SmallCapRelations Newsletter - October 15, 2019

SmallCapRelationsSpotlight Companies

HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC)

HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) has developed and optimized proprietary technologies designed for biomass extraction, distillation and purification of ethanol and ethanol-based solvents used for the hemp biomass and cannabidiol (“CBD”) industry, as well as gas and liquid extraction. HTC’s extraction & purification systems are engineered to large-scale to reduce capital and operating costs while delivering superior performance measured by reduced energy usage, lowered emissions and improved quality of the product produced.

For more than 14 years, HTC has developed and optimized proprietary technology and purification systems used for biomass, gas and liquid extraction. HTC’s patented Delta Purification® technology will purify, recycle and reuse the extraction ethanol used in the CBD extraction process while managing and reducing any CBD waste losses through the re-extraction of all wastes collected from the purified ethanol.

Full Profile & Latest News

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA)

The founders of Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA) (the “Company”) are pioneers in the cannabis industry going back to 2009 when Don Steinberg, MCOA’s CEO, founded the first marijuana company ever to trade on a U.S. stock market, Medical Marijuana Inc. Since then, Don and his partner, Charlie Larsen, have formed Global Hemp Group and Marijuana Company of America. They have experienced the shift of legislation first hand, not only for the legalization of marijuana but also the emerging hemp-based CBD products.

The CBD market is growing exponentially and consequently the founders of MCOA have constructed their business model around the development of industrial hemp-based CBD products. The industrial hemp plant can be used to produce products that are carbon neutral or even carbon negative. It is one of the longest, strongest natural fibers on earth, used as a building material that is free of mold, pesticide-resistant, and fire proof. Hemp has also been described as a “super food,” which provides additional business opportunities. No part of the plant is left unused and the Company’s overall strategy is to take advantage of every profit center from farm to the multiple valuable finished products.

Full Profile & Latest News

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B2Digital Inc. (OTC: BTDG)

B2Digital Inc. (OTC: BTDG) is applying its extensive background in entertainment, television, video and technology to become a full-service live event sports company. Capitalizing on its strong management team, industry relationship, and hands-on experience in the industry, B2Digital is developing and acquiring Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and sports-related companies to build an integrated premier development league initially for the billion-dollar MMA marketplace.

B2Digital’s management team boasts over 30 years of combined global experience developing more than 20 companies within the sports, television, entertainment, digital distribution and banking transaction industries.

Since its restructuring in 2017, the company is now forging ahead with company chairman and CEO Greg P. Bell at the helm. His expertise, relationships and experience bring a background of more than 40,000 successful live events throughout his career. Under his guidance, B2Digital will create and develop the “Development League” champions that will move on to the MMA major leagues from within the B2 Fighting Series.

In preparation, B2Digital has produced and applied the systems and technologies required to support and maintain infrastructural operations of the company, including: social media marketing, event management, digital ticketing sales, digital video distribution, digital marketing, PPV, fighter management, merchandise sales, brand management and financial control systems. The company has also launched its B2 Social Media Network as the digital distribution system for the B2 Fighting Series.

As part of its growth strategy, B2Digital intends to continue to develop and acquire assets that meet its business model with the goal of becoming a premier vertically integrated live event sports company. In 2017, B2Digital started operating B2 Fighting Series, live MMA events; each year, the top fighters are invited to the live annual B2 Fighting Series National Championship.

Assets

B2Digital owns all rights for TV, internet, social media, media, merchandising and trademarks and branding for the B2Digital companies. The company has deployed its B2 Social Media Network digital distribution network for the B2 Fighting Series and has developed and deployed the systems and technologies for the operation of social media marketing, event engagement, digital ticketing sales, digital video distribution, digital marketing, PPV, fighter management, merchandise sales, brand management and financial control systems.

Fight Groups (holdings)

  • HRMMA
  • Colosseum Combat
  • United Combat League
  • Pinnacle Combat
  • Bluegrass MMA

B2 Social Media Network (B2SN)

The B2 Social Media Network (B2SN) provides the connection between the B2Digital live events and the consumer audience by:

  • Providing social interaction between consumers regarding B2Digital Properties and current relevant topics to the live events audience
  • Offering “FTV” free-to-view live and on-demand TV style broadcasts globally of B2 Digital live events
  • Promoting upcoming live events
  • Selling tickets to B2 live events electronically
  • Promoting the fighters, athletes and participants in the B2Digital live events

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Leadership

Chairman and CEO Greg P. Bell
Greg P. Bell is one of the early pioneers and entrepreneurs in entertainment and digital media and has been working in the field for over 30 years. He was involved in the early creation of the technologies and algorithms that allowed analog media to be transformed into digital bits and compressed data streams and created specific business enterprises that capitalized on the creation of digital transmissions at Scientific Atlanta, Compressions Labs, VCON International and Qwest. Bell was one of the initial vice presidents of business development at Qwest Communications where he developed Qwest’s digital media company, Slingshot Networks. He then ran all operations of Slingshot, reporting to the board of directors, which managed and operated three full time studios including the creation of the broadcast studio in Staples Center, TV and news productions, live events at the Staples Center, distribution of a national television show distributed by Warner Brothers TV Distribution, online television productions and web distribution for the NFL, AFL, NBA, NHL, Boxing, Democratic Convention and live music events.

Upon leaving Slingshot in 2000, Bell founded B3 Development Group, a firm specializing in developing emerging market entertainment and media companies. Bell’s B3 Development Group founded B2 Networks in 2001 which quickly became the defacto standard for watching live PPV sporting events online. B2’s proprietary online system broadcasts live professional and collegiate sporting events online to a global audience, broadcasting over 1,000 live games per month. Bell developed and implemented a merger with B2 Networks and the America ONE Television Network where he became CEO of the combined companies. Under Bell’s direction the company, now called ONE Media Corp., launched the new ONE World Sports TV Network in North America on cable and satellite, with a pure digital end-to-end distribution system, along with continuing the company’s growth in the online distribution of sports and entertainment.

After leaving as CEO of ONE Media Corp., he currently sits as chairman of B3 Development Group, which specializes in developing and fast-tracking emerging entertainment, transaction technology and media distribution companies. Bell continues to expand his holdings and currently has business holdings in ONE Media Corp; B3 Development Gaming Group which under contract with Caymanas Park Race Track, owned by the country of Jamaica, developed Jamaica’s first all-digital state of the art pari-mutuel live sports gaming system for mobile devices and currently is operating under the brand CaymanasToGO for the Caribbean Consumers and is licensed for deployment in the USA to USA-based consumers. The B3 Gaming Group mobile device wagering system and technology allows consumers globally to watch and wager on live horse races and sporting events being held in the UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean; B3 Gaming Services Group, a premier transaction and customer service group that offers management services to the Gaming industry in the Caribbean, B3 Networks, a premier state of the art digital broadcasting company that developed the B3 television satellite replacement technology which allows TV networks to broadcast globally on the public internet instead of satellites in broadcast quality HD & SD television. B3 Networks has deployed, and services, the B3 technology to broadcast high definition TV signals globally to cable head ends, smart phones and internet connected devices for the Jamaica Education Television Network, the Caymanas Race Track and other mobile applications globally.

Bell has worked at the top technology development companies that developed the digital technologies, which are in use today at Scientific Atlanta, Compression Labs, VCON and Qwest. He also has managed and been directly involved with over 55,000 live events in his 30-year career. He has worked with a diverse group of clients in the entertainment, sports and technology communities including the NFL, NBA, NHL, AHL, NLL, ECHL, IFL, USHL, SPHL, NCAA, NAIA, MISL, AFL, AOL, FOX, UFC, NAAFS, Bellator, WEF, the Staples Center, the Orleans Arena, Oscar De La Hoya, Barbra Streisand, and top entertainment venues, acts and actors. His clients and companies have capitalized on Bell’s knowledge of the world of entertainment, live events, sports, digital television and digital online transaction and distribution systems.

Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology (NASDAQ: BHAT)

Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology (NASDAQ: BHAT) is a cutting-edge creator, developer and operator of popular augmented reality (“AR”) interactive smart toys and educational games in China. Blue Hat’s mobile-connected entertainment platform connects physical items to mobile devices through wireless technologies, creating a unique interactive user experience in various mobile games, interactive educational materials and toys with mobile game features.

Blue Hat designs original toys and games that utilize augmented reality technology, motion capture technology, image recognition technology, voice control, light sense technology, infrared, levitation induction, and other trending scientific technologies to transverse the virtual with reality. Blue Hat creates a rich visual and interactive environment for users through the integration of real objects and virtual scenery. This combination provides users with a more natural form of human computer interaction, enhances a user’s perception of reality, and delivers a more immersive entertainment experience.

Proprietary Technology

Founded in 2010, Blue Hat’s proprietary technology, product research and development, marketing channels and brand operation are the cornerstones of the business. Blue Hat focuses on the combination of “online” and “offline” activity and the interaction between “entertainment” and “product” to create a high-tech entertainment platform combining mobile games and AR. With the help of computer graphics, motion capture technology, image recognition technology and visualization technologies, Blue Hat accurately “places” virtual objects into the physical world, creating a new and stimulating visual environment for users.

Blue Hat recently displayed a variety of its sci-tech products at the Guangzhou International Toy Exhibition in China including AR Racer, Elastic Bubbles, AR Space Track, AR Alloy Toy Car, AR Need a Spanking, 5D Animated Magic Aquarium, Bug Travelers, AR Picture Book and other interactive games and smart toys.

The company has multiple products in development including new generations of four primary product lines and two new product lines.

Patents and Copyrights

Blue Hat’s advanced AR technology in interactive entertainment is protected by 178 authorized patents with 44 patents in various stages of the application process.

Another 14 applications for Patent Cooperation Treaty, or PCT, have been filed for international patents. As of March 31, 2019, the company owns 645 copyrights for artwork, 71 registered trademarks and 27 software copyrights.

Sales and Marketing

There has been rapid growth in the toys and games industry in China over the last several years. Total retail sales of toys and games in China soared from RMB 111.8 billion in 2012 to RMB 276.5 billion in 2017 with an average annual growth rate of 19.9% in 2017. Blue Hat believes the company is well positioned with little competition as the toy industry rapidly shifts toward intelligent and interactive toys and games. Retail sales of electronic toys grew at 24% annually in 2017 while that of traditional toys grew at 7%.

In addition to a powerful ecommerce presence, Blue Hat has long-term relationships with partnered distributors that place the company’s AR interactive entertainment products into well-known international retail chains and retail outlets. Blue Hat’s integrated online and offline sales channels include e-commerce giants such as Amazon and Alibaba, retail chain stores and the company’s physical experience store located in Xiamen, China. Blue Hat plans to open or franchise approximately 100 additional stores in China by 2021.

Blue Hat’s community-based platform offers users a highly engaged and interactive community with online communication forums and offline social activities. The company advocates a new model of “teaching through lively activities” and combines AR technology with education, integrating its products into situational teaching, roleplaying and man-machine interaction. This novel educational experience helps realize optimal transformation of information, creating a knowledge and enhancing cognition.

Management

Director and CEO Xiaodong (Sean) Chen has over 20 years of experience creating, developing and producing toys and games related products. Chen earned his EMBA from Renmin University of China and has been chairman of the board of directors and general manager of Fujian Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology Ltd. since August 2015.

CFO and Director Caifan, who has over 20 years of financial accounting and taxation experience, earned a degree in finance from Hunan University of Finance and Economics. He has served as director, deputy general manager and financial controller of Fujian Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology Ltd. since August 2015.

Jianyong Cai, chief technology officer and director, has over 35 years of experience in data communication principles, communication network foundation, software engineering, communication network theory and technology and computer network architecture. He holds degrees in data communication principles, communication network foundation and software engineering from University of Science and Technology of China. He has been director, deputy general manager and chief engineer of Fujian Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology Ltd. since January 2010.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (NUGS)

Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (NUGS), headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is focused on supporting entrepreneurial growth within the fast-growing legal cannabis sector. Through a selective portfolio of subsidiaries, Cannabis Strategic Ventures offers outsourced personnel solutions tailor-made to match the growth dynamics of cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries and other cannabis marketplace participants. The company also pursues investment opportunities in the areas of real estate, cultivation, extraction, distribution, packaging, dispensary operations, and branded products within the cannabis space.

The legalization of adult-use sales in California is expected to create nearly 99,000 cannabis industry jobs in the state by 2021, representing about a third of all cannabis jobs nationwide, and 146,000 jobs overall when indirect and induced efforts are considered, according to Arcview Market Research. By 2021, direct cannabis industry employment will top 291,500 FTE jobs, with a total employment effect of nearly 414,000 FTEs across all legal cannabis states, according to the report.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures believes its staffing capabilities will be in a similar state of demand. The company in April 2018 completed a definitive agreement to acquire Worldwide Staffing Group, Inc., which booked approximately $1.5 million in revenues in 2017.

Worldwide will operate within Cannabis Strategic Ventures as an independent and separate wholly owned subsidiary providing strictly non-cannabis related employment and staffing services. As Worldwide continues to expand its operations in general clerical and administrative, marketing, accounting, and other verticals, Cannabis Strategic Ventures will leverage the subsidiary's expertise to expand its business operations further into the cannabis staffing arena, with an emphasis on the California markets.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures' BudHire™ subsidiary is an outsourced employment service specifically designed to meet the needs of growing cannabis-related business operations, utilizes a proven recruiting formula to match the most qualified candidates to a broad spectrum of cannabis-related jobs. Under the BudHire™ brand, Cannabis Strategic Ventures offers temporary, seasonal, permanent staffing solutions, as well as professional employment organization services and human resources consulting to the cannabis industry.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures portfolio also includes Pure Applied Sciences Inc. and its brand "PureOrganix™," a line of high quality concentrate, organic and pure cannabis oils that conform with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and meet FDA guidelines for Active Pharmaceuticals Products (API). The acquisition includes all intellectual properties, including formulations and technologies, and related accessories of Pure Applied Sciences.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures Pure Applied Sciences subsidiary, has a cannabis concentrate extraction services agreement with CP Logistics LLC ("CPL"), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Sunniva Inc. (CSE:SNN) (OTCQX:SNNVF). Under this agreement, CPL will perform white label services producing high quality, ultra-purified cannabis extracts out of its Sun-Oil Facility in Cathedral City, California, for Pure Applied Sciences under the Pure Organix brand name.

The management team at Cannabis Strategic Ventures believes there is incredible opportunity to carve-out and control specific industry niches, to create unique cannabis consumer branded products, and to expand into other sub-sectors of the cannabis marketplace.

Canopy Rivers Inc. (TSX.V: RIV) (OTC: CNPOF)

Canopy Rivers Inc. (TSX.V: RIV) (OTC: CNPOF) is the venture capital investment platform of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED, NYSE: CGC).

Canopy Rivers is a unique investment and operating platform structured to pursue investment opportunities in the emerging global cannabis sector. Canopy Rivers collaborates with Canopy Growth to identify strategic counterparties seeking financial and/or operating support. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Canopy Rivers has developed an ecosystem of complementary cannabis operating companies operating throughout the cannabis value chain.

Canopy Rivers, in collaboration with Canopy Growth, has established a diverse portfolio of cannabis industry investments that includes domestic and international companies, licensed producers, late-stage licensed producer applicants, pharmaceutical formulators, brand developers and distributors, retail networks, and technology and media platforms. Investments are customized for each counterparty and include a balanced mix of equity, debt, royalty and profit-sharing agreements.

Canopy Rivers’ expanding portfolio includes:

  • Agripharm Corp. (private) is an ACMPR licensed producer, acquired by Canopy Growth in January 2017. In November 2017 Agripharm completed a joint venture with globally recognized partners Green House Seeds and Organa Brands. Canopy Growth has sublicensed proprietary technology, trademarks, genetics, know-how and other intellectual property from Agripharm to distribute the suite of Green House and Organa Brands products across the country, when permissible.
  • CanapaR Corp. (private) owns 80% of CanapaR Italy, a Sicily-based company focused on developing and commercializing Italy’s local hemp cultivation industry through its partnership with the renowned Department of Agriculture at the University of Catania and its rapidly building extraction capabilities for the production of organic CBD oil. CanapaR Italy’s outsource farming model with local Sicilian farmers and its university partnership will provide it with a low-cost source of organic CBD oil, which is increasingly used as an input into new commercial products in the growing health and wellness industries.
  • Civilized Worldwide Inc. (private), is a media and lifestyle brand with offices in New Brunswick and California that embraces and highlights modern cannabis culture. Civilized aims to engage the millions of productive, motivated people who choose to enjoy cannabis responsibly as part of their lifestyle. Reaching 2+ million unique visitors per month, North America-wide, Civilized produces engaging content for and about people who enjoy cannabis responsibly.
  • James E. Wagner Cultivation Ltd. (TSXV:JWCA) was founded in 2007 by third generation agricultural and cannabis cultivators. JWC is the first entirely aeroponic producer of cannabis in Canada, and its patent-pending aeroponic production technology, called GrowthStormTM, allows for perpetual harvesting and improved yields. The company was issued a license to cultivate from Health Canada in January 2017 and a subsequent sales license in March 2018.
  • LiveWell Foods Canada Inc. (TSXV:LVWL) was established in 1993 as a nutritional lifestyle company, and operates in the production of fresh produce and food technology. The company’s O-Hemp division distributes bulk and retail hemp products through its existing channel partners. LiveWell entered into a strategic agreement with Canopy Rivers and Canopy Growth in April 2018.
  • PharmHouse (private) is a joint venture between Canopy Rivers and the principals and operators of leading North American greenhouse produce companies. PharmHouse has arranged to acquire a newly built 1.3-million-square-foot greenhouse located in Leamington, Ontario.
  • Radicle Cannabis Inc. (private) is an ACMPR-licensed cannabis company based in Hamilton, Ontario backed by a management team that brings extensive experience in regulated industries, retail distribution, tobacco and pharmaceutical development, as well as Award-winning cannabis horticulturist breeders and medical professionals.
  • Solo Growth (TSXV:ALZ) is a new cannabis retail concept that will operate locations under the name “YSS by Solo,” relying on the expertise of a management team comprised of founding shareholders, senior officers and board members of Solo Liquor Stores Ltd., a leading Canadian liquor retailer. Solo Growth was established through a recapitalization of Aldershot Resources Ltd.’s corporate structure that will allow the company to execute a new retail-focused cannabis business strategy.
  • Spot Therapeutics Inc. (private) is an applicant that was acquired by Canopy Growth in August 2017 to solidify its Maritimes expansion strategy and less than four weeks later Canopy Growth signed a supply MOU with the New Brunswick government. Canopy Rivers purchased the property and entered into a long-term lease and committed funding agreement with Canopy Growth.
  • TerrAscend Corp. (CSE:TER) cultivates high-quality cannabis in an indoor hydroponic facility, backed by a strategic investor boasting a strong background in the pharmaceutical space and an extensive portfolio of specialty pharma assets.
  • Vert Mirabel (private) is a joint venture that was established in December 2017 between Canopy Rivers, Canopy Growth, and Les Serres Stephane Bertrand. Bertrand is a large-scale greenhouse operator located in Mirabel, Quebec, and the largest grower of pink tomatoes in the country. With guidance and assistance from Canopy Growth, the greenhouse has been upgraded and retrofitted for cannabis production and was licensed by Health Canada in May 2018.

As the company’s portfolio continues to develop, each constituent benefits from opportunities to collaborate with Canopy Growth and among themselves. Canopy Rivers believes this formula results in an ideal environment for innovation, synergy and value creation for Canopy Rivers, Canopy Growth and across the entire Rivers ecosystem.

Canopy Rivers is led by an experienced team of qualified financial and technical professionals with deep industry experience and relationship networks. The company’s acting CEO and chairman is Bruce Linton, CEO of Canopy Growth and founder of Tweed Marijuana.

Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (OTC: CHMJF)

Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (OTC: CHMJF), an investment company focused on the U.S. and international cannabis sectors, provides turnkey solutions for the regulated cannabis industry. The company leverages managements' expertise and decades of experience in the cannabis industry to acquire and develop vertically integrated cannabis assets. Chemistree recently closed on a purchase of prospective cannabis cultivation property in California, made a first investment in the Canadian cannabis industry, owns assets in the State of Washington used to operate an established retail cannabis brand, and has an active pipeline of assets in place to grow its portfolio.

Chemistree offers industry leading expertise across all areas the cannabis business and in its growth as a public or private company.

  • Investment and funding for rapid growth
  • Vertical integration solutions
  • Construction, design and/or optimization of indoor or outdoor cultivation facilities
  • Reputation management & influencer outreach
  • Branding and Packaging
  • Social Media and Media outreach

With the marketing of cannabis companies and their products in its infancy, the company believes the industry offers tremendous opportunity for growth in the U.S. and abroad. Chemistree initially targeted the Pacific Northwest for investment and, following its recent California property purchase, expects to expand vertically across the United States in areas where it has a competitive business advantage.

Through its wholly owned CHM Desert LLC subsidiary, Chemistree owns 9.55 acres of undeveloped land in Desert Hot Springs, California. The property is zoned as Light Industrial Lands Designated for Marijuana Cultivation, and local zoning ordinances allow as a conditional use the location of up to three onsite cannabis cultivation buildings of 68,000 square feet each, along with support space that would support production of 55,000 pounds/year.

Through its wholly owned Chemistree Washington Ltd. subsidiary, Chemistree acquired physical assets used in the cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis. The Washington assets are currently under lease to Sugarleaf Farm LLC, which operates the Sugarleaf brand of retail cannabis products in the State of Washington. Sugarleaf Farm is a Tier 3 cannabis producer and processor whose products are sold in about 125 retail outlets. Chemistree has indicated the relationship with Sugarleaf may provide the company with additional opportunities to become involved in the marketing of Sugarleaf products.

Chemistree funded these acquisitions and investments with the proceeds of two non-brokered private placement financings completed earlier this year under the regulations of the Canadian Securities Exchange, totaling CAD$4.5 million. In conjunction with the private placements, the company was granted approval by the CSE for a change of business to become an Investment Issuer. This funding is expected to provide the company "maximum flexibility to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the cannabis industry in Canada and the U.S."

Chemistree also has a strategic investment in Pasha Brands Ltd., a British Columbia based cannabis company with multiple internationally recognized brands. Pasha has a proven history in cannabis retailing and its proposed Licensed Processing (LP) facility on Vancouver Island is in the final stage of the application for government approval. The LP facility is expected to assist in licensing selected craft growers of cannabis and expanding the distribution of locally grown product. The investment represents less than 10% of Chemistree's working capital.

