Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 5:09 PM on Friday, September 27th, 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 —————————–
A Budding Industry: CBD Statistics & Trends (Infographic)
The sales of CBD are predicted to reach about $1.8 billion by 2022
At the moment, there are over 850 brands of CBD products in the US market
With over $1 billion, Colorado is the state with the highest cannabis revenues
Data on CBD user demographics show 40% of Americans are interested in trying CBD.
What is CBD
all about and why are cannabis and hemp oil all over the internet? To
help you understand this rapidly growing industry, we’re going to
present you with some interesting CBD statistics and facts.
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the most
important active substances in the cannabis (marijuana) plant. It can
be obtained from different cannabis species, but it can also be
synthetically produced. There are divided opinions on whether it works
better on its own or joined with other cannabis compounds, yet one thing
is for sure — its positive effects on human (and pet) health are
undeniable. At the moment, only CBD derived from hemp is legal under
federal law while we wait for more research on the substance to begin.
We can observe CBD as an amazing
cure, but we can also watch the changes in the industry. That is one
serious venture and a lot of people would like to get a piece of that $20 billion pie (this is the prognosis for US sales of CBD by 2024).
With that in mind, here is our pick of:
Top 10 CBD Facts and Statistics
The sales of CBD are predicted to reach about $1.8 billion by 2022.
At the moment, there are over 850 brands of CBD products in the US market.
With over $1 billion, Colorado is the state with the highest cannabis revenues.
Data on CBD user demographics show 40% of Americans are interested in trying CBD.
A cannabis worker earns more than an average American.
The demand for employees in the CBD oil industry rose by 76% in one year.
Statistics on CBD direct sales show that the majority of direct sellers are women.
Women are founders or general managers of over 75% of CBD brands.
Pure CBD is perfectly safe for usage and you cannot get addicted to it.
See what we mean? Take a look at the following infographic for more mindblowing CBD trends.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:58 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HighBreed Growth Corp.
HBGC and Spyder Cannabis would be willing to complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of Spyder Cannabis by HBGC
HighBreed Growth Ltd., is building a cannabis cultivation greenhouses facilities in Israel with a total planned size of 500,000 square feet.
Vaughan, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – September 12, 2019) – Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) (“Spyder Cannabis” or the “Company“), an established Canadian cannabis accessory and vape retailer, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU“) with HighBreed Growth Corp. (“HBGC“), that outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which HBGC and Spyder Cannabis would be willing to complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of Spyder Cannabis by HBGC (the “Transaction“). The MOU was signed on September 5, 2019.
About HighBreed Growth Corp.
HBGC is a Canadian company located in Toronto, through its Israeli
subsidiary HighBreed Growth Ltd., is building a cannabis cultivation
greenhouses facilities in Israel with a total planned size of 500,000
square feet. HBGC has signed domestic sale contract with an entity to
purchase its production capacity. The Israeli government announced that
it would approve cannabis for export in 2019, and regulations are
expected to be enacted in the 2nd quarter of 2020 to authorize export.
To strengthen its team, HBGC has reached an understanding to retain
the services of a former chief agronomist of one for the largest, most
experienced and world-renowned licensed producers in Israel.
About Spyder Cannabis
Founded in 2014 Spyder Cannabis is an established chain of five
stores in Ontario, with locations in Woodbridge, Scarborough,
Burlington, Pickering and Niagara Falls. The Spyder Cannabis brand is
defined by its high-quality retail deals, dispensed in uniquely designed
stores creating the optimal customer experience. Spyder Cannabis is
building off this leading retail, distribution and branding company and
is pursuing expansion into the legal cannabis and hemp derived market.
Spyder Cannabis 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.
About the Transaction
The MOU is to be superseded by a definitive merger, amalgamation or share exchange agreement (the “Definitive Agreement“)
that is expected to be signed on or prior to October 15, 2019, or such
later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing. The
legal structure for the Transaction will be determined after the
parties have considered all applicable tax, securities law and
accounting factors. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number
of conditions, which include approval of the board of directors of each
party, completion of mutual due diligence, the execution of the
Definitive Agreement, receipt of all necessary securityholder and
regulatory approvals, the delisting Spyder Cannabis’ common shares (the “Spyder Shares“)
from the TSX Venture Exchange, the conditional approval of the listing
of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE“), and the satisfaction or waiver of conditions to be set out in the Definitive Agreement.
