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

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

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

Feds Finally Crafting National CBD Rules

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

By: Louis Biscotti

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca – The case for treating #PTSD with #cannabis $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:55 PM on Thursday, November 14th, 2019

SPONSOR:

Why Empower Clinics

  • A leading owner/operator of physician staffed health and pain management clinics
  • Patient database of over 165,000 patients 
  • Platform generating $4MM USD in revenue annually (2019)
  • Proprietary technology platforms including Electronic Health Records portal and e-Commerce for CBD product distribution
  • Launching CBD extraction facility
  • First extraction system capacity = 6,000 Kg per year.

The case for treating PTSD with cannabis

  • Previous research has linked cannabis use with poorer mental health in PTSD patients, but it’s unclear whether cannabis exacerbates PTSD symptoms, or if patients with worse symptoms are simply self-medicating more.
  • Much of he existing evidence for cannabis as a PTSD treatment comes from patient reports of success.

Research shows that cannabis use by people living with post-traumatic stress disorder may reduce their likelihood of depression and suicide

Stock photo This article, written by Stephanie Lake, University of British Columbia and M-J Milloy, University of British Columbia, originally appeared on The Conversation and has been republished here with permission:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition linked to surviving or witnessing a traumatic life event, will affect around one in 10 Canadians at some point in their lives. PTSD can cause agitation, flashbacks, impaired concentration and memory, insomnia and nightmares and these symptoms can increase the risk of substance abuse and dependence, depression and suicide.

Many patients struggle to find adequate symptom relief from conventional treatments for PTSD including anti-depressant or anti-psychotic medications and psychological treatments such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy.

Unsurprisingly, many turn to alternative ways of coping — such as medical cannabis use. This is especially evident in the dramatic rise in number of Canadian military veterans receiving government reimbursement for medical cannabis, with PTSD as a common reason for use.

The results of clinical trials testing cannabis as a PTSD treatment are pending. Previous research has linked cannabis use with poorer mental health in PTSD patients, but it’s unclear whether cannabis exacerbates PTSD symptoms, or if patients with worse symptoms are simply self-medicating more. Much of the existing evidence for cannabis as a PTSD treatment comes from patient reports of success.

As epidemiologists and substance use researchers, we have been exploring the relationship between cannabis and PTSD using readily available Statistics Canada mental health data.

In a recent study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, we found that PTSD increased the risk of major depressive episodes among Canadians who didn’t use cannabis by roughly seven times, and suicidal ideation by roughly five times. But, among Canadians who did use cannabis, PTSD was not statistically associated with either outcome.

How cannabis works in the body

Substance use, including cannabis use, is common among trauma survivors. It’s easy to write off the drug as just a tool to briefly escape negative feelings, at the risk of worsening longer-term symptoms. However, the relationship between cannabis and PTSD is more complex than it appears on the surface.

Our bodies naturally produce molecules called endogenous cannabinoids that fit into special cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body. This endocannabinoid system is involved in stabilizing bodily processes, including regulating many functions of the brain that tend to be affected after traumatic experiences, such as fear, memory and sleep.

Certain components of the cannabis plant, including the well-known molecules tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the component of cannabis that produces the high) and cannabidiol (CBD, the component of cannabis that won’t get you high, but has potential for treating epilepsy, inflammation, nausea and anxiety) are also cannabinoids because of their structural similarity to endogenous cannabinoids.

Even though THC and CBD aren’t naturally produced in our bodies, they can interact with the endocannabinoid system to influence a number of biological processes.

Research is still uncovering if and how cannabis works within the body to affect the course of PTSD. Brain imaging research suggests that patients with PTSD have an abundance of cannabinoid receptors but produce few endogenous cannabinoids to lock into them, meaning that supplementing the body with plant-based cannabinoids like THC might help some brain processes function as normal.

Reduced depression and suicide

Roughly one in four individuals with PTSD in the Statistics Canada survey data that we analyzed used cannabis, compared to about one in nine in the general population.

In our study, we used statistical models to quantify the relationship between having PTSD and recently experiencing a major depressive episode or suicidal ideation. We hypothesized that if cannabis helped mitigate symptoms of PTSD, we’d see a much weaker association between PTSD and these indicators of mental distress in the cannabis-using population.

Indeed, exploring the associations in this way while controlling for other factors (such as sex, age, income, other substance use, other mental health problems) supported our hypothesis.

