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Kiaro, One Of Canada’s Largest Cannabis Retailers, To Leverage The Power Of Fobi Real-time Artificial Intelligence To Transform Their Approach To Cannabis Retail

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:46 PM on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021
Kiaro holdings corp  kiaro completes kelowna cannabis retail loc

“I was blown away by FOBI “  ($KO CEO Daniel Petrov)

“Kiaro has built an amazing tech driven cannabis retail business”  ($FOBI CEO Rob Anson)

If you’re a shareholder of one of these companies, here is what you need to know about each that makes this technology partnership so powerful:

KIARO is one of Canada’s largest retailers of cannabis, with 16 locations and forecasted annual revenue of $42.7 million from these locations, at a gross profit of $13.7M with further growth anticipated.

FOBI is a global leader in providing real-time data analytics through artificial intelligence to drive customer activation and engagement in the brick and mortar space.  From that core technology they have built a technology stack on top of it that is second to none.

More than just talk, FOBI has completes Integrations with Lightspeed and Shopify to provide real-time Point of Sale data analytics.  Moreover, they recently announced another $250.000 Data Consulting Agreement with Azincourt Energy

TOGETHER they combined forces in this press release “Fobi Signs $240,000 Data Consulting Agreement With Kiaro Holdings, A National Cannabis Retailer With 16 Locations And Forecasted Annual Revenue Of $42.7 Million, To Assist With Development Of Data Warehouse”

How important is this agreement to each other’s success? 

Very. 

Watch this powerful interview with FOBI CEO, Rob Anson and Kiaro CEO Daniel Petrov to find out exactly.

VIDEO – With $17M In Profitable Cannabis Revenues Already, The Latest Kiaro Acquisitions Are Expected To Create $43M In Revenue & $13.7M Gross Profit

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:54 PM on Friday, July 16th, 2021
Kiaro holdings corp  kiaro completes kelowna cannabis retail loc

Kiaro Holdings is an multi-channel cannabis retailer and distributor with existing storefronts across British Columbia , Saskatchewan and Ontario, a wholesale distribution servicing Saskatchewan and ecommerce sites in Canada , the US and Australia, which have resulted in the following:

  • ANNUAL REVENUE              $17.1M Up 230%
  • ANNUAL GROSS PROFIT     $5.1M Up 281%  
  • Q1 REVENUE                          $5.2M Up 94%
  • Q1 GROSS PROFIT                 $1.56M Up 118%

But CEO Daniel Petrov and his team of retail winners aren’t stopping there. On July 13th, $KO announced  Kiaro Acquires Hemisphere Cannabis and Adds 7 Retail and 2 Development Locations in Ontario To Become a Prominent National Cannabis Retailer with Forecasted Annual Revenues of $42.7 Million.

If you believe in the long-term future of the cannabis market, then you have to discover KIARO by watching our first ever interview with CEO Daniel Petrov.

$WMD $WDDMF’s Color Cannabis Expands Product Portfolio with Debut of Live Resin in Pedro’s Sweet Sativa Cultivar $CRON $GTBIF $INDS $FAF.ca $WEED.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 2:29 PM on Thursday, March 25th, 2021

*Strain-specific Live Resin product set for release under Color Cannabis adult-use brand
*Available for purchase from Ontario Cannabis Store in May

TORONTO, March 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V:WMD(OTCQX:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE) (“WeedMD” or the “Company”), a federally-licensed producer and distributor of medical-grade cannabis, is pleased to announce the debut of its strain-specific live resin product for release under its Color Cannabis adult-use brand, 510-thread vaporization carts. Products will be available for purchase from the Ontario Cannabis Store starting in May, 2021 with eventual expansion to additional provinces and retailers. The live resin line offered in Pedro’s Sweet Sativa cultivar is the first in a series of new extract products recently announced by the Company that will eventually expand to feature solventless hash and rosin concentrates.

WeedMD partnered with Ontario’s Peak Processing, a highly-skilled, third-party processer that specializes in developing hydrocarbon extract of freshly harvested and frozen cannabis biomass to produce live resin formulations. This process ensures the cannabinoid and terpene-rich trichomes are preserved at harvest to produce some of the purest, true-to-nature forms of concentrates from the Company’s award-winning genetics.

“With the launch of our live resin products, we’re excited to introduce consumers to another authentic offering featuring the unique cultivar that is Pedro’s Sweet Sativa,” said Joseph Mele, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing, WeedMD. “The goal with all Color Cannabis products is to expand consumers’ awareness – particularly for those seeking unique terpene profiles and new premium, high-value concentrates. Peak Processing has carefully extracted live resin from fresh-frozen Pedro’s Sweet Sativa, grown and processed alongside our skilled teams, and we’re looking forward to adding more cultivars to this innovative line-up.”

WeedMD is expected to release additional Cannabis 2.0 extract products including solventless hash and rosin concentrates throughout 2021, under its Color Cannabis and Saturday Cannabis adult-use brands. Product development for both solventless cannabis concentrates, including bubble hash and rosin extract products, is currently underway alongside WeedMD and its highly skilled third-party processors currently undergoing trialling processes.