Pursuant to the Transaction, the holders of common shares of HBGC (“HBGC Shares“) will receive common shares (“Resulting Issuer Shares“) of the entity resulting from the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer“)
in exchange for their HGBC Shares on the basis of an exchange ratio to
be determined, but which is expected to result in the former
shareholders of HGBC holding eighty percent (80%) of the Resulting
Issuer Shares, with the remaining twenty percent (20%) of the Resulting
Issuer Shares being held by the former shareholders of Spyder Cannabis
without giving effect to the Financings (each as defined below).
Following the completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will
continue the businesses of HBGC and the Company.
The Transaction constitutes an Arm’s Length Transaction under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.
An application will be made to voluntarily delist the Spyder Shares
from the TSX Venture Exchange and to list the Resulting Issuer Shares on
the CSE. The delisting of the Company from the TSX Venture Exchange and
the listing of the Resulting Issuer on the CSE will be subject to all
applicable shareholder and regulatory approvals.
In connection with the Transaction, the parties intend to complete
one or more private placements to pay for, among other things, the
expenses of the Transaction and to provide working capital pending
completion of the Transaction (the “Financings“). The
terms of the Financings including the securities offered, the size of
the Financings and the issue price per security will be determined in
the context of the market by negotiation between HBGC, the Company, and
any applicable investment dealer.
Further details of the Transaction and the business and operations of
the Resulting Issuer (including applicable financial statements) will
be included in a listing statement to be prepared and filed with the
CSE, and in subsequent news releases and other public filings. Trading
in the Spyder Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange will remain halted
until all necessary filings have been accepted by applicable regulatory
authorities.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Spyder Cannabis Inc. Dan Pelchovitz President & Chief Executive Officer Contact: Investor Relations Phone: 1-888-504-SPDR (1-888-504-7737) Email: [email protected]
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:02 AM on Friday, September 6th, 2019
SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis (SPDR:TSXV)
An established chain of high-end vape stores. Aggressive expansion
plan is 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 Report Puts North American Cannabis Market At $47.3B By 2024
The firm is estimating that by 2024, the continent’s cannabis market will be worth $47.3 Billion.
Big-name brands entering the game and celebrity endorsements are cited as important steps toward positioning cannabis as a mainstream product.
In the 134-page paper, the firm analyzes the current state of the
cannabis industry in Canada and the United States to draw key insights
into the industry’s future in the region.
The firm is estimating that by 2024, the continent’s cannabis market will be worth $47.3 Billion.
Daragh Anglim, the firm’s managing director, said the report
offers good reason to believe that both medical and recreational
cannabis will be completely legal in the entire region by that same year
and “integrated across a number of industry verticals from pharma to
food.â€
Key Insights
Although the report places Canada as a global leader and an example
for countries looking to follow suit with cannabis legalization, it also
said the U.S. could soon challenge its northern neighbor’s leadership.
Federal legalization could turn the scale around for the two countries.
Big-name brands entering the game and celebrity endorsements are
cited as important steps toward positioning cannabis as a mainstream
product.
A long-term decline in smoking and a stagnation in alcohol
consumption are helping the cannabis sector accelerate through Big
Tobacco and Big Alcohol investments and alliances, which are expected to
continue to flourish, according to Prohibition Partners.
The cannabis industry is expanding within the beauty market, with many premium retailers offering cannabis products.
The edible revolution is expected to hit big, with great expectations
around Canada’s legalization of cannabis edibles next month.
Publicly Listed Cannabis Companies
The number of cannabis companies listed on stock exchanges has increased substantially.
The CSE is by far the largest lister for cannabis companies, with 156.
Curaleaf (OTC: CURLF), Green Thumb Industries (OTC: GTBIF), Cresco Labs (OTC: CRLBF), Acreage Holdings (OTC: ACRGF) and Harvest Health & Recreation (OTC: HRVSF) top the CSE’s list in terms of market cap.
The TSX follows with 22 listed companies; NASDAQ with 15; and NYSE with nine, where the leaders in terms of market cap are Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC), Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ABC), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), Aphria (NYSE: APHA) and Hexo Corp. (NYSE: HEXO).
