Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 5:46 PM on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021
“I was blown away by FOBI “ ($KO CEO Daniel Petrov)
“Kiaro has built an amazing tech driven cannabis retail business” ($FOBI CEO Rob Anson)
If you’re a shareholder of one of these companies, here is what you need to know about each that makes this technology partnership so powerful:
KIARO is one of Canada’s largest retailers of cannabis, with 16 locations and forecasted annual revenue of $42.7 million from these locations, at a gross profit of $13.7M with further growth anticipated.
FOBI is a global leader in providing real-time data analytics through artificial intelligence to drive customer activation and engagement in the brick and mortar space. From that core technology they have built a technology stack on top of it that is second to none.
More than just talk, FOBI has completes Integrations with Lightspeed and Shopify to provide real-time Point of Sale data analytics. Moreover, they recently announced another $250.000 Data Consulting Agreement with Azincourt Energy
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 4:54 PM on Friday, July 16th, 2021
Kiaro Holdings is an multi-channel cannabis retailer and distributor with existing storefronts across British Columbia , Saskatchewan and Ontario, a wholesale distribution servicing Saskatchewan and ecommerce sites in Canada , the US and Australia, which have resulted in the following:
If you believe in the long-term future of the cannabis market, then you have to discover KIARO by watching our first ever interview with CEO Daniel Petrov.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 2:29 PM on Thursday, March 25th, 2021
*Strain-specific Live Resin product set for release under Color Cannabis adult-use brand *Available for purchase from Ontario Cannabis Store in May
TORONTO, March 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V:WMD) (OTCQX:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE) (“WeedMD” or the “Company”), a federally-licensed producer and distributor of medical-grade cannabis, is pleased to announce the debut of its strain-specific live resin product for release under its Color Cannabis adult-use brand, 510-thread vaporization carts. Products will be available for purchase from the Ontario Cannabis Store starting in May, 2021 with eventual expansion to additional provinces and retailers. The live resin line offered in Pedro’s Sweet Sativa cultivar is the first in a series of new extract products recently announced by the Company that will eventually expand to feature solventless hash and rosin concentrates.
WeedMD partnered with Ontario’s Peak Processing, a highly-skilled, third-party processer that specializes in developing hydrocarbon extract of freshly harvested and frozen cannabis biomass to produce live resin formulations. This process ensures the cannabinoid and terpene-rich trichomes are preserved at harvest to produce some of the purest, true-to-nature forms of concentrates from the Company’s award-winning genetics.
“With the launch of our live resin products, we’re excited to introduce consumers to another authentic offering featuring the unique cultivar that is Pedro’s Sweet Sativa,” said Joseph Mele, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing, WeedMD. “The goal with all Color Cannabis products is to expand consumers’ awareness – particularly for those seeking unique terpene profiles and new premium, high-value concentrates. Peak Processing has carefully extracted live resin from fresh-frozen Pedro’s Sweet Sativa, grown and processed alongside our skilled teams, and we’re looking forward to adding more cultivars to this innovative line-up.”
WeedMD is expected to release additional Cannabis 2.0 extract products including solventless hash and rosin concentrates throughout 2021, under its Color Cannabis and Saturday Cannabis adult-use brands. Product development for both solventless cannabis concentrates, including bubble hash and rosin extract products, is currently underway alongside WeedMD and its highly skilled third-party processors currently undergoing trialling processes.
The Company has further developed a unique, in-house sub-critical CO2 extract post-processing methodology, which preserves the flower’s terpene profile and results in a malleable, semi-solid high-potency cannabis extract product. Trials to confirm scalability and product integrity are also currently underway at the Company’s Aylmer, Ontario processing and extraction hub.
Extract products will be produced using WeedMD’s own biomass, grown on-site at the Company’s state-of-the-art greenhouse and outdoor field in Strathroy, Ontario.
Access WeedMD’s 2021 Shareholder Newsletter here. Information about upcoming corporate events can be found here.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 9:30 AM on Thursday, January 28th, 2021
Phil Waddington / President and CEO of Molecule Holdings Inc. / (MLCL:CSE) discusses the craft-focused, cannabis beverage production company’s cutting-edge work in the nascent Canadian market.
Boasting a 200,000 square foot production facility based in Ontario, the company has just been given the green light to begin selling its unique line of cannabis-infused beverages throughout Canada, starting in Ontario and Québec.
The company’s recent partnership with Vortex Cannabis Inc. allows Molecule to bring its unique line of cannabis-infused beverage products to market this year, while completing its own sales amendment application.
Molecule Highlights:
Molecule’s recent deal with Vortex Cannabis Inc. allows it to begin selling its unique line of cannabis-infused beverages throughout Canada this year.
Vortex will sell products produced by Molecule to provincial retailers, starting with Ontario and Québec.
