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.

Top 10 Marijuana Industry News Stories

Cannabis Countdown: Top 10 Marijuana Industry News Stories of the Week

Welcome to the Cannabis Countdown. In this week’s rendition, we’ll recap and countdown the top 10 marijuana industry news stories for the week of November 4th – 10th, 2019.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Drake’s Next Act: “Potline Bling” Feat. Canopy Growth Corp

Multi-Platinum Recording Superstar Drake and Canopy Growth Announce New Cannabis Partnership

Drake is heading home and will own a majority stake in Toronto-based “More Life Growth”. Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) will own the remaining 40% in the new fully licensed cannabis producer.

READ FULL DRAKE ARTICLE

9. Passengers Carrying Cannabis on Air Canada’s Toronto to Vancouver Flight Shocked When Plane Got Re-Routed to U.S.

Foggy Conditions Forced Flight AC 125 to Land at Seattle Airport with Some Passengers Carrying Cannabis and CBD

One legal expert gives advice to Canadians on how to handle an extraordinary situation like this.

READ FULL AIR CANADA ARTICLE

8. Mexico Has Until April 30 to Legalize Cannabis, Supreme Court Rules

That Legislation Proposed Rules Limiting Foreign Ownership, Vertical Integration and License Resale

Mexico’s Supreme Court gave Congress another six months to approve legislation that legalizes all forms of cannabis, postponing until the end of April the deadline for when the Latin American country would create the world’s largest adult-use market by population.

READ FULL MEXICO ARTICLE

7. Canopy Growth Downsizes Latin America Workforce as Region Struggles to Generate Revenue

Investors Have Sent a Clear Message They Want Companies to be More Prudent in Their Spending

One of the largest cannabis companies in the world, Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC), is restructuring its overseas operations by laying off 15% of its workforce in Latin America, reflecting the slow pace at which revenue-generating opportunities and regulatory structures are evolving in the region.

READ FULL CANOPY GROWTH ARTICLE

6. FDA Won’t be Hurried to Create CBD Exceptions Amid Safety Concerns

The Agency’s Biggest Concern is Whether CBD is Safe to Consume in Food and Supplements

A top official for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the agency is concerned that developing a legal exception for supplements containing CBD could send the wrong message, both to companies interested in entering the market and consumers.

READ FULL FDA CBD ARTICLE

5. Ontario Business Group Wants ‘Clear Timeline’ for Cannabis Store Expansion

So Far, Ontario Has Used a Botched Lottery System to Award Licenses to Open Recreational Marijuana Stores

A group comprised of cannabis industry leaders and experts is calling on Ontario’s government to provide a more complete timetable for when retail stores will be permitted through an open allocation of licenses.

READ FULL ONTARIO ARTICLE

4. Michigan Nets 52 Adult-Use Marijuana Applications on First Day

State Regulators Expect the First License to be Issued Before the End of November

Marijuana regulators in Michigan received 52 recreational cannabis business license applications on the first day of the application period.

READ FULL MICHIGAN ARTICLE

3. Cannabis Canada: Pot Industry Added Nearly Billion to GDP in August

Cannabis Sales in Canada Expected to Double Next Year to $3.16 Billion

Canaccord Genuity cannabis analyst Matt Bottomley expects revenue in Canada’s legal pot sector to more than double next year despite slower-than-expected growth. Bottomley said in a research note to clients that Canada’s cannabis industry should expect $3.16 billion in revenue in 2020, up from the $1.46 billion forecast for 2019.

READ FULL CANADA STATS ARTICLE

2. U.S. Senate Approves Legislation Protecting State-Legal Medical Cannabis Programs from Federal Interference

Supporters Hope Similar Protection for Recreational States Will Be Included in Final Version Sent to President Trump

The U.S. Senate passed a spending bill extending a provision that protects medical cannabis states from federal interference. It’s unknown if the broader House approved protections for adult-use state cannabis programs will be included in the final version of the bill that’s passed along to President Trump.