The Company has further developed a unique, in-house sub-critical CO2 extract post-processing methodology, which preserves the flower’s terpene profile and results in a malleable, semi-solid high-potency cannabis extract product. Trials to confirm scalability and product integrity are also currently underway at the Company’s Aylmer, Ontario processing and extraction hub.

Extract products will be produced using WeedMD’s own biomass, grown on-site at the Company’s state-of-the-art greenhouse and outdoor field in Strathroy, Ontario.

Access WeedMD’s 2021 Shareholder Newsletter here. Information about upcoming corporate events can be found here.

To read more, click here.

VIDEO – Molecule $MLCL.ca Is At The Forefront of The Cannabis Beverage Revolution, with Landmark Licensing Deal And Estimated Revenue Run Rate of $18.5m $WEED.ca $TPX.A.ca $ACB.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:30 AM on Thursday, January 28th, 2021

Phil Waddington / President and CEO of Molecule Holdings Inc. / (MLCL:CSE) discusses the craft-focused, cannabis beverage production company’s cutting-edge work in the nascent Canadian market. 

Boasting a 200,000 square foot production facility based in Ontario, the company has just been given the green light to begin selling its unique line of cannabis-infused beverages throughout Canada, starting in Ontario and Québec. 

The company’s recent partnership with Vortex Cannabis Inc. allows Molecule to bring its unique line of cannabis-infused beverage products to market this year, while completing its own sales amendment application. 

Molecule Highlights:

  • Molecule’s recent deal with Vortex Cannabis Inc. allows it to begin selling its unique line of cannabis-infused beverages throughout Canada this year.
  • Vortex will sell products produced by Molecule to provincial retailers, starting with Ontario and Québec.
  • Molecule has a 200,000 square foot production facility based in Ontario, offering huge capacity.
  • The company forecasts 2021 Q1 revenue of $3.5m, 2021 Q2 revenue of $5.8m, and a 2021 Run Rate revenue of $18.5m
  • An early leap of faith into this emerging industry in 2018 has positioned the company well ahead of the pack now.
  • “We are excited to move into full scale production and sale,” says CEO Phil Waddington.

How The #Cannabis Industry Is Coping In 2020 – SPONSOR: Hollister Biosciences $HOLL.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:45 PM on Sunday, May 10th, 2020

SPONSOR: Hollister Biosciences Inc. (HOLL:CSE) A vertically integrated cannabis company with products in 220 California dispensaries and joint ventures, licensing agreement & partnerships with global brands. The company recently closed $20 MILLION deal with Venom Extracts adding $CDN 16.4 million in revenue and $CDN 2.48 million in EBITDA. Learn More

How The Cannabis Industry Is Coping In 2020

  • Canada and most U.S. states with legalized cannabis industries declared dispensaries as essential services, allowing sales to continue throughout the COVID-19 crisis, enabling robust demand to be met
  • Even with strong sales momentum, cannabis stocks broadly suffered during the quarter amid heightened market volatility
  • Early-stage cannabis companies rely heavily on external capital to fuel their growth ambitions, but investors are stepping back from financing riskier industries in the current environment
  • Despite these near-term challenges, we remain optimistic on the longer-term prospects for cannabis as its acceptance grows

Amid widespread COVID-19-related retail store closures, many cannabis dispensaries received “essential business” designations. This allowed cannabis consumers to stock up on medicinal and recreational cannabis, fueling strong sales figures despite a tumultuous Q1 2020. Yet, even with strong sales momentum, cannabis stocks broadly suffered during the quarter amid heightened market volatility. Early-stage cannabis companies rely heavily on external capital to fuel their growth ambitions, but investors are stepping back from financing riskier industries in the current environment. Some cannabis companies are now running low on cash, forcing them to sell stakes at undesirable valuations or scale back operations or staffing.

Despite these near-term challenges, we remain optimistic on the longer-term prospects for cannabis as its acceptance grows. New store openings and the sale of edibles are helping to fuel greater legal consumption. In addition, COVID-19’s economic impact is broadly hurting tax revenues at the local, state, and federal level, potentially providing greater impetus to legalize and tax cannabis. With only about 10% of cannabis sales occurring through legal channels, we believe there is substantial opportunity for continued growth across regulated channels.

Is Cannabis A Consumer Staple?

The COVID-19 crisis is plunging the global economy into recession, yet its impact will not be felt equally across industries. During recessions, consumers may forgo discretionary items like jewelry or electronics, but staples such as essential food and beverages tend to see robust sales. Historically, alcohol and tobacco exhibit staples-like characteristics, demonstrating strong sales despite economic weakness. During the global financial crisis, for example, alcohol consumption increased 7.2% in 2008-09 from 2006-07 levels, while total sales in the consumer discretionary sector fell by -9.35% over that time frame.1,2

Legalized cannabis did not exist during the Great Recession, but recent figures suggest cannabis sales share similar characteristics with alcohol and tobacco. Canada and most U.S. states with legalized cannabis industries declared dispensaries as essential services, allowing sales to continue throughout the COVID-19 crisis, enabling robust demand to be met.