Molecule has a 200,000 square foot production facility based in Ontario, offering huge capacity.
The company forecasts 2021 Q1 revenue of $3.5m, 2021 Q2 revenue of $5.8m, and a 2021 Run Rate revenue of $18.5m
An early leap of faith into this emerging industry in 2018 has positioned the company well ahead of the pack now.
“We are excited to move into full scale production and sale,” says CEO Phil Waddington.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 9:45 PM on Sunday, May 10th, 2020
SPONSOR: Hollister Biosciences Inc. (HOLL:CSE) A vertically integrated cannabis company with products in 220 California dispensaries and joint ventures, licensing agreement & partnerships with global brands. The company recently closed $20 MILLION deal with Venom Extracts adding $CDN 16.4 million in revenue and $CDN 2.48 million in EBITDA. Learn More
How The Cannabis Industry Is Coping In 2020
Canada and most U.S. states with legalized cannabis industries declared dispensaries as essential services, allowing sales to continue throughout the COVID-19 crisis, enabling robust demand to be met
Even with strong sales momentum, cannabis stocks broadly suffered during the quarter amid heightened market volatility
Early-stage cannabis companies rely heavily on external capital to fuel their growth ambitions, but investors are stepping back from financing riskier industries in the current environment
Despite these near-term challenges, we remain optimistic on the longer-term prospects for cannabis as its acceptance grows
Amid widespread COVID-19-related retail store closures, many cannabis dispensaries received “essential business” designations. This allowed cannabis consumers to stock up on medicinal and recreational cannabis, fueling strong sales figures despite a tumultuous Q1 2020. Yet, even with strong sales momentum, cannabis stocks broadly suffered during the quarter amid heightened market volatility. Early-stage cannabis companies rely heavily on external capital to fuel their growth ambitions, but investors are stepping back from financing riskier industries in the current environment. Some cannabis companies are now running low on cash, forcing them to sell stakes at undesirable valuations or scale back operations or staffing.
Despite these near-term challenges, we remain optimistic on the longer-term prospects for cannabis as its acceptance grows. New store openings and the sale of edibles are helping to fuel greater legal consumption. In addition, COVID-19’s economic impact is broadly hurting tax revenues at the local, state, and federal level, potentially providing greater impetus to legalize and tax cannabis. With only about 10% of cannabis sales occurring through legal channels, we believe there is substantial opportunity for continued growth across regulated channels.
Is Cannabis A Consumer Staple?
The COVID-19 crisis is plunging the global economy into recession, yet its impact will not be felt equally across industries. During recessions, consumers may forgo discretionary items like jewelry or electronics, but staples such as essential food and beverages tend to see robust sales. Historically, alcohol and tobacco exhibit staples-like characteristics, demonstrating strong sales despite economic weakness. During the global financial crisis, for example, alcohol consumption increased 7.2% in 2008-09 from 2006-07 levels, while total sales in the consumer discretionary sector fell by -9.35% over that time frame.1,2
Legalized cannabis did not exist during the Great Recession, but recent figures suggest cannabis sales share similar characteristics with alcohol and tobacco. Canada and most U.S. states with legalized cannabis industries declared dispensaries as essential services, allowing sales to continue throughout the COVID-19 crisis, enabling robust demand to be met.
Online cannabis purchases in Ontario have surged from 5,000 orders in mid-March to 9,000 orders by mid-April.3
Oregon’s cannabis sales increased 37% year over year in March, its highest single-month increase.4
Between March 16th and March 22nd, year-over-year sales of recreational cannabis across key US markets, including California, Colorado, Oregon and Alaska, were up 50%.5
One of Nevada’s largest cannabis delivery businesses reported a 400% increase in cannabis retail deliveries since March 20th.6
While lockdown may have accelerated cannabis demand, cannabis sales were already on an accelerating path. January and February sales numbers in Canada increased 181% year-over-year to C$154 million and 190% to C$150 million.7 Estimates from Cannabis Benchmarks for March sales show a spike to C$216 million, more than three times March 2019’s sales of C$59 million.8
The shift towards greater cannabis acceptance has spurred much of this growth. Cannabis consumers among the legal adult population in Canada grew to 63% at the end of 2019 from 54% in 2018.9
Canada’s new recreational cannabis market, dubbed Rec 2.0, is also fueling growth. Rec 2.0 officially launched at the end of 2019, almost a year after legalization in Canada. Before Rec 2.0, only dried flower and oil were products sold, but now the sale of cannabis beverages, edibles and vapes, among other forms, is permitted. Derivative formats like these account for almost half of sales in mature and developed markets such as Colorado, showing how Rec 2.0 could play a major role in accelerating cannabis sales in Canada. Aurora Cannabis (ACB), for example, recently mentioned that approximately 20% of total sales could come from Rec 2.0 products.10 OrganiGram Holdings (OGI) also reported new Rec 2.0 products to account for 13% of total revenue in its most recent quarter.11
New Store Openings Grow Legal Cannabis’s Market Share
Curbing illicit cannabis sales is on the agenda for many governments around the world. Globally, legal cannabis sales reached $15 billion at the end of 2019, which is less than 10% of the estimated total market of $160 billion.12 Such low penetration both demonstrates the growth opportunity ahead as well as highlights some of the challenges for the legal market. In Canada, for instance, limited dispensary licenses plays a major factor, as recreational cannabis sales per capita are highly correlated to the number of stores.
