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NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – Cannabis Canada: Ontario sets plans to let private sector handle cannabis distribution $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:20 PM on Thursday, November 21st, 2019

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.

Cannabis Canada: Ontario sets plans to let private sector handle cannabis distribution

Ontario sets plans to let private sector handle cannabis distribution  

Ontario is gradually reducing its exposure to the legal pot industry. An email obtained by BNN Bloomberg shows the province plans to allow the private sector to handle distributing cannabis from producers to retailers. The email, which was sent to Canadian licensed producers late Tuesday, shows that Ontario plans to soon adopt a new measure to allow for a “third-party centralized distribution” system. The changes follow feedback the Ontario Cannabis Store solicited from the industry last month to determine whether it should get out of its wholesale cannabis business. The email also stated that the OCS is seeking further consultation with industry participants interested in services where cannabis can be shipped directly from a cannabis producer to a retailer, sidestepping a wholesale operator entirely.

Source: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/cannabis-canada-1.1351119

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – Open letter to Ottawa: This one small detail is hindering the #cannabis industry’s success $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:48 PM on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

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.

Open letter to Ottawa: This one small detail is hindering the cannabis industry’s success

The excise stamp on a package of cannabis. Industry leaders say these stamps unique to every province and territory are making it more expensive to produce, package and ship cannabis to individual markets.Darren Brown/Postmedia

The devil is in the details. It’s a common but important refrain. It reminds us how even the smallest facets of plans, processes and situations can derail large-scale efforts.

Such is the case facing Canada’s cannabis industry. The federal government currently requires that all cannabis products carry excise stamps — proof the appropriate taxes have been paid by the licensed producer — like those attached to tobacco packaging. These stamps are also unique to each province and territory.

Excise stamps have been a source of ongoing frustration since legalization

For such a small item, the stamp significantly complicates the business of providing legal cannabis to law-abiding consumers. In addition, excise stamps hinder the flow of legal cannabis across the country, leading to costly supply issues for both governments and consumers.

Excise stamps have been a source of ongoing frustration since legalization. The logistics of applying these stamps has resulted in unnecessary product delays. Likewise, when the industry is criticized for excessive packaging, it’s often the result of complying with federal cannabis packaging requirements, which include provincial/territorial excise stamps.

Logistics aside, the stamps hinder the industry’s long-term success. Requiring producers to use province/territory-specific excise stamps impedes the flow of product across the country. Aside from the complexity of per-province labelling, product that does not sell in one region cannot easily be transported to another province where demand may be higher. The labelling requirement removes licensed producers’ ability to respond in real time to changing demand, adds unnecessary complexity to product forecasting, and means jurisdictions and retailers face completely preventable product shortages. And when consumers can’t find what they want in the legal market, they turn to the unregulated market.

The administrative and production burdens of the stamp also mean that it’s more expensive to produce, package and ship cannabis to individual markets. This means it’s substantially tougher for legal producers and retailers to compete, particularly with respect to price, with the illegal cannabis market, which shoulders absolutely none of the costs imposed on the legal system. One of the primary goals of cannabis legalization was to compete with and thereby eliminate the unregulated market for cannabis. So why do we insist on requirements like a unique provincial/territorial excise stamp that prevents that competition?

The current system isn’t working because it ignores both business and market realities

No one is objecting to industry regulation. Licensed producers have complied with regulatory requirements related to production, distribution and promotion of the product — and have made the financial investments necessary to do so. Province- and territory-specific excise stamps, however, are costly and unnecessary when one national excise stamp would do. Especially in such a new industry, where the efficiency of the manufacturing process is paramount, it is not only counter-intuitive but also counter-productive to continue the practice.

The current system isn’t working because it ignores both business and market realities. We’re not the first industry to come to this realization. In fact, Canada’s alcohol industry moved away from province/territory-specific excise stamps years ago, after delivering its own regulatory impact analysis and successfully arguing the benefits of an alternative approach.

As an industry, we have heard consistently from both public and private retailers across Canada that the current system of unique stamps offers them little to no value. At least one territory has indicated it has asked the Canada Revenue Agency to allow it to use product excise stamps for another province in order to increase its ability to access additional supply. More importantly, CRA has indicated a willingness to work with the industry on a redesign of the excise stamp. That’s progress.

If we are wholly committed to the goals of a thriving industry, we need to alleviate the logistical, financial and environmental burden of monitoring these products while successfully competing with the unregulated market. We can do so in a way that is effective, safe, and benefits the industry as well as Canadian consumers. It’s time to excise multiple excise stamps and move, instead, to a national one.