Current, Projected Cannabis Market Values
The estimated value for medicinal cannabis in both Canada and the
U.S. today is of $10.6 billion, and that figure is expected to climb to
$25.2 billion by 2024, the North American Cannabis Report said.
The recreational market is estimated at $6.5 billion, with a climb to
$22.1 billion projected in five years. Both markets are projected to
climb to a cumulative $47.3 billion in 2024, which would represent 177%
growth.
Cannabis Consumers: Key Insights
In both countries, 22% of the population reported having consumed cannabis within the past 12 months.
In the U.S., 19% of users said they use cannabis products to relieve
pain. In Canada, the average age of first-time consumption is almost 19
years old.
Click here for more information about the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Oct. 22-23 in Chicago
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 5:55 PM on Thursday, September 5th, 2019
SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis (SPDR:TSXV) An established chain of high-end vape stores. Aggressive expansion plan is 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)
Canadian Cannabis Sales Growth: An Analysis
Statistics Canada released June data on cannabis retail sales last week. Nationwide, June retail sales hit $91.1M, which implies an annual run-rate of $1.1B in cannabis sales across Canada.
By: SmallCapPower
Statistics Canada reported that Canadian cannabis sales on a retail level for June continue to show growth across Canada, driven by new retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta
In Canada, unadjusted sales of cannabis in stores have grown by 120% between October 2018 and June 2019 (Figure 1). In our opinion, recreational cannabis sales are set to continue growing with the upcoming legalization of edibles expected in October 2019. With the increasing demand for cannabis products, there are concerns for Canada’s ability to avoid a supply shortage. For instance, Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, currently has 25 retail locations (plans to increase to 67 by October 2019). As it is a heavily-concentrated area for cannabis companies, with Canopy Growth and Aphria being headquartered in the province, there is the largest demand for cannabis at about 2.9M users. We believe that there are currently not enough retailers to meet demand and as more retailers come on-line,  nationwide sales are expected to increase.
Based on Statistics Canada’s June retail sales data, retail
sales are at the highest level since legalization back in October 2018
and have reached an annualized run-rate of $1.1B. Retail sales
grew 6% month-over-month (MoM), a decrease of 900 basis points from the
prior month. By our estimates this represents ~20% legal market
penetration of the illicit market, as Statistics Canada reported that in
2018 total sales of cannabis in Canada totalled ~$6B.
Figure 2: Statistics Canada: Sales Figures by Province
Source: Statistics Canada, Ubika
There was an initial bump in retail sales in April 2019,
which coincided with new store openings nationwide particularly in
Ontario, but that growth seems to have tapered off in June.
Notably, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia have seen MoM
growth of 13%, 8%, 5%, and 18%, respectively, driven by 69 new
brick-and-mortar retail locations opening from April to June (24 in
Ontario, 2 in Quebec, 30 in Alberta, and 13 in British Columbia). Retail
sales are expected to continue to increase as additional retail stores
are added, particularly in Ontario. Currently, Ontario has approximately
1 store per 115,000 people, compared with Alberta, which has 1 store
for every 10,000 people. Ontario has ~740 liquor stores (1 store/20,000
people) and Alberta has ~875 liquor stores (1 store/5000 people). We are
of the opinion that Ontario could support ~1,500 cannabis retail
stores, which would bring store saturation to ~1 store/10,000 people.
Going into the second half of 2019, we expect steady growth in store
openings, in particular Ontario, where the OCS has announced the 42
winners of the cannabis retail lottery, which will bring the total
number of retail locations in Ontario to 67. This highlights that with
an already underserved market, the provinces will have to start
increasing the number retail locations per province to satisfy demand.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:16 AM on Thursday, August 29th, 2019
SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis (SPDR:TSXV)
went public just a couple of months ago and hit the ground running
with 5 operating Canadian retail locations – and a 6th one on the way
via an 8,000 sq ft super store in Alberta. Most companies would be
ecstatic to have this number of locations – but Spyder just announced a
major move into the United States, with a 5 location deal for boutique
stores up and down the US Eastern seaboard. The news gets better. If
all goes well with these 5 locations, the US outlet partner has a total
of 39 locations across 20 states for Spyder to grow into to. Click here for more info.
