Emblem and Canntab Therapeutics Announce Health Canada Approval for R&D of Cannabinoid-Based Oral Sustained Release Formulation

PARIS, Ontario, May 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emblem Corp. (TSX-V:EMC) (TSX-V:EMC.WT) (“Emblem” or the “Company”) and Canntab Therapeutics Limited (CSE:PILL) (“Canntab”) are pleased to announce the receipt of Health Canada approval for research and development activities on oral sustained release formulations of cannabinoids (the “Sustained Release Product” or the “Product”), which are the proprietary products conceived by Canntab representing significant progress in Emblem and Canntab’s partnership to develop long-acting cannabis formulations.

“Product innovation, new formulations and dosage forms are critical pillars in Emblem’s competitive strength and growth strategy. Our licence agreement with Canntab is an important step in this direction. We believe that cannabis medications need to be in precise, dose-controlled formats supported by pharmacokinetic, dosing and clinical data to be most consistent, effective, and broadly accepted by prescribers and their patients,” said Nick Dean, President and CEO of Emblem. “We are thrilled that Health Canada has approved the research and development phase of our partnership with Canntab. The introduction of Canntab’s sustained release formulation presents a significant growth opportunity for Emblem.”

Canntab has brought development and processing equipment to Emblem’s Paris, Ontario location and will begin making the first pivotal batch of the Product this week using its patented technology and proprietary processes. This initial batch will undergo rigorous testing both internally by Emblem and Canntab and externally by third-party laboratories. Upon achievement of the Product‘s target design criteria, Emblem and Canntab intend to submit a full dossier to Health Canada for review and approval.

“The extended release tablet is the perfect pharmaceutical dosage form. It’s a game changer for the medical community and solves many problems for patients. We are excited to be working with Emblem to bring this innovative product to market,” says Jeffrey Renwick, CEO of Canntab.

Emblem and Canntab entered a collaboration and licensing agreement (the “Agreement”) in October 2017 related to development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, and commercialization of Canntab’s patent-pending Sustained Release Product.

Emblem and Canntab intend to collaborate on the preclinical formulation, clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization of a range of additional cannabinoid containing pharmaceutical formulations.

Background on Cannabinoids

There is evidence that cannabinoids are effective for the treatment of a number of conditions, including (i) chronic pain, (ii) nausea, (iii) sleep disorders, and (iv) spasticity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Most conventional (immediate release) dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, release the active drug component immediately after oral administration. In the formulation of conventional drug products, no deliberate effort is made to modify the drug release rate. Sustained release dosage forms are designed to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient at a predetermined rate in order to maintain a constant drug concentration over a specific period of time – resulting in a longer duration of action from a single dose and often with reduced side effects. Generally, this is done to achieve an improved therapeutic outcome and/or to enhance patient compliance. Immediate release dosage forms of cannabinoids tend to lose therapeutic effects in 4 to 6 hours requiring subsequent re-administration and the risk of reduced patient compliance.

Canntab’s Sustained Release Product is designed to release the cannabinoid content over a period of at least 12 hours. Sustained release formulations of pharmaceutical products are particularly valuable in the treatment of chronic conditions, such as chronic pain, where patients tend to need “around the clock” relief. There is evidence that cannabis is effective for the treatment of numerous conditions including neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is estimated to affect over two million Canadians and the pharmaceutical market addressing the needs of those patients was about $500 million in 2016.

About Canntab

Canntab Therapeutics Limited is a Canadian cannabis oral dosage formulation company based in Markham Ontario, engaged in the research and development of advanced pharmaceutical grade formulations of cannabinoids. Canntab has developed in-house technology to deliver standardized medical cannabis extract from selective strains in a variety of extended/sustained release pharmaceutical dosages for therapeutic use. Canntab’s mission is to put the “Medical” into medicinal cannabis. Canntab trades under the ticker symbol PILL on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

About Emblem

Emblem Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary Emblem Cannabis Corporation, is a fully integrated LP (licensed producer) and distributor of medical cannabis and cannabis derivatives in Canada under the ACMPR (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations). Led by a team of cannabis experts and former health care and pharma executives, it has three distinct verticals – cannabis production, patient education centers, and pharmaceutical dosage form development. Emblem trades under the ticker symbol EMC on the TSX Venture Exchange.

For further information contact:

Jeffrey Renwick
Chief Executive Officer
Canntab Therapeutics Ltd.
289.301.3812
jeff@canntab.ca

Cory Pala
Director, Investor Relations
Emblem Corp.
416.657.2400
cory.pala@evestor.com

Ethan Karayannopoulos
Investor Relations
Emblem Corp.
647.748.9696
ethank@emblemcorp.com

Alex Stojanovic
Chief Financial Officer
Emblem Corp.
416.923.1331
alexs@emblemcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things: (i) the Agreement with Canntab; (ii) the benefits of the relationship with Canntab; (iii) the potential market accessible through the arrangement with Canntab; (iv) the receipt of Health Canada approval of the Product; (v) the ability of the Company and Canntab to sell the Product to the public; (vi) the ability of Canntab to protect the intellectual property rights in the Product; (vii) the benefits associated with cannabinoids for the treatment of illness and disease; and (viii) receipt of approval from Health Canada to complete such activities.

Management of the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Various material factors and assumptions are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Those material factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to the Company, including data from publicly available governmental sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which Emblem believes to be reasonable. However, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics, such data is inherently imprecise. While Emblem is not aware of any misstatement regarding any industry or government data presented herein, the medical marijuana industry involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors.

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in the Company’s annual information form dated October 18, 2017 and in the Company’s short form prospectus dated January 29, 2018 both of which have been filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

Certain information contained herein is based on, or derived from, information provided by independent third-party sources. Emblem believes that such information is accurate and that the sources from which it has been obtained are reliable. Emblem cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, however, and has not independently verified the assumptions on which such information is based. Emblem does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.

Primary Logo

 

Source: GlobeNewswire (May 14, 2018 – 8:00 AM EDT)

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Green Table Wraps Up a Successful LA Dinner

Green Table recently hosted The Business of Cannabis event in Los Angeles between April 29 and May 1, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, politicians, influencers, and social justice activists. The unique event, featuring celebrities Jim Belushi and Kevin O’Leary, provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and resources in a setting that displays the professionalism and character of the industry’s new leaders.

There were many different companies that presented during the dinner series spanning several cannabis sub-sectors, including:

GCH – A global holding company that provides and manages brand IP, financing, operational SOPs, and a broad range of professional services to licensed partners, including Willie’s Reserve.

Tributary Real Estate – A commercial real estate firm specializing in investments, development, and brokerage within the cannabis industry, as well as a partner for The Green Solution (TGS) in both Colorado and nationwide.

1906 – A developer of high-quality cannabis edibles created with discerning, high-functioning adults in mind. They combine the pleasure of low-dose cannabis with specific functional benefits for fast-acting and consistent experiences.

JM10 Partners – A leading investment fund focused on emerging leaders in the cannabis space, including private companies in the United States. With 12 investments, the company provides a significant network and competitive advantage for its portfolio.

RISE Life Science – A health and wellness company focused on cannabis-based and non-cannabis-based products targeting a wide array of health conditions. Initially, the company is focused on sexual health and wellness products.

MariMed – A leading public company focused on developing and managing state-of-the-art regulatory-compliant facilities in several states. The company is focused on cultivation, product development, and dispensary operations.

Green Table produces several exclusive events in cities throughout the United States to educate investors and thought leaders on opportunities within the maturing cannabis industry. The events are the brainchild of Gregg Schreiber, a former Managing Director at Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, and Bill Marcus, who is a Senior Managing Director at Young America Capital and has helped manage and raise capital for many companies.

The company is currently planning a July event that is likely to be in conjunction with the espys in LA, as well as a summer event that will be held in Malibu in August. Future conferences are also planned in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Miami this year.

If you’re interested in attending future events or scheduling an event for your city, visit Green Table’s website for more information at www.greentableglobal.com.

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House Committee Approves Historic Medical Cannabis Research Bill

There is no doubt that public support for cannabis legalization has been gaining momentum. According to Gallup, support for legalization has risen from less than 50 percent prior to 2010 to more than 64 percent by early 2018. The rise of Republican support to more than 50 percent in 2017 marked a key turning point since bipartisan bills could gain support.

Hundreds of cannabis reform bills have been filed in Congress over the years, but not a single one has ever been put to a vote – until now.

A House committee approved cannabis law reform legislation last Tuesday for the first time in history without attaching the measure to any larger bill. With broad bipartisan support, the bill signals that Congress could be ready to tackle real cannabis reforms.

The new bill, filed by Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Phil Roe (R-TN) and Tim Walz (D-MN) along with more than 50 cosponsors, would encourage the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to conduct research on cannabis’ medical benefits. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a companion bill in the Senate on Monday, as well.

What in the Bill?

While, Veterans’ Affairs is already allowed to participate in cannabis research, the new bill would strongly encourage reluctant leadership to research whole plant marijuana and extracts involving at least three different strains of cannabis with significant variants in phenotypic traits and various ratios of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in chemical composition.

The research would be focused on examining varying methods of cannabis delivery, including topical applications, combustible, and noncombustible inhalation, and ingestion. While smoking cannabis has been the most popular consumption method, new forms of cannabis delivery technologies could provider greater benefits with a lower risk.

The VA would be required to preserve all of the data that it collects from the studies and issue a report to Congress within 180 days that includes a plan to implement the research. The VA would also have to send updates no less than annually for a period of five years.

What it Means

The new bill may not be a comprehensive bill legalizing medical cannabis research nationwide, but it’s a starting point that highlights growing bipartisan support for the movement.

Many cannabis advocates hope that the new research bill will go one step further and compel the VA to begin letting doctors issuing recommendations for military veterans in states where the drug has been legalized. By comparison, the current bill only supports the research of medical cannabis without guaranteeing that it will ever be prescribed.

Cannabis advocates and other industry participants will be keeping a close eye on these developments over the coming months as Congressional support for cannabis legalization appears to be on the rise.

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Aurora Cannabis to Acquire MedReleaf

Transaction to Create Preeminent Global Cannabis Company

EDMONTON and MARKHAM, ON , May 14, 2018 /CNW/ – Aurora Cannabis Inc. (“Aurora”) (ACB.TO) and MedReleaf Corp. (“MedReleaf”) (LEAF.TO) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) whereby Aurora intends to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of MedReleaf in an all-share transaction valued at approximately C$3.2 billion on a fully diluted basis (the “Transaction”).

Proposed Transaction

Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, holders of MedReleaf common shares will receive 3.575 common shares of Aurora for each MedReleaf common share held (the “Exchange Ratio”). Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Aurora and MedReleaf shareholders would own approximately 61% and 39% of the pro forma company, respectively, on a fully diluted basis.

The Exchange Ratio implies a price of C$29.44 per MedReleaf common share and a premium of approximately 34%, based on the 20-day volume weighted average prices of Aurora and MedReleaf common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of May 11, 2018 .

Highlights of the Transaction

The proposed Transaction brings together two of Canada’s premier cannabis companies with fully-aligned strategic visions and production philosophies, as well as complementary assets, distribution networks, products, and capabilities. The combined company will meet what Aurora and MedReleaf management teams consider to be the critical success factors in the industry, creating a powerful platform for accelerated growth on a global scale:

  • Industry leading scalethe Transaction brings together two leading operators with a total funded capacity of over 570,000 kg per year of high-quality cannabis, through nine facilities in Canada and two in Denmark .
  • Low production costs and industry leading yields: Aurora’s automated greenhouses are expected to deliver industry-leading efficiency and low production costs, delivering sustainably robust margins. MedReleaf’s high-yield cultivation is expected to further enhance productivity and reduce costs across the combined entity’s facilities.
  • Extensive distribution channels in Canada and internationally: the two companies have established distribution agreements with Alberta’s Alcanna (formerly Liquor Stores), Quebec’s SAQ, Pharmasave and Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada , among others. Additionally, the companies have a rapidly growing international footprint through a network of in-country sales and distribution capabilities and supply and licensing agreements on five continents, including countries such as Germany , Italy , Brazil and Australia . Both companies are actively engaged in initiatives to further expand their international activities.
  • Proven execution and agility across the value chain: creating a combined company, fully integrated across the entire value chain. The combined entity will be enabled to move with more agility and speed to capitalize on diversified opportunities in both the domestic and international markets, and create new, higher-margin opportunities across the value chain.
  • Enhanced diversification: a more broadly diversified portfolio of award-winning high-quality flower and derivative products will enable the companies to establish strong brands across the various market segments.
  • Brand leadership: three established medical brands, Aurora, CanniMed and MedReleaf, coupled with a portfolio of consumer and wellness brands – San Rafael ’71, Woodstock , and AltaVie – all backed by detailed consumer and marketplace insights and advanced analytical frameworks.
  • Innovation and R&D excellence: the expanded scientific team will focus on developing a robust pipeline of marketable IP, accessing higher-margin segments and new revenue streams. Aurora’s Medical Centre of Excellence, formed through the combination of the Aurora and CanniMed science and product development teams, together with MedReleaf’s ongoing studies with recognized research institutes, are expected to continue to evolve product innovation and create additional momentum for brand equity development on a global scale.
  • Enhanced capital markets profile: the combined entity’s expanded capital markets profile is expected to appeal to a broader shareholder audience, enhance trading liquidity and increase weighting in index tracking portfolios.

“This is a transformational transaction that brings together two pioneering cannabis companies, both committed to high technology, high quality and low cost production, to create a powerful platform for accelerated growth and success on a global scale,” said Terry Booth , CEO of Aurora. “Our complementary assets, strategic synergies, and strong market positioning will provide us with critical mass and an excellent product portfolio in preparation for the adult consumer use market in Canada . Equally, the combination strengthens our capacity to service the rapidly expanding global medical cannabis markets, and amplifies our early-mover advantage. We are very excited about the combination of our respective science and R&D teams, which will position us exceptionally well for the development of high value-added products, addressing as yet unmet needs in the medical markets, and driving continued innovation for the adult consumer use market.”

Neil Closner , CEO of MedReleaf, added, “MedReleaf was founded on the belief that by striving to be the Medical Grade Standard and bringing the highest level of quality and rigor to the cannabis industry, we would produce safe, consistent, and effective products that help improve the quality of life of our patients and, in time, provide an unrivaled experience for the adult use consumer. This, in turn, would drive growth and opportunity for our business. By combining with Aurora, an integrated producer with an exceptionally strong track record for execution, and deep domestic and international distribution capabilities, we will be ideally positioned to set the global standard for our industry at a pace that will be difficult to match.”

Board of Directors’ Recommendations

The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Aurora and MedReleaf, and each board recommends that their respective shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction.

The board of directors of MedReleaf and the special committee of the MedReleaf board of directors have obtained a fairness opinion from each of Canaccord Genuity Corp. and GMP Securities L.P. that, as of the date of the opinions, and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications on which such opinions are based, the consideration to be received by MedReleaf’s shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the MedReleaf shareholders. The board of directors of Aurora has obtained an opinion from BMO Capital Markets that, as of the date of the opinion, and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications on which such opinion is based, the Exchange Ratio provided for in the Arrangement Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to Aurora.

 

Transaction Summary

The Transaction will be effected by way of a plan of arrangement completed under the Business Corporations Act ( Ontario ). The Transaction will require approval by at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by the shareholders of MedReleaf present at a special meeting of MedReleaf shareholders. The issuance of Aurora common shares in connection with the Transaction will require the approval of a simple majority of the shareholders of Aurora present at a special meeting. Directors and officers of Aurora and MedReleaf have entered into support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in favour of the Transaction. In addition, holders of approximately 56% of MedReleaf’s issued and outstanding common shares have entered into irrevocable hard lock-ups to vote their shares in favour of the Transaction.

Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of directors of Aurora will be increased to 8 members, with Norma Beauchamp and Ronald Funk , currently independent Directors of MedReleaf, to be appointed to the board of directors of Aurora.

The Arrangement Agreement includes customary provisions including reciprocal non-solicitation provisions, subject to the right of each of MedReleaf and Aurora to accept a superior proposal in certain circumstances, with both Aurora and MedReleaf having a five business day right to match any such superior proposal for the other party. The Arrangement Agreement also provides for reciprocal termination fees of C$80 million if the Transaction is terminated in certain specified circumstances, as well as the payment of a C$15 million expense reimbursement fee if the Transaction is terminated in certain other specified circumstances.

In addition to shareholder approvals, the Transaction is subject to the receipt of certain regulatory court and stock exchange approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions customary in transactions of this nature.

Further information regarding the Transaction will be included in the information circulars that Aurora and MedReleaf will prepare, file, and mail in due course to their respective shareholders in connection with their special meetings to be held to consider the Transaction. The Arrangement Agreement will be filed on the SEDAR profiles of MedReleaf and Aurora on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon the exemption from such registration requirements provided by Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Advisors and Counsel

BMO Capital Markets is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Aurora. McMillan LLP is acting as legal counsel to Aurora.

Canaccord Genuity is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to the special committee of the board of directors of MedReleaf, who also received an independent fairness opinion from GMP Securities, and an independent financial diligence report from Deloitte LLP. Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as legal counsel to MedReleaf. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal counsel to shareholders of MedReleaf.

Press Conference and Analyst Call

Aurora and MedReleaf will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time , details of which have been disseminated via media advisory. The presentation and multi-media assets will be available athttps://investor.auroramj.com/#/investor-info#aurora-medreleaf

Conference Call and Webcast Access Information

Aurora and MedReleaf will host a webcast conference call, including a slide presentation, to discuss the transaction on Monday, May 14, 2018 , at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time .

Participants may join the conference call by dialing (888) 231-8191 or (647) 427-7450.

A live webcast of the conference call, including the slide presentation, will be available at https://bit.ly/2wB9U4z. Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software downloads that may be required to join the webcast. To view the webcast presentation with slides, please choose either the Real Streaming Audio or Windows Streaming Audio option.

About Aurora

Aurora’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Enterprises Inc., is a licensed producer of medical cannabis pursuant to Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”). The Company operates a 55,200 square foot, state-of-the-art production facility in Mountain View County, Alberta , known as “Aurora Mountain”, and a second 40,000 square foot high-technology production facility known as “Aurora Vie” in Pointe-Claire, Quebec on Montreal’s West Island. In January 2018 , Aurora’s 800,000 square foot flagship cultivation facility, Aurora Sky, located at the Edmonton International Airport, was licensed. Once at full capacity, Aurora Sky is expected to produce over 100,000 kg per annum of cannabis. Aurora is completing a facility in Lachute, Quebec utilizing its wholly owned subsidiary Aurora Larssen Projects Inc.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary CanniMed Therapeutics Inc. (“CanniMed”) is Canada’s most experienced licensed producer of medical cannabis, with over 20,000 kg per annum in funded capacity. CanniMed forms the heart of Aurora’s Medical Cannabis Centre of Excellence, aimed at product and market development.

Aurora also owns Berlin -based Pedanios GmbH, the leading wholesale importer, exporter, and distributor of medical cannabis in the European Union. The Company owns 51% of Aurora Nordic, which will be constructing a 1,000,000 square foot hybrid greenhouse in Odense, Denmark . The Company offers further differentiation through its acquisition of BC Northern Lights Ltd. and Urban Cultivator Inc., industry leaders, respectively, in the production and sale of proprietary systems for the safe, efficient and high-yield indoor cultivation of cannabis, and in state-of-the-art indoor gardening appliances for the cultivation of organic microgreens, vegetables and herbs in home and professional kitchens.

Aurora holds a 25% ownership interest in Alcanna Inc. (formerly Liquor Stores N.A.), (TSX:CLIQ) who are developing a cannabis retail network in Western Canada . In addition, the Company holds approximately 17.23% of the issued shares in extraction technology company Radient Technologies Inc, and has a strategic investment in Hempco Food and Fiber Inc., with options to increase ownership stake to over 50%. Aurora is also the cornerstone investor in two other licensed producers, with a 22.9% stake in Cann Group Limited, the first Australian company licensed to conduct research on and cultivate medical cannabis, and a 17.62% stake in Canadian producer The Green Organic Dutchman Ltd., with options to increase to majority ownership.