Terry Booth, CEO, Aurora; Adine Carter, Chief Marketing Officer, Tilray; Nav Dhaliwal, CEO, The Supreme Cannabis Company; Greg Engel, CEO, Organigram; Torsten Kuenzlen, CEO, Sundial Growers; Csaba Reider, President, The Green Organic Dutchman; Irwin Simon, Interim CEO and Board Chair, Aphria; Sebastien St-Louis, President & CEO, HEXO; Mark Zekulin, CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation. The authors are members of the Cannabis Council of Canada, the national industry association representing the legal cannabis sector.

Source: https://business.financialpost.com/opinion/open-letter-to-ottawa-this-one-small-detail-is-hindering-the-cannabis-industrys-success

PRIMO Nutraceuticals Inc. $PRMO.ca – PODCAST: #Hemp, #CBD And #Cannabis With Josh Drayton And Alex Seleznov $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:39 AM on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

SPONSOR:  PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC. (CSE: PRMO) (OTC: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) provides strategic capital to the thriving cannabis cultivation sector through ownership and development of commercial real estate properties. The company also offers fully built out turnkey facilities equipped with state-of-the-art growing infrastructure to cannabis growers and processors. Click here for more info.

PODCAST: Hemp, CBD And Cannabis With Josh Drayton And Alex Seleznov

Summary

  • Josh Drayton is Communications and Outreach Director of the California Cannabis Industry Association, an association that collectively represents over 460 industry businesses.
  • Alex Seleznov is a board member and Treasurer for the National Hemp Association as well as founder of Advanced Extraction, a company specializing in organically produced hemp products.
  • They join the show today to discuss why everyone’s paying attention to California, the preventable vaping crisis and what it means to be in the current CBD space.

By Rena Sherbill

Topics include:

  • 6:45 – Josh has worked at CCIA for 4 years. Getting to know cannabis as an economic driver and way of life. Passionate about legalization.
  • 7:25 – Issues with California policy. Looking at the timeline. Legalized medical in 1996 but no state regulations. No statewide framework until 2013, which is when CCIA formed. 2016 adult use passed in California and the past few years have seen medical and adult use regulations being figured out. 55 bills in this year alone. Everyone’s paying attention to California but it takes being incredibly engaged.
  • 9:55 – Licensing supply and demand. Dual licensing system in California (local and state permits). Conflicting regulations in different areas.
  • 11:15 – Regulated vs. illicit shops. Lack of education about black market. Plays into the vaping crisis. Needs to improve. Deaths in California happened in banned areas from black market. War on drugs doesn’t improve public health. Legislators beginning to understand this.
  • 13:35 – Prediction for federal legality. Will California be a model? California modeled itself on other successful markets and has gone above and beyond in regards to packaging and testing regulations. Federal government is watching California. Canada, France, New Zealand, Germany regulators all have toured California to see how their cannabis market works. SAFE Banking Act a huge catalyst. Regulating gives more control, not less.
  • 15:23 – Farm Bill passing, CBD proliferation has helped THC market. Medical conversations help with cannabis and hemp markets.
  • 16:40 – Investors interested in getting into the space – everyone needs to understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The longer the legal market exists the more it’s going to pay off.
  • 17:25 – Alex’s company Advanced Extractions. Vertically integrated hemp/CBD company based in Colorado.
  • 18:25 – Confusion around passage of Farm Bill in CBD space. What it means to be in the CBD space right now. Lack of regulation means people are interpreting rules on their own. Lots of opportunity.
  • 19:49 – What do investors and consumers need to look for in this space? Investors need to vet claims a company makes. Only FDA demand is on claims. Transparency is key as well as evidence of regulatory compliance. Market is subject to scrutiny that no other product – no matter how harmful – is subject to.
  • 22:05 – Differentiation in a saturated market. Restricted marketplace gives opportunity for brands to find their niche.
  • 23:52 – Future of hemp space. Total plant purposes of hemp. Putting more renewables into the consumer stream. Alternative to plastic. Initially there will be more of a ceiling before it’s able to become a mass market product.

