As I stepped into the Canadian cannabis industry in early 2018 as a seasoned commodity professional, it didn’t take me long to realize that this was not an industry for the faint of heart.
Regulated cannabis is a market that demands financial prudence, lean operations, and a hyper-focus on executing corporate strategies. The uncertainty of a new emerging market was expected, but I don’t think anyone foresaw that the Canadian market would get stuck in second gear while the world caught up and eroded our first mover advantage.
Canadian industry experts such as Dan Sutton, Myrna Gillis, George Smitherman, Nathan Mison, and many others continue to advocate for regulatory changes required for a sustainable domestic cannabis industry. Despite these challenges, caused by numerous factors, there are still select licensed producers/processors (LPs) that have been able to succeed in domestic and international markets.
With the global cannabis landscape rapidly evolving, LPs must broaden their global reach to tap into higher-priced markets to ensure their survival.
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Now, as Canada’s cannabis industry approaches its fifth year of legalization, there is a growing urgency to expand internationally and capture new markets. The good news is that many Canadian LPs are already exploring international opportunities and helping to develop this emerging market.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Canadian Cannabis Exchange (CCX), 10 per cent of Canadian LPs are exporting cannabis products to other countries and 40 per cent plan to make exporting part of their marketing mix. Germany, Australia, Israel, and the United Kingdom are the top destinations from the survey. The development of new supply channels to international markets led by LPs, consultants, and brokers/exchanges is a significant boost to the cannabis industry.
What is required to advance?
Canadian LPs face regulatory hurdles when expanding into international markets. They must comply with the regulatory frameworks in the target markets, including obtaining import and export permits, and meeting international standards such as GPP, GMP, EU-GMP, GACP, and CUMCS-G.A.P., IMC-G.A.P.
These licensing standards are stringent and cover all aspects of cannabis cultivation, processing, packaging, and distribution. There are many Canadian LPs holding these types of licenses and even more who are nearing a range of certifications.
However, obtaining certification is not easy and involves significant costs, reporting, inspections, third-party audits, and recertifications. Given that the global cannabis market is projected to grow to $73.6 billion by 2027, with medical cannabis driving the majority of growth, entering this channel is crucial for producers.
Germany
In Germany, strict quality standards for the production, import, and distribution of medical cannabis are enforced by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). To deliver medical cannabis to this country, Canadian LPs must meet the BfArM’s standards, have a valid Health Canada issued export permit, an EU-GMP certified product, as well as a corresponding German import permit.
Announcements of the recreational cannabis framework are still pending but reports in early April 2023 indicate the delay of nationwide adult-use sales in Germany’s reported two-phase approach to legalization. This may impact Canadian cannabis companies looking to export into Germany. The companies that were preparing for a free-market model, with increased national distribution, may have to wait until the second phase to see the expected market growth. However, the first phase, including home cultivation and non-commercial cannabis clubs, still presents opportunities for Canadian companies to establish themselves in the medical German market as they achieve EU-GMP certification.
In 2022, Germany witnessed a significant increase in the importation of medical cannabis, and Canada accounted for 8,966 kilograms of dried flower imports. Overall, according to recent statistics published by the BfArM, nearly 25,000 kilograms (27.6 tons) of cannabis was imported, which represents a 19 per cent increase compared to the 20,769 kilograms imported in 2021. This was the slowest growth since 2018 and doesn’t account for a re-export of product to other medical European markets.
According to pharmaceutical data provider Insight Health, cannabis extracts witnessed the most rapid growth among all categories in the German market, constituting roughly 26 per cent of the market share in October 2022 – a marked increase of 21 per cent from the preceding year. These values underscore the importance of developing medical distribution channels, exploring other European countries, and fulfilling multiple product categories.
Israel
The Israeli cannabis regulator IMCA was formed in 2013 in response to the first government resolution to control the cannabis industry, which was passed in 2011. The Israeli cannabis industry has been rapidly evolving in recent years, with the country becoming a leading option for Canadian cannabis exports (18,045 kg in 2022).
