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CLIENT FEATURE: Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca An Established Chain of High-End #Vape Stores With Aggressive Expansion Plans $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:38 PM on Wednesday, July 31st, 2019
SPDR: TSX-V

WHY SPYDER CANNABIS?

  • Developed a scalable retail model with aggressive expansion plan to create a significant retail footprint and establishing strategic partners as a top priority
  • Targeted and disciplined retail distribution strategy focusing on high quality, high traffic peripheral areas
  • Focused strategy aimed at vertical, horizontal and geographic diversification with demonstrated operations expertise and proven retail roll-out
  • Opened two additional stores in July for a total of 5 locations

The Opportunity

Established Product Portfolio

FULL DISCLOSURE: Spyder Cannabis is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca – New normal in US Congress: #Marijuana hearings, reform bills & how they could affect the MJ industry $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:51 AM on Tuesday, July 30th, 2019

SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: SPDR) An established chain of high-end vape stores in Ontario, Canada. The company has an aggressive expansion plan already in place that will focus on Canadian retail and US Hemp-Derived kiosks in high traffic areas. Click here for more info.

(TSX-V: SPDR)

New normal in US Congress: Marijuana hearings, reform bills & how they could affect the MJ industry

By Jeff Smith

  • Cannabis has gone from the butt of jokes on Capitol Hill to milestone hearings and the introduction of landmark legalization reform packages that offer the potential to pave the way for billions of dollars in new business opportunities nationwide.
  • The current situation is in stark contrast to just a couple of years ago, showing how far and how quickly marijuana reform has come in Washington DC – even if it doesn’t appear at the moment to have a good chance to pass the full Congress.

The Marijuana Business Factbook estimates that from 2018 to 2023, sales of legal cannabis in the United States could grow by nearly 200%, but those estimates also suggest legal sales represent a fraction of the estimated total potential demand for cannabis in the United States.

Demand for recreational cannabis is roughly $50 billion-$60 billion when black-market demand is included, according to the Factbook.

Federal legalization obviously would offer licensed MJ businesses inroads to take a bigger bite of the overall demand.

How times are changing in DC around MJ

Just a few months ago, the consensus was that the federal marijuana legislation most likely to pass would be narrowly focused, such as a bill to help veterans or spending bill amendments to protect state-legal cannabis programs.

Now the leading House measure appears to involve a comprehensive bill that would legalize marijuana nationwide.

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2019 could open massive business opportunities for legal cannabis firms around the country, similar to the federal legalization of hemp, if it passes. But that’s a big “if.”

Experts point out major reform before 2021 has long odds because of resistance in the Republican-controlled Senate.

But here’s the new normal:

  • Cannabis reform garnered milestone congressional hearings this year in both the Democratic-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate.
  • A U.S. House committee approved a cannabis banking bill, sending the measure toward the full chamber.
  • House Judiciary Committee chair Jerrold Nadler introduced the MORE Act, a comprehensive bill that would legalize marijuana nationwide by removing it from the Controlled Substance Act.

House Democrats are in effect saying that marijuana reform no longer needs to be modest, said Douglas Berman, director of Ohio State University’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.

“I have this ever-growing sense that more progressive advocates for marijuana reform think the momentum is on their side and that they don’t have to be content with a set of modest reforms or even an industry-friendly reform that doesn’t expressly seek to address the social equity parts of the story,” Berman noted.

Nadler’s bill, for example, not only would legalize cannabis nationwide, but through a 5% rec MJ sales tax, it would fund programs to help individuals and communities disadvantaged by the federal marijuana prohibition.

Marijuana entrepreneurs are paying close attention, and industry experts attribute the shifting ground to:

  • Strong public support for reform. Some polls find it exceeding 60%.
  • Democrats have control of the House and, thus, the committees that set the schedules for hearings.
  • The Democratic presidential lineup includes near unanimity that marijuana should be federally legalized.
  • A strategy exists among Democrats that it’s better to ask for more than less to build negotiating leverage for eventual reform.
  • There’s a growing consensus that comprehensive cannabis reform must include elements of social justice and equity as well as reinvestment in communities most affected by the war on drugs. Progressives in the Democratic party have expressed that attitude, and recreational marijuana legalization discussions in Illinois, New Jersey and New York have reflected it as well.

Addressing MJ banking/tax conundrums

Large industry groups including the American Bankers Association and the Credit Union National Association increasingly are pushing for specific reforms, such as the SAFE Banking Act, which would enable financial institutions to serve state-lawful cannabis businesses without fear of federal prosecution.

“It’s really the voices of these groups that have given the momentum and traction to the issue in the Senate,” said Saphira Galoob, CEO of the Liaison Group and executive director of the National Cannabis Roundtable.

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a longtime advocate for marijuana reform from Oregon, told the media that Nadler’s bill will represent the “path forward” to fixing cannabis policy in the House.

That’s because most major reform measures must go through the House Judiciary Committee, and Nadler controls which bills get considered.

Many experts doubt he’ll want committee votes on bills other than his own.

The House Judiciary Committee may mark up his reform bill and vote on it by as soon as September, after lawmakers return from their summer recess, Blumenauer and others noted.

The Nadler bill would resolve major industry issues such as access to banking and tax equity.

But Berman said he would be surprised if the Republican-controlled Senate considers the Senate version of Nadler’s bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Kamala Harris, a California Democrat running for president.

Experts say major reform still faces high hurdles in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, “has unilateral control of the Senate schedule,” St. Louis-headquartered investment firm Stifel noted in a recent cannabis industry update.

“His statements have suggested personal opposition to marijuana, and we believe his political calculus favors keeping his senators off the record with many Republicans facing re-elections in areas without more progressive marijuana policies,” the report added.

That seemed to be the case when the Senate Banking Committee recently held a landmark hearing on cannabis banking.

Committee Chair Michael Crapo from Idaho was the only Republican present of the 13 Republicans on the committee.

The future role of SAFE and the STATES Act

The prevailing view by many experts is that major reform becomes even less likely as the 2020 election draws near.

But it’s hard to predict political dynamics.

If President Donald Trump or McConnell wants reform for political reasons, then it could occur, Berman said.

So if Nadler’s bill becomes the leading House bill, what happens to other cannabis-related legislation, such as the STATES Act, which would protect state-lawful cannabis businesses from federal interference but wouldn’t legalize marijuana nationwide?

Blumenauer, who earlier this year predicted that the House would pass SAFE, said that measure would be unnecessary if Nadler’s bill goes through the House.

STATES, which has no social equity component, has “interesting support” and “still has the opportunity to be the catalyst in the Senate,” Blumenauer said.

STATES also has some implicit support from U.S. Attorney General William Barr.

Neal Levine, CEO of the Cannabis Trade Federation, lauded Nadler’s bill.

But the industry group still is backing the STATES Act as well, Levine told Marijuana Business Daily.

