420 with CNW – Texas Lawmakers to Vote on Cannabis Decriminalization This Week

About a month ago, the Texas House Jurisprudence Committee passed a bill that would make low-level cannabis possession a crime punishable by a fine rather than jail time. That bill is now before the House and it will be voted on this week (Thursday).

If the bill becomes law, anyone found in possession of an ounce or less of marijuana would pay a fine of $250. Such a crime would then become a Class C misdemeanor if one is caught more than twice.

Under the current law, anyone who is found with two ounces or less of marijuana can be fined a maximum of $2,000 as well as serve 180 days in jail. Whether one pays the fine or goes to jail, they remain with a permanent criminal record that can affect them for life.

While Texas is known for being conservative, there is growing consensus that cannabis laws need to be reformed, and that is why the decriminalization bill has bipartisan support. People want to see the meager public resources devoted to more serious crimes instead of using those resources to prosecute people for minor cannabis possession infractions.

This change of heart among conservative Texans has seen various bills get House Committee approval. The decriminalization bill is one of the three most notable cannabis reform bills.

The second bill that passed at committee level is a bill to legalize industrial hemp and its derivatives. This bill was passed on Tuesday this week. If it becomes law, hemp would no longer be a controlled substance in the state.

A third bill seeks to expand the medical marijuana program in the state. This bill got unanimous support when a vote was called last week. One of the changes introduced by this bill included adding more than a dozen health conditions to the list of medical marijuana qualifying conditions.

All these three bills were supported by the Republicans in those different committees. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has also promised to sign the bills once they reach his desk after getting legislative approval.

This piecemeal way of easing marijuana laws may eventually culminate in the legalization of recreational marijuana in Texas, although the Republican Party hasn’t explicitly stated that it supports legalization in the state.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS), Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) and the entire cannabis industry welcome the incremental cannabis policy reforms being instituted in Texas. Such an approach ensures that there will be minimal friction in implementing the changes needed for Texans to benefit fully from the cannabis industry.

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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 – Cannabis Inhalers Could Be the Next Asthma and Cancer Pain Medication

Whole smoking is the most common administration method for medical cannabis, not all patients are willing or able to use this method. For example, those who have respiratory challenges like asthma are unable to smoke cannabis because it may aggravate their condition. Terminally ill patients may also find it hard to smoke marijuana as part of their treatment. For such patients, two Israeli companies have teamed up to develop cannabis inhalers through which they can take their medication.

The two firms are Panaxia Pharmaceuticals and Rafa Pharmaceuticals. The two companies are working together to bring marijuana inhalers to the market so that patients have one more way to get their medication.

For now, the companies are targeting asthma and the pain suffered by cancer patients. The companies hope to avail an administration mode that will bring quick relief to cancer pain or respiratory distress resulting from asthma symptoms.

This administration mode may easily gain acceptance in the market for several reasons.

First, inhalers aren’t a new mode of administering medication to patients. Asthma sufferers carry them around, so it would not be hard for them to switch to the cannabis version.

Secondly, it is possible to determine what precise dose of cannabis a patient should receive when using inhalers since the patient can be told to inhale a given number of times at stipulated intervals in order to get the right dose of cannabis into the body. Medical practitioners can therefore easily see cannabis as medicine if its dosage can be controlled.

Additionally, inhalation can provide faster therapeutic outcomes when compared to other modes, such as consuming cannabis edibles. This is precisely why asthma sufferers often carry an inhaler so that they can use it and see results faster when an asthma attack occurs.

At the moment, the innovators are conducting clinical trials together with the Israeli Ministry of Health in order to ascertain whether the product is ready to hit the market, or some kinks remain which need to be resolved.

Meanwhile, the companies have decided to start a marketing drive for the inhalers while the clinical trial is ongoing.

The plan is to avail the inhalers on the Israel market later this year. Only patients with a doctor’s prescription will be able to access the product. It is not yet clear when the two companies will start exporting their invention to the rest of the world. Remember, the Israeli parliament passed a law towards the end of last year allowing companies that have been licensed by the state to export medical marijuana.

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTC: NUGS) congratulate the two Israeli companies for finding a solution to administering medical cannabis to patients who are unable to use the modes that are currently available on the market.

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CBD Industry Set to Explode as New Products, Consumers Enter Market

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: The U.S. Farm Bill that recently passed into law is a game-changer for the CBD space. While it is unknown when nationwide cannabis legalization may occur, incredible opportunities exist right now for CBD-focused companies that can deliver products to the marketplace.