In Q1 2020, Canada opened 191 new stores, bringing its total to 806.13 Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, now has 52 stores, versus just 27 at the end of 2019. But the few dozen stores represent just four per 1 million people. For comparison, Colorado has 180 stores for every 1 million people.14 The store comparison between the two countries is notable, as further licenses should help meet consumer demand and promote greater legal sales.
Within the U.S., active dispensary licenses are up 5.5% year-to-date, with 385 new stores opening around the country.15 Yet, given that the US has nine times more dispensary licenses than Canada, more stores is a less critical factor than wider legalization across populous states or at the broader federal level.
Cannabis Industry Leveraging E-commerce To Further Grow Sales
Oftentimes, crises breed both new problems and new solutions. During this social distancing era, Colorado legalized online sales of recreational cannabis, fulfilling a longstanding request from cannabis companies.16 Cannabis consumers can now order, pay online and pick up at-store. A few other states – Massachusetts, Illinois, Michigan and Oregon – already allow cannabis e-commerce.
In Canada, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) authorized cannabis retail stores to offer e-commerce solutions, starting April 7th.17 E-commerce authorization resulted from an emergency order by the Government of Ontario to deter illegal cannabis sales amid physical distance mandates. For now, the measure is temporary, but it includes the possibility of extension.
Financing Cannabis’s Growth
Early-stage industries tend to rely on the capital markets to fund growth. The phenomenon describes a healthy dynamic between those with capital to invest and those seeking capital for growth. The cannabis industry is particularly dependent on capital, as growing, harvesting, packaging and distribution require property, equipment and employees. With high growth expectations, cannabis companies tend to plow their freshly raised capital into various parts of the ecosystem, leaving little cash available to weather a storm. The constant need for new financing can expose weaker companies that may need to raise capital at undesirable terms, or worse, cannot raise additional capital at all.
HEXO Corp. (HEXO), for example, a leading cannabis grower in Canada, recently closed a C$46 million public offering but was forced to sell its equity 20% below its last traded price.18 Other larger players have followed suit, like Tilray (TLRY), which raised C$90 also at a 20% discount.19
There are companies, however, with strong cash positions that may be able to weather this challenging financing environment better than others. Canopy Growth Corp. (CGC) and Cronos Group (CRON) both have over $1 billion in cash & equivalents on their balance sheets. GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH) holds over $500 million in cash & equivalents. Balance sheet strength allows these companies to potentially wait longer before needing to raise additional outside capital.
COVID-19 Could Expedite Cannabis Legalization
In our article “Themes for Defensive Positioning,” we highlighted that economic downturns can accelerate efforts to find new sources of economic stimulus and tax revenue. Legalizing (and taxing) recreational cannabis is one such avenue states could pursue given its track record of generating economic growth and taxes. Estimates hold that nationwide legalization in the U.S. could generate $132 billion in aggregate tax revenue and more than a million new jobs across the country by 2025.20 Such growth comes not from an unproven, speculative market, but from the conversion of a largely illicit market to a legal, regulated one. Such taxes and economic growth could be particularly welcome given stalling economic growth and swelling debt caused by COVID-19.
This year, several states could legalize recreational use. Virginia recently decriminalized cannabis, joining 27 other states that have taken such actions.21 The bill doesn’t legalize cannabis sales yet, but Virginia’s Governor is also clearing the path for easier access for medicinal uses.22 In New Jersey, lawmakers voted to add legalization to November’s ballot. Should the bill pass, it could add additional pressure to neighboring New York and Connecticut.
Illinois, where legalized cannabis went into effect in January, is the most recent model other states could follow. Illinois has the second-highest tax regime on cannabis sales in the country, where taxes vary from 10% to 25%.23 In Q1, Illinois cannabis stores sold $110 million, generating at least $11 million in tax revenues. Another benchmark is Colorado, which legalized cannabis in 2014. In Q1 2020, Colorado generated $79 million in tax revenue from cannabis-related sales.24 In 2019 alone, the state collected over $300 million in tax revenue, which was earmarked for cannabis regulation, research and schools.25
With a global recession looming, the economic benefits of legalized cannabis could be too enticing for states, provinces and countries to ignore.