Source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4307958-hemp-cbd-cannabis-josh-drayton-alex-seleznov

INTERVIEW: Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Bucks #Cannabis Downfall With 137% Increase In Revenue, 211% Increase In Patient Visits $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:10 PM on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019

Empower Clinics JV Could Generate $US 30,000,000 In Annual Revenue From CBD Extraction … But It Doesn’t End There

With 165,000 patients, Empower Clinics (CBDT:CSE) (EPWCF:OTCQB) has a database that almost every medical cannabis and CBD company would kill for.  Add in the fact it is now on a ~ $USD 4,000,000 annualized revenue run rate for 2019 and it becomes the kind of company small cap investors have been dying to find as they watch pretender companies melt away.

But it doesn’t end there.

The Company’s latest Q3 financials show that Empower is in full growth mode, with substantial increases in revenue and patient visits, as well as, big reductions in expenses.  Moreover, Company CEO Steven McAuley says growth will continue full steam ahead in Q4, Q1 and beyond.

But it doesn’t end there. 

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

We emphasize potential  because nobody has started selling anything yet but the facility is expected to begin producing soon.  However, with a built in patient database and talks already having commenced for white label products, Empower is on its way.  Moreover, “potential” cuts both ways, with capacity capable of increasing 2x – 3x without much trouble given the size of the facility.  

Can Empower successfully execute its extraction plan?  It’s a legitimate question, with a blow away answer..
The Company’s new CEO, Steven McAuley, who replaced the previous management team in January, is Six Sigma certified under the quality initiative of legendary GE chairman Jack Welch. We’ve never seen a Six Sigma certified CEO in the Canadian small cap markets. Never …. which also explains how McAuley has brought Empower to such heights in just 11 months.

The cannabis market is currently throwing away babies with the bathwater – but just as the dot-com crash brought us massive riches through Web 2.0 companies that were REAL, investors need to start looking for the REAL companies that will survive and thrive.  With 165,000 patients, rapidly increasing revenues, a franchise plan to grow clinics across America and a vertical integration CBD extraction strategy to tie them all together, Empower Clinics may be such a company.  

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

North Bud Farms $NBUD.ca Enters U.S. Market with the Signing of the Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nevada Botanical Science Located in Reno, Nevada $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:59 AM on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019
  • Signed a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire all assets of Nevada Botanical Science, Inc.
  • Transaction valued at USD$7.5 million
  • NBS currently operates a 5,000 sq. ft. indoor cultivation facility and has been approved for expansion of up to 60,000 sq. ft of greenhouse space.
  • Property also includes an operating extraction facility and licensed and approved commercial kitchen.
  • This infrastructure is capable of manufacturing and bottling beverages and edibles and is currently used by NBS for both white label and branded product manufacturing.

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2019 — North Bud Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD) (OTCQB: NOBDF) (“NORTHBUD” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Bonfire Brands USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of NORTHBUD, has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire all assets of Nevada Botanical Science, Inc. (“NBS”) (see June 25, 2019 press release) in a transaction valued at USD$7.5 million.

Nevada Botanical Science (NBS) is located in Reno, Nevada. NBS holds Nevada State medical and adult use licenses for cultivation, extraction and distribution. NBS operates an integrated cannabis operation located on 3.2 acres of land within the Reno green zone industrial park. NBS currently operates a 5,000 sq. ft. indoor cultivation facility and has been approved for expansion of up to 60,000 sq. ft of greenhouse space. The property also includes an operating extraction facility and licensed and approved commercial kitchen. This infrastructure is capable of manufacturing and bottling beverages and edibles and is currently used by NBS for both white label and branded product manufacturing. Operated by healthcare professionals, NBS has been primarily focused on the Nevada State medical cannabis market. NBS currently manufactures and sells award winning (Jack Herer Cup 2018) topical pain creams, balms and lotions under the Trichomic medical brand.

This past year NBS launched a trial release of cannabis infused cocktails under the brand “Happiest Hour”. Collaborating with local craft beverage manufactures NBS released a variety of beverages including Margarita, Pina Colada, Bloody Mary, Long Island Ice Tea and Lemonade to select retailers in the state. To date retailer adoption and reordering has been 100% and based on customer feedback, NBS will increase production and distribution including additional retailers in Las Vegas in 2020. NBS has also finished a successful trial launch of its energy shot 1oz beverage containing 25mg of THC and 50mg of Caffeine. The Company plans to run a second branded trial in early 2020. Over the past three months NBS and NORTHBUD have been working together in preparation for the release of NORTHBUD branded dried flower products in Q4 2019 and a variety of infused and non-infused pre rolls. 