Jeff Smith can be reached at [email protected]

Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/new-normal-us-congress-marijuana-hearings-reform-bills-how-could-affect-cannabis-industry/

North Bud Farms Inc. $NBUD.ca – Beverage Companies Look to Capitalize on #CBD Benefits and Accessibility $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:29 PM on Monday, July 29th, 2019

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

NBUD: CSE

Beverage Companies Look to Capitalize on CBD’s Benefits and Accessibility

  • According to data compiled by Hemp Business Journal, a division of New Frontier Data, sales for the U.S. hemp industry totaled USD 820 Million in 2017.
  • Research suggests that the industry is expected to grow to USD 1.9 Billion by 2022 at a CAGR of 14.4% during the 5-year period.

NEW YORK, July 26, 2019 – For centuries, hemp has been used for a vast array of applications. In particular, hemp was predominantly used to manufacture textiles, paper, and construction materials because of its durability. However, now hemp has become even more popular because of its CBD compound. Hemp is derived from the cannabis plant and is one of the two main families found within the plant, the other being marijuana. Unlike marijuana, hemp’s main active component is CBD or cannabidiol, which does not cause psychoactive effects for its consumer.

Generally, the hemp plant contains less than 0.3% THC levels, which is an insignificant amount. However, because hemp is derived from the cannabis plant, federal regulators deemed hemp to be unsafe, and as a result, hemp and its CBD compound were listed as a controlled substance. Yet, researchers and scientists have begun new studies to better understand the biological makeup of hemp and compiled compelling results that went against the previously established understanding of the plant and its effects. As a result of these studies and the non-psychoactive nature of hemp, regulators lowered the scheduling of hemp and its CBD compound on the controlled substance list.

Moreover, the passage of the U.S. Farm Bill paved the way for the broader CBD industry, further accelerating its presence in legal channels. Previously, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other state departments only allowed pilot programs to study hemp, which allowed for small-scale cultivation. To note, the Farm Bill legalized the commercialization hemp and CBD, which caused a spur of retailers to add the product to their shelves. For instance, local stores and even e-commerce giants have CBD-based products being publicly sold for every-day consumers. Notably, the bill does not put any restrictions on the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, meaning that CBD is federally legal as long as it is consistent with the law.

Now, the CBD market is one of the fastest-growing market segments within the cannabis industry, due in large part to its lenient guidelines. And as a result, more companies are looking to enter into or expand within the CBD marketplace because of the vast potential that has opened up for the market. According to data compiled by Hemp Business Journal, a division of New Frontier Data, sales for the U.S. hemp industry totaled USD 820 Million in 2017. The research suggests that the industry is expected to grow to USD 1.9 Billion by 2022 at a CAGR of 14.4% during the 5-year period.

In 2017, hemp-derived CBD products accounted for the largest market share, as the segment delivered sales of USD 190 Million, accounting for 23% of the overall market share that year. Other segments such as personal care, food, and industrial care followed closely. However, by 2022, CBD products are expected to take off, outpacing the rest of the hemp sector. Hemp-derived CBD products are anticipated to deliver sales of USD 646 Million by 2022, followed by industrial application sales of USD 527 Million. While other segments are projected to grow, they are nonetheless expected to lag behind the exponential growth of the CBD product segment. CBD can be used to simply relax after a strenuous and stressful day but it is now being leveraged within the medical sector for patients suffering from ailments such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and epilepsy.

In particular, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already legalized a CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, which is used to treat epilepsy. However, the FDA has mentioned that researchers will need to conduct more large-scale positive clinical trials in order for cannabis-based treatments to be approved. Currently, evidence of CBD effects comes from animal testing or very small-scale clinical trials that are minuscule compared to the FDA’s standards. For example, Esther Blessing, a psychiatrist and researcher at New York University, pointed to a 2011 study where a few dozen people who had anxiety disorders were asked to speak in front of a large audience. The study concluded that people who received CBD reported significantly less anxiety compared to those who received the placebo.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beverage-companies-look-to-capitalize-on-cbds-benefits-and-accessibility-300891710.html

IntellaEquity Inc. $IEQ.ca Announces Execution of Amalgamation Agreement with Canncentral Inc. $IEQ.ca $SENS.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 1:06 PM on Monday, July 29th, 2019
http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/IEQ%20square.png
  • Entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement with CannCentral Inc.
  • IntellaEquity and CannCentral will complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of the Corporation by the shareholders of CannCentral
  • The Corporation is required to obtain shareholder approval for the Transaction, which it will seek at a special shareholders’ meeting on August 27, 2019
  • IntellaEquity will seek shareholder approval for: The election of new directors of the Corporation, the continuation of the Corporation from the State of Delaware to the Province of Ontario, changing the name of the Corporation from IntellaEquity Inc. to CannCentral Inc., and a sale of certain assets of the Corporation

Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – July 29, 2019) – IntellaEquity Inc. (CSE: IEQ) (the “Corporation” or “IntellaEquity“) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated May 27, 2019, the Corporation has entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement (the “Amalgamation Agreement“) with CannCentral Inc. (“CannCentral“), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, which outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which IntellaEquity and CannCentral would be willing to complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of the Corporation by the shareholders of CannCentral (the “Transaction“). Pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, IntellaEquity, CannCentral and Paragon Blockchain Inc. (“SubCo“), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation will complete a business combination by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Under the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement CannCentral will amalgamate with SubCo and will carry on the existing business of CannCentral as a wholly owned operating subsidiary of IntellaEquity. The Amalgamation Agreement was negotiated at arm’s length and is effective as of July 26, 2019.

The Transaction is subject to requisite regulatory approval, including the approval of the Canadian Stock Exchange (the “CSE“) and standard closing conditions, including the completion of due diligence investigations to the satisfaction of each of IntellaEquity and CannCentral, as well as the conditions described below.

Since the Transaction will constitute a reverse take-over of IntellaEquity and a change of business from a “investment issuer” to an “industrial issuer”, the Corporation is required to obtain shareholder approval for the Transaction, which it will seek at a special shareholders’ meeting on August 27, 2019 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, IntellaEquity will also seek shareholder approval for, among other things, the election of new directors of the Corporation, the continuation of the Corporation from the State of Delaware to the Province of Ontario, changing the name of the Corporation from IntellaEquity Inc. to CannCentral Inc., and a sale of certain assets of the Corporation.

Trading in the common shares of the Corporation is presently halted. It is unlikely that the common shares of IntellaEquity will resume trading until the Transaction is completed and approved by the CSE.

Conditions to Transaction

Prior to completion of the Transaction (and as conditions of closing):

  • IntellaEquity and CannCentral will obtain the requisite shareholder approvals for the Transaction and any ancillary matters contemplated in the Amalgamation Agreement.
  • All requisite regulatory approvals relating to the Transaction, including, without limitation, CSE approval, will have been obtained.
  • IntellaEquity shall have obtained the consents and waivers contemplated in the Amalgamation Agreement.
  • There shall not be in force any order or decree restraining or enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement.
  • None of the consents, orders, regulations or approvals contemplated in the Amalgamation Agreement shall contain terms or conditions or require undertakings or security deemed unsatisfactory or unacceptable by the parties to the Amalgamation Agreement.