Conclusion
The recent increase in cannabis sales in the U.S. and Canada since COVID-19 reflects the non-cyclical nature of cannabis sales. While some cannabis companies may struggle from lack of access to capital during this volatile period, the stronger ones could continue to see substantial growth as they meet robust consumer demand. Trends in new dispensary openings, a shift to e-commerce, and the introduction of new consumable forms of cannabis should further fuel growth across North America. Longer term, the potential for further legalization efforts amid the COVID-19 crisis should provide a tailwind to the industry.
Related ETFs
POTX: The Global X Cannabis ETF seeks to invest in companies across the cannabis industry. This includes companies involved in the legal production, growth and distribution of cannabis and industrial hemp, as well as those involved in providing financial services to the cannabis industry, pharmaceutical applications of cannabis, cannabidiol (i.e., CBD), or other related uses including but not limited to extracts, derivatives or synthetic versions.
Please click on the fund name for current holdings.
Footnotes
1. Jacob Bor, et al. “Alcohol Use During the Great Recession of 2008-2009,” January 29, 2013.
2. U.S. Census Bureau. Discretionary sales including retail sales of Motor Vehicles & Parts, Furnitures, Electronics & Appliances, Clothing, Sporting Goods, General Merchandise, and Miscellaneous Stores. Accessed on April 2020.
3. Cannabis Benchmarks, “Canada Cannabis Spot Index (CCSI)”, April 17, 2020.
4. Willamette Week, “Oregon Cannabis Sales in March Were the Highest Ever for a Single Month,” April 6, 2020.
5. New York Post, “Cannabis sales hit new highs in US and Canada,” March 24, 2020
6. Reno Gazette Journal, “Nevada marijuana deliveries are skyrocketing. Is this the new normal for the pot industry?,” March 30, 2020.
7. Statistics Canada, “Cannabis Stores Sales,” Accessed on April 2020.
8. Cannabis Benchmarks, (n3).
9. BDS Analytics, “How Will “Cannabis 2.0″ Affect the Legal Canadian Market?,” February 18, 2020.
16. The Colorado Sun, “Coronavirus fuels marijuana industry’s push for online sales, delivery in Colorado,” April 13, 2020.
17. Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, “Ontario Allows Cannabis Delivery and Curbside Pick-up from Authorized Retail Stores During COVID-19,” April 7, 2020.
18. Hexo Corp, “HEXO Corp. Closes $46 Million Underwritten Public Offering,” April 13, 2020.
19. Tilray, “Tilray, Inc. Announces Pricing of its $90.4 Million Registered Offering,” March 13, 2020.
20. The Washington Post, “Study: Legal marijuana could generate more than $132 billion in federal tax revenue and 1 million jobs,” January 10, 2018.
21. Leafly, “Virginia just decriminalized marijuana. Here’s what that means,” April 13, 2020.
22. Marijuana Moment, “Virginia Governor Urges Medical Marijuana Expansion As Amendment To Recently Approved Bill,” April 15, 2020.
23. Illinois Policy, “What you need to know about marijuana legalization in Illinois?,” January 1, 2020.
24. Colorado Department of Revenue, “Marijuana Tax Data,” April 2020.
25. Ibis.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The investable universe of companies in which POTX may invest may be limited. The Fund invests in securities of companies engaged in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical sectors. These sectors can be affected by government regulations, expiring patents, rapid product obsolescence, and intense industry competition. International investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from social, economic or political instability in other nations. POTX is non-diversified.
POTX’s investments are concentrated in the cannabis industry, and the Fund may be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences affecting this industry. The cannabis industry is a very young, fast evolving industry with increased exposure to the risks associated with changes in applicable laws (including increased regulation, other rule changes, and related federal and state enforcement activities), as well as market developments, which may cause businesses to contract or close suddenly and negatively impact the value of securities held by the Fund. Cannabis Companies are subject to various laws and regulations that may differ at the state/local, federal and international level. These laws and regulations may significantly affect a Cannabis Company’s ability to secure financing and traditional banking services, impact the market for cannabis business sales and services, and set limitations on cannabis use, production, transportation, export and storage. The possession, use and importation of marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Federal law criminalizing the use of marijuana remains enforceable notwithstanding state laws that legalize its use for medicinal and recreational purposes. This conflict creates volatility and risk for all Cannabis Companies, and any stepped-up enforcement of marijuana laws by the federal government could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Given the uncertain nature of the regulation of the cannabis industry in the United States, the Fund’s investment in certain entities could, under unique circumstances, raise issues under one or more of those laws, and any investigation or prosecution related to those investments could result in expense and losses to the Fund.