Demand is growing for organic CBD products in markets where such products are legal.
Youngevity has made a series of strategic acquisitions to help establish the company’s position
Companies ready to deliver CBD products to market at scale are in ideal position to capitalize on growing demand.

Passage of the latest U.S. Farm Bill marked a watershed moment for CBD producers in the United States. Not only does the new body of law allow these producers to commercialize existing CBD products, the door is now open for a new generation of research into what CBD can do for consumers. Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile) is a leading producer of consumer-focused CBD products that is expanding its reach into other areas of the CBD supply chain. It joins companies such as CV Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI), Isodiol International Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTCQB: ISOLF), GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) (OTC: GWPRF), and Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: CURLF) (CSE: CURA), which are all working to commercialize CBD products in both the consumer and pharmaceutical sectors.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

CBD Offers New Opportunities for Bold Thinkers

The market for CBD products is exploding and likely will continue to grow as these products become more available. Because CBD can be made in a laboratory, an increasing amount of synthetically produced CBD has been entering the market. However, many CBD proponents contend that organic CBD (CBD extracted from hemp plants) is superior to synthetic CBD.

Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) produces a range of consumer-focused CBD products, but the company is growing its reach via strategic acquisitions. Sourcing organic CBD has been an issue for many manufacturers, which may be why Youngevity recently acquired Khrysos Global — a CBD producer based in Florida.

Following the announcement of this acquisition to the public, YGYI president and CFO Dave Briskie commented, “We set out a plan to create a vertical opportunity in the hemp space. This is a significant step as it relates to the production, cultivation, and extraction of hemp, CBD oil, as well as other CBs (cannabinoids). . . . We proudly welcome Dwayne Dundore, as the President of newly formed Khyrsos (sic) Industries along with his entire and very capable team at Khrysos and INX Labs.”

Dundore was equally enthusiastic about the announcement, saying, “I am really excited to be a YGYI shareholder and part of the Youngevity Family. I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to both the top and bottom line of the company and feel strongly that our capabilities and plans for expansion should create additional value for myself and all shareholders.”

CBD Ready to Take the Market by Storm

Unlike THC, which is a highly psychoactive alkaloid found in cannabis, CBD has a calming effect in most people. In addition, CBD can be legally sold without a prescription and is being integrated into many consumer products.

CBD companies that can create good connections with their client bases should be able to grow into this burgeoning market. Recognizing this, Youngevity has made a series of strategic acquisitions that could help establish the company’s position as a leader in 21^st-century cannabis development. The company’s takeover of Khrysos Global netted it a solid supply of organic CBD, as Khrysos has both cannabis cultivation property and facilities to refine CBD oil.

With that backdrop, Youngevity recently launched HempFX to sell its products directly to consumers. For the moment, the company is offering hemp oils. Its product line may increase as additional research and development brings more ideas to market.

A Coffee Door Opener

Youngevity is also ready to bring a CBD-infused coffee to market. Its recent acquisition of Khrysos Global brought CBD-testing laboratories to the company, looking to leave Youngevity in a position to take full advantage of the new U.S. CBD laws. One of the biggest hurdles for manufacturers of CBD products is making sure the products contain a repeatable dose of CBD. Through careful testing, Youngevity has overcome this obstacle in its coffee, which reliably delivers 10mg of CBD in every cup.

The new coffee will be made by Youngevity’s wholly owned subsidiary CLR Roasters. According to the company, the new product will be sold in four flavors and will be available to consumers later this year.

CLR Roasters president Ernesto Aguila commented, “We are extremely pleased with the taste of the product, and the samples that we have provided to a host of retailers have led to strong reviews as well. It is very exciting to bring a new product to market that has so much interest within the coffee beverage category. I have not seen a door opener like this since Javalution Coffee Company created the first fortified coffees.”

Market Viability Looks Strong

CBD has essentially been illegal since modern medicine began. Now that it is legal to produce and distribute CBD in the United States, early movers in the space are setting themselves up for potentially massive profits. Numerous companies are focusing on developing better CBD-infused products, creating new forms of consumer-focused CBD consumables and getting those products to consumers as quickly and easily as possible.

CV Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI) is working to commercialize CBD products for both consumers and the medical community. Its pharmaceutical division is looking to create a CBD-based medicine that can be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Now that CBD is 100 percent legal at a federal level in the United States, the company should be able to make progress on this project. Its consumer division is developing a range of products that can be sold to health food stores or directly to its customers. As CBD use has become more widespread, there is a growing amount of feedback from users to support its continued development.