  • Online cannabis purchases in Ontario have surged from 5,000 orders in mid-March to 9,000 orders by mid-April.3
  • Oregon’s cannabis sales increased 37% year over year in March, its highest single-month increase.4
  • Between March 16th and March 22nd, year-over-year sales of recreational cannabis across key US markets, including California, Colorado, Oregon and Alaska, were up 50%.5
  • One of Nevada’s largest cannabis delivery businesses reported a 400% increase in cannabis retail deliveries since March 20th.6

While lockdown may have accelerated cannabis demand, cannabis sales were already on an accelerating path. January and February sales numbers in Canada increased 181% year-over-year to C$154 million and 190% to C$150 million.7 Estimates from Cannabis Benchmarks for March sales show a spike to C$216 million, more than three times March 2019’s sales of C$59 million.8

The shift towards greater cannabis acceptance has spurred much of this growth. Cannabis consumers among the legal adult population in Canada grew to 63% at the end of 2019 from 54% in 2018.9

Canada’s new recreational cannabis market, dubbed Rec 2.0, is also fueling growth. Rec 2.0 officially launched at the end of 2019, almost a year after legalization in Canada. Before Rec 2.0, only dried flower and oil were products sold, but now the sale of cannabis beverages, edibles and vapes, among other forms, is permitted. Derivative formats like these account for almost half of sales in mature and developed markets such as Colorado, showing how Rec 2.0 could play a major role in accelerating cannabis sales in Canada. Aurora Cannabis (ACB), for example, recently mentioned that approximately 20% of total sales could come from Rec 2.0 products.10 OrganiGram Holdings (OGI) also reported new Rec 2.0 products to account for 13% of total revenue in its most recent quarter.11

New Store Openings Grow Legal Cannabis’s Market Share

Curbing illicit cannabis sales is on the agenda for many governments around the world. Globally, legal cannabis sales reached $15 billion at the end of 2019, which is less than 10% of the estimated total market of $160 billion.12 Such low penetration both demonstrates the growth opportunity ahead as well as highlights some of the challenges for the legal market. In Canada, for instance, limited dispensary licenses plays a major factor, as recreational cannabis sales per capita are highly correlated to the number of stores.

In Q1 2020, Canada opened 191 new stores, bringing its total to 806.13 Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, now has 52 stores, versus just 27 at the end of 2019. But the few dozen stores represent just four per 1 million people. For comparison, Colorado has 180 stores for every 1 million people.14 The store comparison between the two countries is notable, as further licenses should help meet consumer demand and promote greater legal sales.

Within the U.S., active dispensary licenses are up 5.5% year-to-date, with 385 new stores opening around the country.15 Yet, given that the US has nine times more dispensary licenses than Canada, more stores is a less critical factor than wider legalization across populous states or at the broader federal level.

Cannabis Industry Leveraging E-commerce To Further Grow Sales

Oftentimes, crises breed both new problems and new solutions. During this social distancing era, Colorado legalized online sales of recreational cannabis, fulfilling a longstanding request from cannabis companies.16 Cannabis consumers can now order, pay online and pick up at-store. A few other states – Massachusetts, Illinois, Michigan and Oregon – already allow cannabis e-commerce.

In Canada, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) authorized cannabis retail stores to offer e-commerce solutions, starting April 7th.17 E-commerce authorization resulted from an emergency order by the Government of Ontario to deter illegal cannabis sales amid physical distance mandates. For now, the measure is temporary, but it includes the possibility of extension.

Financing Cannabis’s Growth

Early-stage industries tend to rely on the capital markets to fund growth. The phenomenon describes a healthy dynamic between those with capital to invest and those seeking capital for growth. The cannabis industry is particularly dependent on capital, as growing, harvesting, packaging and distribution require property, equipment and employees. With high growth expectations, cannabis companies tend to plow their freshly raised capital into various parts of the ecosystem, leaving little cash available to weather a storm. The constant need for new financing can expose weaker companies that may need to raise capital at undesirable terms, or worse, cannot raise additional capital at all.

HEXO Corp. (HEXO), for example, a leading cannabis grower in Canada, recently closed a C$46 million public offering but was forced to sell its equity 20% below its last traded price.18 Other larger players have followed suit, like Tilray (TLRY), which raised C$90 also at a 20% discount.19

There are companies, however, with strong cash positions that may be able to weather this challenging financing environment better than others. Canopy Growth Corp. (CGC) and Cronos Group (CRON) both have over $1 billion in cash & equivalents on their balance sheets. GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH) holds over $500 million in cash & equivalents. Balance sheet strength allows these companies to potentially wait longer before needing to raise additional outside capital.