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Tags: Cannabis, CBD, CSE, Hemp, small cap, tsx, tsx-v, weed Posted in Hollister Biosciences | Comments Off on How The #Cannabis Industry Is Coping In 2020 – SPONSOR: Hollister Biosciences $HOLL.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca
Posted by AGORACOM
at 6:10 PM on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
Stillcanna is a vertically integrated, European-based company with a focus on industrial-scale manufacturing of the highest quality CBD extracts
Stillcanna looks to become one of the largest producers of THC-free CBD extracts in Europe
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 26, 2020 /Â Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(OTC:PEMTF)(FRANKFURT:1WZGR) (“Mota“) and Stillcanna Inc. (STIL)(SCNNF)(A2PEWA) (“Stillcanna“) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a letter of intent (the “Letter of Intent“), dated effective February 25, 2020, pursuant to which Mota proposes to acquire all of the outstanding share capital of Stillcanna (the “Proposed Transaction“).
Strategic Merger
Mota
is a globally-focused CBD product development and marketing company
with established online retail brands in both the U.S. and Europe.
Through its acquisition of First Class CBD, Mota has become a
significant direct-to-consumer retail brand in the United States. In
2019, First Class CBD (then, a division of Unified Funding, LLC)
realized approximately C$28.7 million in revenue with an EBITDA of
approximately 12.5%.1 Mota’s successful e-commerce platform currently
serves over 140,000 online customers and has generated over 400,000
leads in the United States. With the roll-out of First Class CBD’s
proven e-marketing strategy throughout Europe, Mota believes that a
merger with a high-quality CBD producer is of paramount importance in
order to capture the large margins in the CBD-product supply chain.
Stillcanna
is a vertically integrated, European-based company with a focus on
industrial-scale manufacturing of the highest quality CBD extracts.
Using proprietary extraction techniques and purpose-built equipment,
Stillcanna looks to become one of the largest producers of THC-free CBD
extracts in Europe. Stillcanna’s Polish extraction facility, NEXUS, features
industrial-scale centrifugal chromatography equipment that allows for
the production of bulk THC-free CBD distillate as well as custom
Cannabinoid profiles. In February 2020, Stillcanna’s Romanian extraction
facility, ORIGIN,
which operates pursuant to a joint venture between Stillcanna and
Dragonfly Biosciences Ltd., received approval from the Ministry of
Health and the Anti-Drug Agency to become the first government
recognized extraction facility in the country. To date C$23,000,000 has
been invested by Stillcanna in the cultivation and extraction
operations, with current cash on hand in Stillcanna of approximately
C$7,000,000.
Stillcanna’s
CBD extracts are key to unlocking additional value in Mota’s retail
offerings in Europe. Through Stillcanna, Mota hopes to guarantee the
supply of high-quality CBD for its expanding product line in Europe,
while the large production capacity of NEXUS and ORIGIN will allow Mota to be a key supplier of legal CBD products in Europe.
“We
are very excited to pursue a transaction with Stillcanna. The merger of
this large-scale, high-quality CBD producer will fit brilliantly with
Mota’s strategic expansion plan to vertically integrate operations in
Europe while increasing profit margins in product offerings. Product
awareness and availability are still quite limited in Europe, which
presents an opportunity for Mota to further establish its brands in a
market that is expected to experience rapid growth in the near term.
With the Stillcanna merger, we’re putting together a team that can
create, market and sell consumer CBD products to European customers,”
stated Ryan Hoggan, CEO of Mota.
“Combining
a company that has established brands and direct-to-consumer sales
channels with one that has proven CBD extraction expertise makes perfect
sense to us,” commented Jason Dussault, CEO of Stillcanna. “The
wholesale landscape for CBD has changed dramatically in the past year,
and the creation of a seed-to-consumer CBD company in the growing
European market creates a direct path to profitability. This merger
completes the circle for Stillcanna, evolving from a seed to CBD
concentrate company to a seed to retail sales company.”
Merger Details
Under
the terms of the Proposed Transaction, Mota would acquire all of the
outstanding share capital of Stillcanna by way of a statutory plan of
arrangement under the Business Corporations Act of British Columbia Canada. Shareholders of Stillcanna (the “Stillcanna Shareholders“) would receive one common share of Mota for every 1.8 common shares of Stillcanna held at the time of exchange (the “Exchange Ratio“).
Based on the current outstanding common share capital of Stillcanna, it
is anticipated that Mota would issue approximately 61,597,082 Mota
shares to complete the Proposed Transaction.
Upon
completion of the Proposed Transaction: (i) all outstanding incentive
stock options of Stillcanna will be exchanged for options to purchase
Mota shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio and will thereafter be
subject to the incentive stock option plan of Mota; and (ii) all
unexercised share purchase warrants of Stillcanna will be exchanged for
warrants to purchase Mota shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio and
will expire in accordance with their current expiry dates.