To import cannabis into Israel, companies must hold an IMC-GMP or equivalent CUMCS certification issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health’s Medical Cannabis Unit. This certification ensures that the cannabis meets strict quality and safety standards, including testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.
To date, Canada has seen limited price compression for cannabis exporting into Israel as the market has grown in similar size compared to the newly licensed CUMCS production. Expect to see, in early 2024, the global supply of Israeli certified product catch up with the growth in the Israeli market. And similar to Germany, re-export to neighboring countries could also be a viable opportunity for the country.
Germany and Israel are just two of the international export opportunities present today for Canadian cultivators. Growing demand for cannabis worldwide presents a significant opportunity for Canadian LPs to expand into international markets. Tapping CCX’s connections, industry consultants, or the newly formed Global Cannabis Trade Association (GCTA), can substantially open doors to new distribution and revenue channels.
I also believe the government should provide financial support to Canadian cannabis LPs in obtaining these international certifications. Canadian companies are competing together against low-cost supply from countries such as Colombia, South Africa, and many other emerging markets. Government assistance would not only promote Canada’s reputation, once again highlighting Canadian cannabis on the world stage, but it would also benefit all those involved.
Steve Clark is regarded for his expertise in business development. He co-founded Canadian LP 314 Pure and advises on multiple industry boards. Steve’s innovative drive is the force behind CCX’s success, where he currently serves as founder and CEO.
Diabetes – Blood glucose levels reduced by 19.9% with patented DehydraTECH(TM) processed CBD
Epilepsy – Lower dosages of DehydraTECH-CBD were needed to achieve the same results of Epidiolex(R) in the company’s animal epilepsy study
Dementia – Lexaria determined that a longer testing duration is needed for DehydraTECH-CBD in cognition studies
Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, including the company’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology, recently reported additional findings from its diabetes animal study DIAB-A22-1, as well as updates on two other applied R&D programs for dementia (DEM-A22-1) and epilepsy (EPIL-A21-1).
In March, Lexaria announced that it had completed initial testing using DehydraTECH-CBD in its diabetes animal model study. It initially produced three positive outcomes, including weight loss in obese diabetic-conditioned animals and improved triglyceride and cholesterol levels. After the initial testing, Lexaria undertook an additional round of analysis to explore other study outcomes, including using an additional blood glucose assay detection system with higher detection sensitivity than was used in the first round of testing.
Using the Antech hexokinase blood chemistry test panel methodology, the company discovered that blood glucose levels were statistically significantly lowered by 19.9 ± 7% in the obese diabetic-conditioned animals treated with the DehydraTECH-CBD 30 mg/Kg dose. This finding appears to be a discovery of a property not generally known to be associated with generic CBD treatment. The findings in DIAB-A22-1 and DehydraTECH-CBD’s ability to reduce animal blood sugar levels are extremely encouraging for Lexaria and warrant additional research.
Lexaria announced dementia study DEM-A22-1 in November 2022 to investigate whether DehydraTECH-CBD enables pro-cognitive performance enhancements in its model, potentially for use in dementia treatment. Although findings were generally unremarkable and several unexpected study complications may have muted efficacy distinction ability, the company recognizes that previous research by other investigators using CBD in this animal model has required dosing over a longer duration. Lexaria will consider this if further testing is considered in the future – including with DehydraTECH-processed nicotine as another agent known to enhance cognitive performance when delivered effectively.
Also announced in November 2022, Lexaria completed two parts of its EPIL-A21-1 study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of DehydraTECH-CBD in comparison to one of the world’s leading anti-seizure medications, Epidiolex(R), in reducing seizure activity using an established, vehicle-controlled, acute animal seizure model induced by electrical stimulation. Findings of the initial study appear to demonstrate that DehydraTECH-CBD had effectiveness at lower dosages and faster than Epidiolex(R).
Since the initial announcement, Lexaria has completed the final electrical stimulation study under EPIL-A21-1, which was designed to establish an ED50 (the dose required to achieve seizure inhibition in 50% of the animals tested) for DehydraTECH-CBD in this animal model. This ED50 study was designed to corroborate prior findings.