Isodiol International Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTCQB: ISOLF) has built a CBD-focused business with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Kevin Swadish, the company’s chief revenue officer, commented, “The legalities of hemp-based CBD are becoming more favorable, and consumer awareness of CBD is rapidly rising. As a result, we believe the greatest growth opportunities in the industry, and for Isodiol, lie in the consumer packaged goods marketplace.” The company has built up an operation with more than 200 employees and consultants globally, which demonstrates the interest CBD has generated in recent years.

GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) (OTC: GWPRF) developed the first marijuana-derived pharmaceutical to be approved by the FDA. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, was designed to treat Dravet syndrome and was the first drug ever approved to treat this rare form of epilepsy in the U.S. Sales of the drug began last November, and according to recent financial results posted by the company, Epidiolex has garnered substantial interest. Epidiolex sales totaled around $4.7 million in the last quarter, with more than 4,500 new patient enrollment forms during the first two months the drug was available. The positive results from Epidiolex sales were well received, and investors bid the company’s shares higher after they were announced.

Getting CBD products into the hands of consumers is also a focus for savvy companies looking to the future. Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: CURLF) (CSE: CURA) recently announced a distribution deal with CVS Health Corp. Under the new deal, the retail pharmacy and healthcare company will begin selling products infused with the trendy, nonintoxicating hemp component at more than 800 of its stores nationwide. CVS confirmed that it has started selling CBD creams, sprays and lotions in eight states, including California, Illinois, Colorado and Alabama. The products will be sold in store aisles. “We’ve been having dialogue with national retailers for many months now,” said Curaleaf chief executive officer Joseph Lusardi. “We’ve got a number of potentially exciting partnerships in the pipeline.”

Growing hemp and refining it into CBD could become profitable for companies that can do it efficiently, especially if public demand grows faster than production capacity. Youngevity may be picking up on this emerging market dynamic and securing its supplies of organic CBD while the industry is still in its infancy.

For more information on Youngevity, visit Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

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420 with CNW – 50 Marijuana Dispensaries in Michigan Get Temporary Reprieve in Court

On Thursday last week (March 28), Judge Stephen Borrello of the Michigan Court of Claims issued a temporary order stopping the state from implementing its decision to close down any medical marijuana dispensary that hadn’t received its license by March 31.

The restraining order gives the businesses in question another 14 days within which to get their operations legalized in accordance with the licensing requirements of the state.

For long, players in the Michigan medical marijuana industry have been complaining that the state takes an inexplicably long time to process and issue a license to an applicant. This slow bureaucratic pace has affected growers, manufacturers and dispensing outlets.

For example, in early February alone, about 150 dispensaries were still awaiting the outcome of their applications for licenses. Similarly, 130 prospective medical cannabis cultivators were also awaiting the fate of their applications for grow licenses.

Because of those complaints, the state decided to allow medical cannabis businesses to open while their applications were still being processed.

However, the state eventually set deadlines for all unlicensed dispensaries to close, but these deadlines have either been unilaterally postponed by the regulators or courts have intervened and forced the state’s hand.

This recent extension is an example of the judiciary stepping in and compelling the state to refrain from implementing its decision to close medical marijuana businesses without licenses.

In response to the restraining order issued by the Court of Claims, the state published a statement in which it revealed that it will hit the brakes on its decision to close unlicensed medical cannabis businesses until court issues further orders or the pending litigation is disposed of by the courts of law.

In a bid to put an end to the endless delays in the licensing process, the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, has established a new agency to superintend over the marijuana industry.

The persistent problems over licensing issues have also come to a head as the state is working to start recreational cannabis sales after voters approved adult-use marijuana during the midterm elections towards the end of last year.

Cannabis advocates worry that if the problems in the medical cannabis sector aren’t fixed in time, then those problems will get worse once recreational cannabis is added to the menu. Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) and Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) call on the regulators to study what other states have done to streamline the licensing process. Creating new agencies to oversee the industry may not fix the problem if a proper diagnosis of the issues isn’t done.

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420 with CNW – Research Suggests You Could Be Storing Cannabis Improperly

Ask anyone how they store their cannabis and you are likely to hear that they place it in an airtight plastic container stored away from direct sunlight. While this has been the norm for cannabis storage, new research suggests that such a method may not preserve the ingredients of your valuable stash for long.

The Italian study compared how THC content was preserved if cannabis was stored in four different ways for 100 days.

First, the researchers looked at what would happen to cannabis if it were stored for 100 days in a bright room at room temperature. This method of storage resulted in a 13 percent drop in the THC content of the cannabis.