(TSX-V: SPDR)
Alberta squeaks out title as Canada’s top cannabis market with $123.6M sold
Ontario, Quebec not far behind in new data showing sales since legalization
Gord Nichol shows off some of the products he bought inside RELM
Cannabis Co., in Burlington, Ont. on April 1. Alberta narrowly squeaked
out as Canada’s top cannabis market, surpassing Ontario by a matter of a
few million. (Dan Taekema/CBC)
Albertans pull out their wallets for legal weed more often than other Canadians, new data shows.
Statistics Canada has published new information on the amount sold at cannabis store across the country, from legalization in October 2018 to June 2019.
The sales data shows that Alberta comes out as the top legal cannabis market in Canada, with more than $123.6 million in sales.
Alberta narrowly squeaked into the top spot with Ontario close behind at $121.6 million, followed by Quebec at $119.2 million.
‘Best job of any province,’ retailer says
Alberta’s quick pick-up in the cannabis market can be attributed to
the province’s regulator — Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC)
— argues Darren Bondar, who runs a national chain of cannabis stores out
of Calgary.
“Alberta and the AGLC have done the best job of any province in the country,” the Spirit Leaf CEO said.
He notes AGLC had experience with private liquor stores, which helped
them co-ordinate the opening of 275 private cannabis vendors.
The province also runs a public website that sells and mails out cannabis products.
Ontario may soon surpass Alberta in sales, however. The province was
slow in getting stores open but expects to see another 50 open this
fall.
Another of Canada’s most populous provinces, British Columbia, saw
slow sales, coming ninth on the list. Smaller provinces of Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick, saw more money spent.
Canada’s first cannabis competition
Alberta can also boast the country’s first legal cannabis competition
when Hempfest Expo opens this October in Calgary. A big draw for other
international cannabis hotspots, like Colorado and Amsterdam,
expectations for Hempfest Cup are high.
The competition runs Oct. 11-12 at Stampede Park, and will boast
entries from big and little growers alike — even Canadians who are
(legally) growing plants in their homes or yards. Registration for the
event closes Sept. 12.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:39 AM on Thursday, August 29th, 2019
Entered into a purchase agreement with an arm’s length third party to acquire the Vendor’s interest in a development permit issued by the City of Calgary for the operation of a retail cannabis store and an assignment of the leased attached to such Development Permit
Vaughan, Ontario–(August 29, 2019) – Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) (“Spyder” or the “Company“), an established Ontario retail operator, is pleased to announced it has entered into a purchase agreement (the “Agreement“) with an arm’s length third party (the “Vendor“) to acquire the Vendor’s interest in a development permit issued by the City of Calgary for the operation of a retail cannabis store (the “Development Permit“) and an assignment of the leased attached to such Development Permit (the “Lease Assignment“; together with the Development Permit, the “DP Assets“).
Pursuant to the Agreement, the purchase price for the DP Assets will
be $175,000, which will be payable through the issuance of 3,000,000
common shares of Spyder (“Spyder Shares“) at a deemed
price of $0.0583 per share. The closing of the transactions contemplated
by the Agreement is subject to the satisfaction of a number of
conditions, including, but not limited to, receipt of all required
regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange,
the Company’s satisfaction of its due diligence results, inspections
and investigations and obtaining landlord’s consent to the Lease
Assignment.
About Spyder
Founded in 2014 Spyder is an established chain of three high-end vape
stores in Ontario, with stores located in Woodbridge, Scarborough and
Burlington. 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
market. Spyder has developed a scalable retail model with aggressive
expansion plan to create a significant retail footprint with targeted
and disciplined retail distribution strategy focusing on Canadian
locations in high traffic peripheral areas.
Cautionary Statements
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute
forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or
future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”,
“expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar
expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical
facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based
on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and
timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ
materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking
information relating to the satisfaction of the closing conditions
contemplated under the Agreement. Various assumptions or factors are
typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or
projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions
and factors are based on information currently available to the Company.
Risk factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ
materially from the results expressed or implied by forward-looking
information include, among other things: the TSX Venture Exchange
declining to accept the transaction, the landlord not consenting to the
Lease Assginment, changes in tax laws, general economic and business
conditions; and changes in the regulatory regulation. The Company
cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not
exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is
made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update
or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and
assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance
on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly
qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
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]
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 6:07 PM on Thursday, August 22nd, 2019
At 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. Â
But it doesn’t end there.  Â
The Company is set to expand rapidly by taking its proven model into the franchise world for rapid expansion across the USA, with 4 applications already received in the last 30 days, as well as, launch its CBD extraction facility with an initial capacity of 6,000 Kg per year. Â But it doesn’t end there. Â
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. Â
Grab your favourite cold beverage here in hot August and settle in for what may be your next great small cap investment.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:24 AM on Wednesday, August 21st, 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
CBD usage in beverages; functionality, cultural acceptance and legislation
growth of the legal cannabis industry has opened doors to new product innovations, particularly in beverages, with no signs of slowing down.