COVID-19 Could Expedite Cannabis Legalization

In our article “Themes for Defensive Positioning,” we highlighted that economic downturns can accelerate efforts to find new sources of economic stimulus and tax revenue. Legalizing (and taxing) recreational cannabis is one such avenue states could pursue given its track record of generating economic growth and taxes. Estimates hold that nationwide legalization in the U.S. could generate $132 billion in aggregate tax revenue and more than a million new jobs across the country by 2025.20 Such growth comes not from an unproven, speculative market, but from the conversion of a largely illicit market to a legal, regulated one. Such taxes and economic growth could be particularly welcome given stalling economic growth and swelling debt caused by COVID-19.

This year, several states could legalize recreational use. Virginia recently decriminalized cannabis, joining 27 other states that have taken such actions.21 The bill doesn’t legalize cannabis sales yet, but Virginia’s Governor is also clearing the path for easier access for medicinal uses.22 In New Jersey, lawmakers voted to add legalization to November’s ballot. Should the bill pass, it could add additional pressure to neighboring New York and Connecticut.

Illinois, where legalized cannabis went into effect in January, is the most recent model other states could follow. Illinois has the second-highest tax regime on cannabis sales in the country, where taxes vary from 10% to 25%.23 In Q1, Illinois cannabis stores sold $110 million, generating at least $11 million in tax revenues. Another benchmark is Colorado, which legalized cannabis in 2014. In Q1 2020, Colorado generated $79 million in tax revenue from cannabis-related sales.24 In 2019 alone, the state collected over $300 million in tax revenue, which was earmarked for cannabis regulation, research and schools.25

With a global recession looming, the economic benefits of legalized cannabis could be too enticing for states, provinces and countries to ignore.

Conclusion

The recent increase in cannabis sales in the U.S. and Canada since COVID-19 reflects the non-cyclical nature of cannabis sales. While some cannabis companies may struggle from lack of access to capital during this volatile period, the stronger ones could continue to see substantial growth as they meet robust consumer demand. Trends in new dispensary openings, a shift to e-commerce, and the introduction of new consumable forms of cannabis should further fuel growth across North America. Longer term, the potential for further legalization efforts amid the COVID-19 crisis should provide a tailwind to the industry.

Related ETFs

POTX: The Global X Cannabis ETF seeks to invest in companies across the cannabis industry. This includes companies involved in the legal production, growth and distribution of cannabis and industrial hemp, as well as those involved in providing financial services to the cannabis industry, pharmaceutical applications of cannabis, cannabidiol (i.e., CBD), or other related uses including but not limited to extracts, derivatives or synthetic versions.

Please click on the fund name for current holdings.

Footnotes

1. Jacob Bor, et al. “Alcohol Use During the Great Recession of 2008-2009,” January 29, 2013.

2. U.S. Census Bureau. Discretionary sales including retail sales of Motor Vehicles & Parts, Furnitures, Electronics & Appliances, Clothing, Sporting Goods, General Merchandise, and Miscellaneous Stores. Accessed on April 2020.

3. Cannabis Benchmarks, “Canada Cannabis Spot Index (CCSI)”, April 17, 2020.

4. Willamette Week, “Oregon Cannabis Sales in March Were the Highest Ever for a Single Month,” April 6, 2020.

5. New York Post, “Cannabis sales hit new highs in US and Canada,” March 24, 2020

6. Reno Gazette Journal, “Nevada marijuana deliveries are skyrocketing. Is this the new normal for the pot industry?,” March 30, 2020.

7. Statistics Canada, “Cannabis Stores Sales,” Accessed on April 2020.

8. Cannabis Benchmarks, (n3).

9. BDS Analytics, “How Will “Cannabis 2.0″ Affect the Legal Canadian Market?,” February 18, 2020.

10. Aurora Cannabis, “Q2 2020 Earnings Call Transcript,” February 13, 2020.

11. Organigram, “Organigram Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results,” April 14, 2020.

12. Global X ETFs, “Introducing the Global X Cannabis ETF (POTX),” September 19, 2019.

13. Cannabis Benchmarks, (n3).

14. Note: According to CannabizMedia, Colorado has 1,038 active licenses. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, Colorado’s population is 5.759 million people.

15. CannabizMedia, “Cannacurio: Dispensary & Retailer Leaderboard (Q1 2020),” April 13, 2020.

16. The Colorado Sun, “Coronavirus fuels marijuana industry’s push for online sales, delivery in Colorado,” April 13, 2020.

17. Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, “Ontario Allows Cannabis Delivery and Curbside Pick-up from Authorized Retail Stores During COVID-19,” April 7, 2020.

18. Hexo Corp, “HEXO Corp. Closes $46 Million Underwritten Public Offering,” April 13, 2020.

19. Tilray, “Tilray, Inc. Announces Pricing of its $90.4 Million Registered Offering,” March 13, 2020.

20. The Washington Post, “Study: Legal marijuana could generate more than $132 billion in federal tax revenue and 1 million jobs,” January 10, 2018.

21. Leafly, “Virginia just decriminalized marijuana. Here’s what that means,” April 13, 2020.

22. Marijuana Moment, “Virginia Governor Urges Medical Marijuana Expansion As Amendment To Recently Approved Bill,” April 15, 2020.