The researchers also looked into what would happen to the THC content of cannabis that has been stored in a dark room at room temperature. The cannabis lost 11 percent of its THC content.

How do most processors store their cannabis? You guessed right, in a dark room at room temperature. These manufacturers may be slapping themselves in the face as they read this!

Next, the researchers looked at what would happen if a batch of cannabis was stored inside a refrigerator whose temperature was maintained at 4°C. There was a substantial reduction in the drop of THC using this method of storage.

The researchers then upped the ante and kept some marijuana in a freezer for 100 days. The temperature inside the freezer was maintained at -20°C. Tests revealed that there was no noticeable change in the THC content if the cannabis was stored in the freezer.

The researchers concluded that the best way to store cannabis in order to preserve its constituents was by freezing it. Storage in an airtight container in a dark room only works for short-term storage, they added.

The researchers also revealed that the CBD content of cannabis barely changes over time regardless of how you choose to store the marijuana. People who have no interest in THC shouldn’t therefore fret about how they keep their cannabis products.

However, the findings of this study should not be generalized as applicable to all the attributes or components of cannabis. For example, the study didn’t look into how the flavor or scent of cannabis was affected by the four storage methods investigated.

As you wait for research to be done on that, you can conduct your own little experiments to see how your perception of those attributes is affected when you store marijuana in different ways.

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTC: NUGS) welcome the insights that the study has shed on the different storage options for cannabis products.

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Drink Companies Prepare for the Coming of CBD Beverages

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: CBD-infused beverages look set to hit the market in a big way in 2019.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used in health and wellness products after spectacular growth in recent years.
Several companies are lining up to launch CBD drinks following legal changes in the United States and Canada.
Integrating these new offerings into wider product lines is accelerating CBD’s race for mainstream attention.

Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile) is one of the first to launch, with a CBD coffee coming in May and a CBD water in the works. The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (TSX.V: WTER), which is constantly growing its U.S. distribution network, plans to add a CBD bottled water to its range. The New Age Beverages Corporation (NASDAQ: NBEV) is adding CBD to its line of organic cold coffees and teas. Heineken (OTCQX: HEINY) has also entered the market by developing a cannabis-infused sparkling water through Lagunitas, its U.S. craft brewer. And the biggest investment in the overall cannabis space has come from Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ), which has invested $4 billion in a Canadian cannabis company.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

Crossing the Boundary Between Two Industries

The most exciting new developments in business often come when separate trends or industries combine. For example, it was the combination of previously separate cameras, phones and portable music that brought us the smartphone, a technology that has transformed our lives. And while not every combination will be as socially disruptive as that computer in your pocket, each one brings new possibilities.

One of the hot crossover moves this year is the combination of the markets for beverages and for cannabidiol (CBD). The emergence of CBD over the past few years has transformed the cannabis space and allowed hemp producers to reach beyond their original markets. Beverages continue to be a powerful industry, in part through sporadic bursts of innovation such as the rise of energy drinks. Now one of those bursts is coming again as these two trends combine to produce CBD-infused drinks.

The Rise of CBD

In many ways, the popularity of CBD has caught businesses by surprise. Only a few years ago, it was an obscure chemical compound found in cannabis and hemp, not even the part of cannabis that got users high. Now it’s a newsworthy growth industry, with CBD products appearing on the shelves of health shops, pharmacists and vaping stores, as well as on dedicated online outlets. The trend has also led to the rise of new companies as well as investment from the likes of Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI). CBD isn’t everywhere yet, but it’s feeling close.

Though it wasn’t predictable, the rise of CBD is easy enough to explain. Since cannabis legalization began in the 1990s, extensive research and development has been conducted regarding the plant. One of the results is a greater understanding of and focus on the range of chemicals found in cannabis, instead of just the high-inducing THC. As researchers started finding and reporting evidence that CBD could be beneficial for health and wellness, a gold rush began.

One of the big advantages of CBD, especially for an omnidirectional lifestyle company such as Youngevity, is that it can establish a strong presence in markets that THC can’t reach. Shops that don’t sell cannabis are sometimes willing to stock CBD-infused products. Some jurisdictions allow the sale of CBD but not cannabis. With the cannabis space gaining momentum, CBD creates a route into that sector with fewer restrictions.

This is particularly true because of hemp, a form of cannabis that doesn’t contain THC and that the federal government legalized three months ago. CBD can be extracted from hemp, making it a profitable cash crop. A Youngevity subsidiary has recently acquired a 45-acre base in Florida purely for the purpose of meeting the demand for CBD.