According to Zenith Global, the CAGR forecast for 2018- 2023 volume sales is 75%, with 5.2 million litres of CBD drinks consumed in the US in 2018.Â
The growth of the legal cannabis industry has opened doors to new product innovations, particularly in beverages, with no signs of slowing down. According to Zenith Global, the CAGR forecast for 2018- 2023 volume sales is 75%, with 5.2 million litres of CBD drinks consumed in the US in 2018.Â
Although CBD is being included in alcoholic drinks such as low ABV beer,
with a trending decline in alcohol consumption, new CBD categories such
as RTD coffee, sodas and water-based drinks are posed to be a high
growth market for the beverage sector.
The culture of cannabis is evolving
from a product associated with negative, psychoactive effects to being
full of medically-backed health benefits previously unexplored and
underappreciated.
To better understand why the CBD use
in beverages is enjoying a recent boom, we should examine where it comes
from and how the body utilises it.
Defining Cannabis, CBD, THC, marijuana and hemp
Cannabis – or more the more biologically correct Cannabis Sativa – is the umbrella term for both marijuana and hemp.
They are of the same genus and species with the main divertive being
the THC content of each. They look nearly identical, with marijuana
being illegal and hemp being legal. There are many strands of Cannabis,
however we will touch base on just the two mentioned, which contain both
the cannabinoids (plant oils) THC and CBD in different concentrations.
Cannabis makes most of its cannabinoids in its flowers, which are more
commonly referred to as “budsâ€.
Marijuana
tends to contain high levels of THC and lower levels of CBD and
requires certain sometimes controlled conditions to grow fruitfully. It
also has a higher concentration of cannabinoids per gram so generates a
better yield. Hemp
will contain higher levels of CBD and trace amounts of THC with a lower
yield of cannabinoids, so it tends to take more plants to extract the
same amount of CBD.
Difference between CBD and THC and how they function in the body
Since research on cannabis is still
fresh as it was only partially legalised recently, most of its
functionality is yet unknown. Cannabis is theorised to work like many
other drugs, binding to receptors in our body.
Interestingly, our bodies are set up
to accept cannabinoids already. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a
complex cell-signalling system in the body that we so far understand to
play a role in regulating a range of functions in the body such as
sleep, mood and memory, according to an article by Healthline.com.
The ECS actively exists in our body
and we already naturally produce endocannabinoids, even if we do not
consume cannabis. A similar comparison of a process in the body that
does a similar process would be the pancreas produce insulin for our
blood sugar regulation.
So not only do we produce our own
endocannabinoids, we have two main receptors that accept them; CB1
receptors mainly found central nervous system and CB2 receptors found
mainly in the peripheral nervous system. Once bound to either of these
receptors, the endocannabinoids can then tell the ECS system the action
needs to happen i.e., boost our mood, relieve pain or go to sleep.
Once our endocannabinoids have served
their purpose, they must be broken down by enzymes in the body, which
are regularly regenerating.
It appears the main function of the
endocannabinoid system is to maintain bodily homeostasis, states a
report by the Facultad de Medicina at University of Buenos Aires.
So now that we defined the difference
between THC and CBD, what do they actually do when they are in the
body? Since we know that the ECS receptors are linked with the nervous
system, it’s understandable that the sides effects we hear about
cannabis tend to be related to relaxation.
THC –
tetrahydrocannabinol- the compound which can get you ‘high’, binds to
the CB1 and CB2 receptors just like our bodily endocannabinoids, almost
like a substitute.
THC can have positive effects such as
stimulating appetite, which can be great for medical patients who find
it difficult to eat, but it is also responsible for side effects such as
paranoia. THC is more frequently used for therapy since is similarity
to our own endocannabinoids is nearly identical. Currently there is not a
way to separate the two effectively, but research is continuing.