Company Chairman Justin Chorbajian is co-owner of the largest chain of privately owned hydroponic retail shops in Canada. He also cofounded a group of companies that manufacture and distribute hydroponic equipment. He is a frequent contributor to Growing Exposed, the leading video series dedicated to cannabis cultivation. Company President Karl Kottmeier is a former investment advisor with 20 years of experience listing, financing and administering companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange. He has raised more than $150 million in equity capital for ventures. Chemistree CFO Doug Ford has been general manager of Dockside Capital Group Inc., a private merchant banking and venture capital firm serving emerging growth companies. Sheldon Aberman, the most recent member of the Board, has managed, designed and created industry leading grow room designs around the world. Additionally, he has built several leading brands such as Frost Box and Black Label and is an expert in the accessory market (vape pens, silicon mats and extraction tools etc.).

Data firm Statista has forecast the U.S. legal cannabis market will be worth more than $24 billion by 2025. New Frontier Data, which focuses exclusively on the cannabis industry, projects the value of the Canadian domestic cannabis market that same year at CAD$9.2 billion.

ChineseInvestors.com (CIIX)

ChineseInvestors.com (CIIX) has become a leading financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors in the United States and China. Recognizing unprecedented opportunities in the U.S. cannabis industry, CIIX is also laying the groundwork to capitalize on growing demand for cannabidiol (CBD)-based nutrition and health products.

Through its primary website, www.ChineseInvestors.com, CIIX offers a variety of investor education products and services, including real-time market commentary, analysis and educational related services in Chinese language character sets; consultative services to smaller private companies considering becoming a public company; and advertising and public relations related support services.

At the center of this initiative is the ChineseInvestors Method, a unique integration of a disciplined investing process, web-based tools, personalized instructions and support. Using this strategy, CIIX provides reliable market information to help investors make informed investment decisions and meet their individualized financial goals.

CIIX is also leveraging its financial expertise to enter into the burgeoning CBD industry, which within a few years has grown from a relatively invisible sector to a billowing market expected to reach $2.1 billion in consumer sales by 2020.

The increasing demand for CBD-based products is a catalyst for innovative business endeavors. To this accord, CIIX has established a three-year development plan to capitalize on the convergence of CBD and the nutrition and health products market in mainland China, where the benefits of CBD oil have not been widely recognized.

Under a wholesale agreement with a reputable CBD health brand, CIIX is launching the world's first online CBD health products store published in the Chinese language. The site, www.ChineseCBDoil.com, caters to a growing number of Chinese people awakening to the numerous health benefits of CBD oil for treatment of a variety of conditions such as anxiety, stress, poor sleep, Alzheimer's disease, and more. CIIX expects to launch this website at the end of January 2017, and plans to sell CBD-infused products via online and in-store.

In conjunction, CIIX's cannabis-focused "Yelp"-style mobile app is in development as a platform for Chinese people to review and discuss various cannabis products. The app will be the first marijuana social media mobile app designed for Chinese-speaking customers worldwide.

City View Green Holdings Inc. (CSE: CVGR) (OTCQB: LRZZF)

City View Green Holdings Inc. (CSE: CVGR) (OTCQB: LRZZF) (formerly Icon Exploration Inc.) is a vertically integrated cannabis company focused on seed to retail. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, City View’s application to Health Canada for an Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) license is now at the in-depth review stage of the licensing process. Following receipt of its Cannabis Act license, City View’s production plans include producing high quality edible products, distillates, and water-soluble products for the rapidly expanding domestic and international CBD-infused (cannabidiol) beverage market.

City View leases a 40,000-square-foot facility located in Brantford, Ontario, which has earned the enviable reputation as a business-friendly city. Retrofit plans for the building include adding state-of-the-art LED lighting, HVAC and dehumidification systems in addition to automation technologies to optimize the quality, safety and consistency of cannabis production. About 4,000 square feet will be devoted to an extraction laboratory featuring an ultra-efficient CO2 supercritical extraction process with plans to include ethanol extraction technology in the future. Another 4.3 acres remains available for future construction of up to 125,000 square feet of grow and extraction space.

City View recently entered into an agreement to purchase supercritical fluid extraction equipment which is undeniably the best method of selectively and cost-effectively extracting pure cannabis extracts containing THC, CBD and terpenes from the cannabis plant.

“The system we have chosen replaces the current mismatched collection of manual and semi-automatic solutions we’ve explored and offers an integrated system which maximizes product quality while minimizing labor expenses and yield losses,” City Green CEO Rob Fia said. “Our chosen supplier’s patented and proprietary extraction system offers the most consistent results and highest yields, with no degradation of materials.”

Mike Hagopian, the company’s chief operations officer and “extraction guru,” who most recently served the same role at Dose Oil, a licensed processor of cannabis extracts in Seattle, Washington, agrees.

“The equipment we have selected has been successfully used for a quarter century in fluid extraction and their methods have been applied to over 600 natural oils and compounds from over 300 different bio-botanical raw materials,” Hagopian said. “We are very confident this equipment will establish us as a leader in the processing of high-quality THC and CBD extracts.”

City Green’s master grower/managing partner is Mario Meek, whose deep knowledge of the cannabis space includes 10 years of networking, growing and cultivation experience in the medical cannabis industry. Meek was an original founding partner of WeedMD and is experienced in every aspect of growing marijuana from seed to the finished product.

Adding depth to the team is quality assurance specialist Yan Hai, an accomplished professional with 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, medical cannabis and natural health product industries. She holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering and applied chemistry/biomaterials and biomedical engineering from the University of Toronto.

City View also owns a 19.9 percent stake in Budd Hutt Inc., a retail-focused cannabis company with access to multiple licenses in Alberta and other retail opportunities across Canada. City View expects to secure shelf space and distribution opportunities for its premium cannabis products through an agreement with Budd Hutt.

Market Opportunity

The Canadian medical cannabis market has steadily been growing with an average 10 percent increase in patients each month. Now that the Canadian federal government has legalized recreational cannabis for adult users nationwide, analysts project a compound annual growth rate of nearly 78 percent from 2018 to 2021, reaching an estimated $3 billion by 2021, ArcView Market Research reports. One study from Deloitte pegged the potential economic impact of legalized medical and recreational marijuana in Canada – including transportation, licensing fees and security – at more than $22 billion over the coming years. Health Canada’s most recent data show that sales of cannabis extracts grew 961 percent in the second quarter of 2017, compared to an 89 percent increase in growth of dried cannabis during the same period.

Advisors to the Board

City Green CEO Rob Fia, CFA, is the former CEO of Icon Exploration Inc. and has more than 17 years of experience in the investment business, including equity research and corporate finance. Fia served as co-head of corporate finance at Kingsdale Capital Markets, involved in several multimillion-dollar financings and advisory transactions in the mining, oil and gas, alternative energy, technology, medical device, blockchain and medical marijuana industries.

Joe Heng, formerly CFO and secretary of Icon Exploration Inc., has over 36 years of industry experience in public accounting. He has been a self-employed Chartered Accountant since 1990 and received his designation form the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 1973. Heng holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Malaya.

Steve Naraine, MSc., is an associate professor, founder and chief science officer of Cannavida; director of Aether Research; and a consultant to Health Canada. Naraine is a highly published, well-respected author of several scientific papers and has successfully advised several companies on becoming licensed producers with Health Canada.

Stephen McNeill is managing partner in Q4 Communications, a marketing and digital advertising company, and was a founding director of Georgian Bay Biomed which is building a large-scale facility in Collingwood, Ontario. McNeill entered the medical marijuana industry in 2013 and has provided communication, community liaison and other consulting services to several companies seeking to become a licensed producer under Health Canada.

Ian MacDonald, project lead, is a C-level CPG industry veteran with 30 years of international experience. He has a proven track record of leading and transitioning companies to long-term sustainable growth and brings his knowledge and expertise from working in the highly regulated and competitive alcohol sector into the emerging cannabis industry.

Tim Peterson was recently appointed to the board of directors of the company. He has been a director of Augen Gold, Trelawney Mining, Northern Crown Capital, Inc. (a merchant banking firm), Process Capital, Nordex Explosives and Oxygen and Prescott Paper Products, as well as the Mississauga Hospital Foundation. Peterson received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Western Ontario and is a former Ontario MPP (Mississauga South).

CloudCommerce (OTCQB: CLWD)

CloudCommerce (OTCQB: CLWD) is a leading provider of audience-driven business intelligence and marketing solutions. Together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, CloudCommerce delivers invaluable end-to-end business intelligence and marketing solutions through a range of services and capabilities.

Flagship Solution

SWARM is an end-to-end solution that applies advanced data science, behavioral science, artificial intelligence and market research techniques to deliver powerful audience-driven business intelligence that converts opportunities into business success.

Through marketing, brand perception, customer-relationship management, human-resources management and operational logistics applications, CloudCommerce’s SWARM solution helps businesses determine who to talk to, what to say and how to motivate targeted audiences to take meaningful action.

The Market

Marketers have largely taken a blanket approach to communication. The same messages are often sent across an entire customer audience with little regard for how different groups of people communicate, build communities and develop their purchasing habits. When marketers do segment audiences, they use objective selection criteria such as income, geography, education or purchase history to deduce attitudes or intentions.

However, research shows that motivations and feelings are much more accurate at predicting behavior. The challenge for businesses is that these factors are also the hardest to gather from audience data. CloudCommerce provides that audience-intelligent data through SWARM, its proprietary behavioral-science approach to audience creation and communication. Through SWARM, CloudCommerce helps marketers identify consumer motivations and triggers in order to effectively predict and influence actions. When companies influence action, they can change opinions, gather support, motivate purchases and inspire change.

In a fast-developing global business intelligence market estimated to grow from $16.3 billion in 2016 to $34.3 billion by 2022, CloudCommerce stands apart as an innovator and true partner, able to deliver data-driven intelligence and solutions that enable its customers to strengthen their brands, deliver their messages and reach their goals.

SWARM Products

THE SWARM—Intelligent Audience Building
The core of the CloudCommerce solution – and what separates CloudCommerce from other audience data companies – is the company’s unique approach to audience building. The concept of “personas” has been around for decades, but CloudCommerce takes that concept to the next level. The SWARM was developed to identify not only who to talk to but also what to say in order to motivate target audiences to take meaningful action. Using CloudCommerce’s proprietary clustering and behavioral analysis techniques, businesses can identify target audiences and deliver messages that are more focused and efficient. CloudCommerce not only helps its client partners find the right people to talk to but also identifies the most powerful message to send.

BUZZ—Behavior-Based Market Research
Market research is evolving. Research techniques developed and used today are more sophisticated and backed by strong data science. Despite these changes, many traditional research firms have failed to innovate: small sample sizes, survey design bias, improper weighting and gut-intuition sampling are just some of the issues that plague the market-research industry. Through BUZZ, CloudCommerce has automated the market research process to provide a level of statistical depth beyond what traditional firms can offer. BUZZ offers businesses the ability to put their finger on the pulse of the marketplace in the moment. Using a wide range of internal and external data sources such as customer data, social media activity, and micro and macro trends, BUZZ deduces attitudes, emotions and opinions.

HIVE—Redefined Geographic Targeting
Conventional geographic audience targeting is outdated. Arbitrary units of location such as counties, cities, DMAs and regions were created centuries ago based on land-rights ownership. Their use in understanding people’s behavior, purchase habits and underlying values is minimal. CloudCommerce has found a much more powerful, efficient and effective way of targeting by clustering people into granular geographic tribes called HIVES. HIVES are defined by attributes such as common language (e.g., colloquialisms), shared experience and narratives (e.g., climate, history), and concentrated demography and biology (e.g., ethnicity, age). Based on the needs of its clients, CloudCommerce can completely redraw the geographic lines based on various Hive selection criteria. Using this exclusive HIVE approach, CloudCommerce clients experience more efficient and effective marketing, make more intelligent business decisions and enjoy more growth.

HONEY—Advanced Reporting and Visualization
Advanced-audience, data-analysis technologies are useless if they don’t produce simple, powerful and actionable business intelligence. HONEY comes with user-friendly reporting and visualization tools to organize and explain all of the advance-data science into a simple-to-understand format for decision makers. HONEY combines the intelligence of client CRM data with third-party consumer data and targeted market research to create a powerful foundation for any audience-intelligence solution.

Subsidiaries

Data Propria
Data Propria delivers the highest Return on Investment (“ROI”) for their customers’ digital marketing campaigns, by utilizing sophisticated data science to identify the correct universes to target relevant audiences. Their ability to understand and translate data drives every decision they make. By listening to and analyzing their customers’ data they are able to make informed decisions that positively impact their customers’ business. Data Propria leverages industry-best tools to aggregate and visualize data across multiple sources, and then their data and behavioral scientists segment and model that data to be deployed in targeted marketing campaigns. They have data analytics expertise in retail, wholesale, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, political, and several other industries.

Parscale Digital
Parscale Digital helps their customers get their message out, educate their market and tell their story. They do so creatively and effectively by deploying powerful call-to-action digital campaigns with national reach and boosting exposure and validation with coordinated advertising in print media. Parscale Digital’s fully-developed marketing plans are founded on sound research methodologies, brand audits and exploration of the competitive landscape. Whether their customer is a challenger brand, a political candidate, or a well-known household name, Parscale Digital’s strategists are skilled at leveraging data and creating campaigns that move people to make decisions.

Giles Design Bureau
Giles Design Bureau approaches branding from a “big picture” perspective, establishing a strong identity and then building on that to develop a comprehensive branding program that tells the customer’s story, and articulates what sets the customer apart from their competitors and establishes the customer in their market.

WebTegrity
WebTegrity develops commerce-focused, user-friendly digital websites and apps that elevate their customer’s marketing position and draw consumers to their products and services. Their platform-agnostic approach allows WebTegrity to architect and build solutions that are the best fit for each customer. Once the digital properties are built, their experts will help manage and protect the website or app and provide the expertise needed to scale the infrastructure needed as the customer’s business grows.

Leadership

Andrew Van Noy, CEO & Chairman of CloudCommerce Board of Directors
Andrew Van Noy has been a director of CloudCommerce since November 2012, president of the company since April 2012, and the CEO of the company since August 2012. He also served as executive vice president of CloudCommerce from November 2011 to April 2012 and vice president of Sales and Marketing of the company from May 2011 to November 2011. From January 2009 to April 2011, Van Noy served as the vice president of Sales and Marketing for PageTransformer, which provided web and software development for iPad, iPhone and Android devices. Van Noy came to CloudCommerce with experience in digital marketing, private equity and investment banking. During his years at the company, Van Noy led the efforts to rebrand and restructure the business and presided over the acquisition of a number of companies. Van Noy graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Gregory Boden, CFO and Board of Directors
Gregory Boden became a director at CloudCommerce in November 2011 and in February 2013 was named corporate secretary. In April 2012, Boden was also appointed CFO. In addition, Boden is the managing partner of a private equity company. Prior to joining the CloudCommerce team, Boden managed the franchise accounting and cash application departments of Select Staffing, a nationwide staffing company and was an accountant at KPMG LLP. Boden earned his master of accountancy degree from the University of Denver.

Brad Parscale, Board of Directors
Brad Parscale creates web-marketing strategies and oversees all technical and functional aspects of these strategies. Originally from Kansas, Parscale spent five years in California before moving to San Antonio in 2004 to establish Parscale Media, a successful web-marketing firm. His 2011 partnership with Jill Giles formed Giles-Parscale Inc. In 2016, Parscale was named digital director for the Donald J. Trump presidential campaign.

Zachary Bartlett, VP of Corporate Development and Board of Directors
Zachary Bartlett has been a director of the company since July 2012 and was appointed vice president of Corporate Development in January 2018. Bartlett has also served as vice president of Communications and an independent contractor assisting with project management matters. Prior to joining CloudCommerce, Bartlett was the creative director at Crowbar Studios Inc., a graphic design and web development firm he founded in 2008. From 2004 to 2008, he held the position of art and brand consultant at Demon International, a snowboard accessories company. Bartlett earned his bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from Brigham Young University.

Consorteum Holdings, Inc. (CSRH)

Consorteum Holdings, Inc. (CSRH) is a software development and mobile solutions company focused on the delivery of digital offerings to mobile devices. The company provides mobile offerings, delivery of mobile content, mobile payments solutions and products through a mix of direct offerings, partnerships, license agreements and joint venture arrangements. A multi-year transition from a transaction management company focused on transaction processing solutions and products for the payment processing and financial transaction markets to multiple business verticals deepens the company's commitment to deliver innovating solutions to end users who are using smart handset devices in radical new ways.

Consorteum Holdings, utilizing its Universal Mobile Interface™ ("UMI") solution, offers opportunities in numerous markets with its capacity to support fully regulated, regionally compliant financial and social transactions via web and mobile. The company's UMI technology has the capacity to provide solutions in FinTech, data analytics, secure payment processing, compliance lead transaction management and various digital social event sectors. The UMI platform allows cross operating system development to support all mobile devices while addressing the complex and highly regulated needs of the mobile FinTech industry.

Led by the development team at Consorteum's wholly owned subsidiary 359 Mobile Inc., the Company has created an end-to-end FinTech solution utilizing the company's UMI technology platform. Current mobile application and transaction solutions are plagued by poor experiences. Because UMI's technology platform is designed to work across innovative payment, experience and product solutions, 359 Mobile believes there are both direct and partnership opportunities for the 359 Mobile UMI solution.

Consorteum's primary sales and marketing strategy is focused on enabling and delivering solutions to the global mobile FinTech market with an emphasis initially on mobile gaming. The trend towards increased mobile gambling supports the need for a mobile platform such as the UMI to meet existing and new compliance regulations for the online gambling industry. The online gambling market is projected to double to nearly $1 trillion by 2021, according to a study by Juniper Research, with the majority of growth in this sector attributed to mobile devices. Consorteum's management team believes there are fresh opportunities in this sector such as Mobile Marketing Services providing one-to-one marketing experiences for consumers; offering real-time services to Mobile Sports Book operators; and providing fixed odds betting solutions as well as social-based transactional solutions.

Consorteum's management team includes Chairman and CEO Craig A. Fielding, a co-founder of the company with extensive experience in technology, programming and large system building; and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Shuster, who has over 25 years of business experience in sales, engineering, operations and marketing for the telecommunications industry. They are joined by John Osborne, SVP of Technology of ThreeFiftyNine Inc., an innovator in embedded systems hardware and software design; Patrick Doran, SVP of business development and marketing with over 30 years of diversified experience in major corporations as well as early stage companies; and Glenn Charlesworth, VP of Accounting, a seasoned executive with a solid track record in financial reporting, strategic planning, general management and operations, finance, start-up situations, and cash flow challenged operations.

Consorteum Holdings is committed to bridging the mobile divide by providing mobile connectivity, secure transactional processing and social connectivity solutions for both cloud and hosted based offerings in multiple business sectors.

Dama Financial

Dama Financial, through its bank partners, provides cannabis-related businesses (CRBs) access to transparent, sustainable banking and payment solutions. Using innovative technology, data and artificial intelligence, Dama exceeds the compliance and regulatory requirements for servicing CRBs, bringing legitimacy to the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Dama’s comprehensive and compliant financial framework offers CRBs the option to maintain cashless operations, reducing their exposure to security risks while improving their business efficiencies and operational focus.

Background

As successful fintech entrepreneurs, Dama’s founders have a proven track record of building companies that have removed the barriers that exclude unbanked categories from accessing the fundamental financial solutions necessary to thrive. During the past three years, Dama’s leadership team has turned its focus to addressing the challenges burdening the cannabis industry – the unbanked category of our time.

On behalf of its bank partners, Dama offers access to:

Dama Premier

  • Schedule recurring or ad-hoc appointments for secure cash pick-ups and delivery via armored courier
  • Monitor activity in real time via desktop or mobile or be notified of transaction alerts via email or text
  • Send payments via electronic ACH, wire-transfer or check to approved payees
  • Receive electronic funds from approved partners
  • Transfer money quickly between Dama-managed accounts

CashToTaxSM

  • Schedule secure cash pick-ups and delivery via armored courier
  • Monitor activity in real time via desktop or mobile or be notified of transaction alerts via email or text
  • Send electronic tax payments to approved tax authorities
  • Monitor account activity 24/7 with online and mobile access
  • No minimum balance or account fees

PayMyWaySM

  • Accept electronic retail payments using the secure PayMyWaySM mobile application
  • Customers can fund the app using a linked bank account or debit card at checkout with any PayMyWay merchant
  • Funds settle to the merchant’s PayMyWay Merchant account
  • Integrates seamlessly with any point-of-sale system

All Dama clients enjoy:

  • FDIC insurance on deposits of up to $250,000 per account
  • Dedicated Relationship Manager for account-related inquiries

Dama Financial is an agent of its partnering financial institutions and licensed money transmitters. Customers’ funds will be deposited into a custodial account maintained for the benefit of account holders at one or more FDIC-insured institutions. Fees, terms and conditions apply to depositing funds into and using an Account. Account Terms and Conditions and Fee Schedule are available upon registration to access the online application.

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST)

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST) is an innovative biotechnology company operating in the fields of hemp cannabinoid (CBD), nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device research and development. Earth Science Tech offers the highest purity and quality, full-spectrum, high-grade hemp CBD (cannabidiol) oil on the market. Made using the supercritical CO2 liquid extraction process, the company's CBD oil is 100 percent natural and organic. Earth Science Tech has partnered with the University of Central Oklahoma and DV Biologics Laboratory to conduct research and development projects that scientifically support and advance the healthcare benefits of its high-grade hemp CBD oil.

Earth Science Tech Inc. currently has three wholly owned subsidiaries focused on developing its role as a world leader in the CBD space and expanding its work in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. These subsidiaries include:

  • Earth Science Pharma, Inc., which is committed to development of low cost, noninvasive diagnostic tools, medical devices, testing processes and vaccines for sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases. Earth Science Pharmaceutical CEO and chief science officer Michel Aubé is leading the company's research and development efforts. The company's first medical device, MSN-2, is a home kit designed for the detection of STIs, such as chlamydia, from a self-obtained gynecological specimen. Earth Science Pharma is working to develop and bring to market medical devices and vaccines that meet the specific needs of women.
  • Cannabis Therapeutics, Inc. ("CTI"), which is poised to take a leadership role in the development of new, leading-edge, cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. CTI is invested in research and development to explore and harness the medicinal power of cannabidiol. The company holds a provisional application patent for a CBD product that is focused on developing treatments for breast and ovarian cancers.
  • KannaBidioiD ("KBD") provides a wide variety of products geared toward the recreational space of cannabis. KBD's unique Kanna and CBD formulation is sold and distributed in CBD-infused edibles and vapes/e-liquids products. Kanna and CBD synergistically enhance one another, providing optimal relaxation, an uplifting sensation, enhanced focus and the added benefit of assisting with nicotine reduction therapy.

Earth Science Tech celebrated a significant, developmental year during 2017 by sharing its achievements in a condensed end-of-year report. Among the report's highlights are the implementation of a development plan for the coming three years, which includes expanding into Canada and opening new manufacturing and shipping facilities. Of particular interest is the acquisition of Canna Inno Laboratories Inc., a company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which gives Earth Science Tech access to Canadian government grants offered to innovators in the pharmaceutical industry. ETST has also launched development of proprietary prophylactic therapies utilizing cannabidiol (CBD) to treat various forms of breast cancer.