CBD Beverages

The U.S. government’s widespread legalization of hemp through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill last December has opened the way for a whole range of CBD endeavors. One of the most popular trends is expected to be CBD beverages.

Youngevity, which already has a strong presence in both beverages and CBD via its CLR Roasters and HempFX brands, has made the most of its established expertise to move quickly into this promising young market. The company has added a CBD-infused coffee to its Javalution coffee brand, which will go on sale at the end of May.

“We are extremely pleased with the taste of the product,” said Ernesto Aguila, president of CLR Roasters. “It is very exciting to bring a new product to market that has so much interest within the coffee beverage category. I have not seen a door opener like this since Javalution Coffee Company created the first fortified coffees.”

CBD beverages are more than just a novelty; they’re a way to make CBD consumption better fit with people’s everyday lives and socializing, and to blaze a trail for cannabis drinks to follow. By putting CBD in drinks, manufacturers such as Youngevity are making it possible for consumers to enjoy their CBD in common social settings, such as cafes, bars and restaurants. While one person orders an alcoholic drink and another sips a soft drink, a third could be enjoying a CBD drink, all at the same time. YGYI’s move helps brings CBD consumption into the mainstream.

YGYI’s strategy has been made easier by the relaxed approach of the FDA. While that authority claims jurisdiction over the use of CBD in food and beverages, the government entity hasn’t done much to limit its use. In the 21^st century, the public will to suppress cannabis use is fading, and resistance against CBD appears to be almost nonexistent. A door has been opened, and companies such as Youngevity are walking in to make the most of it.

The Bigger Beverage Business

Part of bringing CBD into the mainstream is integrating it with other product lines. As long as CBD is separate in its own corner, persuading people to give it a try will be challenging. However, when it’s presented as simply one more option among a variety of beverages, raising awareness and use of the substance stands a better chance. That’s precisely what Youngevity is aiming to do through a recently announced agreement with water company Icelandic Glacial.

The deal will see the two companies work together as exclusive cross-marketing partners for the next three years. Icelandic Glacial drinks will appear alongside Javalution and other beverages in Youngevity’s direct-sales network.

Beyond this, the companies will also collaborate on creating new products targeting the lifestyle, health, food and beverage markets. A drinkable CBD product will be at the forefront of these developments, creating a connection between the purity of Iceland Glacial’s water and the relaxing potential of CBD.

This deal hasn’t just increased Youngevity’s product range. It has given the company more opportunity for growth and product development that will appeal both to the core CBD market and to a wider beverage consumer base.

A Changing Drinks Market

It seems that CBD might become the latest big disruptor in the beverage industry, which was last shaken up by the rise of energy drinks 20 years ago.

The fastest growing premium water brand in the US, The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (TSX.V: WTER), is distributed through more than 150,000 stores, including nine of America’s top-ten retailers by size. In 2018, the company announced a range of drinks targeting the health and wellness markets, including a water infused with vitamins and minerals and another with CBD. The company is waiting on FDA approval before launching its CBD water, but once the product is ready to go, it will have great reach thanks to the company’s strategy of regularly increasing its distribution network.

Founded in 2016, the New Age Beverages Corporation (NASDAQ: NBEV) is a young and vibrant company with a focus on healthy drinks produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. In January, the company announced a deal for the distribution of CBD-infused beverages under its Marley brand. The Marley range of organic cold coffees and teas is already an established brand for New Age Beverages and a natural fit for entering the CBD market.

Hi-Fi Hops, Heineken’s (OTCQX: HEINY) cannabis beverage, was launched last year in two versions: one with 10 mg of THC and one with 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD. The product is sold in California’s cannabis dispensaries and is the result of a collaboration between AbsoluteXtracts, a manufacturer of cannabis-based products, and Lagunitas. “The idea of being a part of a no-calorie beverage infused with cannabis seemed like a perfect next step in our product innovation and a natural way to marry our past with our future,” said Lagunitas CEO Maria Stipp.

Beverage giant Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ), which owns Corona beer and Svedka vodka, has made the biggest financial commitment so far to advancing CBD beverages. The company has invested $4 billion in Canopy Growth Corporation, one of Canada’s largest cannabis producers. The two companies will be working together to produce cannabis drinks, giving the sector a significant boost to its public profile thanks to Constellation’s marketing reach.

CBD drinks are a natural combination of two popular consumer sectors, and with so many companies invested in them, this looks likely to be the year they take off.