CBD – cannabidiol–
which typically doesn’t have any negative effects, would be seen to be
the superior compound and used more widely. So why bother using THC if
CBD is better and easier to regulate? CBD actually works best in
conjunction with THC, because CBD doesn’t appear to interact with our
ECS the way THC does by binding to receptors.
Though experts aren’t quite sure,
it’s believed that CBD may work by preventing our endocannabinoids from
being broken down and allowing them to have a longer effect on the
body.
As CBD is more widely accepted and
there are less legal restrictions on this compound currently, it is
being more readily used in beverages as opposed to THC.
Cultural acceptance and legalisation worldwide
Regulation is ongoing, and constantly
changing worldwide. As of press time, CBD is legal in all 50 of the US,
as long as it contains less than 0.3 % of THC, though some states
require you to have a prescription to purchase it, such as Virginia.
THC is legal in 10 states with a
prescription, and in an additional 23 states with a doctor’s
prescription. The US Food and Drug administration has approved four
cannabis related drug products, however they are only available with a
prescription from a licenced healthcare provider.
Press and recent legalisation,
particularly in the US, has brought CBD to the public’s attention while
increasing demand for new, innovative ways to consume it. For those
unfamiliar with the drug but curious to try it, beverages are seemingly
the most accessible (and perhaps culturally acceptable) way to consume
the cannabis-based product. The category is still in early stages, with
fragmented legislation fuelling conflicting information from multiple
sources about usage, benefits and dosages.
The most popular way to consume CBD
it is through oil, as CBD is naturally soluble and most effective
delivered in fat. It is also easy to control dosages this way which is
handy for consumers. This easy-to-consume format comes in dropper
applications called tinctures. Though with the rise in innovation
through beverages and food, this could change in the next few years.
CBD is now popping up in snacks and even ice cream
with doses ranging per serving of 10-50mg. As CBD is still very new to
the market there aren’t many regulations on quantities in food and
beverage due to its minimal side effects, though the expense of the
ingredient will affect the price point of the product. It’s always best
to check the label and research the effects of CBD before consumption.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:09 AM on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019
SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis (SPDR:TSXV)
went public just a couple of months ago and hit the ground running
with 5 operating Canadian retail locations – and a 6th one on the way
via an 8,000 sq ft super store in Alberta. Most companies would be
ecstatic to have this number of locations – but Spyder just announced a
major move into the United States, with a 5 location deal for boutique
stores up and down the US Eastern seaboard. The news gets better. If
all goes well with these 5 locations, the US outlet partner has a total
of 39 locations across 20 states for Spyder to grow into to. Click here for more info.
(TSX-V: SPDR)
Statistics Canada releases a bong full of new cannabis data
Statistics Canada released a whack of statistics on August 15 that shed some insight into the almost five million Canadians who consumed cannabis during the first half of 2019.Â
About 77% of Canadians who said they used cannabis during the first half of 2019 consumed dried cannabis, while 26% consumed edibles. Other reported ways of consuming cannabis were as liquid concentrates (20%), cannabis oil cartridges or vape pens (19%), and hashish or kief (16%).Â
Among the findings were that more men consume cannabis than do women,
and that men consume cannabis more frequently than women. Men also
consume cannabis for non-medical reasons more than women do.
Cannabis/Shutterstock
Another big takeaway was that 42% of Canadians who consumed cannabis
said that they bought at least some of their cannabis from black-market
dealers in the first half of the year.
The stats were all part of Statistics Canada’s National Cannabis
Survey (NCS), which continued to show that males and females older than
age 15 differ in how they obtain and consume cannabis products.
Females, for example, more often reported getting cannabis from
family and friends than their male counterparts, That may explain why
fewer females said they paid for the cannabis they consume. The study
didn’t go into how many people stole cannabis, although it noted that 4%
got their cannabis in an unspecified way.
Females are more likely to use an alternative method to consume cannabis, such as putting it on the skin or under the tongue.
Males are more likely to report consuming dried cannabis and hashish.
To monitor cannabis consumption before and after Canada legalized
cannabis last October, the nation’s number cruncher has been conducting
the NCS every three months since 2018.
Males almost twice as likely as females to have consumed cannabis
Males (21%) were almost twice as likely to have used cannabis in the
first half of 2019 as females (12%), according to the NCS. This held
true for every age group except seniors aged 65 and older.