The Proposed Transaction

Pre-Closing Capitalization of IntellaEquity

As of the date hereof, IntellaEquity has 25,629,564 common shares (the “IntellaEquity Shares“) issued and outstanding and securities exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, or other rights to acquire, an aggregate of 2,250,000 IntellaEquity Shares at exercise prices ranging from $0.05 per IntellaEquity Share to $1.00 per IntellaEquity Share.

Pre-Closing Capitalization of CannCentral

As of the date hereof, CannCentral has 342,500,000 common shares (the “CannCentral Shares” issued and outstanding and securities exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, or other rights to acquire, an aggregate of 117,500,000 CannCentral Shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per CannCentral Share (the “CannCentral Warrants“).

Terms of the Transaction

IntellaEquity proposes to acquire all of the CannCentral Shares pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement. It is expected that each shareholder of CannCentral (the “CannCentral Shareholder“) will receive one (1) IntellaEquity Share for each CannCentral Share held (the “Exchange Ratio“) resulting in the IntellaEquity Shareholders holding approximately 7% of the common shares of the combined entity (the “Resulting Issuer“) and the former CannCentral Shareholders holding approximately 93% of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Transaction (immediately prior to giving effect to the Offering, as such term is defined below). In addition, IntellaEquity will also acquire all of the CannCentral Warrants on the same Exchange Ratio in exchange for the issuance of common share purchase warrants of the Corporation on the same terms and conditions as the CannCentral Warrants.

About CannCentral

CannCentral is an Ontario company. CannCentral seeks to become a leading information platform for the cannabis industry. Using in part its proprietary technology, CannCentral will look to provide cannabis consumers with the information necessary to make informed purchasing and lifestyle decisions with respect to cannabis products. CannCentral seeks to accomplish this through: (1) information of the variety of different cannabis strains and cannabis derivative products; (2) community-driven reviews of the variety of different cannabis strains and cannabis derivative products; (3) information on geographically segmented dispensaries and available product offerings; (4) daily updates to industry information and relevant news. The platform also provides user feedback and reviews on products, and aggregates user data to inform businesses on trends and purchasing decisions. Utilizing consumer traffic and data analytics, CannCentral seeks to generate revenue through a variety of different channels.

Financial Information Concerning CannCentral

For the year ended May 31, 2019, CannCentral had total assets of $2,240,077 and total liabilities of $41,727. As of May 31, 2019, CannCentral had working capital of $2,198,350.

CannCentral Private Placement

Prior to the closing of the Transaction, CannCentral intends to raise capital through a private placement of up to 50 million units (the “CannCentral Units“) at an price of $0.05 per CannCentral Unit aggregate proceeds of $2,500,000 (the “CannCentral Private Placement“). Each CannCentral Unit shall be comprised of one (1) CannCentral Share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (a “CannCentral Warrant“).

Each CannCentral Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional CannCentral Share at an exercise price of $0.30 at any time up to 36 months from date of issuance. The securities issuable pursuant to the CannCentral Private Placement will be exchanged into IntellaEquity Shares and common share purchase warrants on the same Exchange Ratio.

The net proceeds of the CannCentral Private Placement will be used for general operating purposes.

Insiders, Officers and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer shall be comprised of: Brian Kalish, Larry Latowsky, Gil Steinfield and Dr. Scott Wilson. It is anticipated that additional directors will be added to the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer. In addition, it is expected that the officers of the Resulting Issuer shall be Brian Kalish (Chief Executive Officer), Stephen Gledhill (Chief Financial Officer), IgorKostioutchenko (Controller), Anton Tikhonirov (Senior Vice President, Technology and Architecture) and Jessica Martin (Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications).

The following sets outs the names and backgrounds of all persons who are expected to be considered insiders of the Resulting Issuer.

Brian Kalish, Chief Executive Officer and Director

In 1999, Mr. Kalish founded the first interactive point of purchase retail media. He later went on to co-direct the acquisition and re-development of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club of the Canadian Football League in 2003. Mr. Kalish was a Director and the CEO of Gemoscan Canada, Inc. a vertically integrated healthcare company which he reorganized and led through a series of capitalizations and public listings. Gemoscan was the first company to have commercialized a naturopathic service at retail pharmacy in North America. Earlier, Mr. Kalish was a member of the turn-around team at KIK Corporation (now KIK Custom Products) a leading private label CPG producer. Most recently, he was a founder, Director and President of specialty finance companies focusing on Factoring and Asset Based Lending.

Larry Latowsky, Director

Mr. Latowsky brings decades of experience in the worlds of retail, technology and media to CannCentral. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of Top Drug Corp and Epic Sales Limited. Prior to this Mr. Latowsky was the Interim CEO and Chairman of the Board of Well.ca before its sale to McKesson Corporation. Well.ca focuses on delivering over 40,000-curated health and beauty care products, thousands of peer reviews, and Canada’s largest assortment of green and natural brands to consumers. Before directing Well.ca, Mr. Latowsky was the CEO of Katz Group Canada/Rexall Pharmaplus from 2010-2014 and Drug Trading Company from 2004-2014, which provides independent or franchise pharmacy banner programs for IDA, Guardian, and Medicine Shoppe drug stores. Drug Trading Company also incorporated the businesses of ProPharm Technology and DC Labs. Mr. LatowskyLatowsky received his Bachelor of Arts from York University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business and Institute of Corporate Directors. He previously served on the board of the Retail Council of Canada, Electronic Commerce Council of Canada, and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores.

Gil Steinfeld, Director

Mr. Steinfeld has over 20 years’ experience as a marketing executive and online marketing consultant to the top online gaming brands. Mr. Steinfeld oversaw top level Canadian and U.S marketing strategies for PartyGaming Plc, and World Poker tour in the areas of online and traditional media. He was the founding Director of Marketing at Microgaming where he helped grow the company from 20 to over 1000 employees.

Dr. Scott Wilson, Director

Dr. Wilson is a passionate clinician, a serial healthcare entrepreneur, and a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic in both Canada and the USA with over 25 years of experience treating patients. Dr. Wilson is the Founder & Chairman of PhysiomedTM, one of Canada’s largest franchised networks of interdisciplinary healthcare clinics, with over 30 clinics in Ontario and British Columbia. He has also founded or supported numerous other healthcare focused companies. Dr. Wilson has had speaking engagements alongside Tony Robbins and is widely acknowledged to be a subject matter expert in the North American healthcare sector.

Stephen Gledhill, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Gledhill is the founding member of Keshill Consulting Associates Inc., a boutique management consulting practice specializing in accounting, administrative and corporate secretarial services. Mr. Gledhill is also the Managing Director and founding member of RG Management services Inc. Mr. Gledhill has over 25 years of financial-control experience acting as CFO and Corporate Secretary for multiple publicly-traded companies, several of which he was instrumental in scaling-up and taking public. He currently serves as the CFO of Caracara Silver Inc, DelphX Capital Markets Inc and CO2 GRO Inc. Prior to RGMS, Mr. Gledhill served as SVP and CFO of Borealis Capital Corporation, and VP Finance of OMERS Realty Corporation. He is a Chartered Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Math Degree from the University of Waterloo.