Aurora’s Common Shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “ACB”, and are a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index

About MedReleaf

Voted Top Licensed Producer at the 2017 Lift Canadian Cannabis Awards, MedReleaf is an R&D-driven company dedicated to innovation, operational excellence and the production of top-quality cannabis. Sourced from around the world and carefully cultivated in one of two state of the art ICH-GMP and ISO 9001 certified facilities in Ontario, the Company delivers a variety of premium products for the global medical market and is committed to serving the therapeutic needs of its medical patients and providing a compelling product assortment for the adult-use recreational consumer. For more information on MedReleaf, its products, research and how the company is helping patients #livefree, please visit MedReleaf.com or follow @medreleaf.

Forward looking statements

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “potential”, “believe”, “intend” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to accretive earnings, anticipated benefits associated with the acquisition of MedReleaf, statements with respect to the effect of the Transaction on the combined company and its strategy going forward, the completion of any capital project or expansions, the timing for the completion of the Transaction; the consideration to be received by shareholders of MedReleaf, which may fluctuate in value due to Aurora common shares forming the consideration; the satisfaction of closing conditions including, without limitation (i) required Aurora and MedReleaf shareholder approvals; (ii) necessary court approval in connection with the plan of arrangement, (iii) receipt of any required approvals under the Competition Act; (iv) certain termination rights available to the parties under the Arrangement Agreement; (v) Aurora obtaining the necessary approvals from the TSX for the listing of its common shares in connection with the Transaction; and (vi) other closing conditions, including, without limitation, compliance by Aurora and MedReleaf with various covenants contained in the Arrangement Agreement. In particular, there can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed. Forward looking statements are based on certain assumptions regarding Aurora and MedReleaf, including expected growth, results of operations, performance, industry trends and growth opportunities. While Aurora and MedReleaf consider these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally, income tax and regulatory matters; the ability of Aurora to implement its business strategies; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations and other risks.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. Aurora and MedReleaf disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters referred to above and elsewhere in Aurora’s MedReleaf’s public filings and the material change reports that will be filed in respect of this Transaction, which are, or will be, available on SEDAR.

Notice to U.S. Holders. Both Aurora and MedReleaf have been formed outside of the United States . Transaction will be subject to disclosure requirements of Canada that are different from those of the United States . Financial statements included in the documents, if any, will be prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards and may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies. It may be difficult for a securityholder in the United States to enforce his/her/its rights and any claim a securityholder may have arising under the U.S. federal securities laws, since the companies are located in Canada , and some or all of their officers or directors may be residents of Canada or another country outside of the United States . A securityholder may not be able to sue a Canadian company or its officers or directors in a court in Canada or elsewhere outside of the United States for violations of U.S. securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a Canadian company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court’s judgment.

AURORA CANNABIS INC.

MEDRELEAF CORP.

Terry Booth

Neil Closner

CEO

CEO

Cision
Cision

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurora-cannabis-to-acquire-medreleaf-300647512.html

SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.

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The Green Organic Dutchman Appoints Cam Battley to Board of Directors

TORONTO, May 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “TGOD”) (TSX:TGOD) is pleased to announce the addition of Cam Battley to TGOD’s Board of Directors.

Cam Battley is Chief Corporate Officer at Aurora Cannabis Inc. (“Aurora”)(TSX:ACB), where he is the lead external-facing executive, responsible for establishing and managing relationships with various stakeholders operating in the cannabis sector. Mr. Battley is a member of the Board of Directors of Cannabis Canada, the trade association of Licensed Producers. With a background as a health sector management consultant, he combines experience in government, health care NGOs, and the biopharmaceutical industry. Mr. Battley joined TGOD’s Board of Directors effective May 1, 2018.

“TGOD is very pleased with the addition of Cam to our Board, representing our strategic partner Aurora Cannabis. His extensive industry experience will be of great value to the Board as we continue executing on the Company’s strategic goals,” said Robert Anderson, TGOD’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.
Robert Anderson
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman

ABOUT THE GREEN ORGANIC DUTCHMAN HOLDINGS LTD.

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. is a research & development company licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) to cultivate medical cannabis. The Company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis from its facilities in Ancaster, Ont., pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and its regulations.

The Company grows high quality, organic cannabis with sustainable, all-natural principles. TGOD’s products are laboratory tested to ensure patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD has a funded capacity of 116,000 kg and is building 970,000 sq. ft. of cultivation facilities in Ontario and Quebec.

The Company has developed a strategic partnership with Aurora whereby Aurora has invested approximately C$78.1 million for an approximate 17.5% stake in TGOD. To date, the Company has raised approximately C$290 million dollars and has over 5,000 shareholders.

TGOD’s Common Shares and warrants issued under the indenture dated November 1, 2017 trade on the TSX under the symbol “TGOD” and “TGOD.WT”, respectively.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Investor Relations
Email: invest@tgod.ca
Phone: 1 (416) 900-7621

www.tgod.ca

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities of TGOD have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities of TGOD may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of TGOD in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

This news release includes statements containing certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law (“forward-looking statements”). Forward looking statements in this release  includes, but is not limited to, statements about the future performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Toronto Stock Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Primary Logo

 

Source: GlobeNewswire (May 11, 2018 – 8:00 AM EDT)

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Future Farm Sells 10% Ownership Interest in Arizona Medical Marijuana Cultivation and Processing Management Company to Solis Tek

Vancouver, British Columbia, May 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Future Farm”) (CSE: FFT) (OTCQX: FFRMF) is pleased to announce that, on May 8, 2018, it closed on its previously announced cash investment of $500,000 for a 10% interest in YLK Partners NV, LLC, an Arizona-based company that has in place a management services agreement to provide turn-key services for the management, administration and operation of a licensed medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility being developed in Arizona (the “Arizona Facility”).  Future Farm is also pleased to announce that on May 10, 2018 it sold that 10% interest to Solis Tek, Inc. (“Solis Tek”) (OTCQB: SLTK), a vertically integrated cannabis technology innovator, manufacturer and distributor. Solis Tek has acquired all of the outstanding interest in YLK Partners NV, LLC and plans to develop the 70,000 square foot Arizona Facility into one of the most technologically advanced cultivation and processing facilities in Arizona.   Solis Tek has issued 500,000 warrants exercisable at $0.01 per share to Future Farm as consideration for the interest.

Yorkville Advisors Global, LP (“Yorkville”) and its affiliates, who have provided significant financing support to Future Farm, are also providing the financing to Solis Tek for the Arizona project. For more information on that financing and on Solis Tek, please visit their website at https://solis-tek.com/.

“We are thrilled to have this investment in Arizona quickly become an opportunity to obtain a significant ownership position in Solis Tek,” says Bill Gildea, Future Farm’s Chairman and CEO.  “We have come to know Alan Lien and his team at Solis Tek well over the past months.  They are impressive developers and operators of cannabis cultivation and production facilities.  We look forward to working with them in Arizona and on other opportunities in the future.”

For further information, contact William Gildea, Director, at (888) 387-3761.

On behalf of the Board,

Future Farm Technologies Inc.

William Gildea, Chairman and CEO

About Future Farm Technologies Inc.

Future Farm is a Canadian company with holdings throughout North America including California, Massachusetts, Florida, Maine, Puerto Rico and Newfoundland. The Company’s mission is to advance sustainable agriculture through production of wholesale and retail cannabis products, including hemp. As a leader in its field, Future Farm is committed to using only the highest quality processes and products. Towards this goal, the Company acquires or partners with licensed cannabis operators, and acquires or develops leading technologies in cannabis production, breeding, genetics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Future Farm’s scalable, indoor CEA systems utilize minimal land, water and energy resources. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generates yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking.  Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions.  There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties.  We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

William Gildea, CEO & Chairman
888-387-3761
bill@futurefarmtech.com

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Source: GlobeNewswire (May 11, 2018 – 8:30 AM EDT)

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Maricann Group Announces Closing of Haxxon Acquisition

TORONTO, May 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maricann Group Inc. (CSE:MARI) (FRANKFURT:75M) (OTCMKTS:MRRCF)  (“Maricann” or “the Company”), is pleased to announce it has completed the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Haxxon AG (“Haxxon”). The acquisition of Haxxon forms a critical element of the Company’s European expansion strategy. Maricann is now positioned to enter the Swiss market through Haxxon’s production of feminized high CBD cannabis plants.  Haxxon operates within a 6,000 sq. m. (~64,500 sq. ft.) indoor facility in Regensdorf, Switzerland; an industrial suburb of Zurich, located less than 10 minutes from the airport.

“A phenomenon has occurred in Switzerland, where people are substituting or modifying tobacco consumption with low THC cannabis (less than 1% THC). We are executing our strategy with the goal of becoming a meaningful leader in this category, in Switzerland and across Europe. Normal distribution of cannabis products in retail outlets across Switzerland gives us an opportunity to bring an elevated standard of product to the market, thereby enhancing the consumer’s experience of cannabis.” Commented Ben Ward, CEO of Maricann.

Haxxon was acquired for CHF 2,000,000 (~$2,580,000 CAD) in cash and 3,848,505 common shares of the Company to be issued and delivered within 10 business days of closing. Up to an additional 132,707 common shares are issuable after the second anniversary of the closing of the transaction, provided certain representations and warranties of the seller remain in good standing.

About Maricann Group Inc.

Maricann is a vertically integrated producer and distributor of marijuana for medical purposes. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and Munich, Germany, with production facilities in Langton, Ontario, Canada where it operates a medicinal cannabis cultivation, extraction, formulation and distribution business under federal licence from the Government of Canada, and Dresden, Saxony, Germany. Maricann is currently undertaking an expansion of its cultivation and support facilities in Canada in a 942,000 sq. ft. (87,515 sq. m) build out, to support existing and future patient growth.

For more information about Maricann, please visit our website at www.maricann.com

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this document, including, without limitation, statements with respect to Haxxon, its future activities, including cultivation of feminized low THC cannabis plants  and other subjects, contain forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “desires”, “will”, “should”, “projects”, “estimates”, “contemplates”, “anticipates”, “intends”, or any negative such as “does not believe” or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. No assurance can be given that potential future results or circumstances described in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. By their nature, these forward-looking statements, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed herein, that could cause actual results to significantly differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the view of the Company with respect to its operations, expansion project, Haxxon, Haxxon’s future activities and other future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions, which it considers reasonable. In the case of Haxxon future activities, management has based its statements in part on current and historical activities of Haxxon and assumed its business will be successfully continued, expanded and integrated to Maricann’s business. Management cautions readers that the assumptions relative to the future events, several of which are beyond Management’s control, could prove to be incorrect, given that they are subject to certain risk and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: inability for Maricann to integrate Haxxon and realize the benefits of the acquisition of Haxxon, fluctuations in operating results; the impact of general economic, industry and market conditions; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow; increased levels of outstanding debt and obligations under a capital lease; failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; risks inherent to building and bringning into production new facilities;  uncertainties with respect to estimated production capacity based on designs and plans; expectations regarding market demand for particular products and the dependence on new product development; the impact of market change; and the impact of price and product competition and other risks identified in the Company’s latest annual information form and other disclosure documents filed under its profile at www.sedar.com. Management disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Investor Relations
Graham Farrell
Director of Investor Relations
graham@maricann.com
647-643-7665

Corporate Headquarters (Canada)
Maricann Group Inc. (Toronto)
845 Harrington Court, Unit 3
Burlington Ontario L7N 3P3
Canada
289-288-6274

European Headquarters (Germany)
Maricann GmbH
Thierschstrasse 3, 80538 Munchen, Deutschland

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Village Farms: Bringing 30 Years of Mega-Scale Agricultural Production to Cannabis

The Canadian cannabis industry is projected to reach C$9 billion or more in sales over the coming years, not counting ancillary products and services. With recreational legalization coming later this year, many analysts are projecting an initial — and potentially protracted — shortfall in supply, despite rising production, funded expansions, and yield improvements. The problem is that many licensed producers are struggling to effectively scale up their operations as they had originally projected, learning that there’s much more to it than building a greenhouse. The risks are great, as in many cases supply agreements have been signed and large amounts of cannabis have been promised.

Village Farms International Inc. (TSX: VFF) (OTCQX: VFFIF) has a 30-year history in large — some would say — mega-scale hydroponics, 750 years of combined master grower experience, and 10.5 million sq. ft. of greenhouse capacity, located in both Canada and the United States. In its new joint venture, the company will apply its years of experience to the rapidly growing cannabis industry in Canada with the potential to scale up to more than 300,000 kilograms of production per year. That production level could be reached by converting all of Village Farms’ existing 4.8 million square foot greenhouse complex in Delta, B.C., the largest single site greenhouse operation in Canada, to cannabis.

Village Farms’ Pure Sunfarms Cannabis Project

Village Farms is one of the largest producers of premium-quality, greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers in North America — sold through the top grocers — and consumed by you and me and everyone reading this. These vegetables are grown hydroponically in a glass-enclosed high-tech environment using sophisticated computer systems to control irrigation, fertilizers, carbon dioxide, light, temperature, ventilation, humidity, and other climatic factors, which leads to superior taste, quality and consistency.

Now, with its deep history of success in large-scale greenhouse operations, Village Farms is ideally positioned to capitalize on the rapidly growing cannabis industry in Canada. The company has established a joint venture with Emerald Health Therapeutics, a licensed producer under the ACMPR. Under the agreement, Emerald contributed C$20 million in cash and Village Farms contributed an existing greenhouse with 1.1 million square feet of capacity to a new entity called Pure Sunfarms that will become a vertically-integrated, large-scale, low-cost supplier of high-quality cannabis. Leveraging Village Farms’ tremendous operational know-how and Emerald Health’s significant cannabis expertise, the Pure Sunfarms’ goal is to produce high quality cannabis for less than $1/gram at full production. Conservative estimates place full production levels at more than 75,000 kg/year for the initial 1.1 million square foot facility.

Pure Sunfarms’ Delta3 greenhouse

Pure Sunfarms received a cultivation license in March, 2018, for the initial 1.1 million square foot greenhouse. Until last November, the greenhouse was a fully operational tomato facility but it takes some retrofitting to make it optimized for year-round cannabis production and continuous harvesting. The first 250,000 square foot retrofit is substantially completed. The rest of the 1.1 million square feet will be finished in stages throughout 2018 and is anticipated to be fully complete and operational by the end of the year. Pure Sunfarms has agreed to sell 40% of its production in 2018 and 2019 at a fixed price to Emerald Health, accounting for about 21,000 to 24,000 kilograms using current and conservative production estimates.

“Pure Sunfarms’ agreement to supply Emerald with a portion of Pure Sunfarms’ projected production provides a strong initial revenue stream for our shared joint venture, while allowing flexibility to capitalize on other sales opportunities as we continue discussions with multiple parties including provincial governments and other licensed producers,” said Michael DeGiglio , Director, Pure Sunfarms, and CEO, Village Farms.

Village Farms’ Institutional Advantage

It is not easy to grow plants on a massive scale, and it’s just as difficult to run a company that does so. Village Farms has been doing this for decades and has learned many difficult lessons that other licensed producers are only beginning to encounter.

One major challenge — and Village Farms’ CEO Mike DeGiglio would argue, the most important —  that is easy to overlook is that of staffing and managing the labor for such a large operation where the task is to grow living things that are susceptible to disease, stress and pests. To be sure, greenhouses are not widget factories with automated production lines. All kinds of headaches can arise as a producer ramps up from small-scale to large-scale production, and finding and training a reliable, knowledgeable workforce — and keeping them — is chief among them. When Village Farms built its most recent greenhouse in Texas a few years ago, the company went through literally thousands of workers to establish a stable workforce, highlighting the difficulty of finding the right employees. The Pure Sunfarms facility comes stocked with just such an experienced, reliable workforce already in place, which should avoid some of the growing pains that other producers are likely to experience.

Another underestimated challenge is that of regulatory compliance and safety — always of critical importance for any product ingested by people. Considering some of the widely documented pesticide related recalls in the cannabis industry, the fact that Village Farms has been safely producing food plants for 30 years without incident is reassuring. The company’s VP of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Michael Bledsoe, is a renowned expert and advocate for the research and registration of safe pesticides, sitting on the USDA’s IR-4 Governing Board and often providing his expertise to Canada’s counterpart, the PMC. He has also begun discussions with Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency to register Canada’s first conventional fungicide for cannabis.

As the recreational marketing in Canada looms, the big question is how successful licensed producers will be at actually meeting their cultivation targets. It’s easy to throw money at building a high-tech cultivation facility, but hiring employees, managing them effectively, and continuously harvesting massive quantities of high quality cannabis in full regulatory compliance is another matter. Many licensed producers have run small-scale operations, but haven’t proven their ability to efficiently scale up much larger.

Village Farms has a proven track record in this regard which could serve to de-risk its production and expansion plans. Factor in the likely commoditization of cannabis flower as the market matures and supply meets demand, and the company’s long experience in producing high quality, low cost agricultural products looks even more attractive.  

Possibilities Beyond Canada

Village Farms International Inc. (TSX: VFF)  (OTCQX: VFFIF) represents a compelling investment opportunity in Canada’s rapidly growing cannabis industry, offering more experience in large-scale agricultural production than any current competitor. There is also the potential for expansion into other markets as the global wave of legalization progresses.

In Texas, for instance, the company owns four facilities with a total of 5.7 million sq. ft. of growing space on 130 acres. If the U.S. legalizes cannabis on a federal level, the company is well positioned to expand into the U.S. market in a big way and generate additional value. Importantly, Village Farms’ U.S. properties are not part of the Canadian joint venture agreement and are free to be developed independently should the opportunity arise. To be clear, the company is not pursuing any U.S. cannabis business while the plant remains federally illegal.

For more information, visit the company’s website or download their investor presentation.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Koios Subsidiary, Cannavated, To Develop Line Of Cannabis Functional Beverages

VANCOUVER, BC, May 10, 2018 – Koios Beverage Corp. (CSE: KBEV; OTC: SNOVF) (the “Company” or “Koios”), is pleased to announce the creation of Cannavated Beverage Co. (“Cannavated”), a wholly-owned subsidiary that will be among the first companies to produce cannabis-infused beverages.

Koios brings its proven experience in the functional beverage industry to the growing cannabis sector. Cannavated drinks will have all of the nootropic health benefits of the winning Koios drink formula, and will target medical cannabis users, who have long called for more choice in the market.

“The industry has proven it is going in the direction of cannabis-infused drinks,” said Chris Miller, CEO of Koios. “It’s healthier. Nobody wants to smoke anymore. The market for beverages is vast, especially when you consider the aging population and the demand for medical cannabis among seniors.”

Cannavated’s longer-term plans include partnering with licensed producers, cultivators and other regulated cannabis companies who want to sell their own line of cannabis drinks. By entering into a “white labelling” turn-key agreement, companies will be able to sell Cannavated drinks under their own brand names and labels.

“We have used hemp oil in our previous product line due it’s cognitive benefits and perfect balance of omega’s,” added Miller. “Using our existing knowledge and experience in the beverage space not only allows us to help licensed producers, but to also reach a wider audience of health-conscious consumers.  We are especially excited about the possibility of combining CBDs with our proprietary nootropic blend to create a cannabis-based cognitive beverage.”

The introduction of Cannavated enables Koios to target a whole new demographic, increasing its market reach with a broader and expanding base of consumers. Market demand is expected to grow beyond medical users once the Canadian government legalizes cannabis for recreational use, likely to happen later this year.

The functional beverage market is quickly becoming the go-to drink-of-choice among a new generation of consumers who want low-calorie, nutrient-dense options. Koios will supply its proprietary nootropic recipes to Cannavated, ensuring the cannabis drinks have all of the nutrients and flavour that consumers have come to associate with the brand.