Almost three in five females reported never having consumed cannabis (59%), compared with just over half (51%) of males.
About one-third of Canadians reported having tried cannabis in the past but are not current users.
Males more likely to use cannabis daily or almost daily
Statistics Canada said in its August 15 release that research has
shown that using cannabis regularly and over a long period of time has
been associated with the “risk of dependence and poor mental healthâ€
According to combined data from the first half of 2019, males (8%)
were twice as likely to report daily or almost daily use as females
(4%). Males were also more likely than females to consume cannabis on a
weekly and a monthly basis but equally as likely to report occasional
use (defined here as once or twice over the three-month reference
periods).
Males are more likely to use cannabis for non-medical reasons
Statistics Canada asked Canadians to say whether they used cannabis
for medical purposes and had a medical document, for medical purposes
without a medical document or simply for fun, or what some call
recreational use.
Just over one-fifth of males aged 15 and older reported consuming
cannabis in the first half of 2019. More than half of these males (52%)
reported using cannabis exclusively for non-medical reasons, while
about 30% reported using it for both medical and non-medical reasons,
and about one-fifth reported medical reasons (with or without medical
documentation).
Meanwhile, 12% of females said that they consuming cannabis in the
first half of 2019. Their reasons were fairly evenly split, between
those who said it was for non-medical use, medical use or a mix of
both.
Cannabis products and consumption methods
About 77% of Canadians who said they used cannabis during the first
half of 2019 consumed dried cannabis, while 26% consumed edibles. Other
reported ways of consuming cannabis were as liquid concentrates (20%),
cannabis oil cartridges or vape pens (19%), and hashish or kief (16%).
More males (82%) said they consumed dried cannabis, compared with
females (67%). Males (19%) were also more likely to have consumed
hashish or kief, compared with females (12%).
While a majority of both males and females use dried cannabis, for
49% of males and 41% of females, it is the only form of cannabis that
they consumed.
Conversely, females (23%) were almost twice as likely as males (12%)
to report using only products other than dried cannabis. Other products
include edibles, oil cartridges and vape pens.
Smoking remains the most common method of consuming cannabis, with
68% of males and 62% of females choosing this method in the first half
of 2019, according to Statistics Canada.
At 14%, females were almost three times more likely than males (5%)
to have consumed cannabis through methods such as the application of
products on the skin or under the tongue.
Buying cannabis
Males are more likely to purchase cannabis while females are more likely to get it from family and friends for free.
Approximately one-quarter of Canadians who consumed cannabis in the
first half of 2019 did not pay for it, with female consumers (29%) more
likely than males (22%) to consume it without having paid for it,
according to the survey.
Nearly half of all cannabis consumers (48%) reported buying at least
some of their cannabis from a legal source, such as a legally authorized
retailer or an online licensed producer.
There was 42%, however, who said that they bought at least some of
their cannabis from illegal sources, such as a drug dealer, while 37%
said that they used cannabis that they got from, or shared among,
friends and family.
Growing cannabis, either by the users or by someone else, was a
supply source for about 8% of consumers, while 4% reported another
source, although Statistics Canada did not specify what that source
might be.
For the first time, analysis of the sources of cannabis by type of
consumer (those who obtained it from one source and those who obtained
it from multiple sources) is available. This more detailed examination
revealed that 29% of all current users got their cannabis exclusively
from legal sources.
In general, males and females access cannabis from the same sources
and in similar numbers, but with one notable difference: a relatively
larger proportion of females (42%) than males (33%) report friends and
family as their cannabis source.
Quality and safety remain foremost consideration when deciding where to buy cannabis
Three-quarters of Canadians (76%) who consumed cannabis in the first
half of 2019 said quality and safety was an important consideration when
buying it, while 42% primarily considered price.
Other important factors when buying cannabis were accessibility, location and availability of a preferred potency.
While both males and females share many of the same considerations
when obtaining cannabis, there are a few differences. For example,
females (22%) were twice as likely as males (11%) to cite sales support
as being important, while proportionally more males (19%) placed a
higher value on anonymity and discretion than did females (12%). More
males (20%) said that availability of a preferred strain of cannabis was
important than did females (11%.)
Males are more likely to report that they will use cannabis in next three months
More males (25%) than females (16%) said they thought that they would
use cannabis in the next three months. That is higher than the 21% of
males and 12% of females who currently consume cannabis.