In a follow-up analysis of the 420 individuals in the sample who had PTSD, we categorised cannabis use into “no use,” “low-risk use” and “high-risk use” (meaning that they screened positive for cannabis abuse or dependence).

We found that low-risk cannabis users were actually less likely than non-users to develop a major depressive episode or to be suicidal, though there was a trend towards increased risk of both outcomes for the high-risk users.

A promising new signal

People with PTSD are more likely to experience depression and suicidal ideation. However, our findings suggested that these indicators of mental health were improved when they were engaging in lower-risk cannabis use.

Our study has a number of limitations that prevent us from being able to understand whether cannabis is what’s causing the reduced association between PTSD, depression and suicide.

For example, our data captures information covering participants’ experiences from the previous year, meaning we can’t actually decipher what came first: the cannabis use, the PTSD or the major psychological episodes.

We didn’t have detailed information about how participants used cannabis: for example, the type and dose of cannabis they used, how often they used it or how they consumed it. These details will be crucial to future research in this area.

Our study’s strength comes from its ability to describe patterns of PTSD symptoms and cannabis use in a large sample that’s considered to be representative of the Canadian population. Although our findings suggest that cannabis could be of possible therapeutic use in the treatment of PTSD, cannabis use is not without risks, including the development of cannabis use disorder.

We’ve uncovered a promising new signal on the potential of cannabis-based therapies, but we look forward to much work ahead in understanding how they might fit into PTSD and mental health treatment more broadly.

Source: https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/local-news/canada-the-case-for-treating-ptsd-with-cannabis-1831760

Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Reports Q3 2019 Results Highlighted by a 137% increase in clinic revenues compared to Q3 2018 $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:23 AM on Thursday, November 14th, 2019
  • 5,807 patient visits generated revenue of $663,003, compared to 1,864 patient visits that generated $279,850 for Q3 2018.
  • Cash used in operating activities improved by $1,309,913 from $3,129,583 for YTD 2018, compared to $1,819,670 for YTD 2019.

VANCOUVER, Nov. 14, 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., has filed today its unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30th, 2019 and related management’s discussion and analysis, both of which are available at www.SEDAR.com. All financial information in this press release is reported in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

“Our focus on operational excellence and cost controls are key contributors to strong year-over-year growth numbers and the reduction in direct clinic expense, as we continue to serve the 165,000 patients in our database,” said Steven McAuley, Empowers Chairman & CEO. “The Company is beginning to fulfill its promise of vertical integration with the build-out of the extraction and production center in Portland, OR plus with an increased focus on our proprietary CBD product lines and diversified clinic revenues, the Company has a clear path of growth and profitability going forward.”

Q3 2019 Highlights

  • 5,807 patient visits generated revenue of $663,003, compared to 1,864 patient visits that generated $279,850 for Q3 2018.

  • Net loss of $504,531, compared to $378,657 for Q3 2018, which was primarily driven by increased revenues and fair value adjustments offset by net increased in operating expenses related to the operations of Sun Valley.

  • Cash used in operating activities improved by $1,309,913 from $3,129,583 for YTD 2018, compared to $1,819,670 for YTD 2019.

  • Cash at September 30, 2019 of $178,578, compared to $157,668 at December 31, 2018, which was primarily driven by debt and equity financings during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and partially offset by cash used in operations, the cash investment in Sun Valley and cash investment in Sun Valley Health Franchise launch.

Highlights

  • Strategic redirection: The Company has been re-positioning its overall strategy to become a vertically integrated health and wellness brand that connects to its 165,000 patients using a data driven focus to improve patients’ lives with products, technology and health systems.

  • Experienced and Seasoned Board of Directors: The Company Board of Directors includes its CEO Steven McAuley, Dustin Klein, the Co-Founder of Sun Valley Clinics and the SVP, Business Development and Andrejs Bunkse, owner and practicing attorney of Rain Legal and Counsel to numerous cannabis enterprises in the U.S. and Canada.

  • Strategic Development: The Company has opened its first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility in greater Portland, Oregon with the first extraction system expected to have the capacity to produce 6,000 kg of extracted product per year. The Company took possession of the new extraction facility June 1st, 2019 and has been awarded it’s hemp-handlers licence from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, allowing the Company to enter the next phase of build-out and full operations in 2019. The Company expects preliminary production of its Sollievo CBD line to take place in the extraction center in 4Q 2019.