23. Illinois Policy, “What you need to know about marijuana legalization in Illinois?,” January 1, 2020.

24. Colorado Department of Revenue, “Marijuana Tax Data,” April 2020.

25. Ibis.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The investable universe of companies in which POTX may invest may be limited. The Fund invests in securities of companies engaged in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical sectors. These sectors can be affected by government regulations, expiring patents, rapid product obsolescence, and intense industry competition. International investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from social, economic or political instability in other nations. POTX is non-diversified.

POTX’s investments are concentrated in the cannabis industry, and the Fund may be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences affecting this industry. The cannabis industry is a very young, fast evolving industry with increased exposure to the risks associated with changes in applicable laws (including increased regulation, other rule changes, and related federal and state enforcement activities), as well as market developments, which may cause businesses to contract or close suddenly and negatively impact the value of securities held by the Fund. Cannabis Companies are subject to various laws and regulations that may differ at the state/local, federal and international level. These laws and regulations may significantly affect a Cannabis Company’s ability to secure financing and traditional banking services, impact the market for cannabis business sales and services, and set limitations on cannabis use, production, transportation, export and storage. The possession, use and importation of marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Federal law criminalizing the use of marijuana remains enforceable notwithstanding state laws that legalize its use for medicinal and recreational purposes. This conflict creates volatility and risk for all Cannabis Companies, and any stepped-up enforcement of marijuana laws by the federal government could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Given the uncertain nature of the regulation of the cannabis industry in the United States, the Fund’s investment in certain entities could, under unique circumstances, raise issues under one or more of those laws, and any investigation or prosecution related to those investments could result in expense and losses to the Fund.

Shares of ETFs are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Global X NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The closing price is the Mid-Point between the Bid and Ask price as of the close of exchange. Closing price returns do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Since the Fund’s shares did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in Shares, the NAV of the Fund is used to calculate market returns.

Global X Management Company LLC serves as an advisor to Global X Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Global X Management Company LLC or Mirae Asset Global Investments. Global X Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Solactive AG, nor does Solactive AG make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the Global X Funds. Neither SIDCO, Global X nor Mirae Asset Global Investments are affiliated with Solactive AG.

Source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4343907-how-cannabis-industry-is-coping-in-2020

Mota Ventures $MOTA.ca Signs Letter of Intent for Merger with Stillcanna $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 6:10 PM on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/Mota%20Square%20Logo%20For%20Blog.jpg
  • Stillcanna is a vertically integrated, European-based company with a focus on industrial-scale manufacturing of the highest quality CBD extracts
  • Stillcanna looks to become one of the largest producers of THC-free CBD extracts in Europe

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 26, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(OTC:PEMTF)(FRANKFURT:1WZGR) (“Mota“) and Stillcanna Inc. (STIL)(SCNNF)(A2PEWA) (“Stillcanna“) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a letter of intent (the “Letter of Intent“), dated effective February 25, 2020, pursuant to which Mota proposes to acquire all of the outstanding share capital of Stillcanna (the “Proposed Transaction“).

Strategic Merger

Mota is a globally-focused CBD product development and marketing company with established online retail brands in both the U.S. and Europe. Through its acquisition of First Class CBD, Mota has become a significant direct-to-consumer retail brand in the United States. In 2019, First Class CBD (then, a division of Unified Funding, LLC) realized approximately C$28.7 million in revenue with an EBITDA of approximately 12.5%.1 Mota’s successful e-commerce platform currently serves over 140,000 online customers and has generated over 400,000 leads in the United States. With the roll-out of First Class CBD’s proven e-marketing strategy throughout Europe, Mota believes that a merger with a high-quality CBD producer is of paramount importance in order to capture the large margins in the CBD-product supply chain.

Stillcanna is a vertically integrated, European-based company with a focus on industrial-scale manufacturing of the highest quality CBD extracts. Using proprietary extraction techniques and purpose-built equipment, Stillcanna looks to become one of the largest producers of THC-free CBD extracts in Europe. Stillcanna’s Polish extraction facility, NEXUS, features industrial-scale centrifugal chromatography equipment that allows for the production of bulk THC-free CBD distillate as well as custom Cannabinoid profiles. In February 2020, Stillcanna’s Romanian extraction facility, ORIGIN, which operates pursuant to a joint venture between Stillcanna and Dragonfly Biosciences Ltd., received approval from the Ministry of Health and the Anti-Drug Agency to become the first government recognized extraction facility in the country. To date C$23,000,000 has been invested by Stillcanna in the cultivation and extraction operations, with current cash on hand in Stillcanna of approximately C$7,000,000.

Stillcanna’s CBD extracts are key to unlocking additional value in Mota’s retail offerings in Europe. Through Stillcanna, Mota hopes to guarantee the supply of high-quality CBD for its expanding product line in Europe, while the large production capacity of NEXUS and ORIGIN will allow Mota to be a key supplier of legal CBD products in Europe.