About the Company’s Business

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Koios, Inc., is an emerging functional beverage company which has an available distribution network of more than 2,000 retail locations across the United States in which to sell its products. Koios has relationships with some of the largest and most reputable distributors in the United States, including Europa Sports, Muscle Foods USA, KeHE, and Wishing-U-Well.  Together these distributors represent more than 80,000 bricks and mortar locations across the United States – from sports nutrition stores to large natural grocery chains including Whole Foods and Sunflower markets.  Through its partnership with Wishing-U-Well, Koios also enjoys a large presence online, including being an Amazon choice product.  

Koios uses a proprietary blend of nootropics and natural organic compounds to enhance human productivity without using harmful chemicals or stimulants.  Koios products can enhance focus, concentration, mental capacity, memory retention, cognitive function, alertness, brain capacity and create all day mental clarity.  Its ingredients are specifically designed to target brain function by increasing blood flow, oxygen levels and neural connections in the brain.  

Koios is one of the only drinks in the world to infuse its products with MCT oil.  MCT oil is derived from coconuts and has been shown to help the body burn fat more effectively, create lasting energy from a natural food source, produce ketones in the brain, allowing for greater brain function and clarity, support healthy hormone production and improve immunity. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.mentaltitan.com/

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company.

KOIOS BEVERAGE CORP.

“Chris Miller”
Chris Miller, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Paula Arab

Media and Investor Relations Strategist

paula.arab@koiosbeveragecorp.com

403-889-9128

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the statement that the Company’s subsidiary will produce cannabis-infused beverages; the statement that the Company will enter into agreements with licensed producers, cultivators and other regulated cannabis companies to produce cannabis-infused beverages; the statement that the market for cannabis-infused beverages is vast and growing; the statement that the legalization of the recreational use of cannabis in Canada is expected to occur later in 2018; and the statement that Cannavated will allow Koios to target a whole new demographic and increase the Company’s market reach. The forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the functional beverage market and the cannabis-infused beverage market; (iii) consumer acceptance and adoption of functional beverages and cannabis-infused beverages as compared to other beverages; (iv) changes to the proposed timeline of the Canadian federal government to pass legislation legalizing the adult recreational use of cannabis; (v) that the Company will not be able to enter into an agreement with a licensed producer, cultivator or other regulated cannabis company for the production of cannabis-infused beverages; (vi) changes to the regulations that apply to the Company and licensed producers, cultivators or other regulated cannabis companies or (vii) regulatory changes which may impact the functional beverage and cannabis-infused beverage market.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of such factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure outlined in the Company’s documents filed from time-to-time with the British Columbia Securities Commission on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Koios has not conducted any scientific studies on the effects of Koios’ products which have been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking Koios’ products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of Koios’ products on an individual’s health and wellbeing.

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NanoSphere Health Sciences: Advancing the Industry with Breakthrough Cannabinoid Delivery

The cannabis industry is projected to exceed $50 billion over the coming years, according to Cowen & Co., driven by the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis. While many investors are focused on cultivation and retail, there are several companies focused on solving key problems facing the industry that provide unique investment opportunities. A great example of an upcoming sector is advanced cannabinoid delivery, where there is a lot of room for improvement from current mainstream methods of consumption.

NanoSphere Health Sciences Inc. (CSE: NSHS) (OTC: NSHSF) is a biotech firm that has invented a next-generation, patented delivery platform – called the NanoSphere Delivery System™ – to vastly improve the delivery of a range of active compounds. The technology has the potential to reshape and reimagine industries such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and animal health.

Management recognized delivery needs within the burgeoning cannabis industry two years ago, and today the company’s cannabis brand Evolve Formulas has products in over 100 dispensaries in Colorado. With plans to expand the market far beyond Colorado, NanoSphere offers a commercial-stage opportunity in a crucial subset of the industry.

Cannabinoid Delivery Challenges

Cannabis has been legalized for medical use across 29 states and for recreational use across nine states. Despite these regional regulatory wins, cannabis remains illegal on a federal level. While advocates have been extremely successful in raising awareness of the drug’s potential to treat numerous medical conditions, cannabis has been a challenge for medical professionals and public health officials.

The lack of standardized doses or delivery methods make it difficult for physicians to accurately prescribe the drug even if they know that it may be safe and efficacious. For instance, researchers have found that the bioavailability of cannabinoids differs greatly between individuals and delivery methods. Bioavailability for smoking alone ranged between two percent and 56 percent due to intra and inter-subject variability.

Smoking cannabis has also become a major public health concern. Burning any kind of plant material is well known to release many toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and noxious gases, into the air. Individuals consuming cannabis can face many of the same symptoms of lung damage as tobacco smokers, while second-hand smoke is a major issue. This has led to growing demand for alternative delivery systems to mitigate these harmful effects. Still, with the plant federally illegal, these issues remain difficult to address from both an R&D and a regulatory perspective.

But, the good news is that change may finally be on the way. President Trump promised Republican Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) that the Department of Justice’s rescission of the Cole Memo would not impact Colorado’s legal industry, joining many other Republicans in putting states’ rights ahead of federal prohibition. At the same time, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested that he would be drafting a bill to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. That news surfaced shortly after Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced that he would co-sponsor Sen. Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) Marijuana Justice Act.

NanoSphere Delivery System™

NanoSphere Health Sciences’ NanoSphere Delivery System™ is designed to increase the bioavailability of hard-to-absorb nutrients, like fat-soluble vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, botanical extracts, and phytochemicals. The technology was initially designed for nutraceuticals, enabling consumers to realize more bioavailability than traditional methods without the need to swallow capsules or take tinctures.

The NanoSphere Delivery System™ works by nano-encapsulating active ingredients in lipid nanoparticles, enabling them to pass through the skin and mucosa into the bloodstream and cells. This significantly increases the bioavailability and bioactivity of these compounds compared to exposing them to the gastrointestinal tract where they are subject to first-pass metabolism in the liver. The enhanced bioavailability and bioactivity leads to better outcomes for consumers, such as rapid action and less adverse side effects.

On March 27, the company announced that it was granted U.S. Patent No. 9,925.149 covering the core technology behind the NanoSphere Delivery System™. The addition to the company’s intellectual property portfolio protects the invention for a prolonged period of time and opens the door to royalty income through potential and current licensing opportunities down the road across cannabinoid, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and other markets.

Applying the Technology

Since entering the cannabis market, the company has developed transdermal, intraoral, and intranasal products utilizing the NanoSphere Delivery System™ to transport cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream and to CB1 and CB2 receptors. The incorporation of the breakthrough technology enables precise, measurable doses and rapid absorption compared to other delivery methods. As a result, these products have become a valuable option for medical cannabis patients.

The company’s pioneering cannabis product, Transdermal NanoSerum™, is now available in 5 ml and 10 ml pen sizes in over 100 medical and recreational dispensaries in Colorado. The ingredients in NanoSerum™ are 100 percent natural and contaminant-free, made from biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials, which sets it apart from competing products.

Management plans to significantly increase the footprint of NanoSerum™ and its other products in the United States and around the world over the near-term.

Looking Ahead

NanoSphere Health Sciences Inc (CSE: NSHS) (OTC: NSHSF) represents a unique investment opportunity targeting both the medical and recreational cannabis markets. Using its industry-first NanoSphere Delivery System™ technology, the company delivers cannabinoids into circulation within minutes for fast-acting, effective relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The same technology is also being applied to recreational markets to help produce a better high.

In addition to over 100 dispensaries in Colorado, the company signed a recent licensing agreement in California and plans to launch its products into that market this summer. Management is also in negotiations with several other potential partners in the United States and around the world. Given the significant upcoming catalysts, NanoSphere Health Sciences  is a stock to watch closely.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.nanospherehealth.com.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Crop Announces Acquisition of a 30% Interest in California Cannabis Greenhouse Facility

May 9th 2018, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – CROP Infrastructure Corp. (CSE: CROP) (OTCMKTS: CIICF) (“CROP” or the “Company”) announces that it has entered into a Membership Purchase Agreement dated May 7th 2018 (the “Agreement”) with HUMBOLDT HOLDINGS LLC (“Humboldt”), a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of State of California, whereby the Company has agreed to advance up to US$2,000,000 to Humboldt for land and equipment purchased and the development of a 30,000 square foot greenhouse project intended for lease and brand licensing by Humboldt to licensed cannabis tenant growers (each, “Tenant”) in return for a 30% interest in Humboldt.

The property currently consists of a 10,000 square foot existing cannabis greenhouse and has an existing building permit for the development of an additional 20,000 square feet of canopy. Humboldt intends to lease the property/infrastructure and license its branding to the Tenants. Humboldt also intends to commence construction of additional proprietary greenhouses consisting of 20,000 square feet of canopy. Once completed, the estimated Tenant production is expected to be approximately 2,000 pounds of flower per month. The closing of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement constitute a “Significant Transaction” in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. To date, the Company has advanced US$1,278,950 and has earned a 30% interest in Humboldt.


The Hempire Company LLC of California is the holder of a 10,000 sqft medical marijuana cultivation license and a 20,000 sqft RRR license and is currently negotiating a tenancy agreement with Humboldt to lease the property and infrastructure and has already commenced cultivation in good faith.

CROP director N. Alex Horsley states, “This acquisition represents our entry into California, the largest cannabis market in the world. Work is now underway on Humboldt’s facility to expand the greenhouse facility to 30,000 square feet of canopy with our new state-of-the-art greenhouse design. CROP continues to aggressively pursue new opportunities to expand its portfolio of tenant growers and infrastructure assets in strategic licensed jurisdictions.”

Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company has agreed to advance up to US$2,000,000 pursuant to an interest free loan which is repayable through 60% of the net after tax profits of Humboldt.  As further incentive for advancement of the loan, the Company was issued a 30% membership interest in Humboldt which is governed by the terms of an operating agreement.

About Humboldt Holdings LLC

Located in Humboldt County California, the property is 8.46 acres and currently houses a 10,000 sqft greenhouse as well as a barn, garage and residence. On site are 5 x 5000 gallon water tanks, a well and pump house and a 30×60 drying shed. The property is zoned for a 10,000 sqft medical and a 20,000 sqft RRR license.

About CROP Infrastructure Corp.

CROP Infrastructure is engaged in the business of investing, constructing, owning, optimizing and branding light supplemented greenhouse projects for lease to cannabis producers and processors offering best-in-class operations. The Company’s main focus is currently California and Washington.

Company Contact

  1. Alex Horsley – Director

E-mail: info@cropcorp.com

Phone: (604) 484-4206

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the purchase, development and leasing of projects, commencement of construction of additional greenhouses, estimated Tenant production of product, the pursuit of new opportunities and the expansion of CROP’s portfolio. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding the Company’s ability to execute on its business plan, raise additional funds as and when required, legal and political risks regarding the cannabis industry, including the changes of municipal, state, provincial and federal laws thereof, the risk that Humboldt may require further capital to execute on its expansion plans and other factors beyond the control of the Company. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in light of such factors, and the Company is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

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The Green Organic Dutchman: Largest Cannabis IPO To Date

The cannabis industry is projected to reach C$22.6 billion over the coming years, according to Deloitte, driven by the legalization of adult-use cannabis nationwide. As the only G12 country to legalize cannabis, the 90 or so licensed producers in the country have an opportunity to become global titans in the cannabis industry as legalization spreads. Investors have many opportunities in the space, but some may be better than others.

The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (TGOD.WT) (OTC: TGODF) is a licensed producer that went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange on May 2, 2018. With fully-funded plans for 970,000 sq. ft. of production, the company could produce upwards of 116,000 kilograms of premium organic cannabis per year, making it among the largest licensed producers. Investors may want to take a closer look at the company following its successful IPO.

Successful IPO

The Green Organic Dutchman successfully completed its initial public offering of 31,510,000 units at a price of $3.65 per unit for gross proceeds of $115,011,500. Each unit consists of a common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with the warrant being exercisable at a price of $7.00 per common share for a period of two years. The company also has an acceleration right if the stock price exceeds $9.00 for any ten day period.

Enormous Footprint & Production

The Green Organic Dutchman has one of the largest land packages in the industry and is building a laboratory dedicated to oil extraction in Ontario, a genetics and breeding center in Quebec, and a cultivation facility in each province.

The two production facilities include:

 

  • Quebec Project – A 75-acre property located near Montreal, Quebec, with an 820,000 sq. ft. high tech hybrid facility capable of producing 102,000 kilograms of high-quality organic cannabis per year. With access to $0.04 kWh electricity, the facility will be one of the lowest cost producers in the entire country. The company secured initial construction permits in December 2017 and began construction in January 2018.
  • Ontario Project – The company’s existing facility in Ontario will be expanded to 150,000 sq. ft., which will boost production capacity to 14,000 kilograms per year. In addition, its agreement with Hamilton Utility will lower its electricity costs from 13 cents per kWh to just five cents per kWh. Construction of an oil extraction facility is also well underway.

 

These world-class projects could make the company a leading licensed producer of medical – and soon recreational – cannabis over the coming year. Unlike many cannabis projects, both of these facilities are fully funded to 116,000 kilograms of annual production, which limits dilution for existing shareholders and execution risk for new investors. The agri-park style developments also open the door for joint ventures, licensing, and distribution agreements in the future.

High Quality, Low Cost, Organic Product

Organic foods are a growing market subset, evidenced last year when Amazon bought Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. That trend transfers to the cannabis market as well. More than 60 percent of Canadian consumers considering recreational cannabis believe that consuming organically-grown and processed product is important, according to Hill+Knowlton Strategies. The company estimates that organic products sell at a nearly 30 percent premium to non-organic products, but only about five percent of licensed producers provide organic products, which creates an enormous market opportunity.

The Green Organic Dutchman is focused exclusively on organic production that avoids synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and/or irradiated products. While several licensed producers have experienced product recalls, the company believes that its products will set a new standard for quality while remaining competitive in terms of price, due to its low electricity rates, efficient use of water, and its focus on sustainability and operational efficiency.

The company’s facilities are setting the industry standard for sustainability. The buildings are LEED certified, equipped with high-efficiency LEDs to reduce energy consumption and heat as well as in-house power generation with natural gas. Management is also working with the Grand River Conservation Authority for habitat creation and protecting species at risk, while collecting and reusing ~90 percent of its water and drawing the rest from natural on-site wells.

Strong Management & Partnerships

The Green Organic Dutchman’s management team has decades of experience in finance, plant cultivation, and consumer products. Chairman & CEO Rob Anderson has 22 years of experience in the capital markets, having raised $400 million for cannabis companies over the past 2 years.  

VP of Growing Operations David Perron led the first Canadian certified organic licensed producer, at Whistler Medical Marijuana Corporation, before joining the company.

In addition, Head Grower Amer Cheema has 20+ years of experience in greenhouse vegetable production and won several awards for high production and best quality of greenhouse produce.

Strength in Consumer Packaged Goods

The Green Organic Dutchman’s latest round of staff additions highlight the company’s commitment to the emerging retail market for cannabis-based consumer products. Brian Athade, new CFO, comes most recently from Andrew Peller Limited, one of Canada’s leading consumer alcohol companies. He also served as Finance Director and CFO for Procter & Gamble, involved with multi-billion dollar international consumer products. Other key hires in sales, marketing and operations draw heavily from the beverage and consumer packaged goods sectors.

“We are very proud to introduce these new additions to the TGOD team. These individuals bring a vast amount of experience and proven success in their respective fields. TGOD’s ability to attract this outstanding talent is a testament to our vision and strategic plan. With our President Csaba Reider, TGOD now has over 125 years of combined consumer packaged goods experience from industry leading companies. The breadth and depth of experience on our management team will enable the Company to execute on its goal of becoming the world’s largest organic cannabis producer,” said Robert Anderson, TGOD’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman.

The Green Organic Dutchman is 17.62 percent owned by Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB), one of the largest licensed producers in the country. The $55 million cornerstone investment includes an immediate purchase order for 20 percent of The Green Organic Dutchman’s future production while the company also has immediate access to international markets. When it comes time to raise more capital, Aurora may also exercise options to acquire additional shares.

Looking Ahead

The Green Organic Dutchman represents a compelling investment opportunity in Canada’s burgeoning cannabis industry. With fully-funded plans to become one of the country’s largest licensed producers, investors may want to take a closer look at the company following its IPO.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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BLOCKStrain Brings Blockchain Technology to Cannabis

Vancouver technology company, BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. (TSX-V: SR.H) has developed the first integrated blockchain platform that registers and tracks intellectual property for the cannabis industry. Strain protection and genetic identification are major issues for growers and breeders, and this new technology allows them to identify and secure rights to their valuable intellectual property (IP). The BLOCKStrain platform also streamlines the administrative process of genetic and mandatory quality-control testing for legal cannabis, cutting the administrative time and expense in half.

BLOCKStrain’s proprietary, immutable, cryptographically-secure blockchain-technology establishes a global ‘single source of truth’ for cannabis strains, their ownership, potency and chemical makeup. In an industry where a popular strain can be worth millions of dollars, quantifying genetics, potency and equivalencies between cannabis products is crucial to the future of legal marijuana. BLOCKStrain delivers needed transparency to growers, retailers, regulators, and consumers in Canada, who have struggled to find realistic solutions to these logistical challenges ahead of the upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis. The good news is that the blockchain technology implemented by BLOCKStrain is ideally suited to solve these kind of problems by implementing an immutable and non-corruptible record of transactions.

Streamlining Mandatory Product Testing

Further, as the legalized cannabis industry begins to grow around the world, new challenges exist around the ability to provide safe and legal inventory to an evolving marketplace while simultaneously meeting the mandatory product testing requirements of regulatory bodies. The demand for safe and legal cannabis will increase exponentially with legalization, and although Licensed Producers are undertaking great efforts to meet this demand with increased production, the current administrative process for testing is outdated and burdensome.

It is not uncommon for personnel in a Licensed Producer to spend multiple hours a day manually completing the paperwork required for testing. BLOCKStrain has begun tackling this problem by developing an intuitive, intelligent and automated system to quickly and easily synchronize Licensed Producers with GMP Health Canada approved cannabis product testing facilities.

Archiving Cannabis Genetics

BLOCKStrain has developed a comprehensive cannabis genetics archiving platform that aims to transform global cannabis business transactions and operations. Using immutable blockchain technology, the company provides an environment that automates, accelerates, and encodes transactions while ensuring privacy and security for everyone. These elements create a single reliable record for cannabis strains and their ownership across the supply chain.

The inherently open architecture of the blockchain enables growers, testers, researchers, and others to securely access and integrate with the platform. For example, a retailer may integrate their point-of-sale or inventory management solution with the BLOCKStrain platform to verify strains before and after they’re sold.

The company was co-founded by Robert Galarza and Tommy Stephenson. Mr. Galarza brings a diverse professional background to BLOCKStrain with over 10 years of experience in advertising and mass media communications and over seven years as a transactional attorney and corporate executive where he worked on mobile platforms, software-as-a-service solutions, and blockchain integrations. Mr. Stephenson brings nearly 20 years of experience in software design and development to the company, where he worked with many leading Fortune 500 companies and served as the CTO of Ghost Group, Inc., currently the largest cannabis software company in the world, with its flagship product Weedmaps.com.

Weed MD’s Strategic Investment

WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V: WMD) (OTC: WDDMF) recently announced a strategic investment into BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. Under the terms of the deal, WeedMD will invest $500,000 into the company and receive a board seat, making it Canada’s first licensed producer for medical marijuana to integrate blockchain technology into its ecosystem. The move also paves the way for the licensed producer to expand its wholesale genetics business.

“We are thrilled to have the strategic support of WeedMD in the development and launch of our technology-based solutions,” said CEO Robert Galarza. “Our platform customizes the best aspects of blockchain technology for cannabis industry, specifically in the area of protecting the intellectual property of producers, while giving customers visibility and transparency. By utilizing BLOCKStrain, WeedMD can now expand its library of world-class genetics while building customers’ trust.”

WeedMD is a licensed producer under the Canadian government’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). It has a 26,000-sq.-ft. indoor facility in Ontario and a second facility under development, with another 610,000-sq.-ft. of capacity. In addition to its own production, the company has entered into supply agreements and other strategic relationships to expand its capacity. The company’s primary focus is on the senior care market, where its products can help alleviate many conditions without the use of potentially harmful or addictive prescription drugs.