Mota
and Stillcanna are at arms-length. The Proposed Transaction does not
constitute a reverse-takeover of Mota, nor is it expected to result in a
change of control of Mota within the meaning of applicable securities
laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Upon
completion of the Proposed Transaction, there will be no changes to the
management or the board of directors of Mota and it is expected that
members of management and the board of Stillcanna will continue to
assist in relation to the management of Stillcanna’s business.
Completion
of the Proposed Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions,
including, but not limited to: (i) satisfactory completion of due
diligence; (ii) negotiation of definitive, legally-binding
documentation; (iii) receipt of any required regulatory approvals,
including the court; (iv) the approval of the Stillcanna Shareholders;
(v) receipt of a satisfactory fairness opinion in respect of the
Proposed Transaction; (vi) Stillcanna having arranged to amend the terms
of certain existing employment and consulting engagements; (vii)
shareholders of Stillcanna holding at least 40,000,000 of the
outstanding share capital of Stillcanna having agreed to the terms of a
pooling arrangement restricting their ability to trade one-half of the
Mota shares they receive for a period of six months following completion
of the Proposed Transaction; (viii) Stillcanna having positive working
capital of not less than C$6,000,000, after taking into account all
expenses associated with the Proposed Transaction; and (ix) Mota
completing a private placement of units to raise gross proceeds of not
less than C$5,000,000 (the “Mota Financing“).
The Proposed Transaction cannot be completed until these conditions are
satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will
be completed as proposed or at all.
The
proposed Mota Financing will consist of units at a price of C$0.45 per
unit, with each unit comprised of one Mota common share and one share
purchase warrant of Mota. Each such warrant will be exercisable to
purchase one common share of Mota at a price of C$0.60 for a period of
two years. All securities to be issued in connection with the Mota
Financing will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold
period in accordance with applicable securities laws. Mota anticipates
paying finders fees to certain eligible parties who have introduced
subscribers to the Mota Financing.
The
board of directors of each of Mota, and Stillcanna, have unanimously
approved the Letter of Intent. Further information about the Proposed
Transaction will be included in subsequent press releases when
available.
About Mota Ventures Corp.
Mota
is seeking to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand. Its plan
is to cultivate and extract CBD into high-quality value-added products
from its Latin American operations and distribute it both domestically
and internationally. Its existing operations in Colombia consist of a
2.5-hectare site that has optimal year-round growing conditions and
access to all necessary infrastructure. Mota is looking to establish
sales channels and a distribution network internationally through the
acquisition of the Sativida and First Class CBD brands. Low cost
production, coupled with international, direct to customer sales
channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota.
About Stillcanna Inc.
Stillcanna
is a Canadian early-stage life sciences company focused on the
large-scale manufacturing of CBD in Europe using its proprietary
intellectual property. Stillcanna has signed an initial extraction
contract in Europe to be the exclusive extractor for Dragonfly
Biosciences LLC, a United Kingdom-based supplier of CBD. Stillcanna also
recently completed the acquisition of Olimax NT SP.Z.O.O., a
multi-generational hemp agricultural firm that is expected to increase
market share in the European CBD industry.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:34 AM on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
Announced a transition after the definitive close of First Class CBD acquisition
Appointed Ryan Dean Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer
Acquisition of First Class CBD coupled with the upcoming U.S. roll out of the Company’s European CBD brand, Sativida, made the appointment of Mr. Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer a natural fit
Mr. Hoggan brings more than 18 years of leadership, global business development and entrepreneurship experience in the health equipment, medical devices and natural health products sectors
VANCOUVER, BC / February 22, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC:PEMTF) (the “Company” or “Mota“) is pleased to announce a transition after the definitive close of First Class CBD acquisition, the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Ryan Dean Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer. The acquisition of First Class CBD coupled with the upcoming U.S. roll out of the Company’s European CBD brand, Sativida, made the appointment of Mr. Hoggan to Chief Executive Officer a natural fit. Ryan brings a wealth of expertise to this role, being one of the founders of Unified Funding LLC and First Class CBD. Ryan is an experienced strategist, with a strong understanding of building high value consumer brands with significant annual revenue. Ryan’s extensive background in the online e-commerce space will continue to drive the Company’s rapid growth in the US and spearhead its expansion into the European market. The Company intends to continue its roll up strategy of acquiring profitable, well-known CBD brands globally.
Mr. Hoggan brings more than 18 years of leadership, global business
development and entrepreneurship experience in the health equipment,
medical devices and natural health products sectors. Early in his
career, Ryan took on a leadership role in his family business, HOGGAN
Health Industries, where he led operations, business development and
marketing efforts. After identifying an untapped niche in the market, he
founded Hoggan Medical where he went on to launch over 100 health,
fitness and medical device products and negotiated contracts with big
and small customers including the Mayo Clinic, Boeing, Daimler AG and
the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA).