For more information on Youngevity, visit Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

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420 with CNW – THC may be More Therapeutic than CBD, Study Finds

From the reports in the media and what people discuss, one is led to believe that CBD (cannabidiol) contains all the medicinal benefits in the cannabis plant while THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) symptomizes everything that is bad about cannabis since it is psychoactive. However, the findings of a recent study may turn this popular belief on its head.

According to a study whose findings appeared in the Scientific Reports Journal, THC seems to have a higher link with the relief of disease symptoms when compared to CBD.

The researchers from the University of New Mexico studied the data provided by medical cannabis users in the U.S. regarding various aspects of the medical cannabis that they consumed. The ReLeaf app allows patients to indicate various things, such as what they are suffering from, what marijuana strains they are consuming, how they are consuming that marijuana and what effects they notice after consuming medical cannabis.

The researchers looked at the data and found that the patients who used marijuana strains that had higher levels of THC when compared to the CBD content reported superior symptom relief unlike those patients whose medical marijuana had low levels of THC and higher levels of CBD.

Sarah See Stith, one of the co-authors of the research commented that their study was important in light of the fact that not enough information is given to patients when they want to try medical cannabis for their conditions.

Stith pointed out that almost all patients get a recommendation from a doctor and are on their own in terms of selecting the products to use. Some of those patients rely on their prior experience when they used to consume recreational marijuana. Others talk to family and friends while some go to the internet to educate themselves about medical cannabis. The staff at medical cannabis dispensaries are often poorly trained, so they cannot be relied upon to give dependable advice on the appropriate medical cannabis products for patients.

Stith thinks that their research findings can help to initiate a discussion and further research into how cannabis works to treat or provide symptomatic relief.

This research is also important because it comes at a time when the U.S., the UN and other international bodies are on the verge of deciding whether to reschedule cannabis or leave it in the most restrictive categories of the national/international treaties controlling narcotic substances.

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTC: NUGS) welcome this research and hope that those findings will be considered by those who formulate cannabis policies and regulations in Washington.

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420 with CNW – Federal Reserve Boss Asks Congress for Clarity on Cannabis Banking

Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, has asked the federal government to provide clarification on matters of banking services for the cannabis industry. Powell made these comments while addressing the Finance Committee of the U.S. Senate.

He was referring to the difficulties that financial institutions face as they wish to serve cannabis businesses in states that have legalized the substance, but those same institutions feel hamstrung by federal banking laws that still regard marijuana as an illegal substance.

It is not just banks and credit unions that are in this difficult position. Even supervisors and regulators face the same dilemma because it isn’t clear where they should draw the line between what is permissible under state law and what aspects of the federal banking laws to implement or place on the backburner.

When asked a follow up question, Jerome Powell also revealed that the clarification provided should also put the record straight on issues of insurance for the marijuana industry.

As things stand, the cannabis industry is still unable to obtain insurance in the same way that other businesses can. This is a serious problem because it denies the cannabis industry the protections provided by insurance.

This isn’t the first time that the Federal Reserve boss is expressing these sentiments. He is on record to have stated the same concerns during a press conference last year. Powell is reported to have said that while his work has nothing to do with cannabis, the institution he leads is concerned about the nascent industry because of the possible impacts to the financial sector if things aren’t handled correctly.

Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury Secretary, has also expressed a desire to see the banking concerns of the cannabis industry addressed. He went as far as saying these issues top the list of the matters that his department is concerned about.

If the indicators coming from Congress are anything to go by, 2019 may well be the year when the concerns of Mnuchin and Powell (as well as the cannabis industry) get addressed. A subcommittee of the 116th Congress is already holding hearings at which different stakeholders, such as marijuana businesses, are providing their submissions on matters of cannabis banking.

These hearings arise out of a bi-partisan bill that seeks to make it possible for cannabis businesses to keep their money in banks without any fear that the federal government will act against them or victimize the banks that have accepted to do business with the cannabis companies.

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTC: NUGS) will be extremely relieved if the calls by the Federal Reserve boss and the Treasury Secretary result in concrete steps to ease banking for the cannabis industry in the U.S.

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Savvy Companies Make Acquisition Moves in Booming Cannabis Industry

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: As the cannabis sector consistently shows impressive growth, acquisitions within the market allow cannabis companies to develop greater vertical integration.

Cannabis companies are looking to acquire other organizations to strengthen specialist knowledge and skills.
Similar moves have led to impressive success in industries such as coffee production.
The strength of the cannabis market is also attracting other additional investment.

Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile) is following the vertically integrated model, having recently acquired a company specializing in cannabis processing machinery. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) finalized an all-cash transaction to acquire one of the world’s most technologically advanced vaporizer companies. In an all-stock option, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) agreed to purchase a British Columbia-based craft grower, which offers premium organic products produced at low volumes. Late last year, MedMen Enterprises Inc (OTCQX: MMNFF) signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of one of the largest medical cannabis providers in the United States. And with the cannabis sector as a whole seeing healthy growth, GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) recently completing a public offering to fund further growth, raising $345 million to expand its cannabis-oriented pharmaceuticals work.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here

Cannabis Companies Turn to Vertical Integration

The global cannabis industry continues to grow — especially in the United States and Canada — creating promising opportunities for companies eager to find ways to improve their productivity and leverage their strengths. A wide range of companies covering the production, processing, marketing, and sales of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) products are vying for a position in the space. Consequently, smart organizations are looking for ways stand out from the rest.

Many are opting for vertical integration. Their strategy is simple and straightforward — by bringing together production, processing and distribution, companies can cut costs, improve efficiency and ensure quality control.

Acquisitions for Growth

This all-under-one-roof strategy is one that the management at Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) not only believes in but has successfully applied. A leading omni-directional lifestyle company, Youngevity recently moved into the cannabis sector through investment in CBD.

CBD is one of two significant active ingredients found in cannabis. Unlike THC, which until a few years ago was the best-known of these chemicals, the nonpsychoactive CBD does not induce the highs or impairment that accompanies THC. In addition, recent research has indicated that CBD could have a broad range of benefits general well-being and health, leading to a burgeoning market for CBD products. This promising research, along with a growing popular acceptance of cannabis, has led to a resurgence in the growth of hemp — a variety of cannabis that can be rich in CBD but low in THC — and hemp-based products.

Youngevity saw the opportunity and entered the cannabis space last year, with the release of its Hemp FX product line. Hemp FX products are designed to help consumers relax and soothe muscle pain. As it launches this new product offering, the company will leverage the success it has already seen through its hybrid model of direct selling, social selling and e-commerce.

To further take advantage of this opportunity, Youngevity has announced its acquisition of Khrysos Global, a large hemp and CBD machine manufacturing company. Khrysos’s proprietary technology is specifically designed to extract active ingredients from hemp and cannabis, thereby providing the best possible yields from crops. The company also offers planning and consulting for cannabis companies looking to take full advantage of technology throughout the extraction process.

“Our acquisition of Khrysos is extremely exciting on a number of levels,” said Youngevity CEO Steve Wallach. “Beyond the fact that Khrysos’ hemp-CBD extraction technology is far more efficient than most anything else on the market, we’re acquiring a turnkey business model here. Their systems are applicable to the entire industry and are immediately implementable across our own line of HempFX products as well as in offtake agreements we have through our existing business relationships. We see this as providing not only immense value to our company, but also to our investors–by selling not just the extraction systems, but also servicing and operating those systems via a rental model, they will provide us with continuous, ongoing profitability.”

Field to Finish

The Khrysos acquisition appears to be a logical step for Youngevity, not only because of the company’s interest in the hemp market but also because of its already-proven business model. This model, which the company refers to as “field to finish,” has been successfully tested through its CLR Roasters subsidiary.

In this model, CLR is involved in every stage in the coffee production process, from farming and green coffee distribution to roasting and sales of branded goods. This vertically integrated approach includes a plantation and dry-roasting facility in Nicaragua, established U.S. facilities and sales networks, and the company’s own coffee brand. The comprehensive approach allows the company to control the entire process of coffee production from the field to the consumer’s cup, not only delivering profit at every level but ensuring the quality and the reputation of the company’s branded products.

The acquisition of Khrysos and a 20 percent ownership stake in the Carolina Cannabis Company allows Youngevity to follow a similar model in the cannabis sector. By taking ownership of the production, processing, branding and sales of its CBD product line, the company plans to profit every step of the way, while also ensuring that its products are produced both efficiently and to the highest standards.

The acquisition also gathers the skills and experience of Khrysos’s technical and managerial staff under the same roof as Youngevity’s already assembled team, another critical advantage. The cannabis sector is still young, and smart companies regularly evaluate and refine their processes as the industry grows and evolves. Having specialist knowledge about the equipment used in processing cannabis will only strengthen Youngevity’s ability to be nimble and adapt, optimizing its processing systems and ensuring a smooth supply chain and efficient manufacturing.