For BLOCKStrain, the addition of a world-class licensed producer serves as a valuable proof-of-concept for its platform, as well as a source of early funding. With initial data derived from intelligent and real world performance within its platform, the company is well positioned to provide the market with a solution-based software product, as well as providing retail outlets and consumer groups a product to close the supply chain loop. Additionally, regulators can begin to see how the platform will help deliver a safe and legal inventory of cannabis to the marketplace and thereafter introduce reasonble requirements for visibility and verification using the platform.

Looking Ahead

BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. represents a compelling investment opportunity for anyone looking for a solid technology stock with good exposure to the cannabis sector. It uses technology to resolve the administrative bottleneck that is associated with testing and verifying large quantities of cannabis for mass consumption, all the while saving producers and distributors time and money. Furthermore, by harnessing the power of blockchain technology, it hopes to create the de-facto standard for verifying and tracking cannabis strains across the supply chain. The open platform and future cryptocurrency incentives could help spur early traction, which could in turn help create high barriers to entry for competing technologies.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.blockstrain.io.

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RavenQuest BioMed CEO Outlines Progress in Exclusive CFN Interview

Canada’s cannabis industry is projected to reach C$22.6 billion over the coming years, according to Deloitte, driven by the legalization of adult-use cannabis nationwide. While there are over 100 licensed producers planning to have over 700,000 kilograms of production capacity online by the end of the year, Marijuana Policy Group estimates that demand could exceed 900,000 kilograms and there could be a shortfall in supply.

Investors looking to capitalize on these supply and demand economics have many options, but the best opportunities are companies with strong management teams focused on a niche market that won’t be eroded by the commoditization of the industry over time.

RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (CSE: RQB) began as a management and consulting firm that helped nearly 60 clients become licensed producers of medical cannabis under Health Canada’s ACMPR program. After taking the time to understand their problems, the company partnered with McGill University and began researching technology solutions and began pursuing partnerships that leverage its public company status to finance projects.

CFN Media recently sat down with CEO George Robinson to discuss the company’s approach to the market and why investors may want to take note:

 

Four Pillar Approach

RavenQuest BioMed’s experience helping companies become licensed producers helped form the four pillar approach that guides its current business. The company began by looking at some of the Good Manufacturing Processes, or GMP, issues facing their consulting clients. From there, they started asking if they could help out with the cultivation side of the business. Breaking down these problems led to the realization that many clients wanted bundled solutions.

CEO George Robinson outlines these four pillars as questions in the interview:

  • How could we be a company that consulted to generate immediate revenue?
  • How could we work with companies from a targeted acquisition standpoint?
  • How could we work using our unique approach to R&D with McGill University to understand how to grow better and use growing technologies better?
  • How do we take this whole approach and bring it to the indigenous people?

From an investor standpoint, the four pillar approach is unique in that it generates near-term revenue through consulting agreements and builds long-term value through research and development with an industry-leading institution. Management’s approach of working with indigenous peoples also translates to a unique niche market that is actively seeking turnkey solutions to produce and sell cannabis on sovereign land.

Advancing Its Projects

RavenQuest BioMed’s MOU with Fort McMurray #468 to develop, operate, and finance a purpose-built facility for the production of cannabis marks a key turning point. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will receive a 30 percent ownership stake in the 24,000 sq. ft. facility, which will be rapidly expanded to a maximum of 250,000 sq. ft. The facility could produce upwards of 50,000 kilograms per year, netting the company 15,000 kilograms per year.

At the same time, the company announced an MOU to acquire  late-stage ACMPR applicant, Western AgriPharm Ltd., which has a 125,000 sq. ft. grow space in development. The company also signed a lease for space in downtown Edmonton, where it aims to open its first retail recreational cannabis store. The retail space is strategically located near the city’s downtown area and features a unique retail experience dedicated to education and awareness.

In addition to proving out the four pillar approach, these projects could become a valuable proof-of-concept for future indigenous peoples partnerships and other consulting arrangements. Under its indigenous programs, the company would provide sovereign nations with its technical know-how, staff resources, and financing opportunities in exchange for a percentage ownership in the facilities and potential production through offtake agreements.

The company and its shareholders benefit from steady recurring revenue that’s tied to the production and sale of cannabis without the risks associated with growing. At the same time, the company could be working with multiple indigenous peoples groups, which provides an added level of diversification for shareholders. These attributes could translate to higher risk-adjusted returns than investing in traditional licensed producers.

Looking Ahead

RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (CSE: RQB) represents a compelling investment opportunity in Canada’s cannabis industry. In addition to generating near-term consulting revenue, the company’s MOU with Fort McMurray #468 paves the way to revenue from the cultivation and sale of cannabis. Meanwhile, management’s partnership with McGill University is looking at technologies that could fill out a valuable intellectual property portfolio.

Investors looking for diversified exposure to Canada’s rapidly growing cannabis industry may want to take a closer look at the stock. For more information, visit the company’s website or download their investor presentation.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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BlissCo Cannabis Corp Receives its Cultivars at Langley Facility

BlissCo Cannabis Corp. (CSE: BLIS) is pleased to announce that the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Bliss Co Holdings Ltd. (“BlissCo”), has received its order of cuttings at its facility in Langley. BlissCo received the cuttings on May 2, 2018, from 7ACRES which is a Licensed Producer and wholly owned subsidiary of The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE).

These cuttings have been proven through the 7ACRES team and bred by world-renowned seed breeders Dinafem and Paradise Seeds  .

“The cuttings from 7ACRES are doing well in their new environment. We are thrilled that the plants arrived so quickly, just 34 days after BlissCo was licensed on March 29, 2018. This will enable the team to start the process to earn our sales license in an expedient manner.” said Damian Kettlewell, BlissCo CEO.

Statistics Canada estimates that Canadians spent about $5.7 billion on cannabis in 2017, despite the substance’s pending legal status.

“BlissCo has strategically acquired a range of proven CBD strains that vary from high to low CBD levels, including a 1:1 THC:CBD profile to add to our genetic library. The cannabis cultivars received by BlissCo stay true to BlissCo’s brand promise of high quality, clean and nutrient-rich dried medicinal cannabis crafted for the experience that our patients are looking for. ” added Kettlewell.

The Hemp Business Journal estimated that the global market for CBD will grow to $2.1 billion by 2020.

These cuttings will complement the four premium strains with high THC profiles which the company intends to purchase from its strategic partner The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc . as part of a two-year, 3,000 kilogram supply agreement.

“We are seeing incredible momentum within the BlissCo team and are beginning to attract an increasing number of world-class partners and advisors who will play a key role in helping us to serve our unique customer segment. The arrival of these cultivars is just one more critical step on the way to realizing our grand vision.” added Kettlewell.

About BlissCo

BlissCo (CSE: BLIS) earned its Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation ACMPR License to Cultivate on Thursday, March 29, 2018. BlissCo’s ACMPR facility in Langley, B.C. is designed to be a high-volume packager, processor and distributor of medical cannabis and adult use cannabis when it is legal in Canada, which is currently anticipated to be by August 2018 at the earliest. BlissCo has a two – year supply agreement with The Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE) to purchase 3,000 kilograms of premium dried cannabis.

BlissCo will apply to expand its license to cannabis oil production in Q2 2018 and will apply for its cannabis sales license at the earliest appropriate time. BlissCo will focus on high volume sales opportunities in the regulated medical use and adult use cannabis market in Canada when it is legal and is pursuing expansion opportunities in international markets.

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Emerald Health Assembling Impressive Array of Cannabis Assets

As adult-use legalization of cannabis approaches in Canada, anticipated this summer or perhaps early fall, the industry offers a wide array of companies looking to capitalize on this greatly expanded market. Licensed producers are building out expanded cultivation facilities and investing in retail-oriented brands while trying to establish broad consumer appeal. Companies are anticipating that current trends will hold and consumers will be looking for alternate methods to smoking for the delivery of cannabinoids, opening up high-margin opportunities for retail products. Blockchain technology may provide a method to better manage the complex world of the cannabis supply chain and provide added trust for consumers.

Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (TSXV: EMH) (OTCQX: EMHTF) is a British Columbia-based licensed producer that is checking all of these boxes and then some, building a diversified and vertically-integrated company that is poised to take full advantage of the legalization of cannabis. Long viewed as a science-oriented niche producer, the company is now in a position to be a major player in all aspects of the emergent industry.

Large Scale Production Capacity

Starting off with the most obvious asset, Emerald Health has a whole lot of production capacity either currently in play or coming online soon. The company has substantially completed a retrofit of an existing 250,000 square foot greenhouse in a joint venture with Village Farms International (TSX: VFF), one of North America’s largest agricultural greenhouse operators. The JV, called Pure Sunfarms, is retrofitting an additional 850,000 square feet of existing greenhouse, and the 1.1 million square foot operation is conservatively estimated to have over 75,000 kilograms of cannabis flower production capacity once it is fully built out. Pure Sunfarms received its cultivation license, expects its sales license this summer, and is aiming to reliably produce high quality cannabis at less than $1/gram of production cost. Pure Sunfarms also has an option to convert an additional 3.7 million square feet of existing greenhouses at this Delta, BC location.

Emerald is currently building its own 500,000 square foot hybrid greenhouse facility in the Metro Vancouver area. Its existing Victoria, BC cultivation facility complements all of this large-scale production, and the company is currently licensed to both produce and sell dry and extracted products.

The company recently acquired Agro-Biotech, one of only six currently licensed producers in the province of Quebec. The move adds about 10,000 kilograms of cannabis production capacity at full production, but the most important aspect of this deal may be the geographical diversity it provides Emerald. Quebec is Canada’s second most populous province, with about 8.4 million residents. Agro-Biotech is well positioned to serve Quebec consumers with its local presence and provides a regional hub to distribute product to eastern Canada.

Converting Science to Consumer Products

Apart from selling cannabis flower, Emerald Health is positioned to capitalize on industry trends toward more differentiated and higher margin products based on cannabis derivatives. The company already offers whole plant extracts derived from its own unique variety of cannabis strains, including one of the few THCA oil products on the market. With the company’s broad-based life sciences and R&D expertise, it is very focused on production innovation and the advancement of novel intellectual property with the goal of achieving a product line that leverages opportunities based on unique formulation, delivery, and applications.

Emerald controls 53% of Northern Vine Labs, a licensed dealer in British Columbia. A licensed dealer designation from Health Canada allows the company to provide testing services, import and export cannabis oils, and research and develop cannabis-derived products in ways that licensed producers cannot. This license is helpful for both the development and distribution of cannabis products like beverages, edibles, and personal care products. As the cannabis flower market matures, prices and profit margins are likely to shrink and companies that provide effective higher margin products from derivatives will likely benefit.

A recently-announced deal to market and sell proprietary non-cannabis nutritional products lays the foundation for potential future cannabis-based distribution. In essence, the company intends to distribute endocannabinoid-supporting products through pharmacies, natural health outlets, and grocery stores. On top of providing Emerald a differentiated revenue stream, the deal gives the company potential channels for future distribution of cannabis products should those channels become approved at some point. To be clear, Emerald cannot currently sell cannabis-derived products through these channels. But the roadmap is there should the market mature and regulations change. In the meantime, Emerald is also developing a comprehensive e-commerce platform in conjunction with Namaste Technologies to serve as a retail channel for its customers.

Keeping Track of It All

Cannabis is a highly regulated and high value product that requires meticulous record-keeping in order to ensure compliance. Blockchain technology appears to be well-suited to manage this particular challenge and to offer the many stakeholders in the marketplace, in particular customers, a higher level of trust and confidence in the cannabis products they purchase. Emerald Health is focused on developing a solution to address these opportunities. By tracking each step of the plant’s journey, from seed to sale, with a decentralized, timestamped and unhackable digital ledger, Emerald thinks its platform can transform the industry.

“There are various applications of blockchain technology focused on validating and assuring the source, quality and integrity of products such as diamonds, wine, and art, along with coffee and other food products,” said Avtar Dhillon, MD, Executive Chairman of Emerald Health Therapeutics. “Cannabis is also a prime industry in which to apply blockchain to the supply chain based on the broad spectrum of plant and growing attributes, as well as product innovation potential; the need for licensing as well as high security and confidence; and the possibility to start off such an initiative with relatively small groups of pertinent stakeholders.”

The Upshot

Canada is leading the world in terms of legalizing and regulating the cannabis industry, and the country’s upcoming full legalization of the plant is groundbreaking on many levels. Investors may want to consider Emerald Health Therapeutics as it transforms into a major diversified producer and product innovator.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Koios Launches New Instant Mix Powder and Capsule Line

VANCOUVER, BC, May 8, 2018 – Koios Beverage Corp. (CSE: KBEV; OTC: SNOVF) (the “Company” or “Koios”), is pleased to announce a new line of nootropic products today, including a nutritional instant mix powder and daily-use capsule.  The addition of these new products enables Koios to reach a broader audience and target a whole new demographic of customers.

The powdered version of our supplement was a chance to really push the envelope from an ingredient stand point,” said Chris Miller, CEO and Director.  “We wanted to pack more nutrients and nootropics into one product than any of our competition, while creating some of the better-flavoured supplements on the market.”

The powder is for advanced nootropic users or someone looking for stronger and more intense cognitive benefits that what is found in the line of ready-to-drink products

The new line of capsules uses the same winning formula as the Company’s low-calorie, nutritionally-dense beverages, giving consumers the option of absorbing the active ingredients in capsule-form while on the go.

“Our powders and newly formulated capsules are the result of years of trial-and-error and trying to pack the most value and science we could into one supplement,” said Miller. “These products are in line with our mission: To give people access to a healthier alternative to energy drinks, caffeine and unnatural ingredients.

The new line of powder flavours include Grape Bliss, BlueBerry Lemonade and Sour Apple.

About the Company’s Business

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Koios, Inc., is an emerging functional beverage company which has an available distribution network of more than 2,000 retail locations across the United States in which to sell its products. Koios has relationships with some of the largest and most reputable distributors in the United States, including Europa Sports, Muscle Foods USA, KeHE, and Wishing-U-Well.  Together these distributors represent more than 80,000 bricks and mortar locations across the United States – from sports nutrition stores to large natural grocery chains including Whole Foods and Sunflower markets.  Through its partnership with Wishing-U-Well, Koios also enjoys a large presence online, including being an Amazon choice product.  

Koios uses a proprietary blend of nootropics and natural organic compounds to enhance human productivity without using harmful chemicals or stimulants.  Koios products can enhance focus, concentration, mental capacity, memory retention, cognitive function, alertness, brain capacity and create all day mental clarity.  Its ingredients are specifically designed to target brain function by increasing blood flow, oxygen levels and neural connections in the brain.  

Koios is one of the only drinks in the world to infuse its products with MCT oil.  MCT oil is derived from coconuts and has been shown to help the body burn fat more effectively, create lasting energy from a natural food source, produce ketones in the brain, allowing for greater brain function and clarity, support healthy hormone production and improve immunity. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.mentaltitan.com/

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company.

KOIOS BEVERAGE CORP.

“Chris Miller”
Chris Miller, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Paula Arab

Media and Investor Relations Strategist

paula.arab@koiosbeveragecorp.com

403-889-9128

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the growth and size of the functional beverage market. The forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the functional beverage market; (iii) consumer acceptance and adoption of functional beverages as compared to other beverages; or (iv) regulatory changes which may impact the functional beverage market.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of such factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure outlined in the Company’s documents filed from time-to-time with the British Columbia Securities Commission on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Koios has not conducted any scientific studies on the effects of Koios’ products which have been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking Koios’ products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of Koios’ products on an individual’s health and wellbeing.

 

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Naturally Splendid Acquisition Vertically Integrates Hemp/Marijuana and Nutrition Business

Consumer demand for products enhanced with omega-3 fatty acids has grown from $25.4 billion in 2011 to $34.7 billion by 2016, driven by the North American market that accounts for 43 percent of global demand. In fact, nearly half of Canadians have used, or are currently using, omega-3 natural health products and more than half of Americans indicates that they’re attempting to increase omega-3 ingredients in their diets – both trends pointing towards strong demand. Plant based proteins have seen substantial growth in recent years, with Research and Markets forecasting a global market of nearly $10.9 billion in 2022, representing a CAGR of 6.7% in the coming years. Industrial hemp is an ideal source for cannabis extracts like CBD (cannabidiol), a market estimated to reach $2.1 billion annually by 2020. In this regard, industrial hemp provides the perfect balance of omegas supporting human health, has more digestible protein than any plant on earth…and is a lower cost biomass input for cannabis extracts when compared to marijuana.

Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. (TSX-V: NSP) (FSE: 50N) (OTCQB: NSPDF) is approaching this market in a unique way, using its proprietary technology to convert hemp seed oil (rich in omega-3 and other essential fatty acids) into a water-soluble powder that can be integrated into nearly any food or beverage product. Naturally Splendid’s recent acquisition of Absorbent Concepts Inc. and its hemp seed processing facility is a major boon to the company as it seeks to penetrate three significant and growing markets – plant based omegas, plant based protein, and cannabis extracts –  all three categories perfectly positioned for industrial hemp and marijuana.

ACI Acquisition Adds Value, Experience

The acquisition of Absorbent Concepts provides a number of benefits for Naturally Splendid. Perhaps the biggest, and most obvious, is that the company will now have total control over their own manufacturing facility and processes used to produce its extensive line of hemp-based products. This level of vertical integration, from R&D through manufacturing to distribution and sales (both wholesale and retail), strengthens the company’s position considerably as it no longer relies on the whims of third parties.

ACI brings with it a team of experts that add considerably to Naturally Splendid’s existing experience and expertise. ACI is one of North America’s only strictly organic hemp seed processors, and the team there is well-versed in cannabinoid extraction and laboratory analysis. Led by founder Pete Scales, a noted evangelist for the hemp movement and Director of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA), ACI offers field extension services for hemp farmers to help them with issues such as whole plant utilization and organic growing techniques. ACI also has a history of developing its own nutritional products, and its expertise is perfectly synergized with Naturally Splendid’s mission and goals.

The factory’s location is also ideal in many respects. Located in Abbotsford, BC, ACI is close to Vancouver’s population, international airport, and shipping ports. It provides easy access to the US border and Interstate 5, the Trans-Canada Highway, and the incredibly rich agricultural industry of southwestern BC. In short, it’s a perfect hub for a company with both national and international ambitions.

NSP’s New CEO Providing Strong Leadership

Appointed interim CEO in January, Doug Mason recently took the helm for good. Naturally Splendid has made a fairly speedy transition from a bulk hemp seed distributor to a wholesale ingredient and consumer brand company. Mr. Mason brings his extensive consumer products experience to guide Naturally Splendid through even more expansion and growth as the company moves into the revenue production and marketing phase.

Mr. Mason presided over 20 years of innovative consumer product development and marketing with Jolt Cola and Clearly Canadian. With Naturally Splendid’s consumer product lines ranging from nutraceuticals to cosmeceuticals to pet supplements, he has a lot of raw material to fashion into profitable brands. His track record indicates he is more than capable, and the new factory/lab/extraction facility should solidify the back end of the company as he refines the company’s consumer-facing outreach…possibly into beverage categories where he has had considerable success taking Clearly Canadian to over $200,000,000 annually in just its third year of operation.  

One interesting development to keep an eye on is Naturally Splendid’s pursuit of a Cannabis Dealer License in Canada. A Cannabis Dealer License allows the holder to handle, extract, research, develop, import & export cannabis and related products, from both industrial hemp and marijuana. As Canada’s new legalization of adult-use cannabis takes hold, such a license could prove incredibly valuable to the company, allowing it to expand beyond hemp into the wider variety of products that can be developed from cannabis extracts. This all ties back in to the ACI acquisition and that facility’s capabilities as well, giving Naturally Splendid the perfect factory/lab for such endeavors.

All in all, the Absorbent Concepts acquisition could prove transformative for Naturally Splendid, especially considering its new leadership, consumer focus, and expanding market due to Canada’s evolving regulatory environment.