In 2014, Ryan discovered the power of CBD and essential oils – both
personally and professionally – after a personal health scare prompted
him to research and subsequently try holistic products to improve his
health. The experience ultimately led him to become a Partner and
President of Offer Space, LLC and Real Oil, LLC, two rapidly growing
E-commerce and technology companies focused on serving U.S. based and
international consumers in the CBD and natural health products market.
In June 2019, Mr. Hoggan led a strategic divestiture of the businesses
to Unified Funding, LLC to help continue an impressive growth trend.
Through the operations of Unified Funding, LLC, the business has
generated a database of over 4.5 million customer records and
facilitated over $200 million in consumer transactions from more than
one million paying customers in sectors such as beauty, nutrition and
CBD products.
Mr. Hoggan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from
Westminster College, an MBA from The University of Arizona and a Master
of Global Management (MGM) from the Thunderbird School of Global
Management at Arizona State University.
In connection with Ryan’s appointment to CEO, Joel Shacker will
transition to the role of President of the Company and will remain a
member of the board of directors.
“I am very excited to take on the CEO role at Mota and focus the
operations on becoming a global E-commerce CBD company. I am also
excited about the partnership between Unified and Sativida. Unified’s
extensive experience in the U.S. and strong logistics and supply chain
will provide significant support for the launch of the Sativida line in
the U.S. I believe through the direct-to-consumer online platforms we
will become a leader in the CBD space. We plan to aggressively expand
First Class’s existing operations in the U.S. as well as launch a
European expansion, which we anticipate will yield similar results to
our U.S. operations last year,” stated Ryan Hoggan, CEO of the Company.
“We are extremely happy to have someone with Ryan’s extensive
experience stepping into this role. I am confident in his ability to
execute on expanding operations and generating further revenue. I look
forward to continuing to build the Company in my new role as President
and to working with Ryan during his transition to CEO of Mota.” stated
Joel Shacker.
About Mota Ventures Corp.
Mota is seeking to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand.
Its plan is to cultivate and extract CBD into high-quality value-added
products from its Latin American operations and distribute it both
domestically and internationally. Its existing operations in Colombia
consist of a 2.5-hectare site that has optimal year-round growing
conditions and access to all necessary infrastructure. Mota is looking
to establish sales channels and a distribution network internationally
through the acquisition of the Sativida and First Class CBD brands. Low
cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer sales
channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MOTA VENTURES CORP. Joel Shacker
President
For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President & CEO at +604.423.4733 or by email at [email protected] or www.motaventuresco.com
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian
Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy
of this press release, which has been prepared by management.
All statements in this press release, other than statements of
historical fact, are “forward-looking information” with respect to the
Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with
respect to the Company’s rapid growth in the US and expansion into the
European market,its plans to become a vertically
integrated global CBD brand, its plans to cultivate and extract cannabis
to produce CBD and high-quality value added CBD products in Latin
America for distribution domestically and internationally and its plans
to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and
North America. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the
purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans
relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements
may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this
information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be
general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that
expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will
not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that
objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These
risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and
reported in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR
profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to
differ materially from those described in forward-looking information,
there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to
be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that
such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.
SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.
Tags: Cannabis, CSE, Hemp, Marijuana, stocks, tsx, tsx-v, weed Posted in Featured, Mota Ventures Corp. | Comments Off on Mota Ventures $MOTA.ca Announces Transition After Definitive Close of First Class #CBD Acquisition; Ryan Hoggan is New CEO $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 5:57 PM on Thursday, February 13th, 2020
With 165,000 patients, Empower Clinics (CBDT:CSE) (EPWCF:OTCQB) has a database that almost every medical cannabis and CBD company would kill for. Add in the fact patient visits increased 351% in Q4 and it becomes the kind of company small cap investors have been dying to find as they watch pretender companies melt away.
But it doesn’t end there.
CBD
extraction has been a key element of the company’s vertical
integration. Producing its’ own hemp-derived CBD products for its own
massive patient list just makes sense. However, thanks to an LOI (moving
towards definitive agreement) to JV with extraction experts Heritage
Cannabis, the Company’s 5,000 sq ft facility in Oregon is also planning
to serve big brand 3rd party partners in the USA . Empower brings the
infrastructure, Heritage brings the expertise and balance sheet. The
result is a match made in shareholder heaven with initial annual
capacity of 6,000 Kg at ~ $US 5,000 per Kg, which adds up to $US
30,000,000 in potential revenue.
But It Doesn’t End There
The Company’s CEO, Steven McAuley is Six Sigma certified under the quality initiative of legendary GE chairman Jack Welch. We’ve never seen a Six Sigma certified CEO in the Canadian small cap markets. Never …. which also explains how McAuley has brought Empower so far in just 11 months.