In October 2017, ETST announced it is cooperating with the Clinique SIDA Amité (AIDS Friendship Clinic) for a mini-clinical trial, the last trial needed before the MSN-2 device, designed for the detection of STIs, enters molecular diagnostic trials. And in November 2017, the company began pre-launch human trials on a new CBD formula to fight against the U.S. opioid epidemic. The new formula, expected to decrease cravings and the negative effects of withdrawal in addicts, is based on industrial hemp CBD mixed with a known natural ingredient proven to help increase dopamine levels. ETST's medical devices will first be launched in Vietnam, Djibouti and Morocco while the company awaits regulatory permission to enter the North American market.

The company expects to up-list to the OTCQB in early 2018, which management believes will attract well-funded institutional investors and pave the way to becoming the next billion-dollar-in-capitalization company on the OTC markets. Other highlights include completion of the company's Scientific Advisory Council with a team of recognized scientists, the launching of several CBD-infused edible products and entry into the medical devices market through collaborative partnerships.

Earth Science Tech has signed a collaborate agreement with Laboratories BNK Canada, a private laboratory that will conduct the clinical studies necessary for MSN-2 medical device-related services to meet regulatory requirements. ETST has confirmed the MSN-2 device's ability to detect chlamydia, and is working to validate similar results for gonorrhea, both highly infectious diseases that often have permanent consequences for patients. ETST will also add testing for trichomoniasis and a complete body fluid panel to detect the different serotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. These additions will help the company create sales opportunities in the global market for diagnostic testing of STDs that Transparency Market Research has indicated will grow to $108 billion by 2019.

Cannabis Therapeutics is in the development stage of two cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drugs and three cannabinoid-based nutraceutical products targeting a variety of ailments such as anxiety, depression, triple negative breast cancer, and fatty liver disease, among others. Research into the benefits of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid molecules found in the cannabis plant is supported by ETST's International Application for Provisional Patent titled "Cannabidiol Compositions Including Mixtures and Uses Thereof," which was filed on October 8, 2015. Cannabis Thera's R&D efforts are concentrated on developing CBD-based drugs and nutraceutical products and in working to integrate the CBD molecule with existing generic drug molecules to create more efficient medications with fewer and less severe side effects. A report in Hemp Business Journal predicts the CBD consumer market will grow to $2.1 billion by 2020, while other industry experts expect an increase to almost $3 billion by 2021. A recent report by Statista projects the U.S. consumer market for cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals could reach $50 billion by the year 2029.

The management team at Earth Science Tech brings decades of invaluable experience to the nutraceutical, dietary supplement field as well as the life sciences sectors. Nickolas S. Tabraue, who serves as the president, director and chief operating officer, is an industry veteran with extensive knowledge of supplements, retail management, customer service and sales expertise. He is joined by CEO and CSO Dr. Michel Aubé, a microbiologist whose scientific research in sexually transmitted infections, cancer and stem cell biology has been widely published in several prestigious medical journals. Sergio Castillo, chief marketing officer, and Gabriel Aviles, chief sales officer, bring a wealth of marketing and sales experience to Earth Science Tech, which is complemented by Issa El-Cheikh, Ph.D., and his 25 years in the international finance, accounting, planning and execution of large scale transactions in the public and private sectors.

Earth Science Tech's products include CBD, a natural constituent of hemp oil derived from hemp stalk and seed. EST offers CBD in the form of vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, personal care products, homeopathies, functional foods and other products delivered in such forms as capsules, tablets, soft gels, chewables, liquids, creams, sprays, powders and whole herbs. Earth Science products can be found at retail stores throughout the United States and are available for purchase through the internet.

Endonovo Therapeutics Inc. (ENDV)

Endonovo Therapeutics Inc. (ENDV) develops, manufactures and distributes evolutionary medical devices focused on the rapid healing of wounds and reduction of pain, edema and inflammation on and in the human body. These wearable, non-invasive medical devices are designed to deliver the company’s proprietary, patent protected Electroceutical™ Therapy targeting inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease and central nervous system (“CNS”) disorders.

In accord with its mission to transform the field of medicine through innovation, Endonovo’s bioelectric Electroceutical™ devices harness bioelectricity to restore key electrochemical processes that initiate anti-inflammatory processes and growth factors in the body necessary for healing to rapidly occur. Endonovo’s current portfolio of commercial-stage devices address chronic kidney disease, liver disease non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cardiovascular and peripheral artery disease (PAD), and ischemic stroke.

Flagship Therapy

SofPulse® Electroceutical ™ Therapy is an easy-to-place, non-invasive device that delivers pulsed electromagnetic frequencies to enhance post-surgical recovery. Used as a stand-alone therapy or integrated into any treatment protocol, SofPulse®’s targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF) transmits gentle pulses to the tissue causing a positive biological effect to help reduce swelling and accelerate the body’s natural recovery process. The low levels of electromagnetic fields are completely safe and are 1000 times lower than those emitted by a mobile phone. 

Because SofPulse® lessens the pain of post-surgical recovery, the patient requires far less prescription medications, thereby minimizing or eliminating the adverse side effects of narcotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Studies have shown a greater than 2.2-fold reduction in narcotic use over the first 48 hours post-procedure. Patients with less pain and medication may move around sooner, which further stimulates the body’s natural response to healing.

Certifications

Endonovo’s Electroceutical™ Therapy is cleared by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (“FDA”) for the palliative treatment of pain and post-surgical edema (swelling) and is CE-marked in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) for the promotion of wound healing and the palliative treatment of pain and post-surgical edema. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has also certified Electroceutical™ Therapy for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Management

Alan Collier, Chairman and CEO
Alan Collier has more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, IP development, telecommunications and technology, with a concentration in healthcare and technology over the past five years. Collier has served as CEO and director of IP Resources International Inc., where he was instrumental in developing a platform the for the licensing and acquisition of life science and technology companies. He has held numerous board and executive positions throughout his career in the telecommunications, technology, specialty finance, corporate finance and healthcare industries. Collier has previously held FINRA Series 7, 79, 63 and 24 licenses.

Michael Scott Mann, President
Michael Scott Mann has over 30 years of experience in merger and acquisitions and operational management. In 2008, Mann acquired the assets of Hanover Asset Management, now Endonovo Therapeutics Inc., and led the company to become listed on the OTCBB in 2012. He was the founder, president and CEO of Frankfurt-listed U.S. Debt Settlement Inc. (USDS), where he implemented a growth by acquisition strategy. 

Don Calabria, Chief Operating Officer
Don Calabria has over 20 years of leadership and experience in national business operations to emerging growth companies, mergers and acquisitions, finance and business development. Calabria holds an MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

Nevena Zubcevik, Chief Medical Officer
Nevena Zubcevik, D.O., MSPT, ATC, on July 1, 2019, will lead Endonovo’s medical and clinical strategy, including the development and regulatory matters and new business development. Zubcevik, a licensed physician and educator, has more than 24 years of experience in the medical field and was an attending physician at Harvard Medical School/Partners Healthcare in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department.

Steven Ford, Vice President of Marketing
Steven Ford has 25 years of experience in the field of medical devices, including experience in sales management, product management, product development, business development and research & development at companies such as Baxter, CR Bard, Ethicon, Allergan, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Alphatec Spine. Throughout Ford’s career, he has led and participated on over 75 product development teams and has launched over 50 medical devices globally. Ford is an innovative problem solver and has many patents in the areas of hemostasis, sealing and tissue reconstruction. Most recently, Steve was the U.S. vice president of marketing for Biom’up where he was a co-lead on the high-profile successful launch of their surgical hemostat HEMOBLAST Bellows. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from California State University.

David Clark, Vice President of Sales
David Clark has extensive surgical device commercial experience which includes 25 years in the surgical device industry with leading companies including Medtronic and Baxter Healthcare. Most recently, Clark was the U.S. executive vice president of sales for Biom’up where he was a co-lead in the high-profile successful launch of their surgical hemostat HEMOBLAST. As part of the launch, he built and led the U.S. sales team which included over 200 in-direct sales representatives and direct commercial leadership. During his 15 years with Baxter, the BioSurgery Division grew from a small revenue business into a major market player in the advanced hemostasis space with products such as FloSeal and Tisseel. Clark has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University.

Roc Alan McCarthy, Scientific Advisory Board Member
Roc Alan McCarthy, D.O, will help Endonovo continue to advance its clinical pipeline and contribute to the strategic and clinical development oversight of the company. McCarthy is a urologist in North Carolina, currently serving as the robotic surgeon and chairman of the robotics committee at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX)

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX (TASE: FRSX), founded in 2015 and headquartered in Israel, is a technological innovator in automotive vision systems and driver assistance technology. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Foresight Automotive Ltd., Foresight is engaged in the design, development and commercialization of stereo/quad-camera vision systems and V2X cellular-based solutions for the automotive industry based on 3D video analysis, advanced algorithms for image processing and sensor fusion. The company's powerful and patented stereoscopic technology is derived from field-proven technology that has been deployed throughout the world for almost two decades.

Foresight's innovative autonomous driving solutions are based on mature, proprietary stereoscopic image technology that uses two synchronized cameras to mimic human depth perception and produce a three-dimensional image. This 3D image can anticipate possible collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and other obstacles. The technology provides highly accurate real-time alerts about the vehicle's surroundings while in motion. The systems are designed to improve driving safety by enabling highly accurate and reliable threat detection while ensuring the lowest rates of false alerts.

The company's patents provide IP protection for its robust and proven proprietary stereoscopic technology, which was developed using the security technology of Foresight's major shareholder, Magna B.S.P.

Foresight has developed three main products:

  • QuadSight™. This breakthrough detection system sets the bar for autonomous vehicle vision. It features nearly 100 percent obstacle detection with almost zero false alerts and operates optimally under all weather and lighting conditions, including darkness, rain, fog, haze and glare. QuadSight™ is the first quad-camera multi-spectral vision solution of its kind, driven by advanced and proven image processing algorithms. The system consists of two sets of stereoscopic infra-red and visible-light cameras that enable highly accurate and reliable obstacle detection for seamless 24/7 vision.
  • Eyes-On™. This solution uses advanced algorithms for accurate depth analysis and obstacle detection to provide a unique stereo vision Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). It can detect all potential obstacles regardless of shape, form or material, including other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and animals. It has an accuracy and reliability of almost 100 percent and near zero false alerts.
  • Eye-Net™. This is a cellular-based accident prevention solution that is designed to provide real-time pre-collision alerts to vehicles and pedestrians. This proprietary system is deployed on smartphones and cloud-based servers operating on existing cellular networks, and it eliminates the need for additional designated hardware. Eye-Net™ is designed to provide a complementary layer of protection to advanced driver assistance systems and extends this protection to road users who are not in direct line of sight. It is optimally designed for both urban environments and high-speed scenarios to provide protection for the most vulnerable road users. On March 28, 2018, Foresight announced that it had completed a successful feasibility study of its Eye-Net™ accident prevention solution involving 120 users of Android and iOS cell phones located across Israel.

In 2017, Foresight sought more opportunities within the international market. The Company signed pilot agreements with three leading car manufacturers in China and completed pilot projects meeting all pre-defined requirements and criteria. In addition, FRSX completed a pilot project with Uniti Sweden.

Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety continue to emphasize the dramatic reduction in accidents and injury-related crashes reported when vehicles are equipped with collision avoidance systems. A recent study by the Institute states that the rate of single-vehicle, sideswipe and head-on crashes was 11 percent lower in vehicles with the warning systems. More importantly, the study shows collision avoidance technology cut the rates of injury crashes of the same type by 21 percent.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings, Inc. also holds a 32 percent interest in RailVision, a company that develops advanced systems for railway safety and maintenance. RailVision has successfully completed 13 tests in Israel, Germany, Italy and Switzerland in addition to a real-time system test with a European railway operator. Over the course of 2017, RailVision successfully completed rounds of financing totaling $5.8 million and started the process of licensing the system according to European standards.

Haim Siboni is the founder of Foresight and has served as the company's chief executive officer and director since 2015. Siboni, a passionate entrepreneur, has an extensive background in the marketing and business management sectors in the fields of electronics, video, TV, multimedia, computerized systems, line and wireless telecommunication, design and development of systems and devices, including electro-optic radar systems. He is the founder and CEO of Magna B.S.P., Foresight's major shareholder and a leading innovator in the field of homeland security surveillance solutions.

Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX)

Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is a clinical-stage gene therapy company developing potentially life-changing technologies for cancer patients based upon a unique proprietary technology platform, including Genprex’s initial product candidate, Oncoprex™ immunogene therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Genprex’s platform technologies are designed to administer cancer-fighting genes by encapsulating them into nanoscale hollow spheres called nanovesicles, which are then administered intravenously and taken up by tumor cells where they express proteins that are missing or found in low quantities.

Research and Development

Genprex holds a portfolio of 30 issued and two pending patents covering its technologies and targeted molecular therapies. The company’s research and development program is focused on identifying and developing leading-edge gene therapies that can be used alone or in combination with other therapies for treatment of cancer.

Genprex’s initial product candidate is Oncoprex™, an immunogene therapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Oncoprex works by interrupting cell signaling pathways that cause replication and proliferation of cancer cells, re-establishes pathways for apoptosis (or programmed cell death) in cancer cells, and modulates the immune response against cancer cells. Oncoprex has also been shown to block mechanisms that create drug resistance.

Preclinical research is being conducted with the goal of developing Oncoprex to be administered with targeted therapies in other solid tumors, and with immunotherapies in NSCLC and other solid tumors. In addition, Genprex has conducted and plans to continue research into other tumor suppressor genes associated with chromosome 3p21.3, as well as other potential applications of the company’s immunogene therapy platform.

Clinical Trials

Genprex is currently conducting the second phase of a phase I/II clinical trial at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The company plans to expand its clinical program by adding a new clinical study evaluating Oncoprex™ in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor for treatment of Stage IV or recurrent NSCLC. In research presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research in Washington, D.C., Genprex’s collaborators showed that TUSC2 in combination with PD-1 checkpoint inhibition has a significantly greater anti-tumor effect in lung cancer than either agent alone. The research also shows that TUSC2 in combination with PD-1 blockade has synergistic activity in upregulating natural killer (NK) cells, correlating with prolonged survival in mice.

TUSC2 (Tumor Suppressor Candidate 2) is a tumor suppressor gene that is absent or deficient in cancer cells of many different cancer types.

The Market

Genprex technologies seek to bridge a critical gap by combining with targeted therapies and immunotherapies to provide treatments to large patient populations who would otherwise not be candidates for those therapies or who have become resistant to them. Genprex technologies are being developed to overcome genomic limitations which are inherent in targeted therapies and immunotherapies in order to provide new treatment solutions to large cancer populations, such as those with lung cancer.

Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85 percent of all lung cancers, according to the American Cancer Society (“ACS”). Despite radical advances in drug development and novel therapeutic standards, survival for late stage lung cancer has not improved significantly in the past 25 years.

Senior Management

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer J. Rodney Varner, JD, is a co-founder of Genprex and has served in these roles since August 2012. He has more than 35 years of legal experience with large and small law firms and as outside general counsel of a Nasdaq-listed company. Varner has served as counsel in company formation, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, other business transactions, protection of trade secrets and other intellectual property, real estate, and business litigation. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and has been admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Court and the U.S. Tax Court.

Julien L. Pham, M.D., MPH, is president and chief operating officer of Genprex. In March 2013, Dr. Pham co-founded RubiconMD, a healthcare IT company that connects primary care providers to specialists for additional guidance and opinions on medical cases and served as its chief medical officer. He has served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is a board-certified internal medicine doctor and nephrologist.

Ryan M. Confer, MS, has served as Genprex chief financial officer since September 2016. Confer has more than 10 years of executive experience in planning, launching, developing, and growing emerging technology companies and has served in the chief operating and chief financial roles for non-profit and for-profit entities since 2008. Confer has also served as an international business development consultant for the University of Texas at Austin’s IC2 Institute, where he focused on evaluating the commercialization potential of nascent technologies in domestic and international markets applicable to technology incubator programs associated with the University. Confer holds a BS in finance and legal studies from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and an MS in technology commercialization from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.

Jan Stevens, RN, is vice president of Clinical Operations. Stevens has nearly 20 years of comprehensive clinical operations experience in the biopharma industry and a specialization in early-to-late stage oncology companies. Stevens joined the company to help support the various clinical development programs for Oncoprex™.

Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR)

Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR) is a consumer healthcare company that builds and markets some of the world's most loved cannabis products and brands in the nutraceutical, cosmetics, food and beverage and pet sectors. Using its proprietary nanotechnology formulation, the company delivers creams, beverages, baked goods and tincture formulations with superior bioavailability and water solubility.

NanoFusion Technology

The efficacy of most hemp products is restricted as the insoluble nature of the molecules prevents most of the product from permeating the skin or entering the body system. Geyser Brands solves this insolubility problem with an advanced delivery system that quickly and efficiently transports therapeutic agents directly to the bloodstream for maximum absorbency.

Made with all-natural materials, NanoFusion technology offers an array of advantages: enhances penetration for deeper skin penetration; improves the transport of active ingredients for site-specific targeting; delivers active ingredients across cell membranes for release within the cell; provides longer shelf-life and stability of molecules.

Operations

Geyser Brands operates a 7,000-square-foot facility in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, where its initial cannabis cultivation generated the first revenues out of the company's cultivation license granted in October 2018. Geyser Brands is approved as a licensed producer in compliance with Health Canada standards, which allows the company to pursue its processing and sales license. Obtaining this license will enable the company to extend its products and brands into the regulated Canadian cannabis market and directly to the consumer medical market.

Geyser Brands's integrated production chain and formulation lab develops innovative products using high-quality hemp and CBD for healthy lifestyle brands while its R&D lab produces product formulations designed to enhance bio-availability of hemp and CBD and shelf stability while maintaining all-natural ingredients and ensuring premium quality.

Geyser Brands will continue to seek opportunities to invest into the research and development of unique high-quality proprietary strains and technologies that target specific health-related conditions such as pain and inflammation reduction, insomnia, digestive issues and other commonly known ailments.

Growing Portfolio

Among the brand formulations in Geyser Brand's portfolio are:

  • Apothecary all-natural Hemp Terpene Pain Cream with optimal skin permeation
  • Prohibition Cold Brew Mocha designed with water soluble hemp molecules
  • Apothecary health products created to deliver fast-acting and high bioavailability in a spray formulation
  • Baked hemp infused pet products, designed to alleviate anxiety and pain, created with NanoFusion for dosage control

Management Team

Since 2014, Geyser Brands' CEO and Co-Founder Andreas Thatcher has been a principal at Rhizome Group, an entertainment company focused on building media IP through creative and market development. He previously was a founding partner at Rhizome Capital LLC, a U.S.-based media investment company specializing in marketing and distribution financing, and worked in the Investment Banking industry in London and Toronto. Thatcher holds a master's degree in economics.

CFO Barry McKnight obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant registered in British Columbia. McKnight has over 20 years of experience as the principal of Barry D. McKnight Inc. He formerly was also a director of Indigo Sky Capital Corp. and has been the CFO and a director of the Company since 2016 and Corporate Secretary of the Company since 2017.

Geyser Brands's Co-Founder Brad Kersch brings a strong business background with over 20 years of experience in successful startups and working with Fortune 500 companies. He spent his early years in the advertising and marketing field and went on to form Hyperware, a clothing company that sold branded clothing to retailers across Canada before selling to clothing giant Ocean Pacific (OP). Kersch became the president of Shoreline Studios, Canada's largest and oldest studio for film and TV. In 2014 he started Solace Management Group, a hemp product company focused on pet, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical markets. As of February 2019, Geyser Brands signed a non-binding LOI to acquire Solace Management. Upon completing the proposed Solace acquisition, Geyser Brands intends to launch into the execution phase of its plan — to take its brands global through retail and digital direct-to-consumer experiences, launching its hemp-infused cannabis brands and products in the U.S., European Union, and Asia, and its CBD-infused line of products in jurisdictions where the therapeutic ingredient is legal.

Kuldip Gill, head of Geyser Brands' R&D program, has more than 35 years of experience in the cannabis industry. Gill built the largest manufacturing facility in the lower mainland in Surrey, British Columbia, complete with R&D, analytical and quality control labs approved by both the FDA and Health Canada. He has to date created over 3,500 formulas, most notably Lakota pain relief gel. Gill's experience and proven track record is evident in the strongly marketable formulations he has developed and sold worldwide.

GP Solutions (OTC: GWPD)

GP Solutions (OTC: GWPD) is developing scalable farming systems for soil-less indoor organic farming. The company’s GrowPods are automated micro-farms that use hydroponic technology and unique soil systems to cultivate the highest-quality specialty leaf crops. The system is designed and engineered for ease of use, allowing users to farm year-round in any location of the world, supporting the company’s mission to provide customers with the ability to cultivate their own organic “superfoods.”

GrowPod Design & Function

GrowPod is a modular, stackable and mobile vertical growing environment specifically engineered to maximize yield and automation. GrowPods are available as a vertical pod, stacker pod or custom-built pod.

The Stacker Pod is a certified organic soil system that offers growers multiple levels of planting in order to maximize space and produce options with different fruits and vegetables. The Vertical Pod utilizes a vertical hydroponic system. It is affordable, scalable, efficient, automated and sustainable. The output provides customers with fresh and clean produce year-round in any climate. The Custom Pod is built to suit the farmer’s specific crop and grow goals.

Each 320-square-foot GrowPod container will have an annual production capability of up to four times that of outdoor growing methods, dramatically increasing profitability to the grower. The controlled environment of the GrowPod ensures efficient power and water usage in growing a wide range of horticultural and agricultural products in all environments and climates.

Thanks to a combination of hydroponic and certified organic soil systems, crop yields are higher, faster, and more consistent that conventional means. Customers can enjoy an average of eight higher yield crop cycles anywhere in the world.

GrowPod Features:

  • Modular, stackable and mobile
  • Fully insulated, food-grade shipping container
  • Engineered for automation
  • Efficient LED lighting
  • Hydroponic or soil-based platforms
  • Proprietary air and water filtration
  • Climate-controlled
  • Remote monitoring

GP Solutions also offers many services to its customers, including:

  • Shipment and installation service of its shipping container farms
  • On-site training
  • Provision of custom planting and harvesting schedule
  • Provision of growing supplies, seeds, nutrients, packaging, branding and repair materials
  • On-site visits, on-call and scheduled maintenance, and re-supply
  • Remote monitoring and automated control of environmental nutrients, environmental growth factors (PH, temperature, light) and circulation
  • Technical assistance
  • Consulting and custom facility systems design

Competitive Advantage

GrowPods allow cultivation to take place year-round, which maximizes ROI. The systems are sealed from outside pathogens, contaminants, pesticides, and the result is clean and robust crop production.