Igor Kostioutchenko, Controller

Mr. Kostioutchenko has extensive experience providing controllership services, applying IFRS, ASPE and U.S. GAAP frameworks, advising on restructuring, mergers, acquisitions and public market offerings, and conducting accounting investigations. Mr. Kostioutchenko graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. He began his public accounting career with Deloitte LLP, he later moved to lead audit and special engagements with Collins Barrow Toronto LLP, now RSM Canada LLP. Subsequent to his tenure at Collins Barrow Toronto LLP, Mr. Kostioutchenko co-founded Kostioutchenko & Patel, CPAs, Professional Corporation, an affiliate under Abacus Group, where he now serves as Partner in the assurance and advisory practice.

Anton Tikhomirov, Senior Vice President, Technology and Architecture

Mr. Tikhomirov has over fifteen years of experience in digital technologies, with a specialization in e-Commerce constructs. His unique approach to systems allowed him to establish a chain of e-Commerce platforms in 2008 which, within two years generated over 1 million unique visitors per month. Mr. Tikhomirov’s ability to develop strategic plans and execute against them allowed him to open a full-service digital agency in 2016 which currently serves nearly 40 clients across Canada and the US.

Jessica Martin, Vice President Investor Relations and Communications

Ms. Martin is a seasoned communications expert with nearly 20 years of investor, government and media relations expertise. Most recently, as VP of Public Relations and Regulatory Affairs for Invictus MD, she negotiated some of the first government contracts for licensed cannabis producers. Previously Ms. Martin was a spokesperson for Toronto Hydro, Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor to the Premier of Ontario and Ontario’s Minister of Finance. Earlier she worked as a research analyst at Queen’s Park and as a Floor Director at CityTV in Toronto. She is a graduate of the McMaster-Syracuse Master of Communications Management (MCM) program.

Additional Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to IntellaEquity and CannCentral was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.

For further information please contact:

CannCentral Inc.:

Brian Kalish, CEO
Email: [email protected]

IntellaEquity Inc.:

Allen Lone, President and CEO
Email: [email protected]

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca – Top 7 benefits and uses of #CBD oil $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:33 PM on Monday, July 29th, 2019

SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: SPDR) An established chain of high-end vape stores in Ontario, Canada. The company has an aggressive expansion plan already in place that will focus on Canadian retail and US Hemp-Derived kiosks in high traffic areas. Click here for more info.

SPDR: TSX-V

Top 7 benefits and uses of CBD oil

  • Cannabidiol is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant and is most often derived from hemp.
  • It’s a naturally occurring substance that is not psychoactive — meaning it won’t impair or impact your mental state of being.

Experts from Charlotte’s Web highlight how cannabidiol can be beneficial in many ways in this guide to the top 7 uses of CBD oil

While an easy-going, uncomplicated and fulfilling life is what we are all after — we can’t all be rosy, all the time. Every aspect of our day-to-day — from professional to personal — is filled with responsibilities and expectations. Though many of these to-do list items are part of the path to success and happiness, sometimes we need a little pick-me-up to make the road easier. This is why certain cure-all ingredients become trendy seemingly overnight. From those that promise to help us lose the belly fat to ones that guarantee a mood-boost–if you can Google it, you can find it.

Though generations across the globe have been utilising the wondrous properties of hemp for hundreds of years, cannabidiol (or CBD) has recently been used as an oil and capsule for general wellness 

As a smart shopper, if you are on the fence about implementing a new product into your routine, you likely want to know how it will boost your vitality. We have been studying and fostering quality, reliable and safe products for years, giving us a first-hand perspective on how this gem from Mother Nature can benefit your health. Though there are countless claims about what CBD can provide, not all are backed by science. That’s why we stand by these specific benefits of CBD oil:

First up, what is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant and is most often derived from hemp. It’s a naturally occurring substance that is not psychoactive — meaning it won’t impair or impact your mental state of being. Not to be confused with its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this derivative is more widely legalised across the country. You should definitely do your homework to understand the rules and regulations of your state, though many allow the use of CBD in various products. 

If you look backwards thousands of years, indigenous people used hemp for many daily uses — including spinning it into fibre to make clothing, controlling weeds and purifying water, to name a few. In modern times, CBD oil can be turned into oils for you skin or to drop on your tongue to support recovery from post-workout inflammation, maintain focus and other perks. 

While most of the time it is humans who use the products, whether topically or orally, there are also a few benefits for man’s (and woman’s!) best friend. And while your best friend may go the oil route, you could be more on Team Supplement since you already take daily vitamins anyway. That’s the beauty of CBD as a health Kickstarter — you can use it however you feel most comfortable.

The benefits below are ones we celebrate — but it is still important to exercise patience. Because of the vast variety and reach of this natural ingredient, using it across various mediums could be beneficial. As with anything, give your body time to adjust to CBD, and don’t expect overnight results. Your system needs time to process, and we generally recommend 30-60 days to witness an impact.

If you are willing to go the long mile and give it a try, here are a few CBD benefits you may experience:

CBD Benefit #1: Help you remain calm during stressful situations.

Think back when you were in college and you were trying to decide on a major. There are some lucky people who have always known what they were destined to do for their career — but for many, it took trial and error to arrive where they are now. Even more, are still figuring out the right trajectory. Regardless of where you happen to be on the career ladder, work-related stress is to be expected. People who are captivated and challenged by their gigs, as well as those who frequently experience the Sunday Scaries, are sometimes bogged down by a seemingly never-ending stream of deadlines and emails. Not to mention client and colleague meetings, business trips and interpersonal, in-office relationships.

However, to be productive and channel your creativity, managing stress is essential. Everyone has their moments when they feel overworked and over-booked, but your ability to prioritise and work through the chaos and collect your thoughts will set you apart. One of the most talked-about benefits of CBD oil is how it can ease your anxiety and worries in your everyday life. And this isn’t limited to career-related angst. Many professionals find this essential to guide them through difficult quarters, overbearing clients and all of the annoyances in between. Our CBD gummies for calm can support in calming your nerves, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. When you need to finish a project, shoot off an email or have a tricky conversation with your manager, the extra zen will go a long way.

CBD Benefit #2: Help you navigate everyday stresses.

Everyday stresses come at us from every angle. The vast majority of the workforce doesn’t work traditional 9 to 5 hours — we’re expected to be on call and available 24/7. Families with children may have two working parents with full-time gigs, making family life that much more demanding. And though friendships are meant to help us navigate life’s ups and the downs, they require accountability too. Juggling all of that maybe when the unthinkable happens: the dishwasher breaks down. Or the pipes need to be replaced. Or the handyman measured the blinds wrong and now they need to be fixed. Just when you feel as if you have everything under control, there always seems to be a wrench thrown into the mix.

For everyday stressors — from the expected to the unexpected — CBD oil can step in as your relaxation agent. Clearing your mind, settling your heart rate and giving you a tool to regain focus and control, it can help you get back on track. Much of life is unpredictable and we can’t always have someone to step in and manage the details for us. Luckily, a trusted CBD oil can make the journey smoother. 