“Subject to the finalizing of the previously announced acquisition of the Qlora Group in California, the Company plans to establish a unified product manufacturing and distribution platform within these two important states,” said Justin Braune, President of Bonfire Brands USA. “The license classes in California and Nevada allow for identical activities and the Company has been in negotiation with multiple potential JV partners who wish to leverage this unique platform. Being one of the few multi state operators with operations in both states will allow us to offer turnkey solutions to prospective partners moving forward.”

Transaction Terms

The transaction (the “Transaction”) is structured as an asset purchase agreement whereby in exchange for the purchase of all of the securities and assets of NBS, NORTHBUD is paying a total of USD$7,500,000 as follows:

  • Cash payment of USD$500,000 (paid in full);
  • Approximately USD$1 million in convertible shares of Bonfire Brands USA (6,500,000 “convertible shares”); and
  • A USD$6,000,000 interest bearing promissory note.

The convertible shares may be exchanged on a 1-1 basis with common shares of NBUD at the discretion of the shareholder. At the time of signing, the converted value of these securities was equal to USD$1,000,000. All applicable U.S. and Canadian regulatory holds shall apply upon conversion.

As per the terms of the agreement NBS will allocate pro rated ownership of assets in NBS and all associated licenses to Bonfire Brands USA throughout the re-payment period, subject to state approval.

Bonfire Brands and NBS have agreed to an operations and management arrangement allowing Bonfire to assume operational control, begin integration and driving revenue immediately.  

“The NORTHBUD and Bonfire Brands USA team are extremely proud to have finalized this agreement making the state of Nevada our strategic entry point into the U.S. legal cannabis market,” said Ryan Brown, CEO of NORTHBUD. “We are equally proud of the structure of the deal and how it minimizes shareholder dilution while allowing our team to begin integration and operations with a focus on immediate revenue growth in one of the most sought-after adult use markets in North America. Our team has been looking at acquisitions in Nevada for over two years before finding the right fit.  The Nevada market is considered one of the largest and most profitable in North America with recreational sales of USD$580 million in the first full year of legalization* (2017 Nevada Dept. of Taxation).”

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.

The Transaction is a significant acquisition but will not result in a “Fundamental Change” pursuant to the policies of the CSE. NORTHBUD will be preparing the necessary corporate and securities filings in order to secure the required approvals for the Transaction.

The parties have agreed to pay USD$187,500 in broker/finder fees to arm’s length parties on a prorated basis connection with the closing of the Transaction.

The closing of the Transaction is conditional on the receipt by the parties of applicable corporate and regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE.

About Nevada Botanical Science, Inc.

Founded by a group of northern Nevada physicians and healthcare professionals who believe in the promise of medical cannabis, Nevada Botanical Science has developed a world class cannabis production, research and development facility in Reno’s Washoe County. Its work and commitment are fully in compliance with the Hippocratic Oath as well as Nevada statute. Nevada Botanical Science is dedicated to ensuring the highest measure of safety, governance and stewardship for its patients, employees and the community it serves.

For more information visit: www.nevadabotanicalscience.com

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 acquired Nevada Botanical Science, Inc. a world class cannabis production, research and development facility with 5,000 sq. ft. of indoor cultivation in Reno’s Washoe County. Nevada Botanical Science holds medical and adult use licenses for cultivation, extraction and distribution. Bonfire Brands USA has entered into an agreement to acquire assets in Salinas, California.

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 Nevada Botanical Science, Inc. 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]

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – #THC – infused #edibles and #CBD – infused edibles $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:37 PM on Monday, November 18th, 2019

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.

THC-infused edibles and CBD-infused edibles

When cannabis is ingested, the THC is metabolized by the liver

With edibles coming to brick-and-mortar shops in mid-December, users are looking to get high without the smoke.

But when choosing edibles, users will want to pay attention to whether the product has CBD or THC, two compounds with very different effects.

CBD

CBD, the non-psychoactive component within cannabis has been widely touted for its medical benefits to help people with, among other conditions, chronic pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports CBD is not physically addictive.

By comparing those administered doses of active CBD to those given as a placebo, researchers said that “while the number of studies is limited, the evidence from well-controlled human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential.”

CBD leads to slower effects that aren’t psychoactive in nature — meaning they aren’t the effects you see portrayed in pop culture.

The effects from CBD will be tame and mellow compared to its psychoactive opposite, THC. Most medical cannabis includes CBD rather than THC, with CBD already available in capsule form in legal stores.

THC

When most people think of cannabis’ effects, they think of THC. Many of the new cannabis products slated to enter stores in mid-December will focus on THC.