For more information, visit the company’s website or download their investor presentation.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Maricann Group’s ‘Green’ Approach – An Investment in Our Future

The cannabis industry is expected to reach $50 billion by 2026, according to Cowen & Co., driven by the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis across a growing number of states. While the industry has environmentally-friendly roots, the modern cannabis industrial complex has had a negative environmental impact. Investors looking for exposure to the industry may want to seek out licensed producers taking a ‘greener’ approach to the market.

Maricann Group Inc. (CSE:MARI) (OTCQB:MRRCF) is taking a ‘green’ approach by minimizing its carbon footprint through both energy efficiency and water conservation, which also happens to translate to a far lower cost per gram than the competition due to less external energy and water inputs than traditional grow operations require. The same facility design can be replicated anywhere in the world and yield the same results, setting a global standard for how the cannabis industry should operate when it comes to cultivation and production.

Cannabis Isn’t a Green Industry

Cannabis may have environmentally-friendly roots, but cultivation is energy intensive, water intensive, and generates a tremendous amount of waste.

Most cultivation facilities use large 1,000-watt lamps that soak plants in a blue hue during the vegetative phase, while a yellow light showers the vegetation during the flowering phase. That’s not to mention air conditions, dehumidifiers, HVAC systems, and other power-hungry technologies. Evan Mills, a University of California scientist, estimated that the cannabis industry represented one percent of all electricity usage throughout the United States.

Since most U.S. electricity is still generated by coal power plants, the sharp increase in electricity usage is exacerbating carbon emissions by burning of fossil fuels. Many U.S. states and countries around the world, such as those that signed the Paris Climate Agreement last year, have committed to reducing their carbon footprint, but it will be difficult in areas where there’s growing demand for electricity from cannabis cultivators.

Some growers, especially in Canada, have moved their operations outdoors to reduce energy consumption by harnessing the power of natural sunlight. The problem is that outdoor growing operations are far less efficient when it comes to water usage. In California, outdoor irrigation systems are responsible for sucking many streams dry, and these same trends could ring true in other areas that permit the outdoor cultivation of cannabis.

Finally, the cannabis industry generates a tremendous amount of organic waste. In Washington State, the legal cannabis industry contributes more than 1.7 million pounds of organic waste to landfills each year. The problem is that many regulators force cannabis cultivators to keep track of their waste to the nearest gram, which makes composting exceptionally difficult. In fact, many industrial composters have been discouraged from composting.

Maricann’s Green Approach

Maricann Group has set its sights on mitigating these issues by creating what it believes to be one of the most environmentally-friendly cultivation operations in the world. According to management, the company’s newest cultivation facility will be designed to achieve from 88 percent efficiency to net zero, which means that the vast majority of the facility is expected to generate no carbon emissions. The figures are based upon the assumptions made by the company associated with recycled water and heat.

Energy

The company’s innovative cultivation facility is designed from the ground up to maximize energy efficiency.

With an R38 building envelope, Maricann believes it is setting the standard when it comes to energy efficient grow facilities. R-values represent resistance to the flow of heat, which means that higher R-values provide greater insulation value. By comparison, most buildings have R-values of between R2 and R10.

The roof of the production building is also rated for solar panels (the cultivation building cannot house solar panels due to the glass ceilings), which creates an opportunity to generate off-grid electricity to offset at least a portion of its energy requirements with a fully sustainable source.

The company’s grow facility has taken the best of what classic greenhouses have to offer with a completely-sealed food and beverage and pharmaceutical-grade facility. The glass roof provides natural sunlight to the plants without compromising strict control over the indoor environment.

With its own natural gas well on site, the company’s raw fuel costs are estimated to be 40 percent less than the overall market, while the CO2 generated from the boilers and co-generation plant will be captured and used for cannabis plants. The in-house CO2, hot water, and electricity generation are expected to provide a significant environmental and cost advantage compared to the competition, while costs are much more predictable without relying on external sources.

Water

Maricann has also developed innovative ways to conserve water, one of the main costs that are incorporated into running any growing operation. The water that is used for cultivation is largely provided by an on-site well that pulls 50,000 liters per day. The facility is equipped to recycle it’s water, which provides Maricann with 70% of their water reclaimed. This helps further reduce the company’s reliance on external water sources and dramatically improves the efficiency of water use compared to traditional cultivation operations. The goal is to avoid depleting local water sources, while simultaneously minimizing well water uptake.

Labor

Maricann’s state-of-the-art design has dramatically reduced labor requirements and improved ergonomics associated with traditional agricultural operations. Through a partnership with Rockwell Automation, they have created a fully automated system. In fact, only 26 employees are needed on the cultivation side of the business versus 200-300 employees it would take to run a conventional grow operation in a similar sized facility. These enhancements are expected to allow Maricann to manage their production costs a lot more effectively and with a lot more predictability. The facility was modeled after an FDA approved facility in Colorado with some important enhancements to further improve automation and labor efficiency, such as production lines that have become the de facto standard in food and beverage operations.

By removing ergonomic hardships for it’s workers, the company’s automation systems help streamline and increase its production and maximize labor efficiency.

Looking Ahead

Maricann Group Inc. (CSE: MARI)(OTCQB:MRRCF) represents a leading innovator in Canada’s cannabis industry. While many companies are simply trying to maximize production, the company is taking a smarter and eco-conscience approach to benefit the environment while reducing costs. The company aims to replicate its Langton facility abroad, starting in Europe, to create a new global standard in eco-friendly and efficient cannabis production.

In the short-term, the company recently announced that it has received all of the necessary approvals from Health Canada to begin cultivation in Phase One of its its new Langton, Ontario facility. The move could pave the way to near-term revenue and value creation for shareholders.

Management believes that its facility will set a new standard for the industry. Looking into the future, facilities based on their design will be the only facilities growing cannabis to minimize the environmental footprint and produce exceptional products in a food and beverage or pharmaceutical-grade facility.

In addition to these efforts, the company’s 95%-owned German subsidiary, Mariplant, recently commenced its hemp operations in April aimed at producing isolates of CBD and CBG, representing diversification from THC-related products. The company also announced a definitive agreement to acquire Haxxon AG, a producer of feminized high-CBD cannabis plants, to further solidify its position in the European market where CBD-related products have become increasingly popular.

For more information, visit Maricann’s website at www.maricann.com.
Cautionary Statement with Respect to Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this document, including statements with respect to expected energy efficiency, future emissions, costs savings and other statements may be forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “desires”, “will”, “should”, “projects”, “estimates”, “contemplates”, “anticipates”, “intends”, or any negative such as “does not believe” or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. No assurance can be given that potential future results or circumstances described in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. By their nature, these forward-looking statements, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed herein, that could cause actual results to significantly differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the view of the Company with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions, which it considers reasonable. Management cautions readers that the assumptions relative to the future events, several of which are beyond Management’s control, could prove to be incorrect, given that they are subject to certain risk and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: uncertainties inherent to energy utilization, future emissions and costs estimates; the ability of competitors to emulate or surpass the Company’s approach; fluctuations in operating results; the impact of general economic, industry and market conditions; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow; increased levels of outstanding debt and obligations under a capital lease; expectations regarding market demand for particular products and the dependence on new product development; the impact of market change; the impact of price and product competition and other risks and uncertainties outlined in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents filed under its profile at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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The Green Organic Dutchman Assembles World Class Senior Leadership Team

TORONTO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “TGOD”) (TSX:TGOD) is pleased to announce the addition of several key executives including CFO, General Counsel, VP of Sales, VP of Marketing, VP of Operations, and Regional Sales Manager for Ontario and Western Canada.

“We are very proud to introduce these new additions to the TGOD team. These individuals bring a vast amount of experience and proven success in their respective fields. TGOD’s ability to attract this outstanding talent is a testament to our vision and strategic plan. With our President Csaba Reider, TGOD now has over 125 years of combined consumer packaged goods experience from industry leading companies. The breadth and depth of experience on our management team will enable the Company to execute on its goal of becoming the world’s largest organic cannabis producer,” said Robert Anderson, TGOD’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman.

BRIAN ATHAIDE, CFO

Brian Athaide has joined TGOD as CFO.  Brian has over 28 years of global executive experience including CFO and Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Information Technology of Andrew Peller Limited (TSX:ADW.A), the largest publicly traded wine and craft alcohol producer in Canada.  Mr. Athaide’s focus on value creation helped enable the stock price to increase over 400% in only three years. Mr. Athaide’s previous role at Procter & Gamble Co. was as Finance Director and CFO of a multi-billion dollar consumer products business across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian markets.

ANNA STEWART, GENERAL COUNSEL

Anna Stewart brings 13 years of combined private practice and corporate in-house legal experience to TGOD. Most recently, Ms. Stewart was Assistant General Counsel at the Canadian division of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., the world’s largest generic pharmaceutical company, where she advised on risk mitigation, compliance and corporate strategic initiatives. Ms. Stewart has extensive experience in regulated products manufacturing, marketing and distribution, intellectual property licensing and complex merger and acquisition activities. Prior to her experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Ms. Stewart practiced law in the corporate commercial group at a national Bay Street law firm.

MIKE GIBBONS, VP SALES

Mike Gibbons has joined TGOD with over 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience in beverages and food. Mr. Gibbons spent over 15 years with Cott Corporation in roles of increasing responsibility, from Sr. Vice President, Sales to President of the US business unit. Mr. Gibbons has experience in both branded and private label businesses, and led high-performing teams in geographic expansion, building distribution and new product introductions.

ANDREW POLLOCK, VP MARKETING

Andrew Pollock has joined the Company with over 25 years experience in consumer packaged goods, retail and subscription businesses. He has worked extensively in the organic food industry and successfully commercialized a recently legalized category. Most recently at Weight Watchers Canada, Ltd., Mr. Pollock helped to drive double-digit growth in a subscription service by adopting state of the art digital, social and SEO strategies. Mr. Pollock also led Marketing at Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Canada Bread Company, Limited and Cott Corporation.

JOHN WREN, VP OPERATIONS

John Wren also joined TGOD from Cott Corporation where he spent 22 years, most recently as VP Operations, where he was responsible for the operation of seven beverage facilities across North America. Mr. Wren is a well-rounded management professional possessing a track record of delivering results, specifically increasing plant efficiencies and managing operational costs. Mr. Wren is a diversified leader, mentoring professionals in manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality control and continuous improvements as well as sales, account management, product development and marketing. At Cott, Mr. Wren was responsible for managing a manufacturing budget in excess of $60 million, a capital budget of $8 million and more than $145 million of raw material purchases. More recently, Mr. Wren was with Monaghan Mushrooms Ltd., a 270-acre farm operation where he was responsible for the growing and packaging of fresh mushrooms across central Canada and Northern US.

ANDY CORCORAN, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR ONTARIO AND WESTERN CANADA

Andy Corcoran joins TGOD after successful tenures with Beam Global Canada Inc., Maxxium Canada Inc., Corby Spirit and Wine Limited and E&J Gallo Winery Canada Ltd. Most recently, Mr. Corcoran was with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, LLC where he helped establish the company’s Canadian business.  Mr. Corcoran brings to TGOD a deep knowledge of the Canadian sales market and experience in working with government liquor boards. Mr. Corcoran will work with TGOD’s executive team to drive topline performance for TGOD’s strategic vendor partners by implementing category management and trade development principles in the market. He will manage the Company’s provincial board and key sales account relationships.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.
Robert Anderson
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman

ABOUT THE GREEN ORGANIC DUTCHMAN HOLDINGS LTD.

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. is a research & development company licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) to cultivate medical cannabis. The Company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis from its facilities in Ancaster, Ont., pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and its regulations.

The Company grows high quality, organic cannabis with sustainable, all-natural principles. TGOD’s products are laboratory tested to ensure patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD has a funded capacity of 116,000 kg and is building 970,000 sq. ft. of cultivation facilities in Ontario and Quebec.

The Company has developed a strategic partnership with Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB) whereby Aurora made a $55 million investment for an approximate 17.5% stake in TGOD. In addition, the Company has raised approximately $270 million dollars and has over 5,000 shareholders.

TGOD’s Common Shares and warrants issued under the indenture dated November 1, 2017 trade on the TSX under the symbol “TGOD” and “TGOD.WT”, respectively.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Investor Relations
Email: invest@tgod.ca
Phone: 1 (416) 900-7621

www.tgod.ca

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities of TGOD have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities of TGOD may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of TGOD in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

This news release includes statements containing certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law (“forward-looking statements”). Forward looking statements in this release  includes statements about the future performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Toronto Stock Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Primary Logo

 

Source: GlobeNewswire (May 7, 2018 – 8:59 AM EDT)

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Lexaria Solidifies Presence in Edibles Market with New Agreement

The cannabis industry is projected to reach $50 billion by 2026, according to Cowen & Co., driven by the legalization of adult-use cannabis across many states. With adult-use on the rise, consumer preferences are quickly shifting from smoking cannabis flower to consuming edible products that are better-tasting and faster-acting. Investors may want to consider building exposure to the edibles space to capitalize on these trends.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp.’s (OTCQX: LXRP) (CSE: LXX) DehydraTECH™ platform enables edibles manufacturers to increase bioavailability, improve flavor profiles, and expedite the onset of cannabinoid effects across a wide range of products. Investors may want to take note of the stock since the company’s growing number of licensees represents an attractive way to build exposure to edibles through royalty-based licensing agreements.

Innovative DehydraTECH™ Platform

Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH™ technology is designed to increase the bioavailability, improve the flavors, and rapidity of onset of cannabinoids across a wide range of products, from capsules to edibles to beverages. Earlier this year, the company secured key patents on the technology covering these use cases, as well as other innovative areas of application, such as for the delivery of NSAIDS, nicotine, and vitamins.

The company is monetizing the DehydraTECH™ platform through partnerships across many different vertical markets. In exchange for the right to use the technology, the company often receives a lump sum payment and royalties on revenue generated from products developed using the technology platform. These agreements provide shareholders with near-term lump sum revenue and predictable revenue streams over the long-term.

Management has signed a number of licensing agreements since DehydraTECH™’s launch earlier this year. For example, the company has been working with Nuka Enterprises to develop chocolates and other edibles using the technology for the past two years, as well as GP Holdings LLC in developing cannabis-infused beverages. These represents multi-billion dollars markets that are rapidly growing throughout the world.

New License Agreement

Lexaria recently signed a new license agreement with Nuka Enterprises LLC, which makes 1906 brand cannabis chocolates and other edibles products. After utilizing the DehydraTECH™ platform for nearly two years, the company has risen to become one of Colorado’s top cannabis chocolate brands available in over 150 locations. The decision to renew its license to use DehydraTECH™ represents a strong vote of confidence in the technology.

“1906 products are a unique combination of nature and science, bringing together natural plant medicines delivered in delicious form factors, such as chocolate, with advanced technologies that make them safe, predictable, fast-acting, and efficacious,” said Nuke Enterprises CEO Peter Barsooom. “We’ve worked closely with Lexaria through 1906’s development and launch phases to create the best possible products that taste great, reduce onset times, and deliver amazing experiences. Fast-acting edibles are the wave of the future – it’s what consumers want – and we are at the forefront of bringing innovations to address customer needs.”

Under the new ten year semi-exclusive agreement, Nuka Enterprises will leverage DehydraTECH™ in its U.S.-based products with a focus on recreational states like Colorado, Nevada, California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The company also has acquired an option to expand its products and brand to Canada, including through the use of Lexaria’s existing chocolate and confections contract manufacturer licensee, Cannfections Group Inc.

Looking Ahead

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX: LXRP) (CSE: LXX) represents a compelling investment opportunity in the burgeoning cannabis industry. With its DehydraTECH™ platform gaining traction, the company is quickly building a steady stream of recurring revenue that could unlock significant value for shareholders over time. Investors may want to take a look at the stock sooner rather than later to capitalize on these dynamics.

For more information, visit the company’s website or download their investor presentation.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Valens GroWorks First Cannabis Harvest

Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (the “Company” or “Valens“) is pleased to announce wholly-owned subsidiary Valens Agritech Ltd. has successfully harvested its first premium Cannabis crop under its Health Canada Dealer’s License.

Valens’ state-of-the-art growing facility, high standards, and the experience of our Master Growers has produced a robust crop yield with THC content that exceeded expectations, coming in with 24% potential THC compared to an industry average 18.5% for the strain produced.

  • Valens is a company focused on the extraction of Cannabis into oil. Higher THC content produces a greater yield of finished oil products, providing an opportunity to enhance operating margins.
  • Valens has one of the highest extraction processing capacities in Canada for refined, proprietary extraction into 100% pure Cannabis oil. The ability to control our inputs with premium harvested product such as this initial crop is a key component to maximizing our production process going forward.
  • In April Valens AgriTech completed the installation of two additional Vitalis Q-90 CO2 extraction machines, significantly raising the amount of cannabis that can be processed.

Valens CEO, Tyler Robson commented: “I am very proud of the Valens cultivation team. Their experience, care and passion for their work really came through and has resulted in an exceptional product and standards in our facility. Our Master Growers believe they have the ability to continuously exceed industry averages. Our current growing and extraction facility has been renovated and is in the process of being Good Manufacturing Practices certified. Valens Farms, our new cultivation facility currently under way, will benefit greatly from our first harvest as we continually strive to improve in every way.”

About Valens GroWorks

Valens GroWorks Corp. is a vertically integrated provider of Canadian cannabis products which come from our proprietary extraction techniques, with three wholly-owned subsidiaries located in Kelowna, BC. Subsidiary Valens Agritech has initiated cannabis production, processing and sales under a Health Canada Dealers Licence, which includes a supply agreement with Canopy Growth Corporation under their extensive CraftGrow distribution network. Subsidiary Supra THC Services is a Health Canada licensed cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant Based Medicine Analytics. Valens Farms is in the process of becoming a purpose-built facility in compliance with European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring the product from this facility can be exported anywhere in the world where Cannabis is nationally legal for medical or (in future) adult usage purposes. Valens will be the first company to encompass the ‘whole plant’ extraction process which reduces costs and produces a premium extract. For more information, please visit http://valensgroworks.comhttp://www.valensagritech.com and http://www.suprathc.ca.

Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “anticipates”, “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed”, “positioned” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

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Abattis to Commence Construction of Large-Scale Growing Facility on Gabriola Island

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abattis Bioceuticals Corp.(the “Company” or “Abattis“) (CSE:ATT) (OTC:ATTBF) is pleased to announce the engagement (the “Engagement”) of Ocean Pacific Contractors Ltd. (“Ocean Pacific”) for construction of a purpose-built 26,000 square foot cannabis production and extraction facility (the “Facility”) on Gabriola Island, British Columbia.

The Engagement follows completion of the Company’s recent acquisition of the remaining 10% interest in Gabriola Green Farms Inc. (“Gabriola”) from CannaNUMUS Blockchain Inc., as a result of which Gabriola is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Through Gabriola, the Company is in the late stages of its application for a license to produce (the “LP”) under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations.

The Facility will be a state-of-the-art facility with proposed growing, extraction and propagation areas and a genetics lab. Under the terms of the Engagement, construction of the Facility will be completed in four stages, with estimated cost of $1.5m. On receipt of the LP, the Company will be licensed to produce and sell cannabis and cannabis derivatives.

“The engagement of experienced construction contractors for our Gabriola facility crystallizes an important step in our path towards becoming a full service cannabis company,” stated Rob Abenante, Abattis President and CEO. “Once we receive our license through Gabriola and complete construction of the Facility, we will have a large-scale platform from which to cultivate marijuana and produce and sell extracted cannabis products,” added Mr. Abenante.

About Abattis Bioceuticals Corp.