  • Strategic Partnership: The Company has entered into a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to form a Joint Venture Partnership (“JV”) with Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp (CSE: CANN) (“Heritage”). Terms of the LOI have Empower and Heritage each with a 50% ownership of the JV. Heritage will install extraction units and related downstream extraction equipment inside Empower’s existing licenced hemp processing facility in Sandy, Oregon. Once operational, the JV will begin producing proprietary branded products for Empower’s clinics and third party partners for distribution in the United States.

2019 Outlook and Catalysts

  • Enhanced Corporate Governance: The Company has prioritized corporate governance practices under the leadership of its Board of Directors and Chairman Steven McAuley, to ensure financial and accounting controls operate at the highest of standards.

  • Improved Capital Markets Profile: Empower is diversifying its business model to become a vertically integrated operator in the global cannabis sector with a focus on patient care, CBD product distribution, research & development and CBD product extraction. The Company believes this will appeal to a broader base of shareholders and investors and provide greater access to capital and improved trading liquidity.

  • Increased Patient Access: With a rapidly expanding company-owned clinic network and significant expansion opportunity through the Sun Valley Health franchise model, Empower anticipates it will grow its total patient list substantially in the years ahead. This is expected to provide greater opportunity for treatment analysis using artificial intelligence (AI), through progressive initiatives that include adding the Endocanna DNA test kit to the Company product & service offering in clinics and online. Ensuring the Company is a leader in understanding the efficacy of cannabis-related treatment options is an imperative.

  • Focus on CBD Product Sales: The Company has launched its online store to sell its lines of hemp-derived CBD based products and premium health & wellness supplements. Customers can purchase products, including CBD lotions, tinctures, spectrum oils, capsules, lozenges, patches, e-drinks, topical lotions, gel caps, hemp extract drops and pet-elixir hemp extract drops. Patients and customers will be able to access Sun Valley Health customer service, home delivery and e-commerce platforms.

  • Market Leading Technology: Empower utilizes market-leading patient electronic management and POS system that is HIPAA compliant and provides deep insight to patient care. The Company supports remote patients using its tele-medicine portal, enabling patients who do not live near one of its clinic locations, or are disabled or unable to come to a location, to still benefit from a doctor consultation.

  • New Modalities and Services: The Company has launched new physician based modalities and services into the Sun Valley Health clinics and has commenced booking appointments and providing the new services. Each of these services provides the opportunity for increased patient retention, higher revenue per patient visit and increased patient visits per year. The new services include:

    • Physician’s CBD Enhanced Massage, Acupuncture, or Cupping Sessions

    • CBD-Cannabis-Supplement Consumption & Coaching Consultation

    • Introduction to Alternative Health and Cannabinoid Therapies by a Physician

    • Comprehensive Naturopathic Patient Analysis & Consultation

    • Dietary Antigen Testing, Physician Consultation/Action Plan, & Concierge Blood Draw

    • Neurotransmitter (urine) Profile & Physician Consultation/Action Plan

    • Spectracell Micronutrient Test & Physician Consultation/Action Plan
  • Launches Nationwide Franchise: The Company has launched its nationwide franchise program under the Sun Valley Health brand to dramatically grow our clinic & store footprint increasing direct access to patients and to sell hemp-derived CBD products and premium wellness products directly to our customers and online at our new e-commerce store at www.sunvalleyhealth.com

Financial Summary

  $, except patient visits Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Patient visits 5,807 1,864 11,304 6,293
Clinic revenues 663,003 279,850 1,406,872 894,477
Direct clinic expenses (55,397) (88,956) (177,560) (301,392)
Loss from operations (843,897) (405,048) (2,547,276) (3,716,474)
Net loss (504,531) (378,657) (2,359,579) (5,132,848)
Net loss per share (0.00) (0.01) (0.02) (0.09)

Financial Performance

Clinic revenues for Q3 2019 were $663,003, compared to Q3 2018 revenues of $279,850. This increase over the prior year is attributable to the acquisition of Sun Valley Clinics.

Direct clinic expenses for Q3 2019 were $55,397, compared to Q3 2018 direct clinic expenses of $88,956. These expenses declined despite the increase in revenues due to improved operational controls to align labor cost with direct patient consultations. The Company employs a diverse mix of physicians and practitioners.

Net loss from operations for Q3 2019 was $843,897, compared to Q3 2018 net loss of $405,048. This increase in loss over prior year is primarily attributable operating expenses increasing due to timing of recognition of the expense associated with non-cash share-based awards to management.