When cannabis is ingested, the THC is metabolized by the liver, transforming itself into 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is up to four times faster in crossing the blood-brain barrier than average THC, and is why edibles are associated with intense, vivid and longer-lasting experiences.

THC normally gets pointed at as the compound that creates the potential for withdrawal symptoms among some heavy users.

An evidence brief compiled by the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) states that “cannabis is addictive, though not everyone who uses it will develop an addiction.”

While using cannabis oil or edibles with THC, users may get addicted or experience habit-formation. Products that only include CBD don’t appear to become addictive.

Source: https://lfpress.com/cannabis-news/day-29-thc-infused-edibles-and-cbd-infused-edibles/wcm/473a4264-5028-4c42-94ca-53da8b2db7c7

PRIMO Nutraceuticals Inc. $PRMO.ca – Feds Finally Crafting National #CBD Rules $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:05 PM on Friday, November 15th, 2019

SPONSOR:  PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC. (CSE: PRMO) (OTC: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) provides strategic capital to the thriving cannabis cultivation sector through ownership and development of commercial real estate properties. The company also offers fully built out turnkey facilities equipped with state-of-the-art growing infrastructure to cannabis growers and processors. Click here for more info.

Feds Finally Crafting National CBD Rules

  • After years of states passing their own rules concerning cannabidiol – more commonly known as CBD – the federal government is now quietly taking the first steps to regulate it.

By: Louis Biscotti

Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images) dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

The F&B industry is ahead of them: You can already get CBD in gummies, oils, lotions and juices, and Arizona Iced Tea and Ben and Jerry’s have been testing it. But as states moved to regulate, the federal government sat on the sidelines, leaving CBD in legal limbo.  That began to change a couple of weeks ago in what could be the beginning of the biggest change for the CBD market since the Farm Bill of 2018 ended classifying hemp and products derived from it as controlled substances.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in late October published its interim final rules for domestic hemp production in the Federal Register, including rules regarding CBD, a product of hemp. How big a deal could this be? Think about the end of Prohibition. The federal government is finally creating standards that could help create a national marketplace. That could help move CBD from the margins to the mainstream, adding security, safety and consistency to manufacturing.

The proposed rules come as sales of CBD are expected to reach $13 billion this year, even as federal law tries to catch up with demand. CBD is getting too big to be ignored, and lack of reliable information and uniform regulation adds to confusion. The feds are finally arriving on the scene (let’s not call it a party) with the structure that’s needed.

The new rules would include federal aid for hemp farmers and could help ease access to insurance and loans, leading to bigger supply and more financing. There are also tough provisions, which could be good for consumers and companies, but will add costs for manufacturers and others in the supply chain. Hemp samples, for instance, would have to be delivered to DEA-certified labs 15 days before harvest and certified.

The USDA, however, is only the first federal agency to lay its hands on hemp and CBD. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which approved seizure drug Epidolex containing CBD, classifies it as an active ingredient in medications – which it regulates. The agency in late October said it’s continuing “to explore potential pathways for various types of CBD products to be lawfully marketed.” Manufacturing isn’t currently subject to FDA review. The USDA’s actions could help change that. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, for instance, is pushing for the FDA to issue final CBD rules instead of allowing “a maze of inconsistent, and often contradictory, state and local regulations” that can lead to a “regulatory mess.”

The USDA has also begun to regulate THC, the psychoactive ingredient in hemp sometimes included with CBD. The USDA indicates that, potentially, hemp could contain up to 0.3 percent THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the limit in Canada and many other countries. The FDA is likely to fall in line with that as CBD becomes more common.

CBD’s popularity comes with often-exaggerated claims; some people look at it as a cure-all. That also could change with regulation. The FDA already issued warnings to companies making medical claims. As the feds begin to regulate CBD, some misinformation may vanish from marketing, which could lower sales, as the market sorts itself out, “weeding out” certain companies as others grow.

Money is already flowing into companies working with CBD. Altria, parent of cigarette giant Philip Morris, poured $1.8 billion into cannabis company Cronos Group. Beer distributors and Arizona Iced Tea are infusing drinks with CBD, hoping to experience (puns are just too easy here) higher sales. As the market for CBD continues to expand, it’s only a matter of time before CBD gets what the Grocery Manufacturers Association wished for: federal regulation.