Abattis is a life sciences and biotechnology company which aggregates, integrates, and invests in cannabis technologies and biotechnology services for the legal cannabis industry developing in Canada. The Company has successfully developed and licensed natural health products, medicines, extractions, and ingredients for the biologics, nutraceutical, bioceutical, and cosmetic markets. The Company is also seeking to acquire exclusive intellectual property rights to agricultural technologies to be employed in extraction and processing of botanical ingredients and compounds. The Company follows strict standard operating protocols and adheres to the applicable laws of Canada and foreign jurisdictions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at: www.abattis.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
ABATTIS BIOCEUTICALS CORP.,

“Rob Abenante”
Robert Abenante, President & CEO

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: www.abattis.com or www.northernvinelabs.com

For inquiries, please contact the Company at (604) 674-8232 or at news@abattis.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Certain information set out in this news release constitutes forward-looking information, which may include information relating to: construction of the Facility, including its expected specifications; the terms of Ocean Pacific’s engagement and the expected satisfaction thereof; and the Company’s plans for once the LP is received and construction at the Facility is complete. Forward-looking statements (often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “expect”, “may”, “could”, “anticipate”, or “will”, and similar expressions) may describe expectations, opinions or guidance that are not statements of fact and which may be based upon information provided by third parties. Forward-looking statements are based upon the opinions, expectations and estimates of management of the Company as at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond the control of the Company, risks associated with the industry in general, rules and regulations relating to the cannabis industry, operational risks associated with development and production operations, delays or changes in plans and unanticipated costs and expenses, among others. In light of the risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking information. In particular, there is no assurance that construction at the Facility will be completed as expected or at all, that Ocean Pacific will satisfy the terms of its engagement, that Gabriola will be awarded its LP, that the Company will be able to carry out its plans following receipt of the LP and construction of the Facility. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements set out in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. The forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement contained in this news release.

Primary Logo

 

Source: GlobeNewswire (May 3, 2018 – 11:56 AM EDT)

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Get a Sneak Peak of the NCIA’s 5th Annual Cannabis Business Summit and Expo

We are excited to partner with the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) on the 5th Annual Cannabis Business Summit and Expo. The influential cannabis event returns to celebrate five years of bringing together the best and brightest minds in the industry. Join us and more than 7,500 cannabis professionals on July 25 through 27 for this two-day educational event that everyone in the industry will be buzzing about.

NCIA recently launched their digital brochure for the event that provides a sneak peak of what to expect, including the educational tracks, agenda, exhibitors, world-class speakers, tours and workshops, and future conference opportunities.

Download Your #CannaBizSummit Brochure

When registering for the conference, use the code CFN15 to save 15% on your registration costs!

The Cannabis Business Summit & Expo was the winner of Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 Award in 2016, honoring the fastest-growing trade shows held in the U.S., and the winner of The Denver Post’s The Cannabist Golden Pineapple Award in 2016 for Best Business Event.

The annual summit, hosted by the cannabis industry’s only national trade association, returns to the Bay Area, the epicenter of the cannabis movement, to bring together more than 6,000 of the industry’s best and brightest minds.

Serious, like-minded entrepreneurs will convene for three days to learn how to grow their businesses and to achieve new levels of success in five all-encompassing educational tracks:

  • The Fine Print: Money, Law, and Your Business
  • Policy & Reform
  • Cultivation & Processing
  • Running Your CannaBusiness
  • Leading Edge: Emerging Topics in the Cannabis Industry

Attendees can also explore the 120,000 square feet of expo floor, bringing together exhibitors and top industry professionals leading in all aspects of the cannabis economy. Shop for all of your business-to-business needs at NCIA events, known for having the highest concentration of legitimate buyers and sellers when compared to any other industry event, to make sure you stay successful in a highly competitive market.

Register Now using CFN15 code to save 15% from the base price.

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Coachella Planning Commission Grants Approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to High Hampton’s CoachellaGro Operation

Toronto, Ontario – High Hampton Holdings Corp. (CSE: HC)(FSE: 0HCN) (“High Hampton” or the “Company”) today announced that it has appeared in front of the Coachella City Planning Commission on May 2nd to present and respond to final questions regarding its 10.8 acre CoachellaGro property situated in the cannabis industrial park in Coachella, California. The purpose was to grant approval by the planning commission for a conditional use permit (CUP) for cannabis farming. The Company is pleased to report that the remaining questions were resolved to the satisfaction of the commission who has now approved and recommended to Coachella City Council to grant a conditional use permit for the CoachellaGro property, which is expected to be issued at the next city council meeting before month’s end.

David E. Argudo, CEO of High Hampton, commented:

“It has been a diligent application process with significant work completed by our executive management team and our experienced Infrastructure Engineers team, and we are very pleased to have received an approval from the Coachella Planning Commission to award a conditional use permit. Once City Council issues the permit, we can move forward with the selection of a construction team and breaking ground at CoachellaGro.”

About High Hampton Holdings Corp.

High Hampton Holdings Corp. is a cannabis sector investment company focused on opportunities in California. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, CoachellaGro Corp., is a California corporation focused on the development of a 10.8-acre property situated in the proposed cannabis industrial park located in Coachella, California. CoachellaGro is in the application process for a conditional use permit for development of a full-service production facility in order to serve third party state licensed medical marijuana operators. The City of Coachella has been progressive in setting up city ordinance that sets aside over 90 acres within

which will be a legal framework for the cultivation, production, extraction and transportation of cannabis. The complex is intended to contain all the necessary; security, infrastructure, equipment, labour and skilled management, supplies and ancillary services for a closed loop production process flow.

Social Media

Facebook: facebook.com/highhamptonTwitter: twitter.com/highhamptonHCLinkedIn: linkedin.com/HighHampton

Stock Exchanges

High Hampton trades in Canada, ticker symbol HC on the CSE, and in Europe, ticker symbol 0HCN on the FSE. Neither the CSE, nor the FSE has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, nor the FSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Marijuana Industry Involvement

Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Marijuana is legal in certain states however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that High Hampton’s ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations.

For more information High Hampton, please contact:
8 Wellington St. E. Mezzanine Level | Toronto, On | M5E 1C5 | www.HighHampton.com

David E. Argudo, Chief Executive Officer Email:david@highhampton.com
Phone: 1.844.420.CALI

Or

Christian Scovenna, Director & VP Corporate Finance Email: christian@HighHampton.com
Phone: 1.844.420.CALI

On behalf of the Board of Directors
High Hampton Holdings Corp.
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate t0

future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the intention of the parties to complete the Acquisition and certain ancillary transactions contemplated thereby. These transactions are subject to a number of material risks, and there is no assurance that they will be completed on the terms or within the timeframes currently contemplated, or at all. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

All monetary references herein refer to Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

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The Green Organic Dutchman Engages CFN Media to Support its Public Market Strategy

CFN Media Group (“CFN Media”), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, today announced that The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) has engaged CFN Media to conduct a 6-month investor and market visibility program to begin on May 3, 2018.

The company is now publicly trading on the TSX exchange under ticker symbol “TGOD” after becoming the largest cannabis IPO to date.

“The Green Organic Dutchman is preparing to commercialize one of the largest land packages in Canada in conjunction with leading industry alliance partners like Eaton, Ledcor, and Aurora Cannabis”, said Frank Lane, President of CFN Media. “The company is building a 970,000 sq. ft. facility capable of producing 116,000 kilograms of premium, high-quality, organic cannabis. Its partnership with Aurora Cannabis enables distribution into the European Union medical market, while the Larrssen partnership will provide support in completing its facility buildouts. After raising approximately $290 million from over 5,000 shareholders, the company went public on May 2, 2018.” 

CFN Media will leverage its powerful content platform and extensive reach into mainstream and cannabis-focused investor audiences and media across North America to attract high-quality investors to The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. while elevating the company’s financial brand.

Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/become-featured-company/

Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8

Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com

About CFN Media

CFN Media (CannabisFN), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the worldwide cannabis industry, helps companies operating in the space attract investors, capital, and publicity. Private and public marijuana companies in the US and Canada rely on CFN Media to succeed in the capital markets.

About The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (“TGOD”) is a research & development company licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) to cultivate medical cannabis. The Company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis from its facilities in Ancaster, Ont., pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and its regulations.

The Company grows high quality, organic cannabis with sustainable, all-natural principles. TGOD’s products are laboratory tested to ensure patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD has a funded capacity of 116,000 kg and is building 970,000 sq. ft. of cultivation facilities in Ontario and Quebec. 

The Company has developed a strategic partnership with Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB) with a $55 million investment for an approximate 17.5% stake in TGOD. To date, the Company has raised approximately $290 million dollars and has over 5,000 shareholders. 

The post The Green Organic Dutchman Engages CFN Media to Support its Public Market Strategy appeared first on CannabisFN.

Choom™ Closes Acquisition of Island Green Cure

VANCOUVERMay 3, 2018 /CNW/ – Choom™ (CSE: CHOO; OTCQB: CHOOF) (the “Company” or “Choom”), an emerging fully-integrated cannabis company, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of Island Green Cure Ltd (“IGC”), an advanced-stage cannabis production license applicant under Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The financial terms of acquisition were previously disclosed in the Company’s news release of January 18, 2018.

SAY HELLO TO CHOOMTM

Choom™ was created for and inspired by the Choom Gang; a group of buddies in Honolulu during the 1970’s who loved to smoke weed—or as the locals called it, “Choom”. Now, after four decades, Choom™ is bringing the spirit of Hawaii to Canada. Choom™ is focused on delivering an elevated customer experience through our curated retail environments, high-grade handcrafted Cannabis supply, and a diversity of brands for the Canadian recreational consumer.

We’re planting our flag in the rapidly growing legal cannabis industry in Canada with our own brand of high-grade handcrafted herb. For additional information on Choom™ please visit: www.choom.ca

“Chris Bogart”
President & CEO

Cautionary Statement:

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Forward-looking information                 
This news release contains forward-looking information relating to the Company’s proposed activities and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information relates to management’s future outlook and anticipated events or results, and include statements or information regarding the future plans or prospects of the Company. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These factors include risks and uncertainties associated with the results of diligence investigations, developments in the cannabis sector, delays resulting from or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, reliance on key personnel, regulatory risks and delays and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of the Company’s interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings, including the Company’s Listing Statement, made with the applicable Canadian securities regulators. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information.

SOURCE Choom Holdings Inc.

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2018/03/c8688.html

Choom Holdings Inc.: Chris Bogart, President & CEO, T: 604.683.2509, F: 604.683.2506, E: chris@choom.ca; Alex Porporo, Investor Relations, T: 604.683.2509, F: 604.683.2506, E: alex@choom.ca; Chris Gagan, SVP Branding, Marketing, T: 604.683.2509, F: 604.683.2506, E: chrisg@choom.caCopyright CNW Group 2018

 

Source: Canada Newswire (May 3, 2018 – 9:00 AM EDT)

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Future Farm Agrees to Acquire 10% of Arizona Medical Marijuana Cultivation and Processing Management Company

VANCOUVER, British ColumbiaMay 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —

Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Future Farm”) (CSE: FFT) (CSE: FFT.CN) (OTCQX: FFRMF) is pleased to announce that it has agreed to invest $500,000 for a 10% interest in a limited liability company (the “Arizona Operator”), providing turn-key services related to the management, administration and operation of a 70,000 square foot licensed medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility in the State of Arizona. The transaction is expected to close in the next 45 days.

In December 2010Arizona voters passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, which became effective on April 14, 2011. As of March 31, 2018Arizona had 162,528 active Qualifying Patient Registry Card holders, a 31% increase from the year before. Additionally, in March 2018Arizona dispensaries transacted for more than 9,534 pounds of medical marijuana, a 44% increase over the year before.

The Arizona Operator entered into an exclusive Management Services Agreement with an Arizona nonprofit organization (the “Arizona Licensee”), that was awarded a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Registration Certificate (“License”) by the Arizona Department of Health Services (“AZDHS”), pursuant to the AZDHS Medical Marijuana Program. The License allows for the operation of an offsite cultivation and processing facility. The Arizona Licensee has granted the Arizona Operator the exclusive right to develop, manage and operate that facility and will pay the Arizona Operator management fees for doing so.

“We are thrilled to execute on this opportunity in Arizona, which adds a new geography to our existing portfolio of assets,” stated William Gildea, Future Farm’s CEO. “The Arizona medical marijuana program has witnessed significant growth and strong demand continues to fuel the market. This operating team has proven successful in cultivation management, and we see great potential for their execution here as well. We look forward to the development and construction of the state-of-the-art cultivation and processing facility.”

All material terms will be disclosed in the final press release issued upon closing the transaction.

On behalf of the Board,

Future Farm Technologies Inc.

William Gildea, Chairman and CEO

About Future Farm Technologies Inc. 

Future Farm is a Canadian company with holdings throughout North America including CaliforniaMassachusettsFloridaMainePuerto Rico and Newfoundland. The Company’s mission is to advance sustainable agriculture through production of wholesale and retail cannabis products, including hemp. As a leader in its field, Future Farm is committed to using only the highest quality processes and products. Towards this goal, the Company acquires or partners with licensed cannabis operators, and acquires or develops leading technologies in cannabis production, breeding, genetics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Future Farm’s scalable, indoor CEA systems utilize minimal land, water and energy resources. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generates yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. 

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.
For further information, contact
William Gildea
Director
+1-888-387-3761

SOURCE Future Farm Technologies Inc.

 

Source: PR Newswire (May 3, 2018 – 8:00 AM EDT)

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CROP Infrastructure Closes Private Placement & Appoints Director

May 2, 2018 Vancouver, British Columbia – CROP Infrastructure Corp. (the “Company”) (CSE: CROP / OTC: CIICF) announces that it has closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $4,349,270.  (See news release dated April 6, 2018) by issuance of an aggregate of 10,873,175 units. Each $0.40 unit consists of one common share (“Common Shares”) of CROP and one half of one common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) where each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share (“Warrant Share”) at an exercise price of $0.55 per Warrant Share for a period of eighteen months following the date of issuance.

The company paid $11,450 in commissions in conjunction with the financing and has issued 26,250 broker warrants exercisable on the same terms as the warrant issued in the financing.

The company has also settled $340,700 of debt in shares at $0.40.

Further the company announces it has appointed Ms. Twila Jensen to the board of directors.

Ms. Jensen is a Senior Capital Markets Strategist with Stockhouse.com, Canada’s leading financial community and a global hub for affluent investors, with over one million unique monthly visitors. Ms. Jensen also acts as an Independent Director for two other TSX Venture Exchange listed companies, Durango Resources Corp. and BTU Metals Corp. Ms. Jensen has over 18 years of experience working in the capital markets within sales and marketing roles, as an independent director and also part of audit committees. She has worked with hundreds of public companies across North America in various sectors over the last two decades. 

About CROP Infrastructure Corp.

Crop Infrastructure is engaged in the business of branding, investing, constructing, owning and leasing turnkey greenhouse projects to licensed cannabis producers and processors.   The company’s first project and core asset is its Greenhouse project currently under construction in the State of Washington.

For further information, please contact:

Crop Infrastructure Corp.

Alex Horsley, Director

Tel: 604-484-4206

E-mail: info@cropcorp.com

The securities of the Company are considered highly speculative due to the nature of the Company’s business. The Company is indirectly involved through its business in both the medical and recreational cannabis industry in the United State where local state law permits such activities. As a result of the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, investments in cannabis businesses in the United States are subject to inconsistent legislation and regulation and therefore there are risks of federal government enforcement. Marijuana-related practices or activities, including the cultivation, possession or distribution of marijuana, are illegal under U.S. federal law.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which include regulatory approvals, the business of the Company and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

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Emerald Health Therapeutics Acquires Cannabis Licensed Producer in Québec

New Emerald operation, one of only six licensed producers in Québec, adds indoor growing capacity of approximately 10,000 kg per annum

VICTORIA, British Columbia, May 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (“Emerald”) (TSXV:EMH) (OTCQX:EMHTF) (Frankfurt:TBD) announced today that it has acquired (the “Acquisition”) all of the issued and outstanding securities of 8611165 Canada Inc., an Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) Licensed Producer located in Saint-Eustache, Québec, and its affiliate 9353-8460 Québec Inc. (together, “Agro-Biotech”). Agro-Biotech’s assets include a Health Canada cultivation license, land, and 75,000 sq. ft. purpose-built facility. The Acquisition enhances this local startup’s resources to serve Québec consumers with high-quality cannabis products in the anticipated legalized adult-use market, and further strengthens Emerald’s ability to market throughout eastern Canada and nationwide.

This indoor hydroponic growing facility, which has access to very low-cost energy and water, will be capable of high-yielding production of Emerald’s unique cannabis strains, several of which are currently being grown in Agro-Biotech’s facility. Agro-Biotech’s extensive experience in cannabis cultivation complements Emerald’s downstream product development focus, which is backed by its depth of pharmaceutical industry R&D and clinical development expertise, and extensive consumer packaged goods and alcohol beverage marketing experience.

Agro-Biotech has built out 20,000 sq. ft. of this facility and expects to have 50,000 sq. ft. equipped for indoor cannabis cultivation by year end. Emerald intends to meet the requirements for an ACMPR sales license for this facility before the end of August. This operation is estimated to have production capacity of 3,000 kg of cannabis in 2018 and have full production capacity exceeding 10,000 kg following completion of the build-out by year end.

With the anticipated introduction of legalized recreational cannabis in Canada, Emerald’s acquisition of Agro-Biotech expands its capacity to meet increased consumer demand in the second half of 2018. Emerald is currently also retrofitting its 50-percent owned 1.1 million square foot greenhouse in Delta, BC, which has its cultivation license and is expected to have over 46,000 kg of production capacity by 2019 and more than 75,000 kilograms of growing capacity when the facility reaches full production. Emerald is also constructing a 500,000-square foot hybrid indoor and greenhouse cannabis growing facility in Metro Vancouver.

“On behalf of the entire team, we are extremely grateful to the city of Saint-Eustache, which has been a supportive and welcoming community, and we look forward to increasing local employment and contributing to the area’s economy,” said Avtar Dhillon, MD, Executive Chairman of Emerald. “Québec’s and the city’s affordable electricity and water will enable us to produce unique, high quality cannabis at very low cost. We are excited to become part of an established presence in Québec that will allow us to be highly responsive to customers in this province and beyond.”

“Agro-Biotech is one of only six Licensed Producers in Québec, Canada’s second largest province with a population of over 8.4 million. Our experienced and talented team collectively has over 60 years of cannabis growing and broad horticulture experience,” said Yan Dignard, President, RPIC/QPIC, of Agro-Biotech. “We did this deal as we respect Emerald’s capabilities and look forward to working with their team to build a strong and differentiated cannabis product line in Québec and across Canada.”

Under the terms of the Acquisition, Emerald will pay an aggregate purchase price of $90 million to the shareholders of Agro-Biotech, half in cash and half in shares. One-half of the cash consideration was paid on closing and the remainder will be payable on May 1, 2019. All of the shares were issued upon closing, however, half of the shares will be held in escrow until May 1, 2019, pursuant to an escrow agreement.

About Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc.

Emerald Health Therapeutics (TSXV:EMH) (OTCQX:EMHTF) (Frankfurt:TBD) is a Licensed Producer under Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations and produces and sells dried cannabis and cannabis oil for medical purposes. It is adding a 500,000 square foot greenhouse in Metro Vancouver to serve the anticipated legal Canadian adult-use cannabis market starting in 2018. Emerald owns 50% of a joint venture with Village Farms International, Inc. that is converting an existing 1.1 million square foot greenhouse in Delta, BC to grow cannabis. Emerald’s team is highly experienced in life sciences, product development and large-scale agribusiness. Emerald Health Therapeutics is part of the Emerald Health group, which includes multiple companies focused on developing cannabis and cannabinoid products with potential wellness and medical benefits.

Please visit www.emeraldhealth.ca for more information or contact:

Rob Hill, Chief Financial Officer
(800) 757 3536 Ext. #5

Ray Lagace, Investor Relations Manager
(800) 757 3536 Ext. #5
invest@emeraldhealth.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include legalization of non-medicinal cannabis; production capacity of various facilities; expansion of facilities; obtaining a sales license for the Saint-Eustache facility; and anticipated production costs.

We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties related to, among other things, failure to obtain regulatory approvals; failure to obtain necessary financing; results of production and sale activities; results of scientific research; regulatory changes; changes in prices and costs of inputs; demand for labour; demand for products; as well as the risk factors described in the Company’s annual information form and other regulatory filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligations to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur, unless required by applicable law.

Primary Logo

 

Source: GlobeNewswire (May 2, 2018 – 7:00 AM EDT)

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RavenQuest Provides Corporate Update

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (the “Company” or “RavenQuest”) – (CSE:RQB) (OTCQB:RVVQF) (Frankfurt:1IT) provides a corporate update.