CBD Benefit #3: Help reduce inflammation after a workout

You grew up being active or playing sports — and running around outside until your mother finally made you come in as the sun went down. Or maybe you fell in love with running — or spinning or yoga — as an adult. And now, in an effort to maintain your health, strength and longevity, you somehow make it to a class or to the gym a few times a week. For those who want to live a balanced, energy-filled life, frequent, consistent fitness is non-negotiable.

Even though you know how important it is to get your heart rate going, there are plenty of hurdles that create a barrier to working out. From late nights in the office to hitting snooze on your morning alarm (whoops) — scheduling is sometimes, well, impossible. However, one of the most common reasons folks skip out on their visit is soreness from the day (or days) before. While this is a normal part of the recovery process, aching muscles can be painful to push through, especially when finding the motivation to prioritise fitness.

CBD oil can work wonders here since it fights against workout-induced inflammation. What’s this mean? When we are active and challenge our bodies, we put strain on our muscles, creating tiny cuts in the tissue. This isn’t dangerous, and rather, helps to build our strength — but that doesn’t mean it’s comfortable. Following an intensive, strenuous routine, CBD oil or our CBD gummies for recovery can speed up the recovery process so you can continue to meet your fitness goals. 

CBD oil benefit #4: Help you to sleep better

Think of those Saturday mornings. You know the ones: nothing on your agenda until the afternoon, breezy, comfortable just-right temperature outside. No kiddos or pets — or the garbage pick-up or your neighbours — to disrupt your slumber. Your chest heavy, your breathing relaxed, you zonked out for a solid eight hours and waking up ready to conquer the world. Or at the very least — brunch! More than any other routine we keep up, including working out and smart food choices, our health and energy levels are directly tied to how much time we spend in dreamland. But it’s not just quantity, it’s the quality of sleep that matters as well. You may lay in bed for the recommended hours for our age group — but if you aren’t sleeping soundly, you won’t actually reap the benefits of a good night rest.

How do you know if you are sleeping effectively? Consider these questions — and answer honestly! — to determine how high you rank on slumber hygiene. How long does it take you to drift away? How many times do you wake up in the middle of the night? How do you feel when you wake up — rested or exhausted? Do you go to bed at the same time — and rise like clockwork? If you struggle with most of these, know that CBD oil helps support healthy sleep cycles. An alternative to our CBD oil or capsules is our CBD gummy and melatonin designed specifically with your sleep needs in mind. 

CBD oil benefit #5: Help you fight against dry skin

In the winter, as the temperature falls outside, the dry heat skyrockets inside to keep you warm. Then spring rolls around, and all of those beautiful blooms have your nose feeling itchy. Summer may cause your skin to break out thanks to sunscreen and sweat — but for some folks, dry patches are still an issue, year-round. No matter what season gives your body’s largest organ — skin! — the most trouble, maintaining moisture is essential. Dry skin is uncomfortable and makes it more difficult to apply various products that keep us healthy and glowing. T

hough many people turn to body butters, lotions or other hydrating gems, sometimes, it’s not enough to reach the moisture level our pores are thirsty for. To the rescue could be CBD oil or CBD cream— since one of the benefits of this powerful topical is how it helps our skin to maintain optimal skin moisturisation. As with any new skincare product, you will want to start slow and watch how your pores react. It may take time to start seeing results — so be patient. And when in doubt, talk to a dermatologist about an ideal regimen for your unique chemical makeup.

CBD oil benefit #6: Help your pet feel relaxed

Though Fido has historically been referenced as man’s best friend — we would like to think our beloved pets are the whole family’s pal. From the moment you took him or her from the animal shelter as a pup (or as an older dog!) — they stole your heart, filled up your iPhone with countless photos and of course, most of your bed. That’s why so many pet owners go above and beyond for their pets by feeding them wholesome meals, taking them to training schools and scheduling regular visits to the vet.

This means you are hyper-aware of any shifts in your pet’s personality. If you notice your pet is skittish, anxious or overall, not like themselves, it is normal to worry. Much like humans, dogs will experience various ebbs and flows in their mood — all causes by a variety of factors. During the winter, they may not get as much time outside running around, causing them to have extra energy indoors. Or in the summer, when it’s scorching under the sun, they could overheat and have to retreat back to the couch.

Perhaps they are ageing and experiencing joint pain or tenderness, that while normal, is difficult to manage. Though you should definitely seek veterinary attention if you feel something extraordinary is happening under their fur, one of the benefits of CBD oil extends to your pets. In fact, it’s been shown to calm their nerves and anxiety when used regularly. Test a small drop first — and then see how your four-legged friend responds.

CBD oil benefit #7: Help your pet stay stronger for longer

Before you had a human baby — your pet your first child. They taught you what unconditional love really means — and how much joy a wagging tail can bring. Ask any pet owner and they will be quick to admit that their pets are not just the guardian of the herd — but part of the family. As they’ve watched you cascade through various milestones, you have witnessed the years wearing on them, too. Though they used to run for hours around your backyard, they’re slower these days.

And while they used to serve as your first alarm clock, now you have to wake them up for breakfast. Ageing is hard to see — but you can make your pet more comfortable with the use of CBD oil. Because it has been shown to support healthy hips and joints for animals, a drop of CBD oil will have them moving easier. Even if you — sadly — can’t make your dog live forever, you can keep them fresh and happy by adding a bit of CBD oil to their routine.

Source: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/uses-of-cbd-oil/70200/

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca – Here’s Why Gen-Z Are Turning To #CBD Skincare $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:29 PM on Friday, July 26th, 2019

SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: SPDR) An established chain of high-end vape stores in Ontario, Canada. The company has an aggressive expansion plan already in place that will focus on Canadian retail and US Hemp-Derived kiosks in high traffic areas. Click here for more info.

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Here’s Why Gen-Z Are Turning To CBD Skincare

CBD extract is popping up in everything, from CBD infused cosmetics to cocktails. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

  • Health trends come and go but one wellness phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing is CBD.
  • CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is indisputably one of the hottest health topics right now, with CBD products now available on the high-street in food and beverages and no longer restricted to supplements from a pharmacy.

Health trends come and go but one wellness phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing is CBD. CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is indisputably one of the hottest health topics right now, with CBD products now available on the high-street in food and beverages and no longer restricted to supplements from a pharmacy. According to the Cannabis Trades Association U.K., the number of CBD users has doubled over the past year from 125,000 to 250,000 and the acquisition of This Works, the British beauty and wellness brand, by Canopy Growth, the world’s largest cannabis company, is just one of many examples highlighting the growing presence of CBD in the U.K. market. 

Used for a variety of ailments from pain relief to anxiety and depression, CBD oil should not be confused with cannabis use, which has previously been linked with causing depression in teenagers by the NHS. Shiona Redmond, CBD expert and creator of Graces London, a luxury CBD oil beauty and lifestyle brand, explains that CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant, whereas tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive cannabinoid that creates the “high” commonly associated with marijuana use. Because CBD contains less than 0.2% of the psychoactive THC it is, therefore, legal to buy and consume in the U.K. 