GP Solutions also has a line of remarkable new proprietary soil mixtures and nutrient lines which contain no animal products. These products are vital, as many other soils and additives can contain harmful pathogens and contaminants that can cause crops to become tainted or fail rigorous testing.

Global Solution

GP Solutions has partnered with the world’s leading food nonprofit companies, including Feeding America, Seeds of Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels America, L.A. Kitchen, and Farm Bread, to help insecure communities take control of their own food dependence using container farms.

Grapefruit Boulevard Investments Inc. (IGNG)

Grapefruit Boulevard Investments Inc., a California corporation (“Grapefruit”), as of May 31, 2019, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Imaging3 Inc. (OTC: IGNG), a Delaware corporation whose shares of $.001 par value common stock are publicly traded on the OTCMarkets OTCQB Market under the symbol “IGNG.” IGNG is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and files annual and quarterly reports pursuant thereto. Grapefruit holds licenses originally issued by the State of California in January 2018 to both manufacture and distribute cannabis products. Grapefruit’s management now owns a controlling interest in IGNG which now owns 100% of Grapefruit’s outstanding shares. As a result, IGNG’s financial reports will consolidate both IGNG’s and Grapefruit’s balance sheet, statement of operation and statement of cash flows and IGNG and Grapefruit will be operated as a single company. IGNG intends to change its name to Grapefruit and to obtain a more appropriate trading symbol as soon as possible. Hereinafter the combined companies will be referred to as “Grapefruit” or the “Company.”

Grapefruit’s corporate headquarters is in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. Grapefruit holds licenses to both manufacture and distribute cannabis products which were originally issued in January 2018 and is fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations to operate its cannabis manufacturing and distribution businesses.

The company is well-focused on sourcing only the “best of the best” raw cannabis materials to create the highest quality, most-trusted and consistent recreational and medical cannabis products for its customers. Grapefruit is committed to ensuring class-leading quality by rigorously testing the purity and potency of its raw materials throughout the manufacturing process and distribution chain.

Grapefruit owns and operates its fully licensed and compliant ethanol extraction laboratory located in the Coachillin’ Industrial Cultivation and Ancillary Canna-Business Park in Desert Hot Springs, California. The company’s extraction lab produces high quality, cannabis-derived distillate, also known as “honey oil,” from cannabis flower and “trim.” THC honey oil is one of base cannabis commodities which serves as the active ingredient in everything from infused edibles and tinctures/creams to the cartridges used in vapes and e-cigarettes. Honey oil often sells on the wholesale marketplace for thousands of dollars per liter, with pricing being dependent on quantity purchased, as well as other market factors such as the availability and cost of the underlying flowers and/or trim.

Grapefruit began its extraction operations in May 2019. Plans are in place to expand its honey oil production through the purchase of additional distillation equipment, which is expected to significantly increase the company’s production capacity by the fourth quarter of 2019. Grapefruit’s extraction lab is fully scalable and expansion will be built-out on a two-acre lot owned by Grapefruit at the Coachillin’ site adjacent to its current manufacturing and distribution operation.

Grapefruit selected the City of Desert Hot Springs for its cannabis extraction laboratory, because the city has created a friendly business environment for cannabis-based manufacturers, including incentives like the absence of taxes on cannabis oil production revenues. This affords Grapefruit a fundamental competitive market advantage over other Honey Oil producers.

The California cannabis regulatory scheme is unique in that it requires all cultivators (cannabis farms) and manufacturers (whether producing oils/distillates, infused edibles, tinctures creams or other cannabis products) to sell their products into the legal cannabis wholesale and retail markets exclusively through licensed distributors such as Grapefruit. Grapefruit initially obtained its California recreational and medicinal cannabis distribution license Jan. 4, 2018. In May 2019, Grapefruit was granted its provisional distribution license which is renewable annually, thereby cementing the regulatory foundation necessary to rapidly expand its distribution business.

Grapefruit’s distribution license affords it a twofold strategic advantage: first, to market and sell its own cannabis product lines to retailers throughout California; and second, to buy and resell bulk cannabis flowers and trim as well as all other legal cannabis products to properly licensed distributors and/or retailers throughout California.

The Coachillin’ Canna-Business Park, home to Grapefruit’s current operating facilities and adjacent two-acre parcel of land, is a 160-acre, self-contained legally mapped compound providing the Company with a fully permitted and serviced physical plant from which Grapefruit intends to establish a leading position in the booming California cannabis sector. The parcel was purchased by the Company prior to the Park’s full development, and the value of the land the Company owns has conservatively since doubled in value to over $2 million. Additional long-term benefits of the Coachillin’ compound include agricultural rates for power, which are currently $0.09 per kilowatt hour; the Park’s deep-water well that fully satisfies its need for water; and security expenses shared by all resident businesses. The Coachillin’ Park’s promoters also plan to position the Park, located only 10 miles north of rapidly growing uptown Palm Springs and less than 15 miles from the site of the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals as a must-see canna-tourism destination.

Grapefruit’s ultimate goal is to become a vertically integrated, seed-to-sale cannabis and CBD product company serving the California market. Moreover, it plans to roll-out its product lines in other states, such as Nevada, Illinois, Oregon, Colorado and Washington. Grapefruit has plans to build a large, all-inclusive facility that will house a 50,000-square-foot-plus indoor grow canopy, a large extraction laboratory designed to extract both THC and CBD cannabinoids via non-volatile (ethanol) and volatile (butane) processes, a manufacturing space to produce Grapefruit’s vape lines and CBD products, an FDA-certified kitchen for the production of Grapefruit edibles and a distribution facility to sell all products into the entire cannabis market. The indoor grow canopy operation will be outfitted and operated to produce ultra-high-quality flowers and buds, some of which, along with the high-quality trim resulting from cleaning and maintaining the grow, will provide biomass necessary to feed the company’s extraction laboratory. Fueled by this hand cultivated biomass, Grapefruit’s lab will continuously produce pesticide and heavy metal-free world class honey oil to both serve as the active ingredient in all of Grapefruit’s branded and unbranded products and meet the projected ever-growing demand for high quality honey oil in the California market.

Grapefruit’s motto – A High You Can Trust – embodies its philosophy and ethos, reminding consumers of the company’s commitment to manufacturing, procuring and distributing only the highest quality all-natural cannabis flower, concentrates and related products that are free from pesticides, heavy metals and bacteria. Grapefruit will target its products to all recreational cannabis enthusiasts’ as continuous, consistent cannabis products. By relentlessly adhering to these policies Grapefruit intends to become the Titleist of the Cannabis industry, known for unwavering quality and consistency.

Grapefruit is managed by a team of experts possessing the experience, skill and resources required to succeed in the competitive cannabis marketplace. Founded by brothers Bradley Yourist, CEO, and Daniel Yourist, COO, Grapefruit has expanded to become a group of industry professionals sharing a passion for all things cannabis. Both the CEO & COO are attorneys licensed to practice law the State of California who possess expert cannabis licensing and regulatory expertise and experience, which will allow Grapefruit to deftly navigate the ever changing California regulatory landscape and apply for new cannabis licenses at reduced costs when necessary, rather than having to acquire licenses that are often overvalued and/or pay outside counsel to handle such matters.

Grapefruit also has its own line of cannabis-infused concentrates and edibles. Among the brands now in stores or soon to be launched are:

  • Rainbow Dreams is a new lifestyle brand designed specifically for the recreational cannabis marketplace. The Rainbow Dreams brand captures the anything goes party vibe of the 1970s by offering an array of cannabis products, such as a line of vape carts with unique cannabis strains combined with all-natural flavors for a superior no-burn experience. Rainbow Dreams fills an important niche in the marketplace as a top shelf quality product line that is competitively priced.
  • Sugar Stoned, which Grapefruit acquired in the winter of 2018, has always been a popular cannabis edibles brand which terminated operations when recreational cannabis became legal and required a license in California. Grapefruit purchased the Sugar Stoned brand in 2019 and it is now a Grapefruit portfolio brand consisting of a premium quality cannabis-infused gummy line with eight different flavors: blue raspberry, cherry, grape, peach, pineapple, sour apple, strawberry and watermelon. Grapefruit intends to expand the brand in the near future through the release of a variety of infused cookies.

Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF)

Green Growth Brands Inc. (GGBXF), is a lifestyle-oriented cannabis and cannabidiol (“CBD”) consumer products company with a portfolio of lifestyle brands customized to connect specific, like-minded customers. Each Green Growth Brand provides the best quality products within a retail experience that appeals to users in an environment that is emotionally branded and easy to navigate.

In the next five years, the cannabis industry will generate more than $28 billion of new revenue from an estimated 14 million new customers, according to Ackrell Capital’s 2018 Cannabis Investment Report. Meanwhile, Hemp Business Journal projects that the CBD market will increase 8x to $3 billion by 2021, up from $200 million in 2017. Green Growth Brand intends to dominate in these markets with a lineup up products grown, manufactured and presented with the highest quality standards in mind.

Products under the Green Growth Brand umbrella include:

  • CAMP: A kiosk-type store where consumers can experience beautifully crafted lifestyle products that enhance one’s journey to self-discovery.
  • Seventh Sense: A CBD-infused body care collection crafted from the finest botanicals and fragrances on earth. Created to maximize the properties and aromatics of each ingredient, Seventh Sense natural products are CBD-infused botanical therapy.
  • Meri+Jayne: Fiercely authentic and wholly unapologetic, Meri+Jayne is a youthful, full-on celebration of what makes each person unique. Expect the unexpected when it comes to this mix of amazing products.
  • Green Lily: A place for women to explore a new world of wellness. With advice on every product, from efficacy to usage, Green Lily guides guests through beautiful new ways to experience cannabis and CBD.
  • The +Source: Located in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, The+Source dispensaries operated by Green Growth Brands serve both medical patients and retail customers. Green Growth Brands also operates a grow and production facility in Post, Nevada, and recently entered into definitive agreements to acquire a Pahrump, Nevada, cultivation facility.
  • XanthicBiopharms is the owner of valuable intellectual property that turns THC(Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD into a water-soluble substance. As a result of combining Green Growth Brands and Xanthic, this technology is being used to create incredible new products.

Business Strategy

Green Growth Brands has identified numeroushitches in the current cannabis retail space. The company intends to counter these challenges and provide a customer experience ripe with a friendly staff, in-stock assortments, efficient operations and more. The company’s retail partners provide distribution opportunities within 4,000 stores, as well as robust and established digital platforms to best reach the modern consumer.

Management

Green Growth Brands brings together a collection of expert retailers, scientists, botanists, developers, artists and business leaders for the benefit of building community. Led by an executive management team steeped in decades of experience with several of America’s most successful brands, including Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Limited Brands and Designer Shoe Warehouse, Green Growth Brands is uniquely positioned to create memorable brands, retail experiences, and quality products for the emerging cannabis industry.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Horvath heads strategy and execution across all company channels, and previously took shoe retailer DSW public on the NYSE at $1.5 billion. As a dynamic, creative brand leader, team builder, and specialty retail veteran with deep roots in finance, Horvath’s unique ability to understand the big picture while never missing the subtle details is a critical factor in Green Growth Brands’ success and brand popularity among customers.

Chief Marketing Officer Scott Razek is a brand strategist, storyteller and strategic marketer. Razek‘s 25 years of experience in brand building, product development and customer experience focus are a key differentiator for the Green Growth Brands portfolio.

CAO Ed Kistner brings 33 years of multifaceted experience at leading retail businesses, notably in finance, merchandise planning, operations and stores. His well-rounded experiences in fast-changing environments position Kistner to be the architect of the operational execution at Green Growth Brands.

CSO Kellie Wurtzman brings significant retail leadership to Green Growth Brands with a proven track record of leading high-performance stores and teams across multiple retail sectors. Her unmatched experience in identifying and supporting developing business opportunities is ideal for evolving the cannabis industry and will be instrumental in expanding operations at Green Growth Brands.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Green Growth Brands is traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange and on the OTCQB, providing investors with increased access to data, transparency and liquidity.

Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (GRYN)

Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (GRYN) is a full-scope, premium cannabis cultivation company targeting the high-end medical and adult-use recreational market. With more than 25 years of experience in agricultural science and innovation, Green Hygienics is establishing itself as a leader in the advancement of science-driven cannabis cultivation systems. The company will grow by generating revenues from the sales of premium grade cannabis products, developing and licensing valuable IP, making strategic acquisitions, and creating trusted global consumer brands.

The company has integrated and is developing its own IP assets related to proprietary systems and apparatus, software, algorithms and custom-engineered hardware. This provides ultimate efficiencies in a commercially controlled cultivation environment. Utilizing the advantages of hybrid-aeroponics, Green Hygienics creates a sterile growing environment that produces consistent, high-quality product while maintaining the lowest possible carbon footprint. The company utilizes state-of-the-art, quality-controlled commercial cultivation methodology to assure production of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis at much higher yields and greatly reduced costs.

Hybrid-aeroponics produces quality cannabis faster than traditional methods since it doesn't require natural sunlight or soil and can be operational and produce plants anywhere. Plants grown under aeroponic conditions receive water and nutrients directly to their roots via a fine mist in a controlled environment, dramatically reducing spoilage while keeping the product organic and the environment pest-free. The plants are given the exact amount of nutrients and moisture precisely when needed. Green Hygienics maintains ultimate control over every aspect of this cultivation process, which allows the company to operate with conservation of natural resources in mind. The technology that uses 90-95 percent less water and does not require the use of pesticides or fungicides.

Additionally, the company's state-of-the-art engineered, controlled environments include electrical, mechanical and HVAC designs that meet mandatory fire and energy codes while improving energy efficiency significantly.

Through these practices, Green Hygienics is establishing itself as a leader in the advancement of science-driven cannabis cultivation systems. The company continues to develop and incubate software as well as engineer hardware to provide additional control over the commercial cultivation method. The company's science-based approach reveals any growth anomalies before the human eye can see them. This makes it possible to monitor all facets of production, identify cultivation problems based upon scientific data, and implement immediate corrective action, if needed.

The future of commercial cannabis cultivation hinges on using science to control the growing environment in order to remain competitive and deliver a premium grade of product on a consistent basis. The company holds a competitive advantage through its ability to produce premium cannabis products at a significantly lower cost per gram than direct competitors and others in the cannabis industry.

Innovations within the sector that create efficiencies and successful brands will become highly valued. Green Hygienics and its forward-thinking management team are constantly studying the market dynamics of the cannabis industry in North America and abroad while actively pursuing possible expansion opportunities. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and establishing operations in San Diego, California, targeting the $5 billion California cannabis market.

Hemptown USA

Hemptown USA, headquartered in Central Point, Oregon, is a proven grower of full-spectrum feminized hemp grown using premium seed genetics that contain less than 0.3% THC and exceptionally high cannabinoid (CBD) content of up to 20%. The company's "soil to oil" methodology combines seasoned professionals working in hand-picked agricultural microclimates located in Oregon's famed Emerald Triangle, Kentucky and Colorado.

Hemptown has rights to 1 million rare CBG (cannabigerol) seeds genetically programmed to yield from 15% to 20% full-spectrum non-intoxicating cannabinoids. Hemptown is positioned to be a leading CBG producer in the U.S. in 2019 and beyond.

In 2018, Hemptown's harvest from its Oregon hemp farm was 110,000 pounds of full-spectrum biomass with CBD content hovering around 17%. 2018 harvest revenue is expected to range from $8.1 million to $12.6 million. The company is scaling up operations in 2019 to meet market demand and projects it will reap over 1 million pounds. By 2020, Hemptown projects that potential revenues in the $100 million to $200 million range are possible once additional farming operations are at full strength.

Growth Strategy

By 2020, Hemptown anticipates it will have more than 2,500 acres in several states dedicated to hemp farming. Expansion plans include increasing in-house extraction capabilities to boost profit margins by providing additional CBD and CBG isolates and distillation services. Due to its anticipated scale, Hemptown is positioning itself as a low-cost producer as it establishes business-to-business partners in the packaged goods space. New products and formulations for the direct-to-consumer market, along with several strategic acquisitions, are also key to Hemptown's growth strategy.

Hemptown plans to expand distribution and growing operations globally through strategic partnerships and development of contracts with leading Fortune 500 brands in European markets. The company intends to grow its IP portfolio by developing water-soluble cannabinoid delivery system. Not to be confused with water-compatibility, water-soluble cannabinoids combine seamlessly with other liquids, have a superior shelf life, and deliver dramatically increased efficacy to the consumer.

Branded Products

Hemptown's first in-house branded product line combines the inspiring strength found in the unbridled nature that surrounds the company's original hemp farm in the Siskiyou Klamath region of Oregon. Siskū is set to redefine the cannabinoid packaged goods space with an elegant look, clean feel and potent, reliable efficacy.

Custom product lines can also be created for any product manufacturer as Hemptown brings GMP and ISO accredited processing facilities online in 2019. Together with Oregon CBD Seeds and Hemptown's product sciences team, Hemptown will be able to create custom, proprietary full-spectrum CBD and CBG oils and pure isolates.

Management Team

Company Chairman Rod Wolterman founded Hemptown's Oregon operations in 2016. He has extensive experience in the cannabis sector having been active within the space since 1998. Wolterman has also acted as a private equity investor in numerous medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation operations in southern California.

CEO John Cummings has over 20 years of experience in finance, marketing, sales and project management. He led the compliance and special projects efforts for Kings Garden, one of the largest vertically integrated operators in California. Cummings also spent a year in Europe launching the continent's first GMP and ISO-accredited cultivation and manufacturing facility.

Dr. Gordon Chiu is chief science officer for Hemptown. He has more than 15 years of combined domestic and international experience in biomedical, chemical, cosmetic, medical and technology industries. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a master's degree from Seton Hall University, Chiu is leading Hemptown's cannabinoid research team and is responsible for filing IP patents, specifically in the areas of water-solubility, bioavailability and peptide sequencing.

HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC)

HTC Extraction Systems (TSX.V: HTC) has developed and optimized proprietary technologies designed for biomass extraction, distillation and purification of ethanol and ethanol-based solvents used for the hemp biomass and cannabidiol (“CBD”) industry, as well as gas and liquid extraction. HTC’s extraction & purification systems are engineered to large-scale to reduce capital and operating costs while delivering superior performance measured by reduced energy usage, lowered emissions and improved quality of the product produced.

Advanced Extraction Technologies

For more than 14 years, HTC has developed and optimized proprietary technology and purification systems used for biomass, gas and liquid extraction. These technologies include:

  • LCDesign® – Low-cost design for modular gas, liquid and biomass extraction systems optimizes plant design, thus reducing capital and operating costs.
  • PDOEngine™ – Software-based design algorithms accurately model and simulate gas, liquid and biomass extraction processing.
  • Delta Solvents™ – Custom-designed, ethanol-based solvent mixtures and additives that optimize production and reduce costs. Technology development is being conducted at HTC’s sponsored research facilities at the University of Calgary.

Delta Purification® Technology

HTC’s patented Delta Purification® technology will purify, recycle and reuse the extraction ethanol used in the CBD extraction process while managing and reducing any CBD waste losses through the re-extraction of all wastes collected from the purified ethanol. Current and new technologies include:

  • Delta CBD Reclaiming System: Reclaiming and purifying ethanol for use in CBD extraction from biomass. Reduces required heat to prevent damage of the chemical attributes of the CBD molecule, allowing extracted CBD to meet food-grade targets for human consumption.
  • Delta Solvent Reclaiming System: Reclaiming and purifying ethanol-based solvents, such as single, mixed and formulated amines, for use in natural gas processing and post-combustion CO2 capturing processes.
  • Delta Glycol Reclaiming System: Reclaiming and purifying glycols, such as mono-ethylene glycol and tri-ethylene glycol for use in natural gas dehydration processes.

Hemp Biomass and Tolling Contracts

HTC has entered into a hemp biomass tolling agreement for the 2019 crop year involving a supply of hemp biomass from a hemp grower in Saskatchewan, Canada. The hemp grower utilizes five varieties of Health Canada-approved cultivars as the genetic foundation. HTC will process and extract CBD FSO distillate from the hemp biomass. As a tolling fee payment, HTC will receive a percentage of the extracted CBD FSO distillate for its processing, extraction, purification and distillation services.

Additional hemp biomass tolling contracts with producers and hemp biomass providers are being negotiated in the U.S. for the 2020 hemp crop growing year. HTC will provide “local-to-grower” drying-to-biomass storage capability and transportation of dried biomass to an HTC, location to be determined, future US based, extraction facility. HTC is also in negotiation with a 60,000-acre, recognized Canadian farm leader, who is a significant hemp biomass producer, for a similar hemp biomass tolling contract.

re3™ Technology

Large users of ethanol and solvents for plant oil extraction demand reduced capital and operating costs. HTC’s re3™ (reclaim, recycle, reuse) technology can save up to 30% of the required fluid costs. The increasing cost of new extraction ethanol, combined with the cost of used ethanol disposal, creates a unique opportunity whereby the re3™ technology will create cost savings, while meeting environmental responsibilities.

The growth of ethanol and CO2 used in CBD production has created a new demand for reliable commercial scale ethanol reclaimer systems. The Delta Purification® ethanol system meets this new demand.

Sales and Offtake Agreements

HTC intends to leverage its relationship with its related entity, Purely Canada Foods™, to provide sales and distribution for its Ingredient CBD market under the brand of Purely Canada Hemp™, Purely Canada CBD™, Purely Canada Cannabinoids™. Purely Canada Hemp™ will develop risk managed multi-year ingredient supply contracts with its existing and new Global Food, Beverage and Animal Food Industry Customers.

Project Construction

HTC has focused the Canadian implementation of its BOOM (build, own, operate and maintain) extraction tolling strategy on a location near Regina, Saskatchewan. HTC is currently constructing a 19,000-square-foot GMP Euro compliant extraction tolling facility on six acres of land that will include biomass processing, extraction, implementation of DeltaSolv™ technologies and Delta Purification® systems, distillate and refining equipment, laboratory quality control and testing operations, and on-site office and admin facilities.

Leadership

Chairman, CEO and Director Lionel Kambeitz is a recognized professional in business development and international business relations. He has played a founding role in many other Canadian and U.S.-based companies. Kambeitz has executive experience in a variety of industries including energy, agriculture, food production engineering, and manufacturing.

Jeff Allison, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director, has over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and business development. Prior to joining HTC in 2005, Allison as Vice President assisted with the founding and setup of CUCORP Financial Services in Saskatchewan.

INmune Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB)

INmune Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB) is a diversified clinical-stage immunology company developing novel therapies that target distinct parts of a patient’s innate immune system to fight disease. Drug candidates INKmune™ and INB03 may be used to treat cancer while XPro1595 targets neuroinflammation as a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. INmune Bio’s product platforms utilize a precision therapy approach to promote the body’s innate immune response to treat unsolved problems in medicine.