“We are very excited to pursue a transaction with Stillcanna. The merger of this large-scale, high-quality CBD producer will fit brilliantly with Mota’s strategic expansion plan to vertically integrate operations in Europe while increasing profit margins in product offerings. Product awareness and availability are still quite limited in Europe, which presents an opportunity for Mota to further establish its brands in a market that is expected to experience rapid growth in the near term. With the Stillcanna merger, we’re putting together a team that can create, market and sell consumer CBD products to European customers,” stated Ryan Hoggan, CEO of Mota.

“Combining a company that has established brands and direct-to-consumer sales channels with one that has proven CBD extraction expertise makes perfect sense to us,” commented Jason Dussault, CEO of Stillcanna. “The wholesale landscape for CBD has changed dramatically in the past year, and the creation of a seed-to-consumer CBD company in the growing European market creates a direct path to profitability. This merger completes the circle for Stillcanna, evolving from a seed to CBD concentrate company to a seed to retail sales company.”

Merger Details

Under the terms of the Proposed Transaction, Mota would acquire all of the outstanding share capital of Stillcanna by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act of British Columbia Canada. Shareholders of Stillcanna (the “Stillcanna Shareholders“) would receive one common share of Mota for every 1.8 common shares of Stillcanna held at the time of exchange (the “Exchange Ratio“). Based on the current outstanding common share capital of Stillcanna, it is anticipated that Mota would issue approximately 61,597,082 Mota shares to complete the Proposed Transaction.

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction: (i) all outstanding incentive stock options of Stillcanna will be exchanged for options to purchase Mota shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio and will thereafter be subject to the incentive stock option plan of Mota; and (ii) all unexercised share purchase warrants of Stillcanna will be exchanged for warrants to purchase Mota shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio and will expire in accordance with their current expiry dates.

Mota and Stillcanna are at arms-length. The Proposed Transaction does not constitute a reverse-takeover of Mota, nor is it expected to result in a change of control of Mota within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, there will be no changes to the management or the board of directors of Mota and it is expected that members of management and the board of Stillcanna will continue to assist in relation to the management of Stillcanna’s business.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to: (i) satisfactory completion of due diligence; (ii) negotiation of definitive, legally-binding documentation; (iii) receipt of any required regulatory approvals, including the court; (iv) the approval of the Stillcanna Shareholders; (v) receipt of a satisfactory fairness opinion in respect of the Proposed Transaction; (vi) Stillcanna having arranged to amend the terms of certain existing employment and consulting engagements; (vii) shareholders of Stillcanna holding at least 40,000,000 of the outstanding share capital of Stillcanna having agreed to the terms of a pooling arrangement restricting their ability to trade one-half of the Mota shares they receive for a period of six months following completion of the Proposed Transaction; (viii) Stillcanna having positive working capital of not less than C$6,000,000, after taking into account all expenses associated with the Proposed Transaction; and (ix) Mota completing a private placement of units to raise gross proceeds of not less than C$5,000,000 (the “Mota Financing“). The Proposed Transaction cannot be completed until these conditions are satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

The proposed Mota Financing will consist of units at a price of C$0.45 per unit, with each unit comprised of one Mota common share and one share purchase warrant of Mota. Each such warrant will be exercisable to purchase one common share of Mota at a price of C$0.60 for a period of two years. All securities to be issued in connection with the Mota Financing will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. Mota anticipates paying finders fees to certain eligible parties who have introduced subscribers to the Mota Financing.

The board of directors of each of Mota, and Stillcanna, have unanimously approved the Letter of Intent. Further information about the Proposed Transaction will be included in subsequent press releases when available.

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota is seeking to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand. Its plan is to cultivate and extract CBD into high-quality value-added products from its Latin American operations and distribute it both domestically and internationally. Its existing operations in Colombia consist of a 2.5-hectare site that has optimal year-round growing conditions and access to all necessary infrastructure. Mota is looking to establish sales channels and a distribution network internationally through the acquisition of the Sativida and First Class CBD brands. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota.

About Stillcanna Inc.

Stillcanna is a Canadian early-stage life sciences company focused on the large-scale manufacturing of CBD in Europe using its proprietary intellectual property. Stillcanna has signed an initial extraction contract in Europe to be the exclusive extractor for Dragonfly Biosciences LLC, a United Kingdom-based supplier of CBD. Stillcanna also recently completed the acquisition of Olimax NT SP.Z.O.O., a multi-generational hemp agricultural firm that is expected to increase market share in the European CBD industry.

On behalf of Mota Ventures Corp.

Ryan Hoggan
Chief Executive Officer

On behalf of Stillcanna Inc.