The increasing popularity of CBD in the U.K. is perhaps a delayed reflection of the success in the U.S., where legal sales of marijuana products surpassed $10 billion in 2018. Bolstered by a growing cohort of Gen-Z consumers, who are twice as likely to use CBD than the national average, it’s no surprise that CBD uptake in the U.K. has grown so quickly, given that 1 in 5 young adults have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

But how does CBD help mental wellbeing? Redmond explains that humans have cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, part of a self-regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system which aims to create homeostasis, a sort of consistent internal balance, in the body. “The ECS has been noted as one of the most important physiologic systems involved in maintaining our health and balance,” says Redmond, “In 2007 the ECS was discovered to play an important regulatory role in the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and response to stress.”

The human body actually produces its own cannabinoids which have the same composition as the CBD cannabinoids from cannabis plants, therefore a CBD intake interacts with our bodies in a similar way. The sensation is akin to the “runners high” or feel-good buzz felt after physical activity because the naturally produced cannabinoids in the brain are heavily linked with euphoria and serotonin. 

CBD products are growing not only in availability but also range, with several popular alternatives instead of vaping. Often taken sublingually, as an oil, tincture or spray absorbed via the mouth under the tongue, CBD is also popping up in food and beverages, with Crussh becoming the first U.K. chain to offer cannabidiol products with the recent launch of a CBD booster to add to drinks. 

CBD products are increasingly available in the U.K to address a range of health and wellbeing concerns (Photo/Graces London) Graces London

For those who would prefer not to ingest CBD orally, topical CBD products like skincare oils, body balms, bath bombs and face masks are also increasing in popularity. Redmond says: “CBD extracts can be absorbed through the epidermis layers of the skin to interact with cannabinoid receptors located on skin surface cells. With the skin being the largest organ of the human body, what we put on our skin doesn’t only affect the skin, but it can have long-lasting effects on our health and general wellbeing.”

With wellbeing at the center of the CBD phenomenon, further growth in the U.K. is inevitable. Partly linked to the arrival of trendy CBD beauty brands like Milk Makeup—aimed at a younger audience and now sold in the U.K. since January—but also hard to not draw parallels with the downward trend in smoking and drinking amongst the younger generation. Gen-Z music artists like Lil Pump are now becoming cannabis ambassadors, rather than the traditional alcohol advertising contracts that millennials and baby boomers are accustomed to seeing.  Reflecting this cultural change in consumer behavior, Facebook has recently relaxed its rules on CBD advertising, now allowing the promotion of topical CBD, but still banning ingestible CBD.

It will be interesting to see how CBD advertising is regulated going forward, due to the wide-spread use of CBD but varying levels of concentration within products.”Not all CBD is created equal., says Redmond, “The CBD cannabinoid content in extracts can vary from just a few percents to more than 90% CBD. The extraction method used will determine the CBD cannabinoid content. CBD flowers can be cold-pressed, distillation processes can be used or varied forms of alcohol, solvent, and C02 extractions can be used to extract the oil. The clearer and more golden the oil, the more purified and concentrated the whole plant CBD extract is.” 

Although greenwashing often refers to brands attempting to appear more environmentally friendly, the term still applies here with the rise of CBD and mental wellbeing giving brands an opportunity to capitalize by using hemp seed oil, another derivative from the cannabis plant. Hemp seed oil, sometimes referred to as Cannabis Sativa seed oil, should not be confused with CBD. It’s been widely available within the health and beauty industry for years and does not contain the same beneficial cannabinoids as CBD. Having social media at their fingertips, Gen-Z shoppers are not afraid to call out big beauty brands for greenwashing. Time will tell how young consumers respond, as they become more clued up to what’s within their products.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zoewong1/2019/07/09/heres-why-gen-z-are-turning-to-cbd-skincare/#42c9fbd85541

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca – 5 Essential #Cannabis Trends You Can’t Afford to Miss – #CBD will take center stage $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:49 PM on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: SPDR) An established chain of high-end vape stores in Ontario, Canada. The company has an aggressive expansion plan already in place that will focus on Canadian retail and US Hemp-Derived kiosks in high traffic areas. Click here for more info.

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5 Essential Cannabis Trends You Can’t Afford to Miss

New research indicates these events will drive the global cannabis market.
  • Until recently, the cannabis market was dominated by THC products, but now CBD is on everyone’s lips. What happened? In 2018, two regulatory events changed the direction and growth trajectory for the cannabis market. Troy Dayton and Roy Bingham

Figuring out where the cannabis industry is heading next is no easy task. The industry is filled with a seemingly daily deluge of noise and breaking news. But there are a handful of trends and events you should keep an eye on. Arcview Market Research in partnership with BDS Analytics has discovered key data points that reveal some of the big industry levers shaping things to come.

1. CBD will take center stage.

Until recently, the cannabis market was dominated by THC products, but now CBD is on everyone’s lips. What happened? In 2018, two regulatory events changed the direction and growth trajectory for the cannabis market.

First, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) approved GW Pharmaceutical’s seizure medication, Epidiolex, the first CBD pharmaceutical-grade drug. 

Second, hemp (the cannabis plant high in CBD and low in THC) was legalized for commercial production across the U.S. 

Pharmaceutical companies have since unleashed numerous studies and clinical trials — racing to isolate treatments for a diversity of diseases – from cancer to sleep disorders. And, due to less government restrictions placed on CBD, cannabis dispensaries no longer hold domain over the sale of cannabis products. 

Over time, fortune 500 companies will stampede into the CBD market. In many U.S. markets, general retail stores are now free to stock hemp-based products. And as creams, craft beer, and other CBD infused products make their way onto grocery store shelves in growing numbers, licensed dispensaries will be pushed to stay competitive. 

Just how big is the U.S. CBD market expected to get? 

Our research shows that CBD spending will grow from $1.9 billion in 2018 to a forecast of $20.1 billion by 2024. Include THC sales in the number, and the total U.S. cannabinoid market will soar from $10.5 in 2018 to $44.8 billion as we turn the calendar to 2024. 

This is a 49 percent compound annual growth rate forecast for cannabis and hemp-derived CBD products.

2. Eased regulations will be a catalyst for the cannabis market.

Fear of federal prosecution, the inability to easily use every-day banking services (including depositing money), and little clarity around CBD as a food additive, has been deadweights for the U.S cannabis industry. However, two ground-breaking pieces of legislation are working their way through the legislative labyrinth that should remedy these problems.

First is an amendment to the STATES Act that will exempt the state’s legal activities from the Controlled Substances Act (which classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 substance). The STATES Act would effectively ease federal cannabis prohibition by ceding the regulation of cannabis to the state level. Secondly, the SAFE Banking Act — which would allow federally chartered banks the ability to accept money from state-legal cannabis businesses.

On the CBD front, the FDA is under pressure to regulate and confirm the rules of the game. Once these guidelines are announced, they are likely to be the trigger for mass adoption of CBD.