While most industries dread regulation, it could prove essential for CBD to truly take off in food and beverage, providing safety to consumers and security for producers. The USDA has stepped off the sidelines, and the FDA is talking about stepping in. It looks like federal rules may finally be arriving, bringing standards and — get ready — red tape (which means compliance costs)  in a trade-off for quality control, consumer protection, and growth prospects. It’s starting to look like a national marketplace for CBD may no longer be a pipe dream.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/louisbiscotti/2019/11/15/feds-finally-crafting-national-cbd-rules/#7a79898f1b89

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – The #CBD Industry Flourishes After Overcoming Certain Legal Barriers $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:34 AM on Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

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.


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The CBD Industry Flourishes After Overcoming Certain Legal Barriers

  • Total sales for the U.S. hemp industry totaled USD 820 Million in 2017
  • The research also suggests that the industry is expected to grow to USD 1.9 Billion by 2022 and at a CAGR of 14.4% during the 5-year period.

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2019 – Humans have been using hemp for centuries prior to its disappearance from the public eye. Decades ago, hemp was predominantly being used to manufacture textiles, paper, construction materials, and fuel. However, now, hemp is most commonly known for being a derivative of the cannabis plant, which has caused it to be classified as a drug under international regulations.

Furthermore, most people associate cannabis with its marijuana derivative, which imparts cerebral-altering effects on its users. However, hemp and marijuana are two completely different plants in terms of their biological makeup. Hemp contains much more CBD, or cannabidiol, while marijuana contains a significant amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. In fact, CBD and THC are just two of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant. However, THC is one of the only three cannabinoids scheduled by the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Originally, the UN listed THC as a Schedule 1 substance in 1971 but reclassified it to Schedule 2 in 1991 after a recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, THC is classified as both a Schedule 1 and Schedule 4 drug. And while the debate over legalizing THC is often a tense topic for most countries, CBD legalization appears to be a more popular direction of discourse. In recent times, CBD has become widely popular because of the therapeutic benefits it offers without causing psychoactive effects on the consumer. Notably, researchers highlighted that CBD can be used to treat minor conditions such as headaches or even severe symptoms associated with cancer. Nevertheless, international health agencies have all agreed that more research is required in order to move forward with approving CBD as a medicinal treatment.

But regardless, a number of countries such as Canada and the U.S. already moved to completely legalize the use of CBD. And according to data compiled by Hemp Business Journal, a division of New Frontier Data, the total sales for the U.S. hemp industry totaled USD 820 Million in 2017. The research also suggests that the industry is expected to grow to USD 1.9 Billion by 2022 and at a CAGR of 14.4% during the 5-year period.

In 2017, the U.S. hemp market was primarily driven by hemp-derived CBD products. At the time, hemp-derived CBD products accounted for 23% of the total market share, delivering USD 190 Million in sales. Personal care products accounted for 22% of the market share, narrowly lagging behind hemp-derived CBD products. However, by 2022, Hemp Business Journal expects the hemp-derived CBD market to takeoff. The hemp-derived CBD sector is forecast to deliver USD 646 Million in sales. Furthermore, the research suggests that the personal care products segment is expected to witness its market share diminishes as industrial applications fill the gap. And as legal barriers are removed and consumer education continues to spread, the hemp industry is positioned to witness exponential growth.

Furthermore, many researchers are actively pushing legislators and lawmakers to reconsider the scheduling of cannabis because of rich therapeutic benefits. For instance, researchers from the University of Minnesota’s (U of M) College of Biological Sciences and College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences are one of a handful of groups that are federally authorized to study cannabis. The researchers have argued they have “indisputable evidence” that hemp and marijuana should be separated, according to Mercola. “It’s a plant of major economic importance that is very poorly understood scientifically… With this study, we have indisputable evidence for a genetic basis of differences among cannabis varieties, further challenging the position that all cannabis should be regulated as a drug,” said George Weiblen, a professor with a joint appointment in the U of M’s College of Biological Sciences and College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cbd-industry-flourishes-after-overcoming-certain-legal-barriers-300957483.html

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – 5 Reasons Why Everyone Is Obsessed With #CBD Gummies $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:38 AM on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

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.

NBUD: CSE
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5 Reasons Why Everyone Is Obsessed With CBD Gummies

By Jerrard Jonson

If you’ve heard any of the hype lately about CBD and CBD gummies, you’re probably thinking, “what’s all the fuss about?” With last year’s introduction of the Farm Bill, the CBD industry has skyrocketed beyond anyone’s expectations, creating countless products infused with the cannabinoid CBD. With numerous health benefits, availability and affordability, CBD products are making quite the scene in a new(er) industry. Here are five reasons why everyone is obsessed with CBD gummies.