Virtually all Canadians (99%) who reported having never consumed
cannabis indicated that they will not use cannabis in the next three
months. In contrast, most daily or almost daily (94%) and weekly (87%)
users think that they will continue to consume cannabis over the next
three months and at a similar pace.
Former users (12%) and those who use cannabis less than once a month
(27%) were more likely to report that they will increase their
consumption in the coming three months than were people who have never
used cannabis (1%).
Second quarter 2019: Almost five million Canadians report using cannabis
From mid-May to mid-June 2019, about 4.9 million or 16% of Canadians
aged 15 and older reported using cannabis in the previous three months,
according to Statistics Canada.
This was unchanged from data collected from provinces a year ago,
when recreational cannabis use was illegal. It is also unchanged from
the last time estimates for from territorial capitals were collected.
In the second quarter of 2019, 24% of Nova Scotians and 20% of
Albertans reported using cannabis in the previous three months. That is
above the average for the rest of Canada (other provinces and
territorial capitals combined).
Cannabis use in the previous three months was also above the national
average in all three territorial capitals: Whitehorse (24%),
Yellowknife (30%) and Iqaluit (32%). Meanwhile, current use was lower
than the national average in Quebec (10%).
Cannabis consumption in the second quarter of 2019 was essentially
unchanged from the same quarter in 2018, prior to legalization. However,
the number of Canadians aged 65 and older reporting cannabis use
increased from 3% to 5% over this period, while cannabis use among 15-
to 64-year-olds was stable (ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on the
age group).
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:19 AM on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019
Announced that its common shares will begin trading on the OTCQB Venture Market at the opening of the market on August 20th, 2019 under the stock symbol (OTC: EPWCF)
VANCOUVER, Aug. 20, 2019 – EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE: CBDT) (Frankfurt: 8EC) (OTC: EPWCF) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, and a multi-state operator of medical health & wellness clinics in the U.S., today announced that its common shares will begin trading on the OTCQB Venture Market at the opening of the market on August 20th, 2019 under the stock symbol (OTC: EPWCF).
Empower Clinics Inc. (OTCQB: EPWCF) now trades on the OTCQB Venture
Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies.
Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual
verification and management certification process. Investors can find
Real-Time quotes and market information for the company on http://www.otcmarkets.com.
In addition, Empower’s shares will continue to be listed on the
Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the ticker symbol “CBDT,” as
well as on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “8EC.”
“Our listing on the OTCQB Venture Market in the United States
complements Empower’s listings on the Canadian and Frankfurt Stock
Exchanges, respectively, broadening our investment base as we accelerate
our growth strategy in the global medical cannabis and wellness
sectors,” said Steven McAuley, Empower CEO. “This is a
timely milestone, as we have a robust pipeline of activity tied to
product development, business development, M&A and, overall company
expansion.”
ABOUT OTC MARKETS GROUP INC.
OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX:
OTCM) operates the OTCQX® Best Market, the OTCQB® Venture Market and
the Pink® Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through
OTC Link® ATS and OTC Link ECN, the company connects a diverse network
of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. OTC
Markets enables investors to easily trade through the broker of their
choice and enable companies to improve the quality of information
available for investors. To learn more about how OTC Markets creates
better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.
ABOUT EMPOWER
Empower is a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life
sciences company, and a multi-state operator of medical health &
wellness clinics, operating the Sun Valley Health™ clinic brand www.sunvalleyhealth.com, for its nine corporate locations and for franchises in the United States. As a CBD product manufacturer under the Sollievo™
brand, the company distributes its lines through clinics, online and
through retail partners. Extraction operations are currently being
developed in the Company’s new extraction facility in Oregon.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Steven McAuley Chief Executive Officer
DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”
or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking
statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and
projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements
can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”,
“expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”,
“estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar
words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will”
occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include
statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD
extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its
shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships;
the terms of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the
effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for
Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based
products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the
Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a
market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019
and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on
assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or
developments to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a
hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that the hemp-based CBD extraction
facility may not be fully operation by Q2 2019 if at all; that
legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business
and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain
adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business,
economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to
obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed
acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company’s
control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by
the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what
benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release,
which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any
intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking
statements in this release, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable
laws.