Lexaria was able to confirm that the outcome demonstrated that DehydraTECH-CBD was most effective at a dose of 75 mg/Kg, also as previously reported from the initial round of work in this animal model, which compared favorably to Epidiolex(R), which generally requires a higher dose of 100 mg/Kg to achieve the same results.
Since the development of DehydraTECH in 2014, Lexaria has yielded 34 granted patents, with many more pending patents in countries worldwide. The benefits of using this patented technology include the delivery of bioactive substances via oral ingestion without the need for unhealthy practices of inhalational dosing and without the need for co-administration with unhealthy sugars or sweeteners commonly used to mask bitter tastes. Lexaria is testing its technology for various indications and needs currently unmet by available medical treatments.
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(Globe Newswire) Toronto — Avicanna Inc., a commercial stage, international biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization of evidence-based, cannabinoid-based products, has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC) to sponsor CICC in making available and providing access to the Canadian Cannabis Syllabus (CCS), continuing education course accredited by the University of Calgary’s Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, available to the Canadian medical community.
“We are proud to be sponsoring CCIC who have championed the advancement of evidence-based research and education on the endocannabinoid system in Canada. In line with the launch of MyMedi.ca and our commitment to advance medical cannabis access, we believe that the CCS can be an effective tool to provide education for healthcare providers and provide information to support the adoption of medical cannabis by the medical community.” — Dr. Karolina Urban, EVP of medical affairs, Avicanna Inc.
“The CCIC is excited to develop this relationship with Avicanna as it will help to ensure the dissemination of accurate, scientifically valid and vetted information regarding the biology of cannabis and how it impacts the human body, potential therapeutic approaches that cannabis and cannabinoid products could be leveraged for with respect to specific disease states and putative health risks associated with cannabis use and the development of cannabis use disorder.” — Dr. Matthew Hill, executive director, CCIC
Through the sponsorship agreement the CCS will be offered to healthcare providers interested in learning more about medical cannabis as a part of their practice. The CCS provides foundational knowledge and considerations for all healthcare professionals interested in learning more about cannabis and cannabinoid products in clinical practice.
The legalization of adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts has led to an increase in individuals exploring the world of cannabis. However, amid this experimentation, there can be an undesirable and unexpected aspect to the experience: the unending high.
A dynamic duo consisting of a mother and her son, both from Boston, may have stumbled upon a potential solution, aptly named Soft Landing. Eli, the son and a recent graduate from Cornell University, describes Soft Landing as a unique twist on the traditional edible. While typical edibles bring about an intoxicating effect through THC, Soft Landing aims to counteract this by providing a calming influence.
Stoloff became aware of the need for such a product during his time at Cornell, where he heard stories of fellow students consuming edibles with no easy way to come down from the intense high. “The delayed effects of edibles are the cause,” he said. “You consume a gummy bear, wait patiently for 10 minutes, feel nothing, and then consume two more. An hour later, you find yourself on your bathroom floor, bewildered and disoriented.”
To address this issue, Stoloff and his mother, Alice Stone, embarked on a journey to develop a chocolate bar that would grant marijuana users greater control over their high. Stone, an entrepreneur with expertise in alternative healing methods, stumbled upon a medical journal article describing a naturally occurring molecule present in various herbs and spices. This molecule exhibited the potential to counteract the effects of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
“After extensive experimentation and fine-tuning,” Stoloff explains, “we managed to formulate the optimal delivery method for this molecule, ensuring maximum efficacy.”
Subsequently, Soft Landing underwent a medical survey, revealing that 80% of participants rated it as “effective” or “very effective.” This positive response caught the attention of Sean Hope, cofounder of Yamba Market in Cambridge, who has now become an investor in the venture. Hope personally tested the chocolate and shared his experience. “It truly brought about a sense of balance within me,” he said. “The impact was immediate. I can confidently say that this product works. . . . I am convinced that we have a winning product here, and together, we are unstoppable.”
Looking ahead, Soft Landing is on the verge of entering the consumer market and actively seeking further investors to expand production and meet the growing demand.