Operational Activity

RavenQuest’s Investment Division has added two new projects at the MOU stage, including a 250,000 square foot joint venture with Fort McMurray #468 First Nation and the acquisition of late stage applicant, Western AgriPharma Limited, with 125,000 square feet of future grow space. Full buildout of both facilities moves RavenQuest’s projected production from 11,000 kg annually to over 50,000 kg annually.

RavenQuest has signed a lease for space in downtown Edmonton aimed at opening its flagship retail recreational cannabis store, with application for license to be submitted near term. The retail space is strategically situated within close proximity to Edmonton’s downtown nightlife, concert halls, conference center, public transit and the popular “ICE District”, home to NHL hockey and a densely populated residential area. RavenQuest has designed a unique retail experience which includes significant space dedicated to education and awareness surrounding cannabis consumption.

RavenQuest’s Greater Toronto facility, Bloomera, currently has a license to cultivate and has completed the first of two harvests required by Health Canada for license to sell and dispense. Bloomera successfully passed all chemistry and microbiology testing on the first grow cycle, expects to complete the second and acquire sell/dispense license by July, 2018.

Construction on Edmonton based Alberta Green Biotech (“AGB”) is fully funded and continues apace, precisely on schedule and on track for license to cultivate by July of 2018.

Bill Robinson, who leads Government and Indigenous Relations and Executive Director of the Indigenous Peoples’ Cannabis Association, hosted the first national conference call for the IPCA. IPCA membership continues to grow rapidly, indicating the level of interest from Indigenous communities in taking steps toward participating in the cannabis economy.

Notably, RavenQuest’s service division produced $611,000 in revenue in the most recent quarter, covering all operational expenses for the company.

Together with its research partner, McGill University, the Company has received a $480,000 grant from the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council (NSERC), which, combined with RavenQuest cash and in-kind contributions, will total $1.2 million over three years toward scientific research aimed at recognition, stabilization and yield maximization of the cannabis plant. RavenQuest sees this work as essential toward delivering a repeatable, reliable and consistent product to its end consumers and patients, all key elements to global success as a cannabis company.

In its commitment to ongoing human excellence, RavenQuest wishes to share the addition of two key members of its growing team.

Andy Schinke will lead RavenQuest’s efforts in Cannabis Sales and Product Acquisition. Mr. Schinke has held VP Sales & Marketing roles within various industries. Mr. Schinke has held the positions of consultant, Director of Sales, Western Canada (Maricann) and most recently held the title of Director of Retail Sales, Canada (Maricann).

Kevin Miao will lead efforts in RavenQuest’s manufacture of the Orbital Garden six/eight-stack grow technology. Kevin’s background includes M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering (University of Alberta), eight years commissioning newly built power plants, thirteen years providing operational, consulting and technical support to the oil industry as well as the design of service rigs.

Corporate Activity

Management notes that at full expansion, RavenQuest’s production capacity projects at 51,000 kg per year.

Management further notes that 11,000 kg of this capacity is fully funded with construction either complete or well underway, with full capacity revenues from both projects (Bloomera & AGB) expected in 2019.

All four pillars of RavenQuest “four-pillars” approach continue to move forward in the following ways:

  1. Investment Division: Construction/Licensing on schedule, new MOU’s with significant increase in new capacity
  2. Indigenous Partnerships: Significant expansion and partnership with FM #468 First Nation
  3. Services Division: Produced $611,000 in revenue last quarter, covering all operating expenses
  4. Scientific R&D: Receipt of NSERC Grant

RavenQuest CEO, George Robinson, will be a featured speaker at the following events in 2018:

Arcview International Investor Forum: April 30-May 2 Vancouver, BC
Institutional Capital & Cannabis Conference: May 21-22 Los Angeles, CA
International Cannabis Business Conference: June 24-25 Vancouver, BC
The Money Show (Cannabis Investing Symposium): August 23-25, San Francisco, CA
The Money Show (Cannabis Investing Symposium): Sept 14-15, Toronto, ON
Institute of Public Administration of Canada (Pracademic policy workshop): Aug. 22, Quebec City, PQ

RavenQuest will have a booth at all of the above as well as at Lift Expo in Toronto May 25-27. The Company welcomes visitors/attendees to the booth to learn more and discuss RavenQuest.

About RavenQuest BioMed Inc.

RavenQuest BioMed Inc. is a diversified publicly traded cannabis company with divisions focused upon cannabis production, management services & consulting and specialized research & development.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of
RAVENQUEST BIOMED INC.

“George Robinson”
Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Mathieu McDonald, Corporate Communications – 604-484-1230

Neither Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking information” with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the development of a licensed cannabis production facility and anticipated production from such a facility. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

Primary Logo

 

Source: GlobeNewswire (May 2, 2018 – 6:00 AM EDT)

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What is a Recreational Cannabis Brand Worth in Canada?

Recent investments, partnerships and acquisitions in the Canadian cannabis industry highlight the importance of recreational branding as the country transitions focus from medical marijuana to adult-use, recreational cannabis. The marketing of recreational products to a mass audience differs significantly from the marketing of medical products to a narrower audience, and an examination of investments in the space can serve to put a perceived value on brands that are focused on the mass market.

Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is a company that started with one specific goal in mind – develop a brand that would have broad appeal in the nascent Canadian recreational cannabis industry. Choom is a local Hawaiian term for smoking marijuana, and the company aims to bring the spirit of relaxed good times from the islands straight to the Canadian cannabis consumer’s door.

Follow the link to get Choom’s corporate presentation and company updates.

Recent Deals

Shortly on the heels of announcing a supply agreement between the two companies, Emblem Corp. (TSX-V: EMC) announced that it was acquiring an interest in Fire & Flower. Fire & Flower is a corporately-owned retail cannabis lifestyle brand and store concept, and it has announced its application for 37 retail licenses in Alberta. The company is also contemplating retail efforts in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces, though nothing official has been announced.

Determining the value of Fire & Flower is a little bit tricky, but according to a recent press release from TerrAscend Corp. (CSE: TER), its C$2.5 million investment amounts to about 5% of the outstanding Fire & Flower shares. Simple math puts the value at about $50 million for the company, with a retail concept and a number of applications on its books.

Hiku Brands (CSE: HIKU) is another interesting story. The company was very recently formed through the merger of DOJA Cannabis, a smaller licensed producer, and Tokyo Smoke, a cannabis-oriented retailer of coffee, clothing and accessories in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. In a recently-announced deal, Hiku is merging with WeedMD (TSX-V: WMD) to combine the retail company with the more-established medical marijuana producer.

In the end, should the deal pass muster with shareholders and regulators, Hiku shareholders will own about 51.75% of the company and WeedMD holders about 48.25%. This means that the companies are on nearly equal footing, perhaps a surprising development for the merger between the more established medical licensed producer and the smaller producer/retail concept company. The companies currently feature market caps of approximately $178 million for WeedMD and about $195 million for Hiku.

There are also deals like Aphria’s acquisition of Broken Coast Cannabis for $230 million to consider, and Supreme Pharma’s purchase of a 10% stake in BlissCo. But you get the picture. Licensed producers are putting tremendous resources into retail brands and companies in often very early stages of development.

Follow the link to get Choom’s corporate presentation and company updates.

Choom’s Place in the Market

Choom™ emerged in the public markets in late 2017, formed with the intent of developing a great brand focused exclusively on the recreational cannabis consumer. Management was reading the tea leaves, and the company is one of the very few recreational pure-play public entities. It also has a relatively impressive list of assets and accomplishments as it builds a dedicated recreational cannabis company, vertically integrated from seed through retail sales.

Choom owns two late stage licensed producer applicants, both based in British Columbia. It also has agreements in place, pending details, to acquire two more late stage applicants, one in BC and one based in Saskatchewan. All of these applications are anticipated to be approved in the near term. To hedge against delays in ramping up its own production, Choom has a supply agreement in place with ABcann (TSX-V: ABCN). The Ontario-based producer also chipped in $4 million in Choom’s recent $7 million raise.

Choom has announced plans for retail applications and locations throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, totalling 48 potential retail outlets to this point. The company is also eyeing further opportunities further east in Canada, but has been initially focused on covering the three westernmost provinces, accounting for about 27% of the country’s population.

With a current market cap in the neighborhood of $60 million, it could be argued that Choom is undervalued when compared with the recent investments in the retail brand space. That argument would only grow more convincing should any of the company’s four applicants advance through the next phases of licensing. Similarly, should Choom receive approval for its planned retail outlets, the company could look like a bargain compared to some of its retail-hopeful brethren. All of the above bears watching.

Follow the link to get Choom’s corporate presentation and company updates.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Future Farm Signs MOU to Cultivate Marijuana in Puerto Rico

VANCOUVER, British ColumbiaMay 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —

Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Future Farm”) (CSE: FFT) (CSE: FFT.CN) (OTCQX: FFRMF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) with KOM-Agro Management Services, LLC (“KOM-Agro”) to jointly develop, construct, equip and operate a business enterprise of breeding, cultivating, processing and selling of medical cannabis within the territory of Puerto Rico. Future Farm and KOM-Agro will conduct this new business venture as co-owners of Natural Health Solutions, LLC (“NHS”), a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Puerto Rico.

NHS was previously granted a Pre-Qualification of License Approval for the construction, development and operation of an “Establishment for Medical Cannabis for Cultivation” in excess of 20,001 sq./ft. of area.

Complete and definite authorization to effectively operate the pre-qualified Establishment for Medical Cannabis for Cultivation is subject to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s final inspection once construction is complete and NHS is ready to start operations. NHS currently has until July 31, 2018 to apply for the Final Inspection of the Cultivation Facility. It is, however, a condition to Future Farm closing on this transaction that this date has been extended to December 31, 2018.

“We’re very happy to announce our intent to partner with KOM-Agro for the breeding, cultivation and processing of medical marijuana in Puerto Rico,” states William Gildea, Future Farm’s CEO. “It is our belief that Puerto Ricoremains a strong market opportunity and that our efforts in the territory will help strengthen its recovery efforts. Our partnership with KOM-Agro will be a compliment to our business venture with Clinica Verde and allow us to supply, not only our own dispensaries, but other dispensaries located across the island, with quality medical marijuana.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Future Farm,” says Kermit Ortiz-Morales, the sole member of KOM-Agro and Managing Member of NHS. “Future Farm’s depth of knowledge and experience in marijuana cultivation will allow NHS to hit the ground running once the Department of Health issues our final approvals.”

Medical marijuana is legally used in Puerto Rico to address more than a dozen conditions, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and more. On October 6, 2017Puerto Rico’s Department of Cannabis’ board approved allowing patients to go to any open clinic, regardless of the dispensary they had been assigned.

Puerto Rico’s medical marijuana industry has full governmental support, which means the island could become the cannabis tourism mecca of the Caribbean. Importantly, the island’s cannabis law includes a reciprocity policy that allows dispensaries to serve patients visiting Puerto Rico, as long as they hold a medical marijuana card from their home state.

On behalf of the Board,

Future Farm Technologies Inc.

William Gildea, Chairman & CEO

About Future Farm Technologies Inc. 

Future Farm is a Canadian company with holdings throughout North America including CaliforniaMassachusettsFloridaMainePuerto Rico and Newfoundland. The Company’s mission is to advance sustainable agriculture through production of wholesale and retail cannabis products, including hemp. As a leader in its field, Future Farm is committed to using only the highest quality processes and products. Towards this goal, the Company acquires or partners with licensed-cannabis operators, and acquires or develops leading technologies in cannabis production, breeding, genetics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Future Farm’s scalable, indoor CEA systems utilize minimal land, water and energy resources. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generates yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. 

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking.  Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions.  There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties.  We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.
For further information, contact
William Gildea
Director
+1-888-387-3761

 

SOURCE Future Farm Technologies Inc.

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High Hampton Enters into Binding Term Sheet to Acquire Well-Positioned California Cannabis Distribution Team

TORONTOMay 2, 2018 /CNW/ – High Hampton Holdings Corp. (CSE: HC)(FSE: 0HCN) (“High Hampton” or the “Company“) today announced that it has entered into a binding term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with 8 Points Management LLC (“8 Points”) and its subsidiary Bravo Distro (“Bravo”) to acquire 100% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of both 8 Points and Bravo as an all-share transaction (the “Acquisition”). Bravo is a fast-growing California cannabis distributor founded by the same team who served as the brainchild for one of the first companies in California to receive a permit for medical cannabis wholesale logistics, distribution and transportation.

The Acquisition will provide the following benefits:

  • provide High Hampton with immediate access to a major distribution hub in West Sacramento;
  • add a team of alcohol distribution veterans and cannabis industry experts to High Hampton’s portfolio; and
  • lay the foundation for building out a prominent distribution network throughout California for High Hampton’s growing portfolio of future cannabis operations.

The Term Sheet stipulates the exchange of 100% of 8 Points’ issued and outstanding shares in exchange for 4,200,000 common shares of High Hampton (the “Share Exchange”) with the shares being subject to escrow and certain milestone conditions triggering a staggered share release within 24 months following the closing. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Term Sheet, High Hampton will also commit up to US$2,000,000 to 8 Points for past debt, product development, marketing, sales and working capital.

High Hampton and 8 Points expect to enter into a definitive agreement on or before June 6th, 2018 subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to,completion of the Share Exchange, approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”), approval of the High Hampton Board of Directors, as well as, completion of due diligence investigations to the satisfaction of each party, there being no material adverse change in the business of High Hampton or 8 Points prior to completion of the Acquisition and other customary closing conditions.

David E. Argudo, CEO of High Hampton, commented:

“Securing distribution is a crucial if not the most important component of a successful business model for the California cannabis market. In 8 Points Management we have found a well-positioned operator that offers a full-service distribution model for our industry that will help us establish access to major distribution hubs in strategic locations throughout California including a prominent location in West Sacramento. Their team is renowned for already starting and operating another highly successful cannabis distribution outlet, and together, we are poised to succeed in building a leading cannabis distributor in California.”

Wes Miyake, Vice President of 8 Points, added:

“We are incredibly excited to begin our partnership with High Hampton. The legal cannabis space is a relatively new venture for everybody, and we could not ask for more professional partners who share our exact vision. An organized and accountable distribution company is a necessary factor in the successful future of bringing cannabis products to a global marketplace, for both medical patients and recreational customers. We feel our experienced and versatile executive team at Bravo is perfectly complemented with the creative and leadership group at High Hampton, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.”

About 8 Points Managements LLC

8 Points Management LLC serves the cannabis industry with sales, marketing, transportation, and supply chain management services through its subsidiary Bravo Distro LLC.  Bravo’s customers include California storefront dispensaries, delivery services, and chain stores, as well as non-retail accounts of cannabis such as manufacturers, cultivators, and the emerging CBD medical market of clinics, universities, research, veterinary, and other sciences with an expanding customer base.  Collaborating with state agencies, taxation councils, and legislators, Bravo represents distribution done right – where everyone wins! Bravo enters the market as one of the most viable distribution options with statewide sales, marketing, delivery fleet, compliance measures, technology driven, and most importantly, an incredibly talented team assembled of industry experts and resources.

About High Hampton Holdings Corp.

High Hampton Holdings Corp. is a cannabis sector investment company focused on opportunities in California. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, CoachellaGro Corp., is a California corporation focused on the development of a 10.8-acre property situated in the proposed cannabis industrial park located in Coachella, California. CoachellaGro is in the application process for a conditional use permit for development of a full-service production facility in order to serve third party state licensed medical marijuana operators. The City of Coachella has been progressive in setting up city ordinance that sets aside over 90 acres within which will be a legal framework for the cultivation, production, extraction and transportation of cannabis. The complex is intended to contain all the necessary; security, infrastructure, equipment, labour and skilled management, supplies and ancillary services for a closed loop production process flow.

Social Media

Facebook: facebook.com/highhampton
Twitter: twitter.com/highhamptonHC
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/HighHampton

Stock Exchanges

High Hampton trades in Canada, ticker symbol HC on the CSE, and in Europe, ticker symbol 0HCN on the FSE. Neither the CSE, nor the FSE has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, nor the FSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Marijuana Industry Involvement

Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Marijuana is legal in certain states however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that High Hampton’s ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

High Hampton Holdings Corp.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the intention of the parties to complete the Acquisition and certain ancillary transactions contemplated thereby. These transactions are subject to a number of material risks, and there is no assurance that they will be completed on the terms or within the timeframes currently contemplated, or at all. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

All monetary references herein refer to Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

SOURCE High Hampton Holdings Corp.

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2018/02/c1659.html

8 Wellington St. E. Mezzanine Level | Toronto, On | M5E 1C5 | www.HighHampton.com; David E. Argudo, Chief Executive Officer, Email: david@highhampton.com, Phone: 1.844.420.CALI; Or Christian Scovenna, Director & VP Corporate Finance, Email: christian@HighHampton.com, Phone: 1.844.420.CALICopyright CNW Group 2018

 

Source: Canada Newswire (May 2, 2018 – 8:00 AM EDT)

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Ladera Ventures Announces Proposed Reverse Takeover By MedMen Enterprises

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Ladera Ventures Corp. (TSXV:LV.H) (“Ladera” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter agreement dated as of April 27, 2018 (the “Letter Agreement”) with leading Los Angeles-based cannabis company MM Enterprises USA, LLC (“MedMen Enterprises”). The Letter Agreement outlines the proposed terms and conditions pursuant to which Ladera and MedMen Enterprises will effect a business combination that will result in a reverse takeover of Ladera by the securityholders of MedMen Enterprises (the “Proposed Transaction”). The Letter Agreement was negotiated at arm’s length.

MedMen Enterprises has elected to terminate its previously announced binding letter agreement with OutdoorPartner Media Corporation in respect of a proposed business combination in accordance with the terms thereof, and OutdoorPartner Media has consented to such termination.

With vertically integrated operations in three states, including seven licensed stores in California’s newly opened adult-use market, MedMen Enterprises, a limited liability company organized under Delaware law, is one of the most dominant players in the fast-growing cannabis industry. MedMen Enterprises recently completed construction of a 45,000-square-foot factory in Northern Nevada, and MedMen Manhattan, the first-of-a-kind marijuana store in New York, opened on Fifth Avenue on April 20, 2018 on schedule. MedMen Enterprises also recently announced a joint-venture with Cronos Group Inc. to develop products and open MedMen branded stores in Canada’s potential adult-use market.

Terms of the Transaction

The Proposed Transaction will be structured as an amalgamation, arrangement, takeover bid, share purchase or other similar form of transaction or a series of transactions that have a similar effect with Ladera acquiring all voting securities of MedMen Enterprises. The final structure for the Proposed Transaction is subject to satisfactory tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Ladera and MedMen Enterprises.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including completion of the MedMen Financing (defined below), receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, the execution of related transaction documents, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) for the delisting of the common shares of Ladera (the “Ladera Shares”) from the NEX board of the TSXV and conditional approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange for the listing of the Ladera Shares following completion of the Proposed Transaction. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is also subject to conversion of the 8,000,000 subscription receipts (the “Ladera Subscription Receipts”) previously issued by Ladera on March 7, 2018, release to Ladera of the related escrowed funds and cancellation of the warrants of Ladera underlying such subscription receipts.

MedMen Enterprises currently intends to complete a brokered private placement (the “MedMen Financing”) to accredited investors of subscription receipts (the “MedMen Subscription Receipts”). MedMen Enterprises has engaged Cormark Securities Inc. and Canaccord Genuity Corp., leading Canadian independent investment dealers, to act as co-bookrunners in connection with the MedMen Financing. The MedMen Subscription Receipts are proposed to be exchanged for post-Consolidated Ladera Shares in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

In connection with the Proposed Transaction, the Company will be required to, among other things: (i) change its name to a name requested by MedMen Enterprises and acceptable to applicable regulatory authorities; (ii) consolidate its outstanding Ladera Shares on a basis to be determined (the “Consolidation”); (iii) replace all directors and officers of the Company on closing of the Proposed Transaction with nominees of MedMen Enterprises; and (iv) create a new class of non-participating super voting shares that would be issued to the founders of MedMen, Adam Bierman and Andrew Modlin, under the Proposed Transaction.