INmune Bio is the first biotechnology company to close an initial public offering (IPO) in 2019 and commence trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The company also received a “Part the Cloud” award from the Alzheimer’s Association in 2018 which included a $1 million grant to advance INmune Bio’s XPro1595 drug candidate.

INmune Bio’s product pipeline targets three segments of concern:

  • Alzheimer’s disease/dementia claims 5.5 million patients in the United States. INmune Bio views Alzheimer’s as an immunologic disease which changes the drug discovery process, changes the way clinical trials are designed, and may provide hope for patients and caregivers.
  • Cancer residual disease which is expected to generate more than 1.7 million new cases yearly with an estimated 609,640 fatalities. INMB believe that converting resting Natural Killer (“NK”) cells to primed NK cells, which kill cancerous cells on contact, is an important therapeutic strategy to help clear residual disease.
  • Resistance to immunotherapy. By preventing the proliferation and function of cells that resist immunotherapy, patients should have a stronger immune response to cancer cells and may respond better to other cancer treatments including immunotherapy and live longer.

INmune Bio Drug Candidates and Clinical Programs

INKmune is a biologic delivery system that primes a patient’s resting NK cells to kill cancer. INKmune targets residual disease for patients that have completed initial cancer therapy (surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy) and have a low burden of disease with a high risk of relapse.

In late 2019, INKmune will start enrolling patients in a phase I/II trial for women with relapsed refractory ovarian cancer. In many patients, cancer relapse after seemingly effective cancer therapy is due to a failure of the patients own NK cells to eliminate minimal residual disease (“MRD”).

Using a novel mechanism of action and a precision medicine approach, INKmune therapy should enhance NK cells’ ability to eliminate residual disease.

INB03 is a checkpoint inhibitor that targets myeloid derived suppressor cells (“MDSC”) which can produce an immunosuppressive shield that prevents a patient’s own immune system from attacking the cancer. INmune Bio is currently completing a monotherapy INB03 phase I trial in patients with advanced solid tumors. The INB03 program will transition into a combination therapy clinical program in the summer of 2019 to prepare for a phase II trial in patients resistant to checkpoint inhibitors due to increased MDSC.

Treatment with INB03 should eliminate MDSC in the tumor microenvironment to allow checkpoint inhibitors to be therapeutically effective.

XPro1595 targets the microglial immune cells of the brain that are activated in many Alzheimer’s disease patients. These microglial cells are a cause of neuroinflammation that can kill nerve cells and promote synaptic dysfunction – the cause of dementia in Alzheimer’s.

The three-month, phase I trial is expected to enroll 18 patients in summer of 2019. It is designed to measure traditional and novel biomarkers of inflammation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease who have neuroinflammation. The trial is supported by a $1 million “Part the Cloud” grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, is being recognized as an important part of the pathology of many diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Management

Dr. RJ Tesi, M.D., INmune Bio co-founder, CEO and acting chief medical officer, has been a licensed physician since 1982 and a Fellow of the American College of Surgery since 1991. He received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in 1982 and has served many roles in several development-stage biotech companies focused on treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hematologic malignancies, and other inflammatory diseases.

CFO David J. Moss co-founder, has been with the company since its formation in September 2015. He holds an MBA from Rice University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, San Diego. Moss has founded, funded and taken public various companies in a variety of industries since 1995.

Mark Lowdell, Ph.D. co-founder, has served as the chief scientific officer and chief manufacturing officer at INmune Bio since the company’s formation. He is a professor of cell and tissue therapy at University College London where he has led a translational immunotherapy group since 1994. He has also been a director of cellular therapy at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. He received his Ph.D. in clinical immunology from London Hospital Medical College, University of London in 1992 and is a qualified immunopathologist.

Christopher J. Barnum is director of neuroscience at INmune Bio. Barnum is a neuroimmunologist with broad expertise across neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases holding multiple positions in academic and industry. His focus has been on translating inflammatory therapies into clinical treatments for neurologic diseases using a biomarker-directed approach. Barnum’s research has been supported by the NIH, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Association. He received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from Binghamton University.

InsuraGuest Inc.

InsuraGuest Inc. is a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) company utilizing its proprietary flagship InsurTech software platform to provide specialized insurance products to end users in the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. The company’s first focus is on the B2B hotels and vacation rentals sectors, where its API integrates with the clients’ property management systems to offer guests a specialized guest protection policy. The platform and policy combination “InsurTech” product helps transfer the exposure to liability away from the client/property while guests benefit from potential accident and loss coverage during their stay.

InsuraGuest’s platform is currently capable of integrating with approximately 70 different hotel and vacation rental property management systems, giving it access to roughly 40,000 properties worldwide.

The company continues to pursue expansion opportunities and recently signed a Letter of Intent with a master general agent in the United Kingdom and Europe to distribute its platform and products to hotel and vacation rental markets in those regions, as well as plans to expand to Asia in 2020.

Protecting Guests, Enhancing Customer Experience

InsuraGuest is the first line of defense for both the property and the guest.

InsuraGuest is purchased by the hotel or vacation rental “property,” which offers the policy to each registered guest and its occupants for an additional fee. The specialized policy affords coverage for theft of personal property while in the hotel, as well as accidental medical expense and accidental death and dismemberment, up to the policy limits of $2,500 to $50,000.

Market Opportunity

The U.S. hotel industry generated more than $218 billion in annual revenues in 2018, an increase of $10 billion from the previous year, according to STR’s 2019 HOST Almanac. The European market is more than double the size of the U.S. market. According to Oxford Economics, there were 6.4 billion nights stayed in the world, with 2.6 billion hotel nights in Asia, 2.8 billion nights stayed in Europe, and 1.1 billion nights in the United States. Additionally, $100 billion was spent on vacation rentals in the United State alone, where there are approximately 4.5 million second homes are being managed by a third-party rental company.

With distribution in Europe and the United States, InsuraGuest’s demographics combined will total 3.9 billion nights stayed, and will more than double its vacation rental opportunities.

Within this burgeoning, high-demand industry is risk of liability to guest injury. For example, gym injuries are among the top five most common hotel accidents. Without proper hedges in place, the property may be liable in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Though the potential for accidents, slip and falls and mishaps can be widespread, it can be covered under the InsuraGuest Specialized Guest Protection Policy to provide guests a worry-free and enjoyable stay that potentially increases loyalty for the property.

Business Highlights

  • Targeting hotels and vacation rentals, a multi-billion-dollar industry
  • Providing the first line of defense in case of accident, loss or death
  • Expanding distribution reach with footing in European hotel and vacation rental markets
  • Expansion into Asia by 2020

Executive Team

Douglas Anderson, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Douglas Anderson has been a businessman in the real estate industry for nearly 30 years. His business expertise includes master planning and development implementation for larger-scale resorts, business parks and commercial developments across the USA and two provinces in Canada. His business endeavors include the founding of the 7th larger private equity fund in America focusing on multifamily and senior care (ROC Fund/Bridge IPG Fund). He serves as chairman/founder of a golf and winter sports ski holding company with operations in four major east coast markets and British Columbia, Canada.

Anderson earned a BS undergraduate degree in Consumer Studies with an emphasis in Architecture as an undergraduate at the University of Utah. He subsequently earned his Master’s in Business Administration. He also attended a three-year OPM Program a postgraduate business education at Harvard Business School in Boston. Anderson is an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast.

Charles James Cayias, President & Director
Charles James Cayias is also the president and owner of Charles James Cayias Insurance Inc. He is a third-generation insurance professional whose creativity and artistic vision have enabled him to establish a full-service agency combined with the personal service each client deserves. His outstanding people skills, honesty, integrity and fairness are evident by his loyal and growing clientele, the majority of which are referrals who become long-time customers and friends.

Cayias began his insurance career in the early 1970s and has been licensed since 1977. He is licensed in all 50 states and specializes in niche programs. He has extensive expertise in all aspects of the insurance industry including commercial insurance, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, professional liability, risk management and bonding.

Christopher J. Panos Vice President & Director
Christopher J. Panos is a highly competitive sales professional with over 15 years of territory manager sales experience and an award-winning record of achievements. He is exceptionally well organized with a proven work history that demonstrates self-discipline, superb communication skills, and the initiative to achieve both personal and corporate goals. Panos is successful in building relationships with a large network of industry professionals in order to grow and maintain new and existing business, exceed new sales objectives and provide in-depth product training to authorized dealers and sales personnel.

Alexander Walker III ESQ, Corporate Counsel & Director
Alexander Walker III ESQ has served as director of the company since September of 2018. He also has served as counsel to the company since July of 2018. Walker is an attorney and has been a member of the Utah Bar Association since 1987 and a member of the Nevada State Bar since 2003. His practice has involved general business litigation, in both federal and state courts, and transactional work, including securities offerings and registration, corporate formation and periodic reporting compliance. Walker has provided legal services to emerging businesses throughout his carrier and at times has served as an officer and board member as well as legal counsel public companies. His duties as legal counsel for a public company engaged in the business of ownership and operation of coal-producing properties in the western United States included oversight of corporate-related legal matters including securities reporting, corporate compliance, federal and state mining regulation, and employment law oversight. He also has served as the chair of the Mining Committee of the Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section of the Utah State Bar, a member of the board of directors of the South East Utah Energy Producers Association, the co-chair of the board of the Western Energy Training Center, a board member of the Utah Supreme Court Committee to Review the ABA Recommendations Regarding the Office of Professional Conduct, and a board member of the University of Utah Crimson Club.

Roger Bloss, Corporate Consultant & Board Advisor
Roger Bloss joined InsuraGuest in August of 2019 to advise the company and its board on hotel transactions, contributing his knowledge from more than 40 years in the hospitality industry. Bloss previously served in executive positions with several major hotel franchise companies and in 1996 founded Vantage Hospitality Group hotel brands. Under his leadership, Vantage became a Top 10 global hotel company and made the Inc. 500/5000 list of Americas’ fastest-growing private companies for eight straight years. Bloss was named Lodging Magazine’s “Innovator of the Year” in 2006 and 2010, and in 2009 earned a spot on HSMAI’s “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing.” Bloss joined Red Lion Hotels Corporation (RLHC) in September 2016 in conjunction with the acquisition of Vantage.

 

IONIC Brands Corp. (CSE: IONC) (OTC: IONKF)

IONIC Brands Corp. (CSE: IONC) (OTC: IONKF) is a national cannabis holding company building a multistate portfolio of award-winning premium and luxury brands in the cannabis space. Established in 2015, IONIC Brands has demonstrated its ability to expand and operate multiple cannabis concentrate consumer brands in leading markets across the western United States, with current operations in Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. The company continues to strategically expand nationwide to remain a leader of the highest-value segments in the cannabis market.

With a focus on quality, responsibility and respectability, IONIC’s product lines are pioneering the changing landscape of cannabis consumption. The company’s refinement practices are a result of a passionate commitment to craft the finest, small-batch cannabis oils and cannabis concentrates in the world – without glycols, glycerins or additives.

IONIC’s Certified Clean program verifies that every product leaving the company’s facilities meets or exceeds state mandates on pesticide testing. The testing is conducted by individually testing every batch which ensures and enhances trust and transparency. IONIC recently paired its Certified Clean program with Lucid Green Inc. and its revolutionary technology platform designed to provide vital safety information. Lucid Green’s technology provides a direct-to-consumer data platform, providing instant access to a library of product specific insights by simply scanning the package’s QR code with a smartphone camera.

Elite Brand Portfolio/Acquisitions

  • IONIC, the company’s flagship recreational branded product, is a stylish and sophisticated premium vape pen line that has earned customer loyalty and a reputation as a consistent Top 10 vape brand in Washington state. IONIC’s immediate product line expansion plans include THC/CBD mixes, low-dose products, high-end edibles, CASK oil and device innovation.
  • WW Agriculture cultivates cannabis outdoors on a 140-acre eastern Washington State farm capable of producing up to 100,000 pounds of cannabis for less than $0.10/gram.
  • ZOOTS, a Washington-based edibles company, utilizes patent-protected ultra-clean CO2 extraction hardware to create proprietary formulations of refined cannabis oils and distillates. Through MedMen dispensaries, Zoots Edibles are currently available in Washington and Colorado and will soon be on shelves at dispensaries in Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania.
  • Vuber Technologies hardware produces the best vaporization experience on the market.
  • Vegas M Stick vaporizer pens are distributed to stores in Washington State with plans to expand to Oregon and Nevada.
  • Vegas Valley Growers is a revenue-generating, vertically integrated operation in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a full complement of production, manufacturing and distribution licenses.

IONIC has also acquired two U.S. patents issued to Canna Café that are related to cannabinoid (CBD) infused coffee and CBD-infused coffee in a Keurig ® K-Cup ® Pod. An international patent is in process for cannabis-infused teas.

Experienced Management Team

IONIC Brands is led by an innovative product team, powerful sales organization and a world-class marketing group.

Chairman & CEO John Gorst has built and sold four different technology companies with market valuations in excess of $600 million. Gorst has been at the forefront of IONIC’s expansion and development into Washington state’s leading vaporizer brand.

Andrew Schell, President, Vice-Chairman & Co-Founder, has built several successful companies. Schell has an engineering background rounded in operations, strategy and corporate law, and most recently was CEO of a U.S. Department of Defense company specializing in military operations.

Christian Struzan, Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Founder, has over 30 years of experience in marketing and branding in the entertainment and consumer goods industries. Struzan founded an advertising agency which developed and executed marketing campaigns for feature films such as the Star Wars franchise, Fight Club, and the television series American Idol. He has also worked on global brands such as Guinness, Stella Artois and Beck’s.

Johnny Stange, Chief Revenue Officer, was formerly a director of sales for the southern California region for Treasury Wine Estates, a major wine wholesaler, where he grew and oversaw annual sales of $250 million. Stange is leading the charge in IONIC’s aggressive sales growth plans across multiple states.

In 2018, IONIC was voted one of the “Top 50 Companies to Work for in Cannabis” by MG Magazine, a publication serving cannabis industry professionals.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP)

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP) has developed and out-licenses its proprietary DehydraTECH™ technology for improved taste, rapidity and delivery of bioactive compounds, including nicotine and cannabinoids. To achieve higher absorption rates and fast onset, consumers traditionally defaulted to smoking. Lexaria provides a superior administration method by delivering these substances through a patented process within edible food products, thus eliminating all the harmful health consequences of smoking.

Lexaria’s technology is unique in that it takes advantage of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) food ingredients processed with its patented DehydraTECH technology to improve taste, remove odor and decrease the time to onset of bitter-tasting drugs. Lexaria is primarily a B2B enterprise and has existing cannabinoid licensing agreements with companies in Canada and the United States. Lexaria has also developed its own hmep-oil brands partly for demonstration purposes, utilizing its patented technology to infuse hemp oil ingredients within popular foods such as coffee, tea and supplements. These brands include ViPova™, TurboCBD™ and ChargD+™.

Virtually unique across both the hemp and the cannabis industries, Lexaria has successfully entered into a R&D and product development partnership with one of the largest cigarette companies in the world for oral forms of nicotine delivery. Only a small handful of hemp or cannabis-related companies have achieved formal relationships with Fortune 500 industry leaders, demonstrating the wide applicability of Lexaria’s technology.

In June 2019, building on its original 2015 independent, third-party laboratory in vitro lab experiments, which confirmed the absorption levels of cannabidiol (“CBD”) into human intestinal cells rose by 499% through the utilization of the DehydraTECH technology, Lexaria completed a series of animal studies using an enhanced formulation of its DehydraTECH technology. The results of the animal studies using the enhanced DehydraTECH formulation showed an increase of CBD delivery into the blood when compared to generic industry MCT coconut-oil formulations by 811%. In addition, the animal studies also showed delivery of 1,937% more CBD into animal brain tissue after 8 hours using the enhanced DehydraTECH technology when compared to generic industry MCT coconut-oil formulations.

Lexaria also has completed the first phases of its collaborative research program with the Canadian government’s National Research Council (the “NRC”) under which several studies were designed to optimize Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology, enabling delivery of API’s within foods, beverages, capsules and other ingestible formats. These studies investigated the lipophilic active agent classes including cannabinoids, vitamins, NSAIDs and nicotine using advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance testing, with the results of the studies confirming that Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology did not create any covalent-bonded new molecular entity (“NME”). Whenever an NME is created, regulatory bodies such as FDA and Health Canada routinely require extensive health, safety and efficacy studies prior to that product’s release into the marketplace. That the NRC program failed to find evidence of an NME suggests products utilizing the DehydraTECH technology may require a less burdensome regulatory pathway.

Results from this R&D have helped support B2B relationships with Fortune 500 companies. Lexaria has four distinct subsidiaries that focus on different market sectors: hemp/CBD; pharmaceutical; cannabis; and nicotine. In August 2019, Lexaria was issued its cannabis research and development licence from Health Canada which will allow Lexaria to continue its further investigations in-house of its DehydraTECH technology in connection with cannabinoids, along with ongoing work with vitamins, NSAIDs, PDE5-inhibitors, nicotine and other molecules.

Aside from testing, a critical component of Lexaria Bioscience’s business model is a strong and growing intellectual property portfolio. As of the August 2019, the company’s patent portfolio includes ~60 patent applications filed and pending in more than 40 countries around the world; and 16 patents granted to date. Lexaria is expecting additional new patent awards both in the U.S. and internationally by the end of 2019 and beyond. Some of its more recent areas of investigation have included human hormones and erectile dysfunction substances, among others. Lexaria’s granted patent portfolio related to cannabinoid delivery is one of the largest in the world.

Royalties play a vital role in Lexaria’s revenue-generating business model. The company out-licenses its technology to third-partners and has signed licensing agreements with start-up companies as well as with a Fortune 100 industry leader. The company’s growth initiatives are guided by a management team headed by CEO Chris Bunka, a serial entrepreneur who has contributed to several multi-hundred million-dollar valuations over the course of his career. He is supported by a growing team of professionals with extensive experience in pharmaceutical and bioscience sectors, invention, toxicology, consumer goods and other relevant skillsets.

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA)

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA) (the "Company") are pioneers in the cannabis industry going back to 2009 when Don Steinberg, MCOA's CEO, founded the first marijuana company ever to trade on a U.S. stock market, Medical Marijuana Inc. Since then, Don and his partner, Charlie Larsen, have formed Global Hemp Group and Marijuana Company of America. They have experienced the shift of legislation first hand, not only for the legalization of marijuana but also the emerging hemp-based CBD products.

The CBD market is growing exponentially and consequently the founders of MCOA have constructed their business model around the development of industrial hemp-based CBD products. The industrial hemp plant can be used to produce products that are carbon neutral or even carbon negative. It is one of the longest, strongest natural fibers on earth, used as a building material that is free of mold, pesticide-resistant, and fire proof. Hemp has also been described as a "super food," which provides additional business opportunities. No part of the plant is left unused and the Company's overall strategy is to take advantage of every profit center from farm to the multiple valuable finished products.

The cannabis and hemp industries are experiencing unprecedented growth that is expected to continue for many years as these industries are now accepted globally and continue to mature and expand. North American consumers spent $6.7 billion on legal cannabis products in 2016, up 34% from 2015's $5 billion. This trend is widely expected to explode at a 27% compounded annual growth rate to reach $22.6 billion by 2021, according to ArcView Market Research.

The company offers investors the opportunity to be on the forefront of cannabis and hemp innovation through cultivation, processing in the legal cannabis and industrial hemp sectors. The Company's business model includes producing a diverse portfolio of synergistic business segments that provide value to its shareholders. Its vertically integrated business model and distribution platforms are positioned to capture market share by developing recognizable and valuable brands.

Under the MCOA umbrella, wholly owned subsidiary hempSMART™, Inc. is committed to bringing high quality CBD-based products to the market through its affiliate marketing program. Through hempSMART, MCOA's strategic approach to the distribution of products is through a networking architecture geared to maintain customer loyalty and capture market share. The patent-pending product "hempSMART Brain," is designed to revolutionize the safe and effective support of healthy brain function. The brand new product, HempSMART DROPS, is a full-spectrum CBD tincture formulated with hemp and fractionated coconut oils. The hempSMART marketing team has decades of experience, and is well positioned to take the hempSMART brand to a global audience.

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (CSE: MGRO)

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (CSE: MGRO)

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (CSE: MGRO) is an agricultural biotech company focused on developing and commercializing its patented technology that is a natural biopesticide and biofertilizer for use as a fertilizer, nematicide, pesticide and fungicide. MustGrow’s novel and proprietary solutions utilize organic components refined from mustard seed to provide high quality, organic pest control to growers facing challenges associated with soil-borne diseases and pests such as nematodes. The company’s technology provides an all-natural, effective, safe and easy-to-use solution for farmers seeking to raise healthy crops without the use of pesticides.

Nematodes, or microscopic worms, are the most numerous multicellular animals on earth. A handful of soil will contain thousands of nematodes, many of which are parasites of insects, plants or animals. Most plant-parasitic nematodes feed on the roots of plants, damaging the root system and reducing the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients (http://nnw.fm/Qkz21). For the past 50 years, nematodes have been controlled using chemical nematicides, but the Environmental Protection Agency now restricts or bans many of the chemical formulations.

MustGrow’s technologies provide nematode control that is equal and often superior to synthetic alternatives, resulting in elevated yields and increased returns for the grower. The global economic impact of soil-borne nematodes is estimated at nearly $100 billion in lost crops per year. The American Phytopathological Society (http://nnw.fm/3HGuT), an international nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to the study and control of plant diseases, estimates that plant-pathogenic nematodes are responsible for 14 percent of crop losses worldwide.

MustGrow’s technology refines mustard seeds to concentrate the plant’s natural organic compounds that form Allyl isothiocyanate (“AITC”), which serves the plant as a natural defense system against pests and diseases. As a result, MustGrow’s novel product offers first-class performance, is 100 percent natural, and its fertilizer product is listed for organic use by the Organic Materials Review Institute (“OMRI”) under specifications set by the USDA’s National Organic Program.

MustGrow’s initial technology was a granular pre-plant soil biofumigant and biofertilizer containing the active ingredient AITC, a proven nematicide, fungicide and fertilizer. The company has completed 110 independent third-party field trials on fruit and vegetable crops. As a biofertilizer, MustGrow’s product is registered with Health Canada and the EPA in all U.S. states as OMRI-certified. It is also registered for use as a biopesticide by the EPA in key fruit and vegetable growing U.S. states (except California) and with Health Canada. MustGrow is finalizing a new liquid delivery platform with increased concentration of the same active ingredient (AITC) that can be applied through drip lines to meet the demands of today’s growers.