If anyone understands digital, it’s McAuley. So it should come as no surprise the Company just signed an exclusive multi-year, multi-national licensing deal with EuroLife to license its “Cannvas.me” cloud based online education platform for the US and Mexico. Amongst other things, Empower plans to integrate the education platform into its clinics across the United States to help further convert their 165,000 patient database to CBD and medical cannabis through proper education. Â
The site also contains premium content for physicians who need to educate themselves and comes with millions of page views already, as well as, 15,000 opted in subscribers, which explains the $460,000 in licensing over 3 years – but $210,000 of that is Empower stock priced at $0.10 (125% above current market prices, which gives you an idea of the confidence EuroLife principals have in the future of Empower.
P.S. The interview takes place from the floor of the Arizona Cannabis Expo, where Empower has multiple booths and an actual pop-up clinic to acquire new customers in real-time. That’s what happens when you have a company run by a Six Sigma Certified CEO.
Grab your favourite beverage and settle in to watch what may be your next great small cap investment.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 6:31 AM on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020
Announced that patient visits in corporate clinics increased by 188% in January 2020 versus the same period in 2019, with total patient visits of 1,750 in January 2020 compared to 607 in January 2019.
VANCOUVER, BC /February 11, 2020 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE:CBDT)(OTC:EPWCF)(Frankfurt:8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company is pleased to announce that patient visits in corporate clinics increased by 188% in January 2020 versus the same period in 2019, with total patient visits of 1,750 in January 2020 compared to 607 in January 2019.
“January patient volumes were strong, setting the stage for
potentially record first quarter patient visits, that are always focused
on the patient experience, it’s a competitive advantage and I continue
to be impressed with how our team members care for each and every
patient they see.” said Steven McAuley, Chairman & CEO of Empower.
“Looking forward, we are excited for our next franchise signings and the
expansion of our product lines, adding to the in-clinic retail
experience we are building.”
The Company utilizes it’s technology platform to communicate with
patients by text message, email and call center ensuring appointments
are confirmed and expected patient visits take place as planned.
The Company’s Sun Valley Health division also completed the set up
and build out of it’s retail product counter and sales areas in it’s
Tucson, AZ location, to showcase it’s CBD product line with over 50
unique SKU’s. Patients and customers can purchase product in clinic
locations or online at www.sunvalleyhealth.com.
ABOUT EMPOWER
Empower is a vertically-integrated health & wellness brand with
it’s first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility under development, the
Company produces its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based
products and distributes products through company owned and franchised
clinics, with wholesale partnerships, online channels and with new
retail opportunities nationwide in the U.S. The company is a leading
multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed wellness clinics,
focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through
innovative physician recommended treatment options. The company has
commenced activity on how to connect its significant data, to the
potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to
hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies.
Investors: Dustin Klein SVP, Business Development [email protected] 720-352-1398
For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: [email protected], T: (888) 585-MARI
DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”
or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking
statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and
projections as at the date of this news release.Forward-looking statements
can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”,
“expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”,
“estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar
words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will”
occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include
statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD
extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its
shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships;
the effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits
for Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based
products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the
Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a
market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019
and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on
assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or
developments to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a
hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that legislative changes may have an
adverse effect on the Company’s business and product development; that
the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its
business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and
social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in
connection with the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; and other
factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any
of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur
or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking
statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by
these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and
expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any
forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by
applicable laws.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 3:51 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020
SPONSOR: NORTHBUD (NBUD:CSE)
Sustainable low cost, high quality cannabinoid production and
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Cannabinoid Infused Products. Learn More.
Everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0
Edibles, extracts, topicals, and vapes are finally legal in Canada. Billed as Legalization 2.0, the regulations came into effect on October 17, 2019 and products have slowly begun to trickle onto the market ever since.
Edibles, extracts, topicals, and vapes are finally legal
in Canada. Billed as Legalization 2.0, the regulations came into effect
on October 17, 2019 and products have slowly begun to trickle onto the
market ever since.
From how to consume, to what to consume, here’s everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0.
Edibles 101
Cannabis-infused edibles are now available for sale through licensed
retailers in Canada, though there are strict rules around marketing and
dosing, including a limit of 10 mg of THC per packaged item.
Edibles in the form of food products, lozenges, and
beverages can produce effective, long-lasting, and safe experiences.
These forms of cannabis can also produce unpredictable effects that may feel like overdose symptoms. The difference is, of course, the dose, although it’s worth noting that while consuming too much can feel very unpleasant, no one has ever died from it.
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours for an edible to
fully kick in. Health Canada suggests that adults who use cannabis,
regardless of how they consume it, shouldn’t combine it with alcohol,
nicotine or other drugs.