Under the Proposed Transaction, existing shareholders of the Company as of immediately prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction would hold post-Consolidated Ladera Shares (whose voting rights will be subordinated) with a value, based on the MedMen Financing price, of US$6.0 million. Further details of the Proposed Transaction will be included in subsequent news releases and disclosure documents (which will include business and financial information in respect of MedMen) to be filed by the Company in connection with the Proposed Transaction. It is anticipated that an annual general and special shareholder meeting of the Company to approve, among other matters, all required matters in connection with the Proposed Transaction will take place in May 2018 and closing of the Proposed Transaction will take place in the second quarter of 2018.

The Common Shares of the Company will remain halted until all necessary filings have been accepted by applicable regulatory authorities.

For more information please contact the Company at 778-331-8505 or email: sackerman@emprisecapital.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Ladera Ventures Corp.
Scott Ackerman
Director

All information contained in this news release with respect to MedMen Enterprises was supplied by MedMen Enterprises for inclusion herein and the Company has relied on the accuracy of such information without independent verification.

As noted above, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, majority of the minority shareholder approval of the voluntary delisting of the Ladera Shares from the NEX board of the TSXV and TSXV acceptance of such delisting. The Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained in respect of the applicable matters. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or listing statement of the Company to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Ladera should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities under the MedMen Financing in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, information concerning the Proposed Transaction and the MedMen Financing, expectations regarding whether the Proposed Transaction will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction will be satisfied, the timing for holding the annual general and special meeting of shareholders of the Company and the timing for completing the Proposed Transaction, expectations for the effects of the Proposed Transaction or the ability of the combined company to successfully achieve business objectives, expectations regarding whether the MedMen Financing will be consummated, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the ability to consummate the Proposed Transaction and the MedMen Financing; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder and unitholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the MedMen Financing or to the conversion of the MedMen Subscription Receipts; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Proposed Transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation; and the diversion of management time on the Proposed Transaction and the MedMen Financing. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

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Abattis Completes Acquisition of Remaining Minority Interest in Gabriola Green Farms

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 30, 2018) – Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. (the “Company” or “Abattis“) (CSE: ATT / OTC: ATTBF) is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated April 18, 2018, that it has completed its acquisition of the remaining 10% ownership interest (the “Interest“) in its subsidiary, Gabriola Green Farms Inc. (“Gabriola“). Abattis acquired the Interest from CannaNUMUS Blockchain Inc. for $2.5 million. Gabriola is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

About Abattis Bioceuticals Corp.

Abattis is a life sciences and biotechnology company which aggregates, integrates, and invests in cannabis technologies and biotechnology services for the legal cannabis industry developing in Canada. The Company has successfully developed and licensed natural health products, medicines, extractions, and ingredients for the biologics, nutraceutical, bioceutical, and cosmetic markets. The Company is also seeking to acquire exclusive intellectual property rights to agricultural technologies to be employed in extraction and processing of botanical ingredients and compounds. The Company follows strict standard operating protocols and adheres to the applicable laws of Canada and foreign jurisdictions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at: www.abattis.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ABATTIS BIOCEUTICALS CORP.,

“Rob Abenante”
Robert Abenante, President & CEO

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: www.abattis.com or www.northernvinelabs.com

For inquiries, please contact the Company at (604) 674-8232 or at news@abattis.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Source: Newsfile Corp. (April 30, 2018 – 6:26 PM EDT)

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India Globalization: The Best of Both Worlds Approach

Investors have many different opportunities in the medical cannabis industry. While some companies target retail dispensaries, others are engaged in clinical trials designed to bring prescription drugs to market. GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) has already been successful in commercializing prescription drugs focused on epilepsy, which proves that many countries are open to the potential for medical cannabis treatments.

India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE MKT: IGC) is taking a hybrid approach. First, they develop a formulation for sale in legal dispensaries as a symptom-relieving nutraceutical, followed by further research and clinical trials to evolve the nutraceutical into a prescription drug. Their first effort is Hyalolex for Alzheimer’s patients, a cannabinoid-based combination therapy supplement for Alzheimer’s disease that has been made available for sale in Puerto Rico since March.  With this approach, the company offers investors near-term revenue to offset long-term development costs, while at the same time reducing risk by leveraging the early indications of safety and efficacy from the sale of the nutraceutical. Furthermore, the Company files patent protections as it grows.

Pharmaceutical vs. Complimentary / Nutraceutical

Many healthcare companies can be divided into or pharmaceutical and nutraceutical categories. While both types of companies produce products designed to improve consumer health, their very different approaches can result in very different opportunities for investors. Investors involved with these companies, particularly at an early stage, should be aware of these differences to understand how their portfolio is likely to perform.

Pharmaceutical companies must go through regulatory approval processes designed to show that a drug is both safe and efficacious. According to Clinical Leader, the cost of a single clinical trial can be upwards of $100 million, while the total cost of developing a new drug has risen to more than $1 billion. The good news is that approved drugs enjoy market exclusivity and high profit margins since they must be prescribed by a physician.

On the other hand, nutraceutical companies develop products under the “dietary supplement” designation, which undergoes much less regulatory scrutiny. These companies don’t need to prove efficacy, but the ingredients must be generally recognized as safe and the manufacturing process must meet certain requirements. In addition, there are some marketing restrictions on what claims can be made and limited exclusivity. The good news is that these products are much faster to market.

Taking the Best of Both Worlds

IGC’s “best of both worlds” approach is being evidenced with the way they are launching Hyalolex.  The company’s plan is to collect data from Hyalolex’s performance within a diverse patient set in Puerto Rico who will use the twice- or thrice-daily liquid supplement that has been shown to inhibit the formation of harmful plaques and tangles, as well as enhance mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and modulate other Alzheimer’s symptoms.  

After the Puerto Rico launch, the Company will replicate the Puerto Rico experience by undertaking a methodical market-by-market distribution in states where dispensaries are legal. Then, using QR-code based product assurance, information dissemination, and data collection systems, they will aggregate data from the nutraceutical patients to use for formal clinical trials in the United States, which will set the stage for approved pharmaceutical drugs.

Looking Ahead

India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE MKT: IGC) represents a compelling investment opportunity as the only cannabis-based pharmaceutical company in the Alzheimer’s space. By targeting a niche market and setting up distribution into large markets, they will be building a role model that can be emulated for their next product, which targets Parkinson’s disease, to be followed by two other products now under development for pain and for pets. In this way, the Company is uniquely positioned to grow its long-term shareholder value.

For more information, visit the company’s corporate website or product website.

Disclaimer 

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Lexaria Technology Brings “Fast-Acting” to Nuka’s 1906 Cannabis Products with 10-Year Deal Consummating Proof-Of-Concept Relationship

Nuka’s 1906 chocolates, utilizing Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology, have been recognized for their fast onset times, efficacy, amazing taste and unique formulations

Kelowna, British Columbia – April 30, 2018 – Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX: LXRP) (CSE: LXX), an innovator in drug delivery platforms, today announced a major new licensing agreement with Nuka Enterprises LLC, maker of 1906 brand cannabis chocolates and other edible products. The deal renews Nuka’s DehydraTECHTM license rights for use in its 1906 brand of cannabis chocolates, recognized for their fast onset times, efficacy, amazing taste and unique formulations.

Nuka has been utilizing Lexaria’s technology within its award-winning 1906 brand chocolates for nearly two years, during which time 1906 entered the cannabis market; advanced from a start-up to Colorado’s number-three cannabis chocolate brand available in over 150 locations; and touted by media, industry watchers and consumers as one of the most innovative brands in the cannabis space.

“1906 products are a unique combination of nature and science, bringing together natural plant medicines delivered in delicious form factors such as chocolate with advanced technologies that make them safe, predictable, fast-acting and efficacious,” said Peter Barsoom, CEO of Nuka Enterprises, LLC. “We’ve worked closely with Lexaria through 1906’s development and launch phases to create the best possible products that taste great, reduce onset times and deliver amazing experiences. Fast-acting edibles are the wave of the future – it’s what consumers want – and we are at the forefront of bringing innovations to address consumer needs.”

The comprehensive 10-year agreement provides Nuka and 1906 with competitive technological advantages, as well as growing revenue streams for Lexaria. The semi-exclusive deal provides Nuka and 1906 with the immediate ability to utilize DehydraTECHTM technology across the US. Initially, 1906 will focus on recreational and adult-use states such as Colorado, Nevada, California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nuka has also acquired an option to expand its products and brand to Canada, including through the use of Lexaria’s existing chocolate and confections contract manufacturer licensee Cannfections Group Inc.

Nuka and 1906 will leverage the competitive advantages of DehydraTECHTM across multiple product lines, as they have also strategically acquired new rights in product categories in addition to the original chocolate formats, which include candies, beverages, capsules and pills, and topical creams. In doing so, Nuka and 1906 have the opportunity to create America’s first national DehydraTECHTM-powered cannabis brand for edible and topical products that offer the superior experiential profiles 1906 consumers desire, together with the exceptional flavor and speed of onset benefits.  

“Nuka was our first commercial client and has been an ideal partner due to their focus on using technology and advanced science as a competitive advantage,” said Chris Bunka, Chief Executive Officer of Lexaria Bioscience Corp. “Nuka’s success with the 1906 brand of cannabis chocolates – recognized for their fast onset times, efficacy, taste and unique formulations – clearly demonstrate the market potential for DehydraTECHTM. This comprehensive, long-term relationship between Nuka and Lexaria is poised to redefine the cannabis industry and holds great potential for us in other markets.”

About Nuka Enterprises and 1906

Nuka Enterprises develops processes, IP and services, focused on disrupting the nascent and fast emerging cannabis industry. Nuka’s 1906 brand is creating a new category of premium edibles, marrying the benefits of cacao, cannabis and ethnobotanical ingredients, designed to appeal to responsible, informed, health conscious adults. Products that deliver absolutely safe, consistent and predictable experiences, helping customers re-connect with your senses and addressing different experiences with truly exceptional tastes. For more information, please visit www.1906newhighs.com

About Lexaria

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. has developed and out-licenses its disruptive delivery technology that promotes healthier ingestion methods, lower overall dosing and higher effectiveness of lipophilic active molecules. Lexaria has multiple patents pending in over 40 countries around the world and has patents granted in the USA and in Australia for utilization of its DehydraTECHTM delivery technology. Lexaria’s technology provides increases in intestinal absorption rates; more rapid delivery to the bloodstream; and important taste-masking benefits, for orally administered bioactive molecules including cannabinoids, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nicotine and other molecules.

www.lexariabioscience.com

For regular updates, connect with Lexaria on Twitter (https://twitter.com/lexariacorp)

and on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/y8vzcaam

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Lexaria Bioscience Corp.

Alex Blanchard, Communications Manager

(778) 796-1897

Or

NetworkNewsWire (NNW)

www.NetworkNewsWire.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release includes forward-looking statements. Statements which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. The Company makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future financial position,

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Lexaria’s DehydraTECH Builds Market Share in Cannabis Beverage Industry

The cannabis industry is expected to reach $50 billion by 2026 in the U.S. and C$22.6 billion over the coming years in Canada, according to industry analysts. While cannabis flower still commands the most sales, cannabis-infused products have become the fastest-growing segment across North America. Investors may want to look at companies serving this unique market segment, particularly as recreational legalization goes into effect.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) recently announced a definitive technology licensing agreement with GP Holdings LLC, a developer of cannabis infused beverages, providing access to its breakthrough technology that enhances bioavailability.

Cannabis Beverage Market

Constellation Brands’ (NYSE: STZ) purchase of a 9.9 percent equity stake in Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) for $191 million sent shockwaves through the cannabis community in October of 2017. Constellation Brands President and CEO Rob Sands said that the nationwide legalization of marijuana will occur in the United States, but in the meantime, the company would start to sell in countries where recreational marijuana is already legal.

Specialty beverage companies had already been coming out with new cannabinoid infused beverages before the deal, but the move signaled that larger players in the multi-billion dollar beverage industry may be interested in expanding. Given the size of the alcohol industry, many of these companies may see cannabis-infused beverages as a market that could become just as large and offer a different type of effect upon consumption.

In July 2019, the Cannabis Drinks Expo will debut in San Francisco to bring together drinks producers, manufacturers, brand owners, distilleries, and breweries, along with the beverage supply chain to discuss the implications of legal cannabis. Events like these could open up the market to more established beverage companies looking to build a presence in the industry by incorporating cannabinoids into their products in newly legal markets.

California’s cannabis beverage market is expected to become one of the largest edible product segments following the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis this year. Arcview Market Research, in partnership with New Frontier, estimated that California’s market could reach $6.5 billion by 2020, driven by the legalization of recreational cannabis. These figures translate into an enormous market opportunity for companies competing in the space.

DehydraTECH’s Advantage

Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH™ technology is designed to increase the bioavailability, improve the flavors, and rapidity of onset of cannabinoids across a wide range of products, including beverages.

In late-April, the company announced a deal with GP Holdings LLC to leverage the technology to bring cannabis-infused beverages to market in California. GP Holdings aims to become a leading THC beverage contract manufacturer in the state with a new state-of-the-art bottling facility coming online within the next two quarters. The two companies have been collaborating for months on integrating DehydraTECH™ into its formulations.

“The use of DehydraTECH™ triggers a race to the top in the California THC beverage and topicals market through this 5-year license agreement,” said Lexaria CEO Chris Bunka in the press release announcing the deal. “This is another long-term strategic relationship that will give consumers the faster acting and highly potent products they deserve, and class leading flavor profiles for the beverage segment in particular.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Lexaria provided GP Holdings with semi-exclusive rights for five years in exchange for a lump sum and royalty on revenue generated from products developed using its DehydraTECH™ technology. The agreement enables Lexaria to generate near-term revenue while still offering other licensee partners the option of using GP’s formulation and expertise to produce cannabis-infused beverages in the state.

Looking Ahead

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) has made tremendous progress in commercializing its DehydraTECH™ technology. In addition to the GP Holdings agreement, the company announced a deal with Hill Street Beverage Co. to develop cannabis-infused alcohol-free beers and wines in Canada. These types of deals should create steady recurring cash flow and exceptional long-term value for shareholders.

For more information, visit the company’s website or download their investor presentation.

Disclaimer 

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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Village Farms International announces Pure Sunfarms’ cannabis supply agreement with Emerald Health Therapeutics

 Pure Sunfarms On Track to be One of the Largest Cannabis Growing Operations in Canada and is Advancing its Branding and Distribution Strategies –

VANCOUVERApril 30, 2018 /CNW/ – Village Farms International, Inc. (“Village Farms” or the “Company”) (TSX: VFF) (OTCQX:VFFIF) today announced the Company’s 50/50 joint venture with Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (“Emerald”) (TSXV: EMH; OTCQX: EMHTF; Frankfurt: TBD), Pure Sunfarms Corp. (“Pure Sunfarms”), has entered into a supply agreement with Emerald. In this agreement, Emerald will purchase 40% of Pure Sunfarms’ production in 2018 and 2019, or approximately 21,000 to 24,000 kilograms using current projected production targets, at a pre-determined price per gram.

Pure Sunfarms has substantially completed conversion of the first 250,000 ftof its existing 1.1 million ftgreenhouse in Delta, BC (“Delta 3 greenhouse”) to cannabis production, with the balance of the 1.1 million ft2 expected to be completed by year end. The Company’s design for the Delta 3 greenhouse is based on decades of large-scale, low-cost agricultural production experience and extensive cannabis expertise, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility with 17 individual grow rooms optimized for year-round harvesting (more than 85 harvests annually) and low-cost production. Senior growing, financial, and operational personnel, including the experienced cultivation team transferred from Village Farms, are in place for production ramp-up. Pure Sunfarms is targeting production of dried cannabis of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 kilograms in 2018, 46,000 to 52,000 kilograms in 2019, and more than 75,000 kilograms in 2020 when the facility reaches full production. Health Canada issued a cultivation license for the Delta 3 greenhouse in March.

Pure Sunfarms’ objective is to be a vertically integrated supplier and in addition to production ramp-up is focused on senior management hires, downstream product development, and development of distribution and marketing strategies. With its options on two adjacent operational greenhouse facilities of 1.1 million ft2 and 2.6 million ft2, Pure Sunfarms’ potential production footprint of 4.8 million ft2 in one contiguous complex would be the largest cannabis cultivation site in Canada and the world.

“Pure Sunfarms’ agreement to supply Emerald with a portion of Pure Sunfarms’ projected production provides a strong initial revenue stream for our shared joint venture, while allowing flexibility to capitalize on other sales opportunities as we continue discussions with multiple parties including provincial governments and other licensed producers,” said Michael DeGiglio, Director, Pure Sunfarms, and CEO, Village Farms. “We are confident Pure Sunfarms’ unmatched experience in large-scale, low-cost agricultural production and fulfilling regular, large-volume supply commitments at consistent quality, alongside extensive cannabis expertise and significant scale, will place it in the top tier of Canadian and international cannabis growers and downstream product developers.”

“As a co-owner of Pure Sunfarms, we are pleased to see the maturing of Pure Sunfarms’ business plan and the rapid conversion of its impressive production facility. We look forward to the significant sales we expect Pure Sunfarms to generate and supporting Pure Sunfarms in the distribution of its production,” said Avtar Dhillon, MD, Executive Chairman of Emerald. “At the same time, Emerald is pleased to secure a significant source of cannabis as we execute our plan to be an important supplier of high-quality cannabis in the anticipated legalized adult-use cannabis market in Canada and develop value-added products supported by unique intellectual property.”

About Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc.

Emerald Health Therapeutics (TSXV: EMH; OTCQX: EMHTF; Frankfurt: TBD) is a Licensed Producer under Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations and produces and sells dried cannabis and cannabis oil for medical purposes. It is building a 500,000 square foot greenhouse in Metro Vancouver to serve the anticipated legal Canadian adult-use cannabis market starting in 2018. Emerald also owns 50% of Pure Sunfarms, a joint venture with Village Farms International, Inc., that is converting an existing 1.1 million square foot greenhouse in Delta, BCto grow cannabis. Emerald’s team is highly experienced in life sciences, product development and large-scale agribusiness. Emerald Health Therapeutics is part of the Emerald Health group, which includes multiple companies focused on developing cannabis and cannabinoid products with potential wellness and medical benefits.

About Village Farms International, Inc.

Village Farms International, Inc. is one of the largest and longest-operating vertically integrated greenhouse growers in North America and the only publicly traded greenhouse produce company in Canada.  With more than 750 years of accumulated master grower experience coupled with advanced proprietary technology and environmentally sustainable growing practices, Village Farms is highly resource efficient. Village Farms produces and distributes fresh, premium-quality produce with consistency 365-days a year to national grocers in the U.S. and Canada from its large-scale Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) greenhouses in British Columbia and Texas, as well as from its partner greenhouses in British ColumbiaOntario and Mexico.

Cautionary Language

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: (i) the timing of completion of conversion of the Delta 3 greenhouse to cannabis production; (ii) whether Pure Sunfarms will exercise options to acquire any adjacent greenhouses in order to expand cannabis production; (iii) whether Pure Sunfarms’ business vision will be achieved; and (iv) forecasted annual cannabis production amounts and related production costs. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plans” or “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things, the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals. Details of the risk factors relating to the Company and its business are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” set out in the Company’s annual information form and management’s discussion and analyses for the year ended December 31, 2017, which are available electronically at www.sedar.com. Actual results may differ materially from any forward looking statements. Although the Company believes that its forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon reasonable assumptions, you cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and other than as specifically required by applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, events or circumstances.

SOURCE Village Farms International, Inc.

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2018/30/c6429.html

Stephen C. Ruffini, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Village Farms International, Inc., (407) 936-1190, ext. 340; Lawrence Chamberlain, Investor Relations, Loderock Advisors, (416) 519-4196, lawrence.chamberlain@loderockadvisors.comCopyright CNW Group 2018

 

Source: Canada Newswire (April 30, 2018 – 7:00 AM EDT)

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