Results of tests completed to date show that MustGrow continues to provide innovative solutions with broad based applications within agriculture. Validated field trial results include:

  • 100 percent control of root-knot nematodes in strawberry crops as compared to methyl bromide
  • 55 percent tomato crop yield increase
  • 95 percent control of Pythium root rot in lettuce fields
  • 70 percent reduction in Verticillium root severity in cucumbers
  • Market Opportunity

Market Opportunity  

MustGrow is also testing the potential application of its technology to the cannabis industry, which is projected to grow to nearly $22 billion in the U.S. by 2020. While there are no uniform guidelines for pesticide use in the cannabis industry, state-by-state regulations in the U.S. do exist which has led to instances of pesticide-tainted cannabis showing up in tested products, leading to recalls and threats of lawsuits. Health Canada recently published regulations for mandatory testing for pesticides in cannabis that are now in effect for all growers. MustGrow’s potential application for cannabis production shows that when its product is used as a pre-plant/pot soil treatment, it may significantly help control many soil-borne diseases, pathogens and pests, including nematodes, fusarium, rhizoctonia, and botrytis (gray mold) that affect the cannabis plant. Cannabis consumers are increasingly demanding organic products free from chemicals and have shown they are willing to pay a premium for high-quality organic cannabis. MustGrow is currently running cannabis soil trials and is seeking Health Canada approval for use of its product on cannabis. 

Global crop protection is a multibillion-dollar market that is expected to surge over the next five years. Sales of nematicides are set to grow by 33 percent to $1.43 billion by 2022, while biopesticides are projected to leap by 94 percent to an estimated $9.5 billion by 2022. MustGrow is targeting the global nematicide industry with products that include an innovative pre-plant soil treatment. Solutions for the global biopesticide industry include seed treatment technologies, fungicides and nematicides.  

MustGrow’s groundbreaking technologies use novel plant compounds to provide superior crop protection naturally.

Management Team

President and CEO Corey Giasson is an entrepreneur with more than 20 years in the agriculture, potash, oil and gas, mining and real estate industries.  Mr. Giasson co-founded Rallyemont Energy Inc., a heavy oil company that successfully identified 140 million barrels of recoverable heavy oil, that was sold in 2013 to Husky Energy. He holds an MBA and bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Saskatchewan.

Chairman Brad Munro has 20-plus years as a vice president/investments, with a national venture capital firm where he sourced, invested and managed the activity of over 30 companies and invested $150 million. He has served as a director of over 20 public companies and a greater number of private enterprises. Munro is currently director of Secure Energy Services.

COO Colin Betsky is the previous vice president/BioAg at Novozymes, where he was responsible for the company’s BioAg business worldwide. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan and has more than 20 years of experience in agricultural chemicals and biologics.

Director Tom Flow is the founder and current president of The Flowr Corporation (TSX.V: FLWR) and Licensed Producer of cannabis in Canada. He founded and built MedReleaf, Canada’s most profitable Licensed Producer which was later acquired by Aurora Cannabis (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB) for $3.2 billion. Flow is widely recognized for his leadership and expertise in building and operating cannabis cultivation facilities.

Director Matt Kowalski has a tremendous amount of experience in the fruit and vegetable and biologics industries. Under his leadership at Natural Industries, a business focused on biological pest control, the company was awarded five EPA registrations: three biofungicides, a bionematicide, and a bioinsecticide. In November 2012, Kowalski led the strategic sale of Natural Industries to Novozymes BioAg. He is the principal owner of Stronghold Keep Inc., an investment corporation.

CFO Todd Lahti has extensive experience evaluating and managing start-up companies in the biotechnology, agricultural and oil and gas sectors, working directly on financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, business development, technology transfer and operations set up. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Neutra Corp. (OTCQB: NTRR)

Neutra Corp. (OTCQB: NTRR) is an early-stage research and development company bringing modern healthy living solutions to a multi-billion-dollar market. Cutting-edge technologies within the nutraceuticals, food and drug, and environmental purification sectors are creating a new kind of world culture – one where consumers are demanding access to products that promote health and stave off potential health dangers.

Neutra is concentrating on developing into a vertically integrated company able to cultivate, manufacture and distribute hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) products. Hemp-based CBD consumer products generated sales of up to $390 million in 2018 with projections pointing to a $3 billion market by 2022, according to the Hemp Business Journal.

Neutra’s new broadened scope, which includes the commercialization of newer, more effective products, aims to capitalize on this worldwide boom. Our company is seeking new and exciting opportunities that can accelerate Neutra’s mission to bring these products to a wider demographic. Our work reflects a renewed dedication to supporting a better body, environment and life for people around the globe.

Acquisitions

  • Vivis – Neutra is expanding its market presence in the rapidly growing hemp-derived CBD market with a letter of intent to acquire Vivis, an emerging retail brand of hemp-based health and nutritional products. Vivis’ hemp-derived CBD products are third-party certified as contaminant-free and of consistent quality and potency. Consumers are increasingly looking for this certification when they buy hemp-based CBD products. With Vivis as the new retail face of Neutra, the company is expecting greater interest in its expanding portfolio of branded products moving to market.
  • J3 Holdings – The signing of a letter of intent to acquire J3 Holdings includes the company’s land and warehouse, as well as a license to cultivate hemp and refine it into usable forms. Neutra has concentrated its early efforts developing business networks and on developing hemp-based CBD products, including supplements and creams. The latest move will enable the company to grow its own hemp supply, giving it more control over the quality of its ingredients.

Partners

  • Surface to Air Solutions is the North American distributor of a patent-pending, water-based solution known as Purteq, a green technology that works similar to photosynthesis.
  • ZeroBlast uses a durable, non-toxic, anti-microbial solution to eliminate all contaminates and kill germs on contact for a period of up to 90 days.

Leadership

Neutra president and CEO Sydney Jim provides strong executive leadership, a network of business contacts and experience implementing solid corporate strategy. Jim has a proven track record of adding value for public company shareholders. He founded Global Visionary Investments where operational support is provided to seven different companies and their subsidiaries. Jim was also the CEO of First Titan Energy, a microcap public company where he was responsible for restructuring the corporate structure, deal sourcing, and leading the company in mergers and acquisitions.

Dr. Scott Cherry is the company’s sports performance medical advisor. He is an energetic physician executive with a passionate focus on health, performance and prevention. Dr. Cherry received emergency medical technician training in the U.S. Navy, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Florida State University, medical degree from Nova Southeastern University, and a master’s degree of public health from Uniformed Services University F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine. Dr. Cherry has honed his skills in a variety of medical and executive positions spanning the U.S. Army and Navy, several Fortune 500 corporations, and major health care facilities over the past 20 years.

Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF)

Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF)

, a pioneering consumer goods brand development company headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, owns Nightfood, Inc., creator of delicious, award-winning and better-for-you ice cream formulated by sleep and nutrition experts, and its wholly owned subsidiary MJ Munchies, Inc., which seeks to capitalize on legally compliant opportunities in the CBD and marijuana edibles and related spaces. Known as “The Nighttime Snack Company,” Nightfood Inc. is focused on improving the late-night snacking choices of consumers while solving America’s $50 billion-dollar nighttime snacking problem.

Nightfood Ice Cream

Nightfood’s higher-protein and sleep-friendly ice cream won the 2019 Product of the Year Award in a survey of over 40,000 consumers. The annual Product of the Year survey, the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, is conducted by Kantar, a global leader in consumer research. In beating out the other finalists, consumers indicated that Nightfood’s one-of-a-kind innovation and unique value proposition made it a clear-cut winner in the ice cream space and a brand they were highly motivated to try. Winners of the 32-year-old award have been shown to outperform category sales performance by over 38 percent.

Less than two months since manufacturing their first pint of ice cream, Nightfood has now secured distribution in more than 13 states, and has received extensive media coverage from outlets such as USA Today, Fox Business’ Mornings With Maria, Parents Magazine, The Food Network, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Bustle, and more.

With the Product of the Year award and millions in media coverage, Management has publicly stated their goal of securing nationwide distribution in over 10,000 retail outlets by March 31, 2020.

Formulated by leading sleep and nutrition experts, including America’s most prominent sleep expert, Dr. Michael Breus, Nightfood’s higher protein/higher fiber, and lower sugar ice cream delivers great ice cream taste and texture, while minimizing sleep-disruptive ingredients such as caffeine, excess sugar, and excess fat and calories. The addition of certain minerals, enzymes and amino acids, which research suggests can support sleep quality, is another bonus. Nightfood only uses hormone-free milk, is certified Kosher, and offers eight original flavors, five of which are gluten-free. Nightfood ice cream also uses all-natural sweeteners with no Erythritol, no sucralose, or other artificial sweeteners.

More than 37,000 consumers across the country have already requested coupons for the company’s newly launched Nightfood ice cream by entering a giveaway hosted at NightfoodIceCream.com which includes a chance to win a one-year supply (96 pints) plus a freezer for storage. The coupon program is being run in conjunction with PromotionPod, which has previously conducted successful campaigns for brands such as Chobani, Halo Top, and BodyArmor.

Nightfood Inc. began its nationwide rollout of Nightfood ice cream in February 2019, successfully securing placement in Meijer supermarket locations in the Midwest with a concentration around the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus and Milwaukee. A distribution agreement with New England Ice Cream Corporation (NEIC) will also place Nightfood ice cream in outlets located throughout Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Ice cream lovers in northern California will find Nightfood Ice Cream at various upscale, independent retail outlets in and around the San Francisco bay area serviced through a distribution agreement with Wonder Ice Cream Company, which services thousands of retail outlets from Bakersfield north to the Oregon border. Consumers can also purchase Nightfood ice cream online at BuyNightfood.com through the Company’s partnership with IceCreamSource.com.

Ice cream is now the 2nd most popular night snack choice, with almost half of all consumers reaching for ice cream after dark. According to IRI Worldwide, 44 percent of all snack consumption occurs between dinner and bedtime, representing a consumer spend of over $1 billion weekly on nighttime snacks in the U.S. alone. Market research giant Mintel recently released a report identifying nighttime specific food and beverages as one of their most “compelling and category changing” trends for 2017 and beyond.

Nightfood has developed a dynamic infographic resource that clearly illustrates the size and scope of the largely untapped nighttime snack category (http://NightSnacking.com). Americans everywhere are likely to identify with the infographic’s results that vividly illustrate late night snacking by age group, popular snack choice, and amount of money spent each week on feeding after-hour snack attacks. Available in eight delicious flavors, Nightfood ice cream can help consumers satisfy nighttime cravings in a better, healthier, more sleep-friendly way.

MJ Munchies, Inc.

MJ Munchies, Inc., was formed in 2018 as a new, wholly owned subsidiary of Nightfood Holdings, Inc. to capitalize on legally compliant opportunities in the CBD and marijuana edibles and related spaces. The Company intends to market some of these new products under the trademarked brand name “Half-Baked” and has entered into a Letter of Intent that allows Global Consortium Inc. (OTC: GCGX) subsidiary Infused Edibles to receive an exclusive license to manufacture and distribute marijuana and CBD-infused products under the Half-Baked brand.

Management believes the Half-Baked brand will give the Company a unique and defensible competitive advantage against other recreational edible brands. The Company believes tremendous opportunities currently exist to launch successful and legally compliant products in this space, and that such opportunities will continue to grow over time.

Management Team

Nightfood founder and CEO Sean Folkson is a formerly frustrated nighttime snacker whose late-night cravings led him to seek a better solution for himself and others through the creation, marketing and distribution of the Nightfood product line. Folkson also founded internet marketing company AffiliatePros.com which provided the startup capital to launch Specialty Equipment Direct, an online distributor of floor removal equipment that quickly grew to 7-figure revenues. Folkson received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from S.U.N.Y Albany, New York, in 1991.

Jim Christensen, vice president of Nightfood Ice Cream, is the former Vice President of Ice Cream Sales with global ice cream giant Unilever. In his over 20 years at Unilever, Jim led sales and distribution initiatives for brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Klondike, Breyers and Good Humor. Christensen joined the Nightfood team in June of 2018 with the directive to launch Nightfood ice cream rapidly into national distribution through supermarket, drug, convenience and other channels. Understanding that the overwhelming majority of at-home ice cream consumption occurs in the hours before bed, Christensen has identified Nightfood as the next evolution in better-for-you ice cream.

CFO Mark Noffke, CPA, has over 37 years of experience as a seasoned financial and management professional. He has served as chief financial officer of several small cap public companies since 2004 where he oversaw virtually every aspect of the company’s operations, administration, customer service and human resources. Noffke has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Advisory Board

The Nightfood advisory board includes Tom Morse, founder of 5-Hour Energy and Living Essentials, LLC.; Doron Stern, former vice president of marketing at Chobani and Popcorn, Indiana; restaurateur and celebrity Chef Chris Santos; Paul Jarrett, CEO of fast-growing nutrition startup BuluBox; Eric Egeland, president of Capacity Consulting Inc.; Dr. Michael A. Grandner, director/Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona; Dr. Michael Breus, sleep expert and best-selling author known to millions as The Sleep Doctor(TM); Dr. Lauren Broch, resident nutrition, sleep disorder expert and a member of the scientific advisory board.

Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI)

Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI) is the parent company of Organigram Inc., a leading Canadian licensed producer (“LP”) of high-quality cannabis and extract-based products. Founded in 2013, Organigram is focused on producing high quality, indoor-grown cannabis for patients and adult recreational consumers in Canada, as well as developing international business partnerships to expand the Company’s global footprint. 

The Company has distribution arrangements in all 10 provinces1. Organigram delivers industry-leading yields and maximizes quality cannabis production at the lowest cultivation cost per gram among publicly reporting Canadian LPs.

Financial Results

In Q2 2019, the Company reported record net revenue of C$26.9 million, cash cost of cultivation of C$0.65 per gram, industry leading gross margin of C$16 million or 60% and adjusted EBITDA of C$13.3 million or margin of 49%, positive for the third consecutive quarter.

Significant Expansion Plans with Streamlined Licensing Process

Located in Moncton, New Brunswick, Organigram’s production facility and research & development program includes a state of the art, indoor 3-tier cultivation system which maximizes facility square footage. Its Phase 4 expansion project is expected to be completed by the end of 2019 for increased target production capacity of 113,000 kg/year (249,000 lbs)2. As the Company expands its cultivation and processing capacities, Organigram is able to file amendments to the existing facility and each new production area is largely a replica of previously licensed areas, which results in a relatively streamlined and predictable licensing process with Health Canada.

In addition to increased production capacity from Phase 4, Organigram’s Phase 5 expansion includes plans for additional extraction capacity and its own edibles facility. Construction is expected to be substantially completed in October 2019.

Proprietary Technology

The Company’s indoor facility allows for control of all critical facets of the lighting and environmental elements to drive maximum quality and yield in the plants. The Company’s in-house proprietary information technology system, called OrganiGrow, tracks grow cycles, environmental conditions and other factors to optimize cultivation.

Numerous design and automation improvements include automated potting, pre-roll and packaging machines, and larger propagation rooms with advanced environmental systems.

Well Positioned for Canada’s Legalization of Edibles and Other Derivatives Products

Through its facility expansions, partnerships and research and development, the Company is well-positioned to capture further growth from the legalization of edibles and derivative products expected in October 2019. Its initial product focus is on vaporizable products and edibles.

Organigram’s development of a shelf-stable, thermally stable, water-soluble and tasteless cannabinoid nano-emulsion formulation may provide for an initial onset of effect within 10 to 15 minutes in a beverage. Non-cannabis formulations with a similar molecule size are water-soluble in humans (i.e., absorbed through the bloodstream rather than requiring first-pass liver metabolism, which results in longer onset and duration uncertainty). The Company expects to receive research and development licensing in the near term, at which point testing will be conducted to confirm the onset and duration.

Organigram has entered into an exclusive consulting agreement with The Green Solution (TGS), a proven market leader based in Denver, Colorado for the development of commercial scale extraction and derivative product development in Canada. Organigram’s partnership with Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, a leader in food product development, will expand the Company’s edibles R&D program.

The Company recently announced a C$15 million investment commitment in a high-speed, high-capacity, fully automated production line with a capacity of 4 million kilograms of exceptional chocolate cannabis edibles per year.

Organigram also has a multiyear extraction contract with Valens GroWorks Corp. to produce extract concentrate for oils and other derivative products.

Disruptive Technology

Through its partnership with Hyasynth Biologicals Inc., a biotech company and leader in the field of cannabinoid science and biosynthesis, Organigram has invested in a potentially disruptive technology that uses patented yeast strains and enzymes to naturally produce cannabinoids without growing the cannabis plant. This process has the potential to create a global supply of pure cannabinoids at a fraction of the cost of traditional cultivation. Organigram views this investment as providing early access to what it expects to be the future of cannabinoid production – cost-effectiveness, purity and scalability.

International

Organigram believes there will be increasing demand for CBD in Canada and beyond. As such, the Company has invested in Alpha-Cannabis Germany (ACG) and expects to provide ACG with flower for conversion into extracts. ACG is a medical cannabis provider serving the largest legalized medical market in Europe. The Company anticipates entering into an agreement with ACB to purchase pure synthetic CBD isolate in the future.

Organigram is also invested in Eviana Health Corp. (CSE: EHC), a Serbian-based company with hemp farming and processing assets.

Experienced Executive Team

  • CEO Gregory Engel has 30 years of national and international experience in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cannabis, and consumer packaged goods (CPG), and most recently served as CEO of Tilray Inc. where he was instrumental in the company becoming the first Canadian exporter of medical cannabis, as well as establishing several trailblazing industry standards
  • Jeff Purcell, Senior Vice President of operations, has 25 years of experience in operations for companies such as Ganong Chocolates and McCain Foods
  • Tim Emberg, Senior Vice President of Sales and Commercial operations, has 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales and marketing in the OTC and CPG industries
  • Paolo DeLuca, Chief Financial Officer, has 20 years of diversified financial business experience including with West Face Capital and TD Securities
  • Ray Gracewood, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, has 15 years of experience in the marketing space and was senior Director of Dales and Marketing for Moosehead Breweries Ltd.

This profile contains certain non-IFRS performance measures including cash and all-in cost of cultivation per gram, net revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted gross margin which are not calculated in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar data presented by other companies. Please see the company’s Q2 2019 MD&A.

1 Subject to final regulatory approval from Quebec
2 Several factors can cause actual capacity and costs to differ from estimates. See “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Q2 2019 MD&A and “Risk Factors” in the latest Annual Information Form.

ORHub Inc. (ORHB)

ORHub Inc. (ORHB) is a growth-stage data analytics company on a mission to optimize the business of surgery through lean process improvement. As a Microsoft Silver Partner, ORHub leverages the Azure cloud to help customers unlock the power of data captured in the operating room by surfacing key business indicators into a curated set of dynamic dashboards.

ORHub’s Surgical Spotlight® is a cloud-based analytics tool that helps administrators, nurse leaders and surgeons make improved business decisions for the operating room. By taking data feeds from the facility’s Operating Room Information System, ORHub produces a functional and elegant dashboard that allows users to easily identify opportunities for improvement.

These capabilities allow providers to harness data, identify millions of dollars in opportunities, and get leaders back to their primary focus of improving care, increasing patient access and reducing costs. A first-of-kind team building tool brings all stakeholders together with regular and accessible information. ORHub specializes in business intelligence for the operating room, built by professionals with experience in the operating room.

Surgical Spotlight video featuring renowned cardiac surgeon and ORHub Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert (“Bobby”) Lazzara

 

Partnerships

ORHub is proud to partner with top tier facilities and organizations, including:

  • Hoag Orthopedic Institute & Hoag Memorial Hospital in the Providence network
  • Baptist Health, Jacksonville
  • Alvarado Hospital Medical Center in the Prime network
  • Orthopedic Institute Surgery Center in the SMP network
  • Anderson Regional Medical Center

ORHub has attended and presented at several events in 2019, also gaining approval to present Surgical Spotlight® at nursing forums and offer 1.2 contact hours toward Continuing Education Units (CEU) from Terri Goodman, RN, PhD, & Associates, an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing (provider number CEP 16550).

Industry Statistics

The U.S. surgical market continues to grow, with over 5,500 hospitals and 6,100 ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) performing over 50 million medical procedures annually. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global health care analytics market will approach $50 billion by 2024 with a five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (“CAGR”) of 28.3% from 2019.

Management Team

Chief Executive Officer Colt Melby has over 30 years of experience in both public and private companies as a senior level executive. He is an active entrepreneur and investor who focuses on high-growth companies.

Chief Financial Officer Barney Monte has more than 20 years of global investment banking and capital markets experience. He has worked with numerous growth stage companies.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert “Bobby” Lazzara is a distinguished cardiac surgeon, a medical media expert, and founder of Medical News Minute. He performed the first worldwide webcast of open-heart surgery in August 1998 through the Virtual Operating Room and is a Smithsonian Laureate for his pioneering work utilizing the internet and information technology as a health care educational tool. Dr. Lazzara has been a member of advisory boards and a consultant to major corporations and medical device companies.

Investor Relations
Jason Brown
Jason.Brown@ORHub.com
(714) 228-5667

Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (XFRA: NXFE)

Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (XFRA: NXFE) is a Canada-based exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of production-grade cobalt deposits, a key raw material input for the growing lithium-ion battery industry.

Pacific Rim Cobalt and its Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project, located in the Depapre District, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province, Republic of Indonesia, is uniquely positioned in a region with potentially the largest source of cobalt outside of Africa. Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer, the Cyclops Project is a laterite (iron-hosted) mineral prospect, rich in cobalt and nickel. Cobalt consumption in China is on-track to use over 8,000 tonnes of cobalt annually by 2021 for electric vehicle production alone and is projected to remain the world’s largest cobalt consumer for many years to come.

Global demand for renewable power is fueling a massive shift from traditional energy supply chain economics to cobalt-reliant lithium-ion batteries, the world’s most widely used power source for portable applications such as electric vehicles and other high-tech applications.

Pacific Rim Cobalt management has concluded that strategic access to major markets offers the most important factor to servicing the rising demand for cobalt. The company’s acquisition of its initial asset in Indonesia offers near surface, strong nickel-cobalt mineralization in an area with excellent infrastructure including a nearby workforce, supplies, sealed roads, ocean access, nearby port facility and gentle topography. The project area, nestled on the north coast of Papua, Indonesia, establishes Pacific Rim Cobalt well within the economically attractive ocean-going transportation range to Asia and its lucrative, growing industrial markets.

Exploration efforts are currently focused on establishing a maiden compliant resource for the Cyclops project, both in historically identified and drill-tested prospects as well as previously unexplored areas of the claims. During the first nine months of 2018, the company focused on assembling the necessary agreements to access northern areas of the project hosting historically identified mineralized zones. Mapping, sampling and a mini-bulk sample within the mineralized zones has been completed, along with a small-scale program in the previously unexplored far southern area of the project. With surface access to priority targets now established, Pacific Rim Cobalt will initiate drilling and extract additional mini-bulk samples for further metallurgical testing.