READ FULL MMJ SENATE ARTICLE

1. Breakthrough in CDC Vape Crisis Investigation

Vitamin E Acetate Linked to THC May Be to Blame

Vitamin E acetate, an additive sometimes used in THC and other vaping products, may be to blame for a national vape crisis of e-cigarette-related lung injuries that’s linked to dozens of deaths, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials.

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cannabis-countdown-top-10-marijuana-141349361.html

• Annual General and Special Meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the office of McMillan LLP World Exchange Plaza, Suite 2000, Ottawa, Ontario.  
• Announce that on November 6, 2019, the board authorized the issuance of up to 4,000 convertible debenture units of the Company at a price of $1,000 per Unit for total gross proceeds of up to $4,000,000.

TORONTO, Nov. 06, 2019 — North Bud Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD) (OTCQB: NOBDF) (“NORTHBUD” or the “Company”) today announces that the Company will hold its Annual General and Special Meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the office of McMillan LLP World Exchange Plaza, Suite 2000, Ottawa, Ontario.  

Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce that on November 6, 2019, the board authorized the issuance of up to 4,000 convertible debenture units (“Units”) of the Company at a price of $1,000 per Unit for total gross proceeds of up to $4,000,000. Based on this decision the Company will not be closing any additional tranches of the previously announced equity private placement.

Each Unit is comprised of one $1,000 principal amount of secured convertible debenture (a “Convertible Debenture”) accruing interest at 10.0% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears until maturity, and 2,000 common share purchase warrants of the Company (each, a “Warrant”). The Convertible Debentures will have a maturity date of 36 months from the date of issuance.

Each Convertible Debenture shall be convertible into common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a “Conversion Share”) at a price of $0.30 per Conversion Share.

Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) for an exercise price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 18 months following the closing date.

The Convertible Debentures are direct secured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of payment of principal and interest with all other Convertible Debentures issued under the Offering.

The Company is pleased to announce that on November 6, 2019 it closed an initial tranche of 1,264 Units for gross proceeds of $1,264,000. These Units were purchased by one insider and existing shareholders. The Company intends to close the remaining Units in one or more tranches over the coming weeks.

Ryan Brown, the Chief Executive Officer, of the Company participated in the private placement and beneficially acquired 664 Units for a total proceeds of $664,000. The purchase constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The issuance is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the Units issued to or the consideration paid by such insider did not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

Certain finders (the “Finders”) received a cash commission on the sale of the Offering of $48,000. The Finders also received 48,000 compensation warrants (the “Compensation Warrants”), each carrying the right to purchase 3.3333 common shares in the capital of the Company at a price of $1.00 per Compensation Warrant for a period of 18 months from the closing date.

The proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for expansion of the Company’s facilities and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

The Convertible Debentures, Warrants and Compensation Warrants issued pursuant to the Offering and any common shares in the capital of the Company issued on conversion of the Convertible Debentures or exercise of the Warrants or Compensation Warrants are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day following the closing date in accordance with applicable securities laws, which shall expire on March 7, 2020. Additional resale restrictions may be applicable under the laws of other jurisdictions, if any.

The securities of the Company 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 the Company 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 an exemption 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 of the securities of the
Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Corporate Update
Since the submission of our evidence package to Health Canada, the Company has received some minor comments from the regulators all of which have been responded to within 24 hours. The Company will update shareholders with any material developments related to the application process.

About North Bud Farms Inc.
North Bud Farms Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary GrowPros MMP Inc., is pursuing a licence under The Cannabis Act.  The Company has built a state-of-the-art purpose-built cannabis production facility located on 135 acres of Agricultural Land in Low, Quebec, Canada. NORTHBUD through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Bonfire Brands USA has entered into agreements to acquire assets in California and Nevada.