3. Canada is still a significant player, but there are clouds on the horizon.

Canada’s historic legalization of adult-use cannabis last year quickly spawned the world’s largest cannabis companies. Our research indicates that by 2024, the Canadian adult-use market will expand to almost $4.8 billion from $113.5 million (in the partial year of 2018).

In the short term, limitations on distribution and the marketing of edibles and concentrates are likely to hamper growth. However, regulations are expected to ease in October. But it will take suppliers several months, maybe even years, to catch up with the product selection and branding strategies, which are the chief drivers of U.S. market growth.

The success of the continued retail roll-out and the federal election in October could potentially dampen the Canadian growth story. Should the liberals be ousted at the polling booths, a change in government policy may curtail the growth trajectory.

4. Other countries will get in the game. 

The global expansion of medical cannabis is attracting investor attention. Our research shows that the international markets’ contribution to global legal sales will rise from 4.7 percent to 13.2 percent between 2018 and 2024. That’s a not inconsequential 33 percent compound annual growth rate through the period.

Internationally, Germany leads the pack, making Europe the leading region. But Uruguay’s pioneering legal adult-use, Luxembourg, Mexico, and New Zealand could also have adult-use sales by 2024.

Reforms in Asia and Africa are also afoot. Patients in South Korea and Thailand will gain access to medical cannabis treatments — albeit highly restricted. And Lesotho, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are all in various stages of program development.

But, as a consequence of the opening up of these markets, there may be a shift in the migration of production to regions like Africa and Latin America. Canadian LPs could be left with stranded assets

5. Money will flow to M&As, as companies specialize and rationalize operations.

In two short years, an industry starved for funding is now seeing billion-dollar deals. But the availability of money is becoming less significant. Now it’s about how it will be spent.

Vertically integrated companies are buying out other operations for scale, and the start of a trend towards diversification and specialization is underway.

Over the medium term, a second wave of M&A to ‘rationalize assets’ (i.e. match a firm’s investment in various types of assets to its projected requirements, for achieving optimum ROI) may follow. Companies in maturing industries usually work out what they are best at and divest operations to those better suited to operate these.

Once federal prohibition ends, it’s also no stretch to imagine the mainstream industry giants stepping in and buying out cannabis companies. Courageous entrepreneurs will be richly rewarded for having built attractive take-out targets.

Source: https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/5-Essential-Cannabis-Trends-You-Can-t-Afford-to-14113323.php

Marijuana Company of America $MCOA Announces Prelaunch of Premier #Cannabis Delivery Service $AERO $CBDS $CGRW $APH.ca $GBLX $ACG $ACB $WEED.ca $HIP.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:36 AM on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019
15233 mcoa
MCOA:OTCQB
  • Company began sign-ups for Viva Buds Inc., a cannabis delivery service developed with joint venture partner Natural Plant Extracts of California
  • Viva Buds’ staff and marketing team have successfully initiated the prelaunch for prospective customers ahead of its official 2019 launch date.

ESCONDIDO, Calif., July 23, 2019 — via NetworkWire - MARIJUANA COMPANY OF AMERICA INC. (“MCOA” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: MCOA), an innovative hemp and cannabis corporation, is pleased to announce the prelaunch of cannabis delivery service Viva Buds Inc. in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California, with sign-ups now available on its website at https://vivabuds.com.

Viva Buds’ staff and marketing team have successfully initiated the prelaunch for prospective customers ahead of its official 2019 launch date. By signing up for free for the Viva Buds prelaunch, customers will have the opportunity to make referrals before the actual launch date. Viva Buds will offer customers a dynamic opportunity to purchase low-cost premium cannabis products and utilize the “call your friend” approach to build their own personal business. Viva Buds will have its own user-friendly app and will utilize its strategic partnership with MassRoots Inc. to reach out to thousands of its social media followers, beginning in the San Fernando Valley.

In March, Natural Plant Extracts of California (“NPE”) and MCOA announced they had established a joint venture to form Viva Buds, sharing the net profits on a 50-50 basis. NPE will manage all operations pertaining to distribution, manufacturing and delivery of cannabis products, and MCOA will provide capital, consulting and marketing services. Additionally, MCOA is the direct owner of 20% of NPE.

“Our management team is excited to provide this innovative opportunity to future customers of Viva Buds in one of the largest U.S. markets for recreational cannabis,” said Mr. Don Steinberg, CEO of Marijuana Company of America.

“We are excited to be a partner in what we believe will be a game changing and disruptive delivery model in the marketplace,” said Mr. Alan Tsai, CEO of Natural Plant Extracts of California. “We offer an incentivized program that is mutually beneficial for our customers as well as the company. We are confident this adds a lot of unique value and will position Viva Buds as a key player in the delivery sector.”

For more information on Viva Buds and to sign up, please visit https://vivabuds.com. Join the live virtual launch party on August 9th, 2019 at http://www.vivabuds.live.

About Marijuana Company of America, Inc.
MCOA is a corporation that participates in: (1) product research and development of legal hemp-based consumer products under the brand name “hempSMART™â€, that targets general health and well-being; (2) an affiliate marketing program to promote and sell its legal hemp-based consumer products containing CBD; (3) leasing of real property to separate business entities engaged in the growth and sale of cannabis in those states and jurisdictions where cannabis has been legalized and properly regulated for medicinal and recreational use; and, (4) the expansion of its business into ancillary areas of the legalized cannabis and hemp industry, as the legalized markets and opportunities in this segment mature and develop.

About Our hempSMART Products Containing CBD
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized CBD as a safe and effective drug for any indication. Our products containing CBD derived from industrial hemp are not marketed or sold based upon claims that their use is safe and effective treatment for any medical condition as drugs or dietary supplements subject to the FDA’s jurisdiction.

About Natural Plant Extracts of California
NPE is a fully licensed cannabis manufacturing, distribution and non-store front retail delivery. The Company has secured its licenses with the state of California and city of Lynwood, CA. For more information about the Company, please visit its website at https://nldistribution.com The owners and founders of NPE are marijuana industry veterans with decades of experience in establishing retail, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis in California, including obtaining the first retail dispensary licenses in Los Angeles, CA.

Legal Status of Cannabis
While legalized in California for recreational and medicinal use, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) and illegal under the federal law.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as “anticipate”, “seek”, intend”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, or similar phrases may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company’s reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based products. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-12G, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov.

Contact:
[email protected]
888-777-4362

Corporate Communications Contact: 
NetworkWire (NNW)
New York, New York
www.NetworkNewsWire.com 
212.418.1217 Office 
[email protected] 

For more information, please visit the Company’s websites at:

MarijuanaCompanyofAmerica.com
hempSMART.com
NetworkNewsWire/MCOA

North Bud Farms Inc. $NBUD.ca – #Cannabis Countdown: Top 10 #Marijuana Industry News Stories Of The Week, July 22 $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:41 AM on Monday, July 22nd, 2019

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

NBUD: CSE

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The Cannabis Investor    July 22, 2019

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 July 15th – 21st, 2019.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Medical Cannabis is Gaining Momentum in Asia

With Thailand’s legalization of medical cannabis in February, some experts predict that other Southeast Asian countries may move to decriminalize the plant. If that happens, it could prove a significant opportunity for investors interested in the space.