Jason Dussault

Chief Executive Officer

For more information visit

www.motaventuresco.com or contact:

Investor Relations

[email protected]
+1.604.423.4733

For more information visit www.stillcanna.com or contact:

Mauricio Inzunza
[email protected]

Mota Ventures $MOTA.ca Announces Transition After Definitive Close of First Class #CBD Acquisition; Ryan Hoggan is New CEO $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:34 AM on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
  • Announced a transition after the definitive close of First Class CBD acquisition
  • Appointed Ryan Dean Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer
  • Acquisition of First Class CBD coupled with the upcoming U.S. roll out of the Company’s European CBD brand, Sativida, made the appointment of Mr. Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer a natural fit
  • Mr. Hoggan brings more than 18 years of leadership, global business development and entrepreneurship experience in the health equipment, medical devices and natural health products sectors

VANCOUVER, BC / February 22, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC:PEMTF) (the “Company” or “Mota“) is pleased to announce a transition after the definitive close of First Class CBD acquisition, the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Ryan Dean Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer. The acquisition of First Class CBD coupled with the upcoming U.S. roll out of the Company’s European CBD brand, Sativida, made the appointment of Mr. Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer a natural fit. Ryan brings a wealth of expertise to this role, being one of the founders of Unified Funding LLC and First Class CBD. Ryan is an experienced strategist, with a strong understanding of building high value consumer brands with significant annual revenue. Ryan’s extensive background in the online e-commerce space will continue to drive the Company’s rapid growth in the US and spearhead its expansion into the European market. The Company intends to continue its roll up strategy of acquiring profitable, well-known CBD brands globally.

Mr. Hoggan brings more than 18 years of leadership, global business development and entrepreneurship experience in the health equipment, medical devices and natural health products sectors. Early in his career, Ryan took on a leadership role in his family business, HOGGAN Health Industries, where he led operations, business development and marketing efforts. After identifying an untapped niche in the market, he founded Hoggan Medical where he went on to launch over 100 health, fitness and medical device products and negotiated contracts with big and small customers including the Mayo Clinic, Boeing, Daimler AG and the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA).

In 2014, Ryan discovered the power of CBD and essential oils – both personally and professionally – after a personal health scare prompted him to research and subsequently try holistic products to improve his health. The experience ultimately led him to become a Partner and President of Offer Space, LLC and Real Oil, LLC, two rapidly growing E-commerce and technology companies focused on serving U.S. based and international consumers in the CBD and natural health products market. In June 2019, Mr. Hoggan led a strategic divestiture of the businesses to Unified Funding, LLC to help continue an impressive growth trend. Through the operations of Unified Funding, LLC, the business has generated a database of over 4.5 million customer records and facilitated over $200 million in consumer transactions from more than one million paying customers in sectors such as beauty, nutrition and CBD products.

Mr. Hoggan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Westminster College, an MBA from The University of Arizona and a Master of Global Management (MGM) from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

In connection with Ryan’s appointment to CEO, Joel Shacker will transition to the role of President of the Company and will remain a member of the board of directors.

“I am very excited to take on the CEO role at Mota and focus the operations on becoming a global E-commerce CBD company. I am also excited about the partnership between Unified and Sativida. Unified’s extensive experience in the U.S. and strong logistics and supply chain will provide significant support for the launch of the Sativida line in the U.S. I believe through the direct-to-consumer online platforms we will become a leader in the CBD space. We plan to aggressively expand First Class’s existing operations in the U.S. as well as launch a European expansion, which we anticipate will yield similar results to our U.S. operations last year,” stated Ryan Hoggan, CEO of the Company.

“We are extremely happy to have someone with Ryan’s extensive experience stepping into this role. I am confident in his ability to execute on expanding operations and generating further revenue. I look forward to continuing to build the Company in my new role as President and to working with Ryan during his transition to CEO of Mota.” stated Joel Shacker.

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota is seeking to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand. Its plan is to cultivate and extract CBD into high-quality value-added products from its Latin American operations and distribute it both domestically and internationally. Its existing operations in Colombia consist of a 2.5-hectare site that has optimal year-round growing conditions and access to all necessary infrastructure. Mota is looking to establish sales channels and a distribution network internationally through the acquisition of the Sativida and First Class CBD brands. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MOTA VENTURES CORP.
Joel Shacker

President

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President & CEO at +604.423.4733 or by email at [email protected] or www.motaventuresco.com

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

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 with respect to the Company’s rapid growth in the US and expansion into the European market, its plans to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand, its plans to cultivate and extract cannabis to produce CBD and high-quality value added CBD products in Latin America for distribution domestically and internationally and its plans to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and North America. 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 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.

SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.

INTERVIEW: Empower $CBDT.ca Signs Exclusive Content Deal To Further Convert Its’ Database Of 165,000 Patients $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:57 PM on Thursday, February 13th, 2020

With 165,000 patients, Empower Clinics (CBDT:CSE) (EPWCF:OTCQB) has a database that almost every medical cannabis and CBD company would kill for.  Add in the fact patient visits increased 351% in Q4 and it becomes the kind of company small cap investors have been dying to find as they watch pretender companies melt away.

But it doesn’t end there.

CBD extraction has been a key element of the company’s vertical integration. Producing its’ own hemp-derived CBD products for its own massive patient list just makes sense. However, thanks to an LOI (moving towards definitive agreement) to JV with extraction experts Heritage Cannabis, the Company’s 5,000 sq ft facility in Oregon is also planning to serve big brand 3rd party partners in the USA .  Empower brings the infrastructure, Heritage brings the expertise and balance sheet.  The result is a match made in shareholder heaven with initial annual capacity of 6,000 Kg at ~ $US 5,000 per Kg, which adds up to $US 30,000,000 in potential revenue.

