.” This bill defines such packaging as any promotional material featuring elements such as cartoons, toys, robots, fictional or real humans, animals, fruits, vegetables, or anything else that regulators believe might appeal to individuals under 21 years old.

Supporters of the bill, including youth advocates, argue that it is necessary in light of the recent uptick in cases of children accidentally consuming marijuana products, some of which have been designed to resemble popular snacks and candies.

According to Zack Kaldveer, spokesperson for the California Public Health Institute, there has been a notable increase in child poisonings and hospitalizations due to such accidental exposures. The California Poison Control reported a surge in annual cannabis exposures, with numbers rising from fewer than 200 in 2010 to more than 1,600 in 2020, with nearly one-half of these cases involving children.

However, the vast majority of cannabis advocacy groups are firmly against the bill, fearing it may inadvertently exacerbate public safety issues rather than mitigate them.

Should the bill be enacted, the California Marijuana Industry Association estimates that most marijuana businesses would be burdened with costs ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 to redesign their product labels. Furthermore, industry insiders argue that the bill’s scope is overly broad, targeting benign packaging of established brands while letting illicit operators off the hook.

Critics point out that the illicit market frequently mimics well-known cereal, candy and snack brands — a practice already prohibited in the legal cannabis industry — and that these products are regularly sold to children by black-market operators.

Newsom has already signed three drug policy-related bills during this legislative session without issuing any vetoes. One measure includes provisions that grant immunity to individuals in possession of personal-use quantities of controlled substances if they test them for contaminants such as fentanyl, report positive results to law enforcement and provide details about the source of the substance. The second measure empowers the State Water Board to investigate suspected illegal cannabis cultivators and participate in enforcement actions, while a third measure alters background check requirements for cannabis businesses.

The proposed change to the marijuana-product labeling rules in California could be of great concern to major industry actors such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) since other jurisdictions could follow these extreme restrictions and enact them as well, compelling licensed companies to walk an even tighter rope in a bid to adhere to all the applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana ETFs See Green as Hopes for Federal Marijuana-Policy Reform Rise

Cannabis Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) surged in value in September as positive federal action renewed investor interest in the cannabis industry. Shortly after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reclassify cannabis to Schedule III from Schedule I and ease federal marijuana restrictions, marijuana-related ETFs began to soar as investors started investing in the cannabis industry.

America’s state-legal cannabis sector is the fastest-growing sector in the nation, generating billions of dollars in yearly revenue. However, the industry has been consistently handicapped by federal regulation. Federal law still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no medical application, which has made operating in the state-level industry extremely difficult. Issues like limited access to banking services and federal financial aid are prevalent throughout the industry and have likely prevented investors from investing in the cannabis sector.

For example, the Poseidon Dynamic Cannabis ETF by AdvisorShares went down in August amid declining investor interest in marijuana. The fund’s comanager Morgan Paxhia said at the time that the closure of the fund was partly due to a “dramatic shift in investor sentiment” that has affected the nation’s state-level marijuana industry.

Now that federal lawmakers are flirting with the idea of decriminalizing and possibly legalizing the quasilegal sector at the federal level, investor interest is rising. Last week, AdvisorShares Pure US cannabis (MSOS) was up by 56% and ETFMG Alternative Harvest (MJ) soared by 47% while both the SP 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up by just around 0.5%,

Matt Bottomley, an analyst from financial services firm Canaccord Genuity, noted that federal headlines often act as catalysts for how certain stocks trade. He observed that recent cannabis-related headlines had a positive effect on cannabis ETFs.

The Biden administration’s recommendation for cannabis reclassification at the federal level also caused the shares of cannabis companies such as Cronos Group, Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) to surge. This has been a boon for cannabis equities, which have suffered from a capital crunch in recent years as many investors withdrew from the industry.

Despite extensive legalization at the state level, federal prohibition has consistently been a thorn in the cannabis industry’s side, limiting the sector’s access to financing and preventing it from expanding to broader markets. The prospect of finally legalizing cannabis at the federal level and eliminating the barriers that limit trade in the sector will likely attract more investors to cannabis-related equities.

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420 with CNW — Spokesperson Says Biden Supports Medical Marijuana as Cannabis Scheduling Review Progresses

President Joe Biden’s stance on the medical use of marijuana has been unequivocal, as affirmed by the White House amid an ongoing federal review of cannabis scheduling. In a recent press briefing, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, addressed inquiries regarding the potential ramifications of reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently recommended this reclassification to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Jean-Pierre, exercising caution, refrained from preempting the process. She emphasized, “I don’t want to anticipate events; I’ve encountered this query previously.” She clarified, “Let me be clear: The president directed both the HHS secretary and the attorney general to initiate the administrative evaluation of marijuana’s scheduling, as you have outlined.”

Nonetheless, Jean-Pierre reiterated the president’s endorsement of federal cannabis reform, particularly concerning medical marijuana. Biden’s support for cannabis reform has not been unwavering. During his tenure as a senator, he championed legislation that intensified the war on drugs.

Should the DEA concur with HHS’s Schedule III recommendation, it would signify a pivotal shift in federal cannabis policy. The reclassification would acknowledge that cannabis possesses low potential for abuse and offers medical utility. However, it would not endorse existing state-level medical marijuana programs. Nevertheless, it would facilitate expanded research into the plant and have substantial implications for the marijuana industry.

Bipartisan congressional representatives have applauded the health agency’s recommendation, viewing it as a significant stride toward federal legalization. Some have even claimed credit for this advancement, citing their years of advocacy for marijuana reform.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this development, the scheduling decision remains tentative. The DEA has stated that it will initiate its review, factoring in findings from the FDA. Ultimately, the DEA retains the authority to decide on the reclassification to Schedule III.

From a political perspective, moving cannabis from Schedule I to III would allow the president to assert his role in achieving a substantial reform, facilitating an administrative evaluation more than half a century after cannabis was categorized as the most restrictive substance during the government’s war on drugs. However, it would not fulfill his campaign promise to decriminalize cannabis.

The reform could also invigorate momentum for congressional initiatives aimed at altering federal marijuana laws, such as the cannabis banking reform bill listed among the legislative priorities of Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, according to a recent Dear Colleague letter.

As broader cannabis policy reforms take shape, industry actors such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) could be poised for explosive growth as the market is opened across the country.

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