9. How The New NAFTA Affects The Cannabis Industry

At the end of 2018, Canada, the United States, and Mexico agreed on new terms to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The new treaty, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), establishes updated legal language surrounding trade tariffs, environmental and labour regulations, and intellectual property protections.

It was only just last year that Canopy Growth CGC 2.14% completed the first legal export of medical cannabis to the United States. As the world waits for the United States and Canada to follow Mexico in ratifying the new trade agreement, this is what cannabis investors should know about how the deal affects the marijuana industry.

8. Top 10 Hip Hop Artists Looking to Capitalize on the Cannabis Boom A$AP

Hip-hop star A$AP Rocky made global headlines in July because of an altercation and is now locked up Sweden. Thousands of fans and even politicians like President Trump are calling for his release.

Like many other rappers, A$AP Rocky’s fortunes are not tied up only in lyrics. These famous artists aren’t just signing record deals anymore. Top rappers are now signing lucrative weed contracts.

Now that cannabis is going mainstream, let’s take a look at the top ten hip hop artists who are capitalizing on the green rush.

7. Imports of Medical Marijuana into Germany Surge in Second Quarter

Germany imported almost 2,500 kilograms (5,500 lbs) of medical cannabis flower for pharmacy dispensing during the first half of 2019.

That’s almost as much as the country imported in all of 2018, a sign that the expected growth in the market is coming to fruition.

6. Final Chance to Tell The FDA How it Should Regulate CBD

U.S. health authorities are taking final comments from the public on how to regulate over-the-counter cannabis extracts such as CBD. The suggestions are due to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by midnight ET Tuesday, July 16, on how the agency should regulate cannabis-derived products.

The FDA has vowed to expedite its review of cannabis-derived compounds because of a surge in CBD products hitting the market. The agency now says it will have an update on the review by late summer or early fall.

5. Ohio Lawmakers Vote to Decriminalize CBD Oil, Hemp Products

The Ohio House on Wednesday voted 88-3 in favor of legislation that would move Ohio closer to decriminalizing hemp and hemp products, including CBD oil. Under current state law, hemp is considered a Schedule I drug because it — like marijuana — comes from the cannabis plant. However, hemp contains a low concentration of THC, marijuana’s psychoactive stimulant.

The bill would exclude hemp and its products from the definition of marijuana that the state uses to enforce controlled substance laws, and it would further prohibit the state’s Board of Pharmacy from listing hemp as a controlled substance.

4. Aurora Sole Winner of Italian Medical Cannabis Tender, But Average Price is Low by Most Standards

Aurora Deutschland – the German subsidiary of Aurora Cannabis ACB 3.88% â€“ won all three “lots”to supply Italy with a total of 400 kilograms (880 lbs) of medical marijuana over two years, the Italian government announced.

But the award may come at a cost for Aurora as the average price it offered – 1.73 euros per gram ($1.94) – was less than half the tender reference prices and only slightly above the company’s latest reported average “cash cost of sales per gram of dried cannabis sold.”

3. Meet The Man Behind The CannTrust Meltdown

It appears clear that CannTrust’s CTST 2.41% widely reported non-compliance violations with Health Canada are the result of a whistle-blowing former employee.

On June 15, Fenwick resident Nick Lalonde, who worked at the Balfour Street site for almost two years, had emailed the Voice and several Health Canada employees with various allegations of infractions— including cannabis being grown in unlicensed areas.

2. Here’s Why Jay-Z’s New Cannabis Partnership is a Major Win for the Industry

If you weren’t already convinced that cannabis has gone mainstream — you will be now.

American rapper, business mogul, and all-around cultural giant, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, just announced a multi-year partnership with this leading California cannabis company. In addition to helping strengthen the company’s bottom line, Jay-Z will also look to create opportunities for those hurt by the prohibition of cannabis.

1. Sluggish U.S. Senate Awakens, Cannabis Banking Access is on the Way

When it comes to bringing cannabis banking out of the informal cash exchange world and into America’s banking sector with Senate’s support, the train is finally leaving the station. The Senate has scheduled a hearing next week to discuss cannabis companies and their access to legitimate banking.

Open and fair banking access for cannabis companies in the United States will play a crucial role in the industry’s expansion and will eventually lead to the implementation of interstate and online cannabis commerce.

Source: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/07/14109951/cannabis-countdown-top-10-marijuana-industry-news-stories-of-the-week-july-22

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca Receives Approval on Development Permit for its Flagship #Cannabis Store in Calgary, Alberta $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:54 AM on Monday, July 22nd, 2019
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  • Announced that it has received approval on their development permit for a flagship retail location in the heart of Calgary
  • Spyder has now been accepted by Alberta Health Services and will begin construction in the coming weeks.

Vaughan, Ontario–(July 22, 2019) – Spyder Cannabis Inc.TSXV : SPDR) (“Spyder“), an established Canadian cannabis and vape retail operator, is pleased to announce that it has received approval on their development permit for a flagship retail location in the heart of Calgary.

In July 2018, Spyder acquired a lease for an approximately 8,000 square feet location in Calgary, Alberta, which Spyder intends to operate both as its flagship retail location, and as a central distribution hub for its product offerings. Spyder had received a municipal development and building permit in late 2018, subject to receiving a variance from the Province of Alberta. Spyder has now been accepted by Alberta Health Services and will begin construction in the coming weeks.

“We have built our Spyder retail brand to provide a superior customer experience and have focused on locations with high foot traffic in urban centres and destinations” said Dan Pelchovitz, Spyder President and CEO. “This will give us plenty of room to present an engaging retail experience, rooted in a customer centric retail concept with unique design, warm features, complete with well trained and knowledgeable staff”

This location brings Spyder’s total retail to 6 locations across Ontario and Alberta. This number is expected to grow over the coming months as the Spyder is currently negotiating additional leases with the intention of submitting applications for retail licenses. Spyder is executing an aggressive expansion plan to create a significant retail brand in the Canadian and U.S. adult use market. It is committed to acquiring and developing prime North American retail locations and continuing to expand the reach of its brand.

About Spyder

Founded in 2014 Spyder is an established chain of three high-end vape stores, and two cannabis accessory stores, in Ontario, with locations in Woodbridge, Scarborough, Burlington, Pickering and Niagara Falls. The Spyder brand is defined by its high-quality proprietary line of e-juice, liquids and exclusive retail deals, dispensed in uniquely designed stores creating the optimal customer experience. Spyder is building off this leading retail, distribution and branding eCig and vapes company and is pursuing expansion into the legal cannabis and hemp derived market. Spyder has developed a scalable retail model with plans to create a significant footprint with targeted and disciplined retail distribution strategy focusing on Canadian retail and U.S. boutique retail and kiosks in high traffic peripheral areas.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

For more information, please contact:

Spyder Cannabis Inc.
Dan Pelchovitz
President & Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (905) 265-8273
Email: [email protected]

Bullseye Corporate
Crystal Quast
Bullseye Corporate
[email protected]

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/46417