Availability

CBD gummies are pretty much everywhere at this point. You can get them online, in your drug store, in holistic health shops, and more. With such wide availability, it’s no wonder these tasty treats are a favorite among consumers of CBD. That being said, it’s important to note that not all CBD gummies are the same.

The quality of the CBD used in them can have a profound effect on the effectiveness, so it’s always better to purchase from a provider with a good reputation for quality. Companies like Verma Farms offer some of the highest-quality CBD gummies on the market.

Be sure to check the CBD availability and legality in your state. While hemp may be legal on the federal level, individual states still have the ability to regulate and even ban hemp and CBD products.

Longer-Lasting Effects

Img source: kushiebites.com

Since CBD gummies are ingested, the effects of the CBD tend to last longer than if it were inhaled or taken under the tongue. The slow process of digestion means that your CBD might take an hour or longer to kick in, but once it does, you can expect the effect to last for at least a few hours.

The longer-lasting effects of the gummies are mostly what drives consumers to make these a favorite. They also taste pretty good too! Straight CBD oil taken under the tongue can leave a plant aftertaste, which can be quite unpleasant. Chewing a gummy eliminates this unpleasantness by coating the CBD with a tasty, sugary gummy.

Consumers feel like gummies give them a bit more bang for their buck since some CBD products can be quite pricey. With longer-lasting effects, you’ll need less throughout the day to achieve the desired effect; making them an affordable and effective way to enjoy CBD.

CBD’s Benefits

Let’s take a moment to talk about some of the great effects that CBD has on the body. From reducing stress and anxiety to improved sleep, the effects of CBD are numerous and positive. While the research is still pretty much in its infancy, what we do know is that CBD so far hasn’t shown any major negative side-effects.

CBD is different from THC, though they’re both found in the cannabis plant. THC creates the euphoric “high” that marijuana is known for, whereas CBD is much the opposite. Instead of euphoria, users have said that they feel clarity and calm. It’s even been said that CBD can help reduce the effects of THC for when you’ve had a little too much

People all over the world are using CBD oils and gummies for joint aches, concentration, treating anxiety, and all manner of health ailments. Some users swear by CBD as a cure-all, but science has yet to discover the true spectrum of benefits offered by this amazing compound.

Affordability

Img source: kushiebites.com

While CBD oils and vape pens can be a bit costly, CBD gummies remain on the affordable end of the spectrum, and, as stated above, their long-lasting effects makes them much more cost-efficient than their inhaled or absorbed counterparts. We’ve seen hundreds of brands pop up over the course of the last year, and as the industry grows, we’re certain to see more. Right now, CBD demand is high, so prices will probably remain at about the same level for the coming years.

Easy to Take

Probably the best thing about CBD gummies is that they’re easy to take. Whether you’re 21 or 71, chewing them is simple and the digestive process does all of the work for you. Where vape pens and oils can require different processes for maximum effectiveness, with this product, you simply chew and swallow and wait.

This makes gummies accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and ailments. The availability and versatility of these awesome products are what have made them an absolute favorite among CBD users nationwide.

Conclusion

Img source: whio.com

Whether you’re new to CBD or a seasoned veteran, you’ll want to give CBD gummies a try to see why everyone’s raving about them. From being easy to take to having longer-lasting effects, they can offer a unique CBD product that you’ll find is both simple and affordable.

Source: https://www.chartattack.com/5-reasons-why-everyone-is-obsessed-with-cbd-gummies/

PRIMO Nutraceuticals $PRMO.ca Signs a Lease Agreement with Aqua Farming Tech Inc., of Southern California to Grow 20 Acres of Certified Organic Hemp $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:24 AM on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019
  • Signed a lease agreement with Aqua Farming Tech, Inc. (Aqua Farming Tech) to grow certified organic sun-grown hemp on an aggregate 20 acre plot of land from Aqua Farming Tech‘s southern California property located near Palm Springs

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 12, 2019  — PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC. (CSE: PRMO) (OTC: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) (“Primo” or the “Company”)is pleased to announce that it has signed a lease agreement with Aqua Farming Tech, Inc. (Aqua Farming Tech) to grow certified organic sun-grown hemp on an aggregate 20 acre plot of land from Aqua Farming Tech‘s southern California property located near Palm Springs.

About Aqua Farming Tech Inc.