For more information visit: www.northbud.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements
Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), including those identified by the expressions “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “should” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward- looking statements that include, but are not limited to, statements related to the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk factors included in North Bud Farms Inc.’s final long form prospectus dated August 21, 2018, which is available under the issuer’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
North Bud Farms Inc.
Edward Miller
VP, IR & Communications
Office: (855) 628-3420 ext. 3
[email protected] 

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.

Edible CBD Products Offer Consumers a New Health Trend

• North American consumer spending on cannabis-infused foods and drinks reached USD 1.5 Billion in 2018, according to data compiled by Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics,
• By 2022, the two firms suggest that edible sales are on track to reach USD 4.1 Billion

NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2019 – Consumer trends constantly require industries to adapt in order to thrive among the competition. Specifically, the food and beverage industry is one of the fastest evolving markets because of constant changes in consumer demands. Nowadays, the increasing demand for healthier and more organic options is prompting manufacturers to produce alternatives to sugar-packed drinks and fatty snacks. Instead, consumers are looking for products that are processed with healthier sustainable ingredients, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. Notably, many consumers have turned to the beverage industry for functional drinks such as kombucha. A functional drink is a type of beverage that typically conveys a health benefit such as being packed with performance-enhancing agents like nootropics and amino acids. Consequently, the growing demand in the functional beverage market sparked interest within the CBD market. CBD is a derivative of the hemp plant, which falls under the cannabis family.

Typically, cannabis is associated with its marijuana component, which causes psychoactive effects because of its heavy THC concentrate. However, hemp does not cause psychoactive effects because the main compound is CBD. THC and CBD are widely different in their biological makeup, but because they derive from the cannabis plant, regulators deemed both compounds to be unsafe for consumers. However, extensive research has uncovered that CBD provides therapeutic and health benefits, which then led to the rapid emergence of CBD-based products. As such, North American consumer spending on cannabis-infused foods and drinks reached USD 1.5 Billion in 2018, according to data compiled by Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics, By 2022, the two firms suggest that edible sales are on track to reach USD 4.1 Billion.

Typically, most people consume CBD to simply relax. However, clinical trials have proven that CBD can also provide medical benefits. Specifically, patients suffering from chronic ailments such as severe pain, cancer, arthritis, and epilepsy can consume CBD drinks to subdue the symptoms. And while CBD is quickly permeating throughout global regions, the North American market is the primary driver because of legality stance. Canada moved to legalize cannabis entirely back in late 2018, which prompted a spur of recreational demand. On the other hand, the U.S. passed the Farm Bill in 2018, which legalized hemp-derived CBD products. Shortly after, stores across the nation began to commercialize CBD goods.

Now, consumers can easily purchase products such as tinctures, topicals, oils, and edibles at their local convenience stores or online e-commerce platforms. However, the CBD beverage market is one of the most popular segments because consumers can easily purchase a CBD-based tincture and add droplets of CBD into their beverage. Generally, CBD can be found within beverages such as soda, juice, coffee, wine, water, and even alcohol. However, consumers can also add CBD-based powders into their beverages and some producers have even mentioned that powders are much better in terms of solubility. Overall, the cannabis-infused beverage industry is quickly gaining traction, however, some beverage producers are still evaluating the industry.

Nonetheless, a handful of corporations such as the alcohol industry, have already dove into the marketplace and are already marking their presence.  “Everyone in the industry recognizes that CBD-infused beverages are going to be one of the largest category opportunities in all of CBD,” said Ben Witte, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Recess, a company producing CBD-infused sparkling water. “As a result of that, a lot of the suppliers in the supply chain have innovated to create a format that is soluble in beverages.”

Source: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/edible-cbd-products-offer-consumers-a-new-health-trend-884112693.html

• Announce the appointment of Sean Homuth as Acting Chief Financial Officer, effective today
• Mr. Homuth’s permanent role as CFO will commence upon receiving Health Canada security clearance required for all Officers and Directors of the Company

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2019 — North Bud Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD) (OTCQB: NOBDF) (“NORTHBUD” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Homuth as Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective today. Mr. Homuth’s permanent role as CFO will commence upon receiving Health Canada security clearance required for all Officers and Directors of the Company. 