“We are excited and optimistic about the unique possibility of developing this project into an asset that will add shareholder value and position the company to play a future role in the battery metals supply chain,” Pacific Rim Cobalt CEO Ranjeet Sundher recently stated (http://nnw.fm/u1HNs). “We expect the near-surface nature of cobalt/nickel mineralization at the Cyclops project will lend itself well to low-cost, logistically straightforward drilling. We thus anticipate the opportunity to undertake a resource calculation study, as well as ongoing metallurgy and process option testing, will present itself in the near future. It’s going to be a busy year ahead, and we look forward to getting the drills turning and building value.”

Pacific Rim Cobalt’s world-class management team includes Sundher, who has over 20 years of capital markets experience. Sundher is also president of Canrim Ventures Ltd., a Singaporean advisory firm specializing in early stage project finance and structure. He previously founded Indogold Exploration, a Jakarta-based mining service firm, and has raised over $40 million for companies in which he was a founder/partner.

Chief Financial Officer Steve Vanry has 25 years of professional experience in senior management positions with public and private natural resources companies, providing expertise in capital markets corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, accounting and financial reporting.

Andre Talaska serves as country manager and technical supervisor. He has over 30 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry and has held senior positions with several companies in Australia and southeast Asia. Shakir Juffry, business development/engineering, is a chemical engineer and extractive metallurgist by background training who has over 20 years of experience in the Indonesian mining and minerals exploration field. Toto Suarto Sajali, operation and development manager, is a mining engineer with over 15 years of experience in Indonesian project assessment, development and operations.

Pacific Software, Inc. (PFSF)

Pacific Software, Inc. (PFSF) is focused on the design, development, and distribution of Hyperledger blockchain technology solutions for application to the specific needs of agriculture and the opioid epidemic.

The basic requirements of the systems to be developed include high-throughput transaction processing, traceability or tracking, visibility or monitoring, and transparency throughout the supply and value chains for the stakeholders. The development of this architecture will serve as an online commercial portal to service Pacific Software's B2B accounts in the sectors below.

Agriculture
For application of its Agri-blockchain based system, Pacific Software will target farm-to-consumer exports to increase transparency, combat theft and counterfeit products, and reduce the health risks associated with shipping "tainted" agricultural products to other countries.

Controlled Substances
With the misuse of opioids on the rise worldwide, Pacific Software aims to apply its blockchain-based system to track opioids from pharmaceutical production to consumers and attempt to identify "Bad Actors" in the supply chain and fight against the global epidemic.

Business Model
The portal will be structured in a B2B format where clients will pay the company transaction fees, royalties, cash, cash equivalents and other forms of compensation to utilize its Hyperledger blockchain applications for their business models.

As the company executes these strategies, each Hyperledger blockchain-based system designed may be organized separately in wholly owned subsidiaries. To enhance its portfolio of holdings, Pacific Software may consider investments in companies where selected markets have imminent profitable results, providing appreciable value for investors and shareholders.

Petroteq Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PQE) (OTCQX: PQEFF)

Petroteq Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PQE) (OTCQX: PQEFF) is a Canadian-registered, publicly traded company engaged in the development and implementation of proprietary technologies for the environmentally safe extraction of heavy oils from oil sands, oil shale deposits and shallow oil deposits. The company is focused on oil sands exploration and production on mineral leases in Vernal, Utah, and in expanding production capacity at its Asphalt Ridge heavy oil extraction facility in Utah.

Petroteq Energy’s patent-pending application is a closed-loop, solvent-based process, which results in significantly lower per-barrel production costs than those incurred with traditional hot water-based oil sands extraction technologies. This green technology utilizes a small, modular footprint, produces no greenhouse gases, requires no high temperatures, leaves only clean dry sand, and could be deployed to unlock heavy oil deposits located around the world.

The Company’s Asphalt Ridge mineral lease on 2,500-plus acres in northeastern Utah features a large contingent oil sands resource base with an estimated 87 million barrels of oil equivalent. In 2015, the company produced 10,000 barrels of oil from the Utah location and plans to increase production are underway. Utah holds over 32 billion barrels of undeveloped oil sands resources, which are also known as “oil-wet” deposits containing a mixture of sand and a dense, extremely viscous form of petroleum referred to as bitumen or tar. A recent upswing in developing domestic energy sources has intensified interest in technological advances such as Petroteq’s Clean Oil Recovery Technology (CORT) System.

The Company continues to evaluate the development of other medium to heavy oil exploration, production and recovery projects on a global basis through a variety of structured agreements. These opportunities or other arrangements with private and governmental entities that utilize Petroteq Energy’s proprietary licensed technologies are expected to generate a significant return on investment.

The Company’s management team, board of directors and officers form an invaluable cross-section of industry leaders with extensive experience ranging from chemical engineering and solvent research, business development, international project management, entrepreneurial achievements, and senior management for global energy companies in North America and the Middle East. This impressive knowledge base covers both conventional and unconventional oil and gas projects and production, both in upstream and downstream industry sectors.

Petroteq Energy is also participating in a blockchain initiative aimed at solving the global transaction needs of the oil and gas industry through the development of PetroBLOQ. PetroBLOQ recently joined the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (“EEA”), the world’s largest open-source blockchain initiative. Membership with the 200-member EEA represents a wide variety of industries and offers 14 industry-focused, member-driven working groups.

“Joining this community of forward-looking enterprises and blockchain innovators is an important step for PetroBLOQ as we develop transformative solutions for the oil and gas industry,” said Petroteq Energy Chairman Alex Blyumkin.

In addition, Petroteq has joined the American Petroleum Institute (API). The API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, promoting safety across the industry globally and influencing public policy in support of a strong, viable oil and natural gas industry.

“API has led the development of operating standards for our industry, and we look forward to contributing our experience with oilfield technologies in addition to introducing our PetroBLOQ platform to its members throughout the supply chain,” Blyumkin previously stated.

Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF)

Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF) is a branded cannabis-infused products manufacturer of edibles created to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, PLUS™ concentrates on producing edibles using extracts to ensure compliant, dosable and delicious products that provide a consistent cannabis experience.

First introduced to the market in 2015 to rave reviews, PLUS™ is now one of the top best-selling edible brands in California. PLUS™ operates through a wholly owned subsidiary, Carberry, and has four cannabis-infused gummy candy SKUs (in addition to limited edition SKUs), that are currently sold in over 200 licensed dispensaries and delivery services. All products under the PLUS™ brand are produced in the company’s 12,000-square-foot food-safe cannabis manufacturing facility in Adelanto, California.

PLUS Products shares are currently listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. PLUS™ raised CAD$20 million through the offering, for which the lead underwriters were PI Financial and Canaccord Genuity. The company intends to use a portion of the IPO proceeds to fund rapid product capacity expansion, factory automation, working capital and new product development.

Operating in the largest adult-use recreational market in the U.S., PLUS Products holds a temporary manufacturing license in California and was one of the first brands to bring fully compliant products to the legal market. California legalized adult use recreational sales on Jan. 1, 2018, and industry analysts expect edible sales there will continue to amass enviable revenues. According to BDS Analytics, edibles made up 18 percent of marijuana retail sales in February 2018 across licensed retailers in California, with PLUS™ products ranking in the Top 10 of edible brands by retail dollar sales.

During the first half of 2018, PLUS Products generated US$2.45 million in sales, a marked improvement over 2017’s US$1.07 million in sales. The company’s established cannabis products are not only compliant with state laws, they are proving to be extremely popular with consumers. Among the PLUS™ product brands are:

  • Blackberry & Lemon RESTORE, an infusion of carefully dosed cannabis with a 9:1 THC to CBD per gummy.
  • Sour Watermelon UPLIFT, a low-calorie gummy crafted from carefully dosed cannabis with an infusion of 5mg THC per gummy.
  • Pineapple & Coconut CBD RELIEF, a tropical flavor gummy made from pure cannabis-derived CBD that is low-calorie, gluten-free and made with kosher ingredients.
  • Sour Blueberry CREATE, a low-calorie gummy infused with hybrid flower containing 5 mg THC.
  • Limited Edition Rose & Vanilla, available at select locations during Winter 2018, these gummies are crafted with 60 mg THC/30 mg CBD per tin.
  • Limited Edition RAINBOW SORBET gummies was created to celebrate Pride during Spring 2018 with a portion of each purchase donated to The Trevor Project, a confidential suicide hotline for LGBT youth.

“We are extremely proud of the products PLUS has brought to market,” remarked Jake Heimark, CEO and cofounder in a statement. “We’ve quickly grown into one of the leading edible brands in California. With the proceeds of this round, we will continue to further our mission: to make cannabis safe and approachable for all types of consumers.”

The PLUS™ team believes that everyone deserves access to consistent, dosable and delicious cannabis products and strives to make that happen. Producing the best infused products at scale requires thoughtful collaboration among experts in many fields. At PLUS™, our team is comprised of Chefs, Chemists, Food Manufacturing Experts, Engineers, Machinists, Visionaries, Creatives, Strategists and others.

Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ: POAI)

Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ: POAI) is a data and artificial intelligence-driven discovery services company that provides predictive models of tumor drug response to improve patient outcome. Predictive Oncology harnesses the power of artificial intelligence, collaborating with the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotech industries to develop highly customizable assessment methods for patients, which can lead to much more effective treatments.

Subsidiaries

Predictive Oncology leverages the synergies of its three wholly owned subsidiaries to bring precision medicine to the diagnosis of cancer.

Helomics applies artificial intelligence to its rich data gathered from patient tumors to both personalize cancer therapies for patients and drive the development of new targeted therapies in collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. Helomic’s CLIA-certified lab provides clinical testing that assists oncologists in individualizing patient treatment decisions, by providing an evidence-based roadmap for therapy.

In addition to its proprietary precision oncology platform, Helomics offers boutique CRO services that leverage its TruTumor™ patient-derived tumor models coupled to a wide range of multi-omics assays (genomics, proteomics and biochemical), and an AI-powered proprietary platform (D-CHIP) to provide a tailored solution to its clients’ specific needs.

TumorGenesis is developing a new, rapid approach to growing tumors in the laboratory, which essentially “fools” cancer cells bind to specific biomarkers. Once the biomarkers are identified, they can be used in TumorGenesis’ Oncology Capture Technology Platforms which isolate and help categorize an individual patient’s heterogeneous tumor samples to enable development of patient specific treatment options.

Skyline Medical’s patented, FDA-cleared STREAMWAY System is the first true, direct-to-drain fluid disposal system designed specifically for medical applications such as radiology, endoscopy, urology and cystoscopy procedures. The STREAMWAY system is changing the way healthcare facilities collect and dispose of potentially infectious waste fluid by connecting directly to a facility’s plumbing system to automate the collection, measurement and disposal of waste fluids.

The STREAMWAY minimizes human intervention for better safety and improves compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory agency safety guidelines. The STREAMWAY eliminates canisters, carts and evacuated bottles, which reduces overhead costs and minimizes environmental impact by helping to eliminate the approximately 50 million potentially disease-infected canisters that go into landfills annually in the United Sates.

Skyline has achieved sales in five of the seven continents through both direct sales and distributor partners.

Leadership Team

Dr. Carl Schwartz was appointed to Skyline Medical’s board of directors in March 2015 and became interim president and CEO in May 2016. Dr. Schwartz became CEO of Plastics Research Corporation in 1988, leading the company to become the largest manufacturer of structural foam molding products in the U.S. with more than $60 million in revenues and 300 employees by the time he retired in 2001. He holds a bachelor’s degree and DDS degree from the University of Detroit.

CFO Bob Myers has over 30 years of experience in multiple industries focusing on medical device service and manufacturing. He has spent much of his career as a CFO and controller. Myers holds an MBA in Finance from Adelphi University and a BBA in public accounting from Hofstra University.

Pressure BioSciences Inc. (PBIO)

Pressure BioSciences Inc. (PBIO) develops, markets and sells proprietary laboratory instrumentation and associated consumables to the life sciences sample preparation market. Sample preparation refers to the wide range of activities that precede most forms of scientific analysis. It is often complex and time-consuming, yet a critical part of scientific research. The market for sample preparation products is currently estimated at $6 billion worldwide.

The Company's product line can be used to exquisitely control the sample preparation process. It is based on a patented, enabling technology platform called pressure cycling technology ("PCT"). PCT uses alternating cycles of hydrostatic pressure between ambient (14.5 psi) and ultra-high levels (up to 100,000 psi) to safely and reproducibly control critical biological processes, such as the lysis (breakage) of cells, the digestion of proteins, and the inactivation of pathogens.

Pressure BioSciences' product line is led by its newly released, next-generation Barocycler 2320EXTREME instrument. Named a finalist in the prestigious 2017 R&D Awards (also known as the "Oscars of Innovation"), the Barocycler 2320EXT is already being touted by some key opinion leaders as an essential element of the $1.8 billion U.S. "Cancer Moonshot" program. For example, Professor Phil Robinson, Co-head of the cancer research center of the Children's Medical Research Institute (Sydney, Australia), said in a recent interview: "We are collecting the whole proteome on 70,000 tumor samples from all classes where complete clinical outcome is known. Due to its unique capabilities, the Barocycler 2320EXT has become a critical part of our program. It is the primary enabler of the high-throughput component of the project. Without this step, our project simply could not be done. In fact, the Barocycler 2320EXT works so well we have just purchased two more."

Momentum is building when it comes to the potential for using the Company's unique PCT technology platform. Leading scientists are intrigued by Pressure BioSciences' approach, which among other attributes, revolutionizes the process of rupturing cells (lysis) for further study, yielding superior biomolecules for investigation. The Company's technology transcends current methods of breaking open cells, which use chemicals, blades, metal beads, or other damaging and altering methods that can ultimately adversely affect the result for researchers. Pressure BioSciences' PCT technology utilizes customized, controlled hydrostatic (water) pressure to rupture cells in a chamber, enabling exquisitely customized levels of pressure to optimally break open different types of cells at prescribed pressure levels—something never before accomplished in a commercial setting. Using this pioneering method, the result is a truer, more legitimate sample, which boosts the efficacy of research and the quality of results. The potential impact of this technology on scientific advancement is enormous, enabling research scientists to begin their studies with biological samples of unprecedented integrity, with the potential to improve research outcomes at the earliest, most critical step. PCT can additionally inactivate pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria) using hydrostatic pressure, making the samples safer to study—another innovation with astronomical potential for application in a variety of markets.

The Company's high-pressure instruments for research purposes are marketed throughout the United States, Europe, China and Japan. To date, Pressure BioSciences has installed nearly 300 PCT Systems in over 165 leading academic, government, biotech and pharma laboratories around the world. Its primary applications are in biomarker discovery, forensics, agriculture and pathology. Over 100 scientific papers have been published on the advantages of the PCT platform, which is also being used in the specialized fields of drug discovery and design, bio-therapeutics characterization, soil and plant biology, vaccine development and histology.

Impressive as their biotech business is, there is more to the PBI story. Pressure BioSciences recently received two patents in China for its novel Ultra Shear Technology (UST), a process that has potential in a wide range of industrial applications, including extending the shelf life of some food products and making two insoluble liquids (like oil in water) soluble. Patents have also been filed in many other countries worldwide. UST is a novel technique based on the use of intense shear forces generated from ultra-high-pressure valve discharge.

This important technology has the potential to play a significant role in a number of commercially important areas through its ability to create high-quality, stable nanoemulsions. Scientific studies indicate that improved absorption, higher bioavailability, greater stability, lower surfactant levels and other advantages can be achieved with nanoemulsions – all hugely important factors in the fields of nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and in various medical products. There is an enormous opportunity in the cannabis market, since the technology can potentially reduce oil droplets containing cannabidiol (CBD) to nanoparticles, after which they can be safely suspended in a stable water solution—something many companies have endeavored to achieve without success. Researchers looking for a way to increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids in the body will find this technology a game changer.

The Company's UST technology also has possibilities in the production of clean label foods, which are currently processed using several innovative methods, including high-pressure treatments (such as Starbucks' Evolution line of juices). In 2015, the worldwide market for high-pressure processed (HPP) food was estimated at U.S. $10 billion. UST uses ultra-high pressures and certain valves to generate intense shear forces under controlled temperature conditions to produce nanoemulsions, and which also significantly reduces food-borne pathogens. Pressure BioSciences' initial focus with this technology will be to evaluate UST for the production of high-quality dairy products and beverages.

Quest Patent Research Corp. (OTCQB: QPRC)

Quest Patent Research Corp. (OTCQB: QPRC) is a New York City-based intellectual property (IP) asset management firm operating through majority-owned and controlled operating subsidiaries to deliver financial, strategic and legal resources for IP monetization. Quest currently owns, controls or manages over 115 patents across 11 intellectual property portfolios (https://www.qprc.com/portfolio). The company generates revenues from patent licensing fees of its IP property portfolios and from licensed packaging sales.

Quest creates shareholder value through investment and management interests in intellectual property assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, novel inventions and trade secrets. Through its business, shareholders have the opportunity to participate across a broad portfolio of dynamic assets in the burgeoning intellectual property space.

Objectives

Invention, protection and commercialization of IP require a deep understanding of dynamic technologies, market fundamentals, competitive landscapes and engagement strategies. Often, IP asset owners/stakeholders lack the requisite resources, experience and/or capacity to access the latent value of their IP assets and opportunities. Quest seeks to bridge this gap, partnering with asset owners – such as inventors, businesses, corporations and law firms – to help them fully realize the value of IP assets through:

  • IP Valuation
  • Structured Licensing Programs
  • Patent Prosecution
  • Partial or Full Liquidity
  • Portfolio Evaluation
  • Portfolio Maintenance
  • Legal Advisory
  • Attorney/Investor Referral
  • Patent Acquisition/Liquidation

At Quest, each partnership is treated as its own entity, with its own focused management comprised of Quest employees and seasoned industry associates. Many of technologies are placed in a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest, benefitting from the broader expertise of the company’s leadership.

Management

Quest’s management team delivers a wealth of experience in strategic business management, intellectual property, finance and marketing. The company’s internal resources, in tandem with its external network of financial, legal and managerial professionals, can develop creative solutions to the myriad of challenges involved in monetizing IP. Quest’s structured diligence and deployment procedures mitigate risks, maximize returns and deliver value to IP owners and shareholders alike.

Quest CEO and President Jon Scahill was the founder and managing director of the Urban-Rigney Group, LLC, a private consultancy specializing in new business/new venture development, operations optimization, and strategic analysis. Prior to launching his consultancy business, Mr. Scahill held numerous positions in sales and marketing, technical management, and product development in the consumer products/flexible packaging arena. Mr. Scahill holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Rochester, an MBA from Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business, and a JD from Pace University Law School. He is a registered patent attorney admitted to practice in New York, Florida, the District of Columbia and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Quest Chief Technology Officer Timothy Scahill recently completed a merger and buyout of Managed Services Team LLC, an IT Managed Services provider. Prior to Managed Services Team, he was president of Layer 8 Group Inc., which merged with Structured Technologies Inc. to form Managed Services Team LLC. In his roles he was responsible for business strategy, acquisition, execution, as well as financial management. Mr. Scahill’s entrepreneurial acumen and proven record of successful management with sole discretionary responsibility, demonstrate the scope of his capability and his value to delivering results. He successfully completed his term on the boards of the Upstate New York Technology Council and Pariemus Rochester. Mr. Scahill completed a six-year term as secretary, executive council and a seat on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. He has served as president of the Western New York chapter of The Entrepreneurs Organization and continues to serve on the board as accelerator chair. Mr. Scahill is currently performing Cyber Intelligence, Security and Information Assurance work for an undisclosed organization.

Peter LaFauci is president of CFO Solutions, a Rochester, NY-based consulting firm offering knowledge-based financial and accounting solutions for emerging to medium-size companies. Mr. LaFauci is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of proven success in developing, leading and executing strategy in both publicly and privately held companies within the advertising, software development, internet, manufacturing and emerging technologies sectors. Peter possesses strong research and analytical skills as well as interpreting, summarizing and communicating financial and business information to others. Mr. LaFauci is a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University.

Sharing Services Global Corporation (SHRG)

Sharing Services Global Corporation (SHRG), headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a diversified holdings company focused on reshaping how entrepreneurs succeed today. Sharing Services Global Corporation owns, operates or controls an interest in a variety of companies specializing in the direct selling industry that either sell products to the consumer directly through independent representatives or offer services that range from health and wellness, energy, technology, insurance services, training, media and travel benefits. SHRG has created the "Blue Ocean Strategy," which melds three keys together to implement the company's vision. These keys include elevating home-based entrepreneurs, known as "Elepreneurs," utilizing the direct selling channel to generate 100 percent organic growth.

Sharing Services Global Corporation subsidiaries include:

  • A growing international network of home-based entrepreneurs, called "Elepreneurs"
  • Growing selection of health and wellness products dedicated to elevating the well-being of all people
  • Insurance from auto, home and life to health benefit discounts and health insurance that help families elevate their options
  • Wholesale travel and payment programs with travel concierges that empower more families to go on vacation
  • Live seminars and training events – from Vacationars™ to EduTainment – that elevate the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs around the world
  • Unique compensation and reward programs crafted to help entrepreneurs elevate their health, wealth and happiness

Sharing Services recently expanded its corporate footprint by moving to a 10,000 square foot facility in Plano, Texas, that offers room to expand as the company grows and its subsidiaries flourish. The larger corporate locale provides space for a growing customer service department, product fulfillment, opportunity and training rooms, as well as a video production suite.

"The opportunity to expand to the rest of this new building over the course of the next six to 12 months ensures we won't have to move again anytime soon," Sharing Services Global Corporation Chairman Robert Oblon said. "We are on track for very significant growth here in the U.S., as well as upcoming international expansion, so this move is in preparation for what's in front of us."

The company recently signed a joint venture agreement with Health Wealth & Happiness Limited ("HWH") to expand its "Elepreneurs" brand and market its products throughout Asia. The newly formed company will be named "Elepreneurs Asia Limited" and will have marketing and sales rights to China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Papua, New Guinea. A soft launch of the Elepreneur program is scheduled sometime later in 2018 with HWH CEP Fai Chan and his team leading the effort. Formed in Hong Kong, Health Wealth & Happiness Limited is dedicated to working with visionary partners like Sharing Services Global Corporation to deliver the best products and services to improve the well-being of consumers.

Nearly 1,000 people attended Sharing Services Global Corporation's first "Elepreneur Happiness Convention," held March 2-3, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. Attendees arrived from several countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Singapore and Hong Kong. Keynote speakers included several internationally known motivational leaders –  Shawn Achor, Sandra Yancey, John Fleming and Les Brown – who provided exceptional material and inspirational discussion points.

"The enthusiasm of our attendees and the early success that we are experiencing is incredible considering our growth has been 100 percent organic, with almost no marketing from the company," Oblon said. "I'm speechless by the dedication of our Elepreneur leaders and their entire teams, as they share our incredible line of products that have helped so many people."