Aqua Farming Tech has been farming Tilapia in the Coachella Valley Since 1993, conducted from two farms encompassing 120 acres located in Southern California, making them the leader in sustainability produced premium quality aquaculture (Telapia), agriculture (Moringa) and premium brands in the health and wellness industry.  

With two decades of experience in “Aqua” farming technology and excellent distribution relationships in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego markets, the Company’s core business is the production of sustainability raised Tilapia (Aquaculture) and Moringa (Agriculture) on a farm located in California’s prolific Coachella Valley 150 miles from Los Angeles.

Aqua Farming tech has been at the forefront of developing and implementing the most advanced, sustainable, ecologically sound methods of producing clean, quality seafood in California. Aqua Farming tech was the first farm with more than 60 cement tanks built above ground, the first farm to utilize a mechanical aerator to improve the oxygenation of its water, the first farm to develop and implement a method of recycling its water, the first farm to generate a significant percentage of its power from solar power and the first farm to manufacture its own feed.   

Primo’s Self-Sufficient and Sustainable way to grow Hemp All Year Round

Primo intends to leverage Aqua Farming Tech’s success in aquaculture and agriculture by utilizing its already established resource and infrastructure in place. Primo will be able to capitalize on the sustainable features of the Aqua Farming Tech operations which include:

  • Any electricity used will be generated by solar power
  • The 20 Acre plot has a water drip system already in place located in the N.E corner of the 120 acre farm
  • Nutrient dense “fish feed” comes from algae and moringa organically grown on site
  • The water used to raise the fish is re-circulated through ponds that contain plants which clean the water for re-use
  • The nutrient rich fish pond water used to irrigate the moringa crops will also be used to water the 20 acre hemp farm
  • This in-turn will make our product “Certified Organic Hemp”

This lease agreement combines Primo’s hemp growing experience in Oregon and the prime California outdoor cultivation location will allow the company to grow all year round with the potential to harvest three crops a year using Aqua Farming Tech’s Self-Sufficient Sustainable growing technology in aquaculture and agriculture operations.

President, Andy Jagpal Comments:

“We’ve been seeking to enter the California cannabis market for some time now. California is the leader in cannabis consumption and finding the right partner to work with is a critical first step. We are so lucky to be working alongside an industry leader like Aqua Farming Tech. By leveraging Aqua Farming Tech self-sustaining infrastructure and resources allows our Company to enter this massive California market with little to less start-up capital required if we were to do it alone. The end result of this relationship will be to produce a CBD oil sold as Certified Organic.”

Primo expects to produce over 25,000 lbs of dried hemp biomass from the 20 acre parcel per harvest three times per year. Future phases of the lease agreement will explore the potential of further expanding the outdoor hemp production beyond the current 20-acre site, through the option of another 80 acre site nearby in Coachella Valley California. The execution of all phases will allow Primo to develop into a large outdoor organic hemp cultivator in California State.

About Primo Nutraceuticals, Inc.

Primo Nutraceuticals Inc. (“Primo” or the “Company”) provides strategic capital to the thriving cannabis cultivation sector through ownership and development of commercial real estate and farm friendly properties. Primo is dedicated to funding the rapid growth in production, processing, retail and branding of cannabis and cannabis related products in Canada and the United States. Primo provides fully built out turnkey facilities equipped with state-of-the-art growing infrastructure to cannabis growers and processors. In addition to the Company’s flagship hemp project in Oregon State and the Greenhouse campus in Washington State, Primo has invested in several brands and is pursuing partnerships with retailers and distribution companies in Canada and the United States. Primo’s management is in the process of building a corporate road map to further vertically integrate the Company, specifically by way of “Primo” branded retail outlets – offering “Thrive,” “Primo,” and a selection of curated partner brands. The Company possesses proprietary formulas for cannabis edibles, topical, and tinctures. Primo is focused on building a strong presence in the hemp industry with the objective of extracting and selling cannabinoids (CBD) products in both Canada and the United States.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC.

Andy Jagpal, President and Director

To learn more about what this news means to the shareholders visit https://marketnewsfirst.com/primo-nutraceuticals, as well as on the company’s site.

For further information, please contact Zoltan, IR Representative at: 604-722-0305 [email protected]. Or toll free at 1-877-517-7816.

http://primoceuticals.com/
https://twitter.com/prmonutra
www.thriveCBD.org

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42ffb0f1-f39d-4bc2-9a08-bfc2f39819c8

Aerial View of 120 Acre Farm

Aerial View of 120 Acre Farm