“As NORTHBUD expands its presence into the USA with the anticipated closing of its previously announced letters of intent with the Qlora Group (California) and Nevada Botanical Science (Nevada), we are strategically adding additional expertise in international business and finance,” said Ryan Brown, CEO of North Bud Farms Inc.

Mr. Homuth brings extensive experience with both Canadian and U.S. publicly traded organizations both in industry as well as from a client perspective during his tenure at Ernst & Young and, more recently, as an independent consultant. Previously, Mr. Homuth was Chief Financial Officer at Orezone Gold Corporation (and Vice President, Finance and Administration for its predecessor company, Orezone Resources Inc.) a publicly listed company headquartered in Canada with operations in West Africa. At Orezone Mr. Homuth led a global team of finance professionals and was involved in over $800 million in financings and M&A transactions with the company and its predecessor. Mr. Homuth holds accounting designations in both Canada (CPA, CA) and the United States (CPA – Illinois).

“We are pleased to welcome Sean to our dynamic team as NORTHBUD expands its footprint into the USA,” stated Ryan Brown, CEO of North Bud Farms Inc. “Sean brings specialty experience in accounting and finance for international companies as well as a profound knowledge of capital markets, having worked with and advised many public companies over the years. He joins NORTHBUD at an exciting time in its development as his leadership and experience will be essential in executing our strategic plan and taking the company to its next level of growth.”

Brendan Stutt, the Company’s incumbent CFO, who has made invaluable contributions to the Company’s financial leadership and culture, will work to ensure a smooth transition and will remain with the Company in a non-executive role.

Mr. Brown stated: “We would like to thank Brendan for his contributions to the Company, in particular the successful listing of NORTHBUD on the Canadian Securities Exchange.” 

About North Bud Farms Inc.
North Bud Farms Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary GrowPros MMP Inc., is pursuing a licence under The Cannabis Act. The Company has built a state-of-the-art purpose-built cannabis production facility located on 135 acres of Agricultural Land in Low, Quebec, Canada. NORTHBUD through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Bonfire Brands USA has entered into agreements to acquire assets in California and Nevada.

For more information visit: www.northbud.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements
Certain statements and information included in this press release that, to the extent they are not historical fact, constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements, including those identified by the expressions “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “should” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. This press release contains forward- looking statements including those relating to the entering into of the Definitive Agreement and closing of the Transaction with the Qlora Group and Nevada Botanical Science. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk factors included in the Company’s final long form prospectus dated August 21, 2018, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company’s management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor 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 statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
North Bud Farms Inc.
Edward Miller
VP, IR & Communications
Office: (855) 628-3420 ext. 3
[email protected]

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.

PODCAST: Why ‘cannabis 3.0’ is the real opportunity for Canada with Bruce Linton

By: Emily Jackson

Welcome to Down to Business, a weekly podcast from the Financial Post.

It’s been one year since Canada legalized the recreational cannabis industry after a century of prohibition. But it’s just the beginning of the journey from the black market to “cannabis 3.0.”

In the lead-up to the election, Down to Business has focused on business issues with a political twist. This week, host Emily Jackson discusses the cannabis industry’s one-year legalization anniversary with Bruce Linton, the former chief executive of Canopy Growth, Canada’s largest cannabis company.

Linton discusses lessons from the first round of legalization for recreational use, what to expect from the impending introduction of cannabis infused beverages and edibles, and why Canada needs to focus on “cannabis 3.0” if it wants to be a global leader.

You can listen below — or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Google Play, where you can also subscribe to get new episodes every Wednesday morning.

Source: https://business.financialpost.com/cannabis/cannabis-business/down-to-business-podcast-why-cannabis-3-0-is-the-real-opportunity-for-canada