Sharing Services and its management team plan to travel the U.S. to hold several mini conferences to expand on the messages presented at its Happiness Convention that focus on helping people become "healthier, happier and wealthier." Details of the company's aggressive global expansion initiatives are soon to be announced, Oblon said.

The law firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has been retained as outside corporate counsel for all general business matters. The Dallas-based law firm will represent Sharing Services Global Corporation, and its subsidiaries as the company utilizes the direct selling channel for a significant component of its overall growth strategy.

John "JT" Thatch was appointed president and chief executive officer of Sharing Services Global Corporation, at a March 1, 2018, annual shareholder meeting. Thatch has successfully started, owned and operated several sized businesses in various industries. His experience with corporate growth, acquisitions, financing and negotiation in fast-paced and flexible environments will significantly assist Sharing Services Global Corporation as the company aims to expand and increase revenues.

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING)

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) is a diversified holding company with operations in multiple industries and verticals including two high-performing market sectors: legal cannabis and cryptocurrencies. SinglePoint has grown from a full-service mobile technology provider to a recognizable brand with a diverse portfolio of undervalued subsidiaries with multiple revenue streams.

SinglePoint is researching opportunities where it can be an active participant by influencing the strategy and direction of high-potential companies whose verified assets offer attractive possibilities for shareholders. The company is guided by a visionary leadership team with extensive experience in technology, engineering, marketing and raising capital.

SinglePoint is bullish on the cannabis industry, bitcoin and blockchain technologies, which is evident in its recent acquisitions and joint-venture announcements. Recent SinglePoint key highlights include:

  • A joint venture with Smart Cannabis Corporation (OTC: SCNA) to license and market Smart Cannabis' SMART APP. SMART APP enables cannabis growers to measure all aspects of cultivation, from soil nutrient levels to watering cycles and carbon dioxide content in the air. SMART APP will integrate SinglePoint's bitcoin payment solution to enable growers to process safer and more secure transactions.
  • A joint venture with Global Payout (OTC: GOHE) will build on existing financial technology solutions developed by SinglePoint and Global Payout's subsidiary MoneyTrac Technology, Inc., to fully optimize the delivery of mobile payment applications for domestic and international organizations.
  • A joint venture with AppSwarm (OTC: SWRM) to start development on a proprietary delivery application that will enable licensed cannabis delivery services and licensed dispensaries to safely make in-home cannabis deliveries.
  • Signed original "Shark Tank" member Kevin Harrington as company spokesman for an innovative, compatible virtual wallet to store any type of cryptocurrency. Harrington recently finished shooting a new national ad campaign featuring SinglePoint and the virtual wallet's secure method of storing cryptocurrencies.
  • Entered into a letter of intent to acquire 100 percent of Bitcoin Beyond, a premier platform that enables merchants to accept bitcoin payments using existing web-enabled point-of-sale devices.
  • Through SING subsidiary, SingleSeed, the company will soon offer a proprietary cryptocurrency solution that links both cannabis merchants and consumers who seek to take advantage of bitcoin-powered transactions using debit and credit cards. In addition to making bitcoin-backed card purchases possible, the solution enables cannabis dispensaries to digitally track and manage their product inventories, performing tasks like uploading product data, photos and descriptions. The system deducts items automatically from a dispensary's product listings when a purchase is made. While this fully KYC-AML compliant point-of-sale platform can be utilized for any other retail setting, it will fill a critical need in the underbanked cannabis industry as it continues to seek non-cash payment solutions outside of traditional banking circles.

SinglePoint CEO and founder Greg Lambrecht leads the company in its mission to capture opportunities through an aggressive expansion strategy across a broad range of assets. Lambrecht oversees all company operations including investor relations, leadership of the board of directors, and daily business activities. As the founder of PCI, a leading consumer product distribution company, Lambrecht negotiated agreements with the nation's largest retail outlets and led PCI through a NASDAQ listed IPO, raising $10 million.

Eric Lofdahl, SinglePoint's chief technology officer, has more than 20 years of experience in the technology sector including positions in software development, program management, complex system integration and engineering process definition. Prior to SinglePoint, Lofdahl worked at the Boeing Company where he led a team that successfully developed advanced wireless and satellite data products based on commercial technology for the U.S. Air Force.

SinglePoint President Wil Ralston is well known for his successful track record of building and maintaining great relationships with clients. Ralston graduated cum laude from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with a degree in Global Agribusiness and a specialization in Professional Golf Management. He is currently recognized by the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) as a Class A Professional.

Siyata Mobile Inc. (TSX.V: SIM) (OTCQX: SYATF)

Siyata Mobile Inc. (TSX.V: SIM) (OTCQX: SYATF) is a leading global developer and provider of Push-to-Talk Over Cellular ("PTT/PoC") systems for enterprise customers. The company specializes in connected vehicle products for professional fleets and markets its products under the Uniden® Cellular brand.

Since its inception in 2012, Siyata has amassed a customer base that includes cellular operators, commercial vehicle technology distributors, and fleets of all sizes in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

Recognized by the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange in 2018 as a Venture Top 50 Company, Siyata aims to deliver the highest quality and most technologically advanced mobile communication devices for global corporate workforces, fleets, homes and buildings.

The company has long been an industry pioneer, delivering the world's first 3G connected vehicle device as well as the world's first 4G/LTE vehicle mounted smartphone for First Responders and commercial fleets and vehicles.

Siyata is headquartered in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Product Portfolio

Siyata's suite of technology includes numerous PTT and legacy devices, as well as cellular boosters designed to improve cellular signals in corporate warehouses, government embassies, retirement home campuses, banks and manufacturing plants.

The company's flagship product, the Uniden UV350, is the world's first vehicle-mounted 4G/LTE smartphone with crystal clear quality, carrier grade PTT, voice, text, video and data applications built into a single device. Specifically designed for First Responder and commercial fleet vehicles, the UV350 runs on cellular LTE networks that provide nationwide and global coverage, replacing traditional single purpose two-way radios that require a monthly fee and limited network coverage.

The Uniden UV350 is currently available through Bell Mobility, Canada's largest LTE network and PTT community. Expanding its availability, Siyata is completing network approval with two North American Tier 1 operators to launch the UV350 in the U.S. in 2019.

Management Team

CEO and Chairman Marc Seelenfreund is the founder of Siyata. He is also the founder of Siyata's parent company, Accel Telecom, an Israel-based company that specializes in importing and distributing innovative cellular and IP devices to fixed line operators and mobile providers within Israel. Prior to establishing Accel, Seelenfreund was a vice president at Sunrise Corporation in New York where he focused on financing publicly traded technology companies. Seelenfreund has a law degree from Bar Ilan University, is a board member at Israel's leading private university, and has served as an officer in the Israel Defense Forces.

Glenn Kennedy, vice president of sales, has over 25 years of sales experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining Siyata in 2016, Kennedy managed sales nationally for Motorola Canada, HTC Communications Canada, and Sonim Technologies. He holds a bachelor's degree in honors business administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

CFO Gerald Bernstein, a professional chartered accountant, has spent 20 years focusing on private equity financing and tax efficient corporate structuring in multi-jurisdictional arenas. He holds a bachelor's degree of commerce as well as a graduate diploma in public accountancy from McGill University. Bernstein has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants since 1987.

Gidi Bracha, Vice President of Technology, has served in this position since 2011 and spearheaded the development of both the Truckfone, Voyager and UV350. Bracha served in various key positions at Cellcom, Israel's leading cellular provider, including head of car mobility products and director of type approvals. Bracha served as an engineer technician in the Anti-Aircraft division of the Air Force in the Israel Defense Forces and holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and business management from the University of Derby.

Spectrum Global Solutions, Inc. (SGSI)

Spectrum Global Solutions, Inc. (SGSI) is a leading single-source provider of end-to-end, next-generation wireless and wireline network infrastructure services and staffing solutions to the service provider (carrier) and corporate enterprise markets across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Caribbean. Spectrum Global Solutions provides services directly to carriers, aggregators, utilities, enterprise, Project Management Organizations (PMO) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) clientele through the following subsidiaries:

  • AW Solutions, Inc. and AW Solutions Puerto Rico, LLC – Provides best-in-class communications infrastructure deployment services to carriers, OEMs, PMOs, utilities and enterprise clients by offering discrete and full turnkey service solutions for wireless and wireline clientele. AW Solutions holds professional engineering licenses in all contiguous states and in the District of Columbia and Hawaii; the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador; in Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • ADEX Corporation and ADEX Puerto Rico, LLC – An international service organization providing turnkey services and staffing solutions to telecommunications carriers and enterprise clients. Since 1993, ADEX has been assisting telecommunications companies throughout the project life cycle of any network deployment. ADEX and its service capabilities extend from the most basic installation functions to the most advanced engineering disciplines for today and tomorrow’s communications networks. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, ADEX employs technical professionals and provides infrastructure services worldwide via domestic and international locations.
  • Tropical Communications, Inc. – A state licensed electrical and underground utility contractor headquartered in Miami, Florida, providing all types of communications and infrastructure facility structured wiring services and solutions since 1984.

Through its subsidiaries, Spectrum Global Solutions is a comprehensive single-source provider for professional services and solutions for the development, deployment and maintenance of wireless/Distributed Antenna System (DAS)/small cell/wireline and fiber networks and infrastructure. The company’s services range in scope from a single activity to multiyear, multi-region, large-scale turnkey development contracts with a deepening pool of international, national, regional and local projects. Spectrum Global Solutions has completed more than 150,000 project activities on wireless, DAS, wireline and fiber networks across the United States utilizing licensed professional engineers, project managers, technicians and general contractors.

Market Opportunity

Growth projections for the telecom industry show a high growth cycle 2018 through 2025 with a four-fold increase in domestic mobile data traffic and up to $150 billion in fiber investment over the next 5-7 years (Deloitte, 2017). The worldwide explosion of smart phones, tablets and BYOD by customers demanding rapid deployment of new apps, private networks with better coverage and enhanced capacity provides a compelling enterprise opportunity market. The imminent rollout of 5G next generation networks, IOT (Internet-Of-Things) technology deployments, the FirstNet national public safety system, small cell/network densification, Dish Network Deployment, fiber and infrastructure network builds for backhaul and expanded deployments, new FCC spectrum auctions and upgrades to 4G, DAS and small cell networks are contributing to a projected $157 billion in U.S. telecommunication carrier capital expenditures by 2021.

Management

CEO Roger Ponder has served as a director of Spectrum Global Solutions since April 2017. Ponder served as President/CEO of Summit Capital Advisors, LLC, and Summit Broadband, LLC a provider of consulting services to private equity and institutional banking entities in the telecommunications, cable and media/internet sectors. He also served as a member of the board of directors of InterCloud Systems, Inc. and served as its Chief Operating Officer from November 2012 to March 2015. Prior to that Ponder retired from Time Warner Kansas City Division as President/CEO. Ponder brings extensive business development, strategic planning and operational experience to the Company.

Keith Hayter is President of Spectrum Global Solutions and has served as a director of the Company since April 2017. Hayter has also served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of AW Solutions Inc. and AW Solutions Puerto Rico LLC since November 2006. He was Vice President and General Manager of Alcoa Wireless Services from 2001-2006. Hayter served in both the U.S. and British armies and brings extensive multi-national experience in the start-up, development, management and growth of companies in the telecommunication, engineering and construction industry.

Sproutly Canada, Inc. (OTCQB: SRUTF) (CSE: SPR) (FRA: 38G)

Sproutly Canada, Inc. (OTCQB: SRUTF) (CSE: SPR) (FRA: 38G) is developing and bringing to market cannabis consumer products with a focus on beverages. The company’s core mission is to become the leading supplier of water-soluble cannabis solutions and bio-natural oils for brands in the emerging cannabis beverage and edibles market.

To make this happen, Sproutly acquired Infusion Biosciences to bring to market a patent-pending Aqueous Phytorecovery Process (APP) technology, a fundamental paradigm shift within the cannabis industry. Replacing traditional water-compatible solutions with true natural water solubility improves the body’s ability to utilize cannabinoids, making the effect of the cannabis almost immediate.

This revolutionary process doesn’t alter the cannabis compounds and provides an onset time and offset time that mimics the same effects as inhaled marijuana. That means consumers may feel effects in five minutes or less and be free from the desired effect in approximately 90 minutes—a vastly different ingestion pattern than current methods. In addition, the water-based cannabinoids can be mixed with other liquids and stay dissolved in those liquids. The application of water-soluble cannabis infusions has potential to be widespread in both medicinal and recreational cannabis sectors, giving Sproutly a distinctive edge in a market with untapped potential.

Sproutly’s business model is focused on processing rather than cultivating, which means its success is not constrained to growing its own cannabis. The company does own a Toronto-based, ACMPR-licensed facility designed and built with a focus on cultivating pharmaceutical-grade cannabis to produce and formulate the first natural, truly water-soluble cannabis solution. Its water-soluble ingredients and bio-natural oils will deliver revolutionary brands to international markets that are searching for well-defined commercial products.

Sproutly’s entrance in the cannabis market is perfectly timed as cannabis is moving towards mainstream acceptance. Potential users are, however, interested in consuming cannabis products as drinks and using it as oils rather than smoking. The potential cannabis beverage market is staggering, and with Sproutly owning the exclusive rights to APP technology in Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Israel and the entire European Union, the company is looking at significant international expansion opportunities.

Sproutly plans to capitalize on these international opportunities by executing on partnerships with local and globally established consumer brands to leverage their existing customer bases, expand brand loyalty, and assist with marketing and support distribution networks to deliver scientific breakthroughs with speed and efficiency worldwide.

Management

Sproutly believes that talent drives growth. The company is committed to bringing together the best and brightest minds in the cannabis space to help with their mission to disrupt the global beverage and consumables market.

President, CEO and Director Keith Dolo recently served for more than 13 years with Robert Half, an S&P 500, NYSE-listed company. At Robert Half, Dolo held the position of vice president for more than eight years, as well as other senior roles in both operations and sales. He also sits on an advisory committee and a board position for two nonprofits in Vancouver, BC.

Chief Science Officer and Director Dr. Arup Sent has more than 35 years of experience in research and executive management at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. He was awarded a PhD in biochemistry from Princeton University and is a former faculty member at the National Cancer Institute and Scripps Research Institute. Sen is the inventor on five U.S. patents and numerous international patents and patent-pending applications.

Chief Financial Officer Craig Loverock is a chartered professional accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance roles in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. He has extensive expertise in public company reporting and transactional experience, having served as the senior financial advisor to the chairman at Magna International and acting as chief compliance officer and CFO for a private equity firm.

Head Grower Frank Han has over 12 years of experience in the horticulture industry. A previous master grower in a large commercial facility, Han has impressive expertise in all growing methods, techniques and procedures. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in cloning, nutrient and overall plant management. Han will be in charge of the production team at Sproutly’s Toronto Herbal Remedies facility.

SRAX Inc. (NASDAQ: SRAX)

SRAX Inc. (NASDAQ: SRAX) is a digital marketing and consumer data management technology company. SRAX’s technology unlocks data to reveal brands’ core consumers and their characteristics across marketing channels.

Through its BIGtoken platform, SRAX has developed a consumer-managed data marketplace where people can own and earn from their data, thereby providing everyone in the internet ecosystem choice, transparency and compensation.

SRAX’s tools deliver a digital competitive advantage for brands in the CPG, automotive, investor relations, luxury and lifestyle verticals by integrating all aspects of the advertising experience, including verified consumer participation, into one platform.

SRAX Verticals

  • SRAX Core: SRAX Core is a custom digital media management platform that enables brands and agencies to surpass the challenges of omnichannel marketing campaigns. It offers one comprehensive dashboard to manage digital media campaigns, inventory and reporting.
  • SRAX Social: SRAX Social is a free social media management tool that makes it easy for brands, agencies and individuals to grow their digital presence. It offers free and unlimited users, Facebook auto boosting, and a custom analytics dashboard. Its managed services team can also build and execute marketing plans for your unique specific needs.
  • SRAX IR: SRAX IR unlocks stock buyers’ behaviors and trends for issuers of publicly traded companies. The platform provides insights on shareholders and market makers, investor relations management, shareholder outreach tools and data-driven marketing.
  • SRAX Auto: SRAX Auto unlocks auto intenders’ data to create measurable connected experiences on the road to purchase. It offers proprietary auto intender profiles, multi touchpoint communication and custom location-based ads.
  • SRAX Shopper: SRAX Shopper delivers a cross channel, premium digital experience at scale to high value shopper audiences. It offers proprietary shopper profiles, cost per click pricing, and custom text and add to cart ad units.
  • SRAX Lux: Launched in June 2019, the SRAX Lux platform targets and reaches luxury consumers at luxury retail stores, high-end art, music, film, fashion and sports events, across all consumer devices.

BIGtoken

BIGtoken, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, revolutionizes data collection. BIGtoken is a platform that creates a secure and transparent environment for consumers to own and earn from their data. To date, there are 15.9 million BIGtoken registered users worldwide.

The optimization and monetization of data is a multibillion-dollar business. Worldwide spending on big data and business analytics solutions reached $166 billion in 2018 and is projected to surge to $260 billion by 2022. BIGtoken’s consumer vision is committed to delivering choice, transparency and compensation to the individual.

Through BIGtoken, consumers earn rewards when they opt into sharing their data and when that data is purchased. Consumers decide what data is shared, who can buy it and how it’s used, and advertisers reach real, responsive audiences. The benefit of this is two-fold: consumers know how their data is used and advertisers gain verified consumer data for targeting.

Users of the BIGtoken app can officially be paid in cash or gift cards in exchange for giving brands access to their anonymized data, answering questions, checking into locations, recruiting new members, and more. Users can deposit their earnings directly into PayPal accounts or be paid through gift cards from favorite retailers such as Walmart.

SRAX has also partnered with several high-profile, nonprofit associations to provide BIGtoken users the ability to donate their earnings. Partnerships include the American Heart Association, dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke; HealthCorps, which helps high school students make better choices about health and physical fitness; and the ALS Association, which recently launched its Challenge Me campaign.

International Expansion

BIGtoken is formally launching into several international markets and partnering to foster local support. SRAX recently signed a joint venture with the Yash Birla Group to launch BIGtoken in India. Based in Mumbai, the Yash Birla Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, has diversified interests in consumer and industrial products.

The partnership will bring BIGtoken’s platform to India, which has a digital population of 627 million. The India digital advertising market is $3.6 billion and is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 32%, making it one of the largest growing digital ad markets in the world.

SRAX Mexico is led by Moe Avitia, who has more than 18 years of experience in business development and building high-tech teams. SRAX Mexico includes a team of 90 employees, including 70 engineers.

BIGtoken Europe is currently evaluating data centers in individual countries for privacy laws.

Leadership

Christopher Miglino is CEO and founder of SRAX. He has spent the past 20 years working in the digital advertising space and has successfully launched and sold two internet companies. Both of these companies were sold to publicly traded companies on the NASDAQ. He has a detailed understanding of how technology interacts with brands.

Kristoffer Nelson is COO of SRAX and a founding member of BIGtoken. With over 15 years of technology and creative business experience, Nelson has been a guest speaker for Loyola Marymount University among other academic institutions, the National Association of Broadcasters, the IAB and numerous other professional and media organizations.

Standard Lithium Ltd. (TSX.V: SLL) (FRA: S5L) (OTC: STLHF)

Standard Lithium Ltd. (TSX.V: SLL) (FRA: S5L) (OTC: STLHF) is focused on unlocking the value of existing large-scale U.S.-based lithium brine resources that can quickly be brought into production. The Company believes new lithium production can rapidly be brought on stream by minimizing project risks at selection stage; resource, political & geographic, and regulatory & permitting; and by leveraging advances in lithium extraction technologies and processes.

The Company's flagship project is in southern Arkansas. The more than 180,000-acre "Smackover Project" is in the most prolific and productive brine processing region in North America. Agreements with large commercial brine operators in the region will allow Standard Lithium to utilize the extensive existing infrastructure, including brine supply and disposal pipelines, water, power and a trained workforce to fast-track project development timelines.

"Arkansas produces about 9.4 billion gallons of brine per year, according to 2010-2016 average statistics reported by the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission."

Standard Lithium signed a binding MoU with global specialty chemicals company LANXESS Corporation and its U.S. affiliate Great Lakes Chemical Corporation with the purpose of demonstrating the commercial viability of extraction of lithium from brine ("tail brine") that is produced as part of LANXESS' bromine extraction business at its three Southern Arkansas facilities.

LANXESS' land operations in Southern Arkansas encompass more than 150,000 acres, 10,000 brine leases and surface agreements and 250 miles of pipelines. LANXESS extracts the brine from its wells located throughout the area, and the brine is transported to the three Arkansas plants through a network of pipelines. The three bromine extraction plants currently employ approximately 500 people and process and reinject several hundred thousand barrels of brine per day.

Standard Lithium has developed a breakthrough rapid lithium extraction process that reduces the recovery time of extracting lithium from brine to as little as several hours vs. the current industry method that takes years. The process is also much more environmentally friendly with a significantly smaller footprint than the conventional processes. The company has a signed agreement to locate a demonstration scale lithium extraction plant inside one of LANXESS' chemical plants in Southern Arkansas.

The Company has also signed an option agreement with NYSE-listed Tetra Technologies for the lithium rights for exploration, extraction, and possible commercial development on approximately 30,000 acres of brine leases in Southern Arkansas. The largest available land package.

Recent laboratory results of four brine samples recovered from two existing wells in Standard Lithium's project area showed lithium concentrations ranging between 347-461 mg/L lithium, with an average of 450 mg/L lithium in one of the wells and 350 mg/L in the other. Geological modeling of the project area is complete, and a maiden resource report is on the horizon.

Market Opportunity

World demand for lithium continues to surge. The global lithium compounds market is projected to reach U.S. $5.87 billion by 2020 at a compound annual growth rate of 13.22% between 2015 and 2020. Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing segment of the market.

Leadership

Standard Lithium's commitment to being a premier, innovation-driven company focused on developing and commercializing new modern processes for lithium extraction is bolstered by the leading experts that comprise the company's Scientific Advisory Council. Each member was selected because of their experience and expertise in areas that are central to and/or complement Standard Lithium's current development plans. Standard Lithium recently welcomed to the Council world-renowned chemist Dr. Barry Sharpless, the recipient of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on chirally catalyzed oxidation reactions.

Standard Lithium is led by a team of professionals with proven strong technical and project development skills. CEO Robert Mintak has a global network of industry contacts and is a pioneer in the rapidly evolving lithium space. COO and President Dr. Andy Robinson is an experienced geoscientist with 20+ years of experience and a PhD in Geochemistry from the University of Bristol, UK. Dr. Robinson has worked on a wide range of projects in the resource, power and energy sectors in Europe, Africa, and North and South America.

The company recently appointed Robert Cross as non-executive