For the individuals who will have access to the THC-based formulations made by companies such as IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC), there will be no risk of getting “high.” These companies are making offerings that meet strict FDA requirements so that patients can reap the benefits of the cannabinoid without being intoxicated by their medication.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC
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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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Folks wanting to enjoy a slice of the vibrant Kootenay cannabis culture, a few days of camping in the woods, and an array of eclectic electronic and acoustic music will gather once again at The Unicorn Music Festival, formally known as Unicorn Cup, located near Salmo, BC.
Now in its sixth year, this summer’s event takes place August 11-14 as it continues to establish itself as a popular gathering in the region.
Campers will enjoy three days and three nights of music, cannabis, and community immersed within several hundred acres of BC woodland beside beautiful Rosebud Lake. While there are electric and acoustic music stages (including one floating on the lake), campers will also get to explore new Immersive Camps experiences and a dedicated “holistic” stage for activities such as yoga, sound healing, wellness talks and various interactive workshops.
The festival features The Rosebud Bowl, a cannabis comparison where VIPs, or VIUs (Very Important Unicorns), have access to a few extra features, including a kit containing educational cannabis materials and an assessment guide.
Che LeBlanc, one of the founders of the event and a local cannabis grower whose farm, Rosebud Cannabis Farms is adjacent to the festival, says the event has been steadily growing in size. Around 350 people attended last year’s gathering, and he expects about twice as many this year.
He and his team are taking a slow and steady approach to the festival, with a long-term vision of expanding to something that can serve several thousand annual attendees.
“We’re only going to grow as quickly as we can maintain respect for the land and the environment,” emphasizes LeBlanc. “That’s really a cornerstone of this event, taking care of and working in harmony with the people and land that supports us.”
With Rosebud Farms located right next to the festival grounds, his long-term goal includes integrating farm tours and cannabis sales, once provincial laws allow it.
“I’d love to give tours of the regenerative farm as part of the event,” he continues. “We would love to be able to sell cannabis on-site, that would be a great step in the right direction,” adding that he has heard the province is beginning to look at these rule changes and hopes to hear more soon.
He attributes the festival’s rapid growth to the strength and unique flavour of the Kootenay community.
“There is something for everybody. A lot of the cannabis community is here, a lot of budtenders, a lot of brands. But it’s also a beautiful music and camping festival at the same time. I think that’s part of the reason we’re getting the attention that we’re getting. It’s quite unique to incorporate all of this together, the arts, performance, camping and cannabis.”
The Unicorn Music Festival offers tickets priced at $220, which includes a camping pass and full access to the three-day festival, along with a three-night camping experience. It’s important to note that camping follows a pack-in-pack-out leave no trace policy.
Those who purchase a VIU (Very Important Unicorn) ticket priced at $420, will have full access to the event, the privilege of car-camping, and the opportunity to engage in a meet and greet with keynote speakers. Additionally, the ticket encompasses a welcome package, complete with directions for participation in the Rosebud Bowl, educational cannabis reference materials, and an official link to the online assessment guide.
The event is 19+ and no alcohol or pets are allowed.
When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
I spent this past week in the clutches of nature, and. freed my mind from the confusion and horror of man’s grip on the perceived reality of controlled enslavement. I left the world of what is falsely labeled civilization, and washed my soul with the grandeur of life beyond man. To escape the madness of crowds in the solitude and quiet of the outdoors, and experience the sanctity of all things wild, causes an awakening that can never be achieved by any other means. No one can free another, he has to free himself, and in order to do so, he has to encounter his inner being without foreign interference from the daily absurdity of human hysteria. It is what is inside that matters, it is not what others think or do, but what one is able to accomplish in his own mind and spirit.
I walked in the woods, climbed mountains, looked in awe at the great Tetons and all the mountains and rivers too rarely seen by most. I fished alone in the presence of nature, I watched moose, elk, deer, antelope, birds, reptiles, and insects, and abandoned the thoughts that haunt me. I walked for many miles in wild country and forests, I was drenched by spring rains, was in the midst of storms and lightning bolts, alerting me to my minor importance in this sea of nature. It is good to be alone; not always, but often. One can never really cleanse and clarify his mind without escaping the grip of the human propaganda, lies, and deceit; all meant to create a false reality.