Like any win-win acquisition, both the purchasing company and the company being acquired are set to benefit from the deal. Youngevity’s experience in reaching customers will provide opportunities for the technology developed by Khrysos to expand and reach a wider market, scaling up its equipment and advisory business.

“This is an exhilarating time for us,” said Dave Briskie, president and CFO of Youngevity. “This is just the first step Youngevity plans to take as we look to continue developing in the hemp-derived CBD industry. Right now, that industry is expanding so quickly that companies are struggling to keep up with demand. So acquiring the production capabilities of Khrysos, and adapting a creative model that allows us to upscale the usage of its technologies across our own properties and the properties of our partners — I feel — really stakes our claim within the industry at large.”

An Industry Expanding

Youngevity’s work represents only one part of a broader wave of expansion for the cannabis industry.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) has acquired Storz & Bickel, a vaporizer design and manufacturing company with a 22-year track record of breakthrough innovations. The move brings together the world’s most technologically advanced vaporizer company and world’s leading cannabis company and will enhance Canopy Growth’s product device development capabilities. Canopy Growth is dedicated to advancing the world’s perception of cannabis by focusing on research, product development, and innovative production capabilities by offering brands consumers can trust.

In January, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) signed a letter of intent to acquire Whistler Medical Marijuana Corporation in an all-share transaction valued at up to approximately $175 million. Whistler has developed one of Canada’s most iconic cannabis brands, built on quality, award-winning organic certified BC bud. The Transaction is expected to provide Aurora with a premium and differentiated organic certified product suite, expanding both its medical and adult-use offerings, and reinforcing Aurora’s presence in the well-established west coast cannabis market.

In one of the largest cannabis acquisitions in history, MedMen Enterprises Inc. (OTCQX: MMNFF) entered an agreement for the acquisition of Chicago-based PharmaCann, one of the largest medical cannabis providers in the U.S. The move is will permit the company to operate 76 retail stores and 16 cultivation and production facilities in 12 states. Through the transaction, MedMen is anticipated to add licenses in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia and Michigan.

A world leader in the development of cannabis-related medicine, GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has built a strong research program and developed remarkable manufacturing expertise. With its public-offering expansion, the already-strong company becomes a major presence in one of the most attractive investment sectors. This funding allows GW Pharmaceuticals to keep growing its impressive research and production work.

With these strategic moves made by companies intent on leveraging their positions in the growing cannabis market, the time appears ripe for interested investors to take a closer look at the industry’s potential.

For more information on Youngevity, visit Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

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420 with CNW – EU Parliament Votes to Support Medical Cannabis

On Wednesday (February 13), the European Union Parliament passed a resolution that will help to advance research into medical cannabis within the EU. This resolution comes hot on the heels of a recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reschedule cannabis internationally.

While the resolution passed in the EU Parliament isn’t binding, it provides encouragement to EU member states to increase their citizens’ access to medical marijuana. The resolution also calls on member countries to prioritize research and clinical studies on marijuana.

This resolution passed by the EU Parliament provides yet another voice in support of medical marijuana. The World Health Organization also recommended that cannabis be rescheduled in recognition of its therapeutic potential while also being aware that the drug can be addictive. A final vote is expected in March to cement the position of the UN on the recommendations made by the WHO expert committee that studied the matter at great length.

The EU resolution also goes further to call on member states to set standards for all non-pharmaceutical cannabis products in a bid to protect consumers.

Member states were also called upon to address all the legal, cultural, regulatory and financial barriers that have stood in the way of scientific research on marijuana and its medicinal uses. To put this appeal into context, consider the U.S. federal government’s laws on marijuana. Those laws make it hard for researchers to conduct any meaningful studies since cannabis is federally illegal and isn’t recognized as having any therapeutic value.

Additionally, only one cultivator (based in Mississippi) is mandated to provide all the cannabis needed for any approved research in the U.S. The cannabis from this facility is notorious for its poor quality (if researchers can manage to secure that marijuana in the first place). Such barriers have made the U.S. to lag behind in cannabis research. The EU resolution seeks to fix such problems amongst EU member states.

The members of the European Parliament also agreed that it was necessary to establish case-specific therapies for the medicinal use of cannabis. For example, does someone with chronic pain require the same concentration of THC and CBD (among other ingredients) as another person who wants to use medical cannabis to treat or manage insomnia? Scientific research should be able to answer such questions, according to the EU Parliament.

VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX.V: VIVO) (OTCQX: VVCIF) and Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) welcome the decisions made by the EU Parliament and the World Health organization regarding the medical benefits of marijuana.

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