But It Doesn’t End There

The Company’s CEO, Steven McAuley is Six Sigma certified under the quality initiative of legendary GE chairman Jack Welch. We’ve never seen a Six Sigma certified CEO in the Canadian small cap markets. Never …. which also explains how McAuley has brought Empower so far in just 11 months.

If anyone understands digital, it’s McAuley. So it should come as no surprise the Company just signed an exclusive multi-year, multi-national licensing deal with EuroLife to license its “Cannvas.me” cloud based online education platform for the US and Mexico.  Amongst other things, Empower plans to integrate the education platform into its clinics across the United States to help further convert their 165,000 patient database to CBD and medical cannabis through proper education.  

The site also contains premium content for physicians who need to educate themselves and comes with millions of page views already, as well as, 15,000 opted in subscribers, which explains the $460,000 in licensing over 3 years – but $210,000 of that is Empower stock priced at $0.10 (125% above current market prices, which gives you an idea of the confidence EuroLife principals have in the future of Empower.

P.S.  The interview takes place from the floor of the Arizona Cannabis Expo, where Empower has multiple booths and an actual pop-up clinic to acquire new customers in real-time.  That’s what happens when you have a company run by a Six Sigma Certified CEO.

Grab your favourite beverage and settle in to watch what may be your next great small cap investment.

Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Announces Strong Start to The Year with January 2020 Patient Visits Increasing by 188% $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 6:31 AM on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020
  • Announced that patient visits in corporate clinics increased by 188% in January 2020 versus the same period in 2019, with total patient visits of 1,750 in January 2020 compared to 607 in January 2019.

VANCOUVER, BC /February 11, 2020 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE:CBDT)(OTC:EPWCF)(Frankfurt:8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company is pleased to announce that patient visits in corporate clinics increased by 188% in January 2020 versus the same period in 2019, with total patient visits of 1,750 in January 2020 compared to 607 in January 2019.

“January patient volumes were strong, setting the stage for potentially record first quarter patient visits, that are always focused on the patient experience, it’s a competitive advantage and I continue to be impressed with how our team members care for each and every patient they see.” said Steven McAuley, Chairman & CEO of Empower. “Looking forward, we are excited for our next franchise signings and the expansion of our product lines, adding to the in-clinic retail experience we are building.”

The Company utilizes it’s technology platform to communicate with patients by text message, email and call center ensuring appointments are confirmed and expected patient visits take place as planned.

The Company’s Sun Valley Health division also completed the set up and build out of it’s retail product counter and sales areas in it’s Tucson, AZ location, to showcase it’s CBD product line with over 50 unique SKU’s. Patients and customers can purchase product in clinic locations or online at www.sunvalleyhealth.com.

ABOUT EMPOWER

Empower is a vertically-integrated health & wellness brand with it’s first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility under development, the Company produces its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based products and distributes products through company owned and franchised clinics, with wholesale partnerships, online channels and with new retail opportunities nationwide in the U.S. The company is a leading multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed wellness clinics, focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through innovative physician recommended treatment options. The company has commenced activity on how to connect its significant data, to the potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steven McAuley
Chief Executive Officer

CONTACTS:

Investors: Steven McAuley

CEO

[email protected]

604-789-2146

Investors: Dustin Klein
SVP, Business Development
[email protected]
720-352-1398

For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: [email protected], T: (888) 585-MARI

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release.Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”, “expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019 and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc.

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – Everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0 $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:51 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020

SPONSOR: NORTHBUD (NBUD:CSE) Sustainable low cost, high quality cannabinoid production and procurement focusing on both bio-pharmaceutical development and Cannabinoid Infused Products. Learn More.

Everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0

  • Edibles, extracts, topicals, and vapes are finally legal in Canada. Billed as Legalization 2.0, the regulations came into effect on October 17, 2019 and products have slowly begun to trickle onto the market ever since.

By Leafly Canada Staff

Edibles, extracts, topicals, and vapes are finally legal in Canada. Billed as Legalization 2.0, the regulations came into effect on October 17, 2019 and products have slowly begun to trickle onto the market ever since.

From how to consume, to what to consume, here’s everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0.

Edibles 101

Cannabis-infused edibles are now available for sale through licensed retailers in Canada, though there are strict rules around marketing and dosing, including a limit of 10 mg of THC per packaged item.  Edibles in the form of food products, lozenges, and beverages can produce effective, long-lasting, and safe experiences. These forms of cannabis can also produce unpredictable effects that may feel like overdose symptoms. The difference is, of course, the dose, although it’s worth noting that while consuming too much can feel very unpleasant, no one has ever died from it.

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours for an edible to fully kick in. Health Canada suggests that adults who use cannabis, regardless of how they consume it, shouldn’t combine it with alcohol, nicotine or other drugs.

Source: https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/legalization-2-0-guide-canada