I write so that others may at least have a different perspective on all that consumes us in this life of perplexing turmoil caused by the arrogance of man. Is this effort too presumptuous? I think not, for my intent is not to preach, to force, to lie, to advance only my own opinions, or create my own narratives, but simply to awaken a few to the reality, truth, and beauty of life. If I accomplish anything in this pursuit, I hope it is just to build a spark of curiosity, rebellion, and a seeking of honest independent thought. Life is a great adventure, but the bulk of humanity has abandoned most of the good in life by accepting the false promises of others, instead of experiencing the wonder of nature, self, and family.
We have watched as rulers, kings, politicians, and perverted and murderous governments, have taken control of all aspects of our existence. In this country, most are once again in the midst of choosing their next ruler. It matters not to most it seems, that this process has failed miserably every time it has been tried in history, nor that we are on the precipice of yet another political disaster, regardless of which worthless piece of scum thought to be honorable gains the power to control the masses; and of course, by voluntary acceptance by the herd. Why not look to self for redemption, instead of relying on those who purposely choose to rule over you; telling you how to live, breathe, and how to structure your lives? Why not rely on self in order to make decisions as to how to live, where to go, what work to do, what property to own, what beliefs to accept or not, and what is best for you and your family? Why not gain the strength necessary to eliminate your slavery to this heinous State, by looking around you, and understanding the majesty that is life and nature without the chains of dominant rule and authority by those who pretend to know what is best for you? For once and for all, strike down the State, experience life to its fullest, walk in the presence of nature, rely on self, and condemn any who presume to place themselves above you?
Only without rule can freedom ever be experienced. Only without the State can each of us travel our own path, loving every moment of life, instead of being locked in the insanity of what is called ‘modern civilization.’ Is it civilized to accept war and murder of innocents? Is it civilized to allow the brutality that is the exploitation of children by perverted State players, and the dregs of ‘society’ who are empowered by the State to promote immoral behavior? Is it civilized to live your lives at the expense of others due to the State’s theft of private property? Is it civilized to be locked in your own homes, told you must wear a suffocating mask, told to take a bioweapon injection whether you want it or not? Is it civilized for the few who gain rule to tax all others to enhance their power over you? Is it civilized to be told to shut down your businesses, fire your employees, and care not about the plight of others? Is it civilized to watch the total destruction of this earth by governments seeking global rule? Is it civilized to be poisoned, controlled, starved to death, have your wealth destroyed due to inflationary currency expansion, and be surveilled by the horrendous State in every aspect of your daily lives? Is anything that the State does civilized, or is all that the State does evil? The answer to this question should be brutally obvious.
Get away from the State whores, and into nature, and you will at once see what freedom really looks like. Take a break from the false reality presented by the political class, the media, the promoters of socialism, fascism, communism, and yes, ‘democracy,’ and all those who think they are owed something at the expense of others. Listen to no one, and reclaim your own spirit and soul, by taking away all power from any who choose to rule.
Most will ignore this plea, and will continue on this road to hell, but some will not accept the madness, and they will be left with their sanity and their freedom, regardless of the abominable circumstances surrounding them. We need no obscene president, we need no politician, we need no rule, we need no government master; we only need to reclaim ourselves.
Grasp a brief moment of freedom, and maybe you will then seek more of it. The more real freedom that is experienced, whether in mind, body, or both, the more precious it will become. Walk in nature, observe the beauty of all life around you, and spend time alone to reflect on the madness of humanity. Climb mountains, experience all plants and animals, spend time on rivers, lakes, and oceans, and bask in the beauty and wonder of it all. In this human world of today, most everything is psychotic, and rife with grief, perversion, confusion, hate, and rule. To escape this insanity, seek the solace of all the good we have before us, look inside yourself instead of depending on those seeking power over you. When you do this, you will awaken to a better place.
“How narrow we selfish conceited creatures are in our sympathies! How blind to the rights of all the rest of creation!”
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