Net loss for Q3 2019 was $504,531, respectively, compared to Q3 2018 net loss of $378,657. This increase over prior year is primarily attributable to the increase in operating expenses as noted above, which was partially offset by gains on change in fair value of the conversion option of convertible debentures and warrants.

During Q3 2019, the Company used $1,819,670 in cash from operations after changes in non-cash working capital. The Company invested $629,636 for the acquisition of Sun Valley Clinics and raised $2,470,216 via proceeds from various issuances of shares, convertible debentures and notes.

Please refer to the Company’s unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, related notes and accompanying management discussion and analysis for a full review of the operations.

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 operational in 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.

SOURCE Empower Clinics Inc.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2019/14/c6801.html

Investors: Steve Low, Boom Capital Markets, [email protected], 647-620-5101; Investors: Steven McAuley, CEO, [email protected], 604-789-2146; For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: [email protected], T: (888) 585-MARICopyright CNW Group 2019

CLIENT FEATURE: Empower Clinics With 165,000 Patients Already, $CBDT.ca Is Positioned To Become A Medical #Cannabis & #CBD Retail Killer $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

Why Empower Clinics?

  • A leading owner/operator of physician staffed health and pain management clinics.
  • Patient database of over 165,000 patients 
  • Platform generating $4MM USD in revenue annually (2019)
  • Q3 2019 preliminary unaudited revenue saw a year over year growth of approximately 138%
  • Proprietary technology platforms including Electronic Health Records portal and e-Commerce for CBD product distribution
  • Launching CBD extraction facility
  • First extraction system capacity = 6,000 Kg per year.
  • CBD based products are poised to be a $20B global industry by 2022
  • Medical cannabis is poised to be a $100B global industry by 2025

 The Team

 The Products

  • Commenced selling its proprietary line of CBD-based products called SOLLIEVO
  • Empower’s patient base and customers are expected to benefit from access to high margin derivative products, including CBD lotion, tinctures, spectrum oils, capsules, lozenges, patches, e-drinks, topical lotions, gel caps, hemp extract drops and pet elixir hemp extract drops.
  • Patients and customers will be able to access Empower’s home delivery and e-commerce platform.

CBD Extraction

  • Opening first CBD Extraction facility in Portland, OR.
  • 5,000 sq. ft. leased building with first extraction system capable of producing 20kg per day of 99% spectrum oil, isolate or distillate
  • Current wholesale pricing is $6,500 USD per kg with annual capacity of 6,000kg an estimated $39MM USD revenue.
  • Facility can scale to four extraction systems for up to 24,000kg of product and over $150MM USD revenue

FULL DISCLOSURE: Empower Clinics is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

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

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

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


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The CBD Industry Flourishes After Overcoming Certain Legal Barriers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jerrard Jonson

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

Availability

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

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

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

Longer-Lasting Effects

Img source: kushiebites.com

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

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

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

CBD’s Benefits

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

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

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

Affordability

Img source: kushiebites.com

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

Easy to Take

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

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

Conclusion

Img source: whio.com

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

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

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

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

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

About Aqua Farming Tech Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President, Andy Jagpal Comments:

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

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

About Primo Nutraceuticals, Inc.

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

On behalf of the Board of Directors

PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC.

Andy Jagpal, President and Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aerial View of 120 Acre Farm

Aerial View of 120 Acre Farm

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – Top 10 #Marijuana Industry News Stories $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:44 PM on Monday, November 11th, 2019

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

NBUD: CSE
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Top 10 Marijuana Industry News Stories

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

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

Without further ado, let’s get started.

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

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

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

READ FULL DRAKE ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL AIR CANADA ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL MEXICO ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL CANOPY GROWTH ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL FDA CBD ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL ONTARIO ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL MICHIGAN ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL CANADA STATS ARTICLE

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

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

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

READ FULL MMJ SENATE ARTICLE

1. Breakthrough in CDC Vape Crisis Investigation

Vitamin E Acetate Linked to THC May Be to Blame

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

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

PRIMO Nutraceuticals Inc. $PRMO.ca – Top 5 Benefits of #CBD Oil $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:23 AM on Monday, November 11th, 2019

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

Top 5 Benefits of CBD Oil

  • Did you know that there are more than 100 chemical elements present in the cannabis plant, with CDB oil being only one of them?
  • This oil has not only proven to be an effective treatment for insomnia, stress and other medical conditions, it also helps improve mental health.

By Guest Contributor

CBD has been found to be an effective treatment option for multiple physical and psychological conditions. But, before you start, here are a few benefits you should know.

Did you know that there are more than 100 chemical elements present in the cannabis plant, with CDB oil being only one of them? This oil has not only proven to be an effective treatment for insomnia, stress and other medical conditions, it also helps improve mental health.

The best part is that although found in the cannabis plant, it does have any intoxicating properties and is safe for use by anyone.

However, it is important to buy CBD oil, glass bong bowls and other devices only from the best online smoke shop, says BomDiggidy, a leading provider of a wide range of CBD infused products, including body butter, lip balm, soap and roll-ons.

1.      Reduces Anxiety and Depression

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 6% of Americans are affected by depression and 18% by anxiety. CBD oil has proven to be one of the best cures for these mental health issues. Serotonin is a natural mood enhancer, released in the brain, and the usage of the oil can help regulate and stabilize this process.

A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology revealed that an oral dose of 400mg could help alleviate depression and social anxiety. It also helps the brain minimize and control the breakdown of Anandamide, the “bliss” element. This, in turn, improves the mental state to a great extent.

2.      CBD and  Cancer

Research shows that non-psychoactive CBD oils have anti-cancer properties. In fact, it can even help kill cancer cells in humans and prevent them from spreading across the body. Apart from this, many side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, vomiting and so on are relieved or prevented.

3.      Helps Improve Sleep

CBD improves the quality of sleep for people with arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Since it is a good cure for a number of other discomforts, such as pain, stress, anxiety and so on, it automatically induces sleep by taking care of the discomfort.

4.      Cures Skin Conditions

CBD has been also proven to improve skin conditions like acne, by fighting inflammation. It is widely being used in creams and lotions to help clear breakouts by reducing sebum production. CBD oil also has antioxidant properties, which fight wrinkles, dullness and other signs of aging skin. It also works great for people with sensitive skin because of its soothing properties, which minimize redness and other types of irritation.

5.      Helps Ease Chronic Pain

When taken in a moderate amount, under the tongue, CBD oils can help in curing chronic pain and inflammation in the human body, including multiple sclerosis and arthritis. This is done by influencing the endocannabinoid receptor activity and affecting the neurotransmitters. It also minimizes surgical and nerve pain.

Source: https://southfloridareporter.com/top-5-benefits-of-cbd-oil/

New Report Says #CBD Sales Could Surpass $1B In 2019, $10B By 2024 SPONSOR: Empower Clinics $CBDT $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:47 AM on Thursday, November 7th, 2019

SPONSOR:

Why Empower Clinics

  • A leading owner/operator of physician staffed health and pain management clinics
  • Patient database of over 165,000 patients 
  • Platform generating $4MM USD in revenue annually (2019)
  • Proprietary technology platforms including Electronic Health Records portal and e-Commerce for CBD product distribution
  • Launching CBD extraction facility
  • First extraction system capacity = 6,000 Kg per year.

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New Report Says CBD Sales Could Surpass $1B In 2019, $10B By 2024

Javier Hasse

A new report produced by the editors of Hemp Industry Daily says retail sales of CBD in the United States are on track to surpassing $1 billion in 2019. This would imply 133% growth over 2018 sales.

Even more interestingly, the newly released 2019 Hemp & CBD Industry Factbook says CBD retail sales in the U.S. may eclipse $10 billion by 2024.

“The recent surge of consumer demand for CBD, coupled with increasingly easy access to CBD products, is expected to drive retail sales to about $1.1 billion-$1.3 billion in 2019,” said Kristen Nichols, editor of the Second Annual Hemp & CBD Industry Factbook. “We project retail CBD sales will increase to $10.3 billion by 2024, a five-year compound annual growth rate of 54%.”

Seeking to fill the gap left by the lack of federal agencies tracking hemp as a commodity, the 2019 Annual Hemp & CBD Industry Factbook seeks to provide understanding of the current and future challenges needed to make the most accurate and informed business decisions. Research-driven insights, will help business professionals understand economic, agricultural and regulatory developments impacting their positions and growth in the industry.

“Imagine running a race with brand-new shoes and a burst of energy but no idea what the course looks like. That’s somewhat the position in which today’s hempy industry finds itself,” Nichols said. “Relying on deeply researched data points along the way could make the difference between hitting the finish line and running off course.”

Source: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/10/14614694/new-report-says-cbd-sales-could-surpass-1b-in-2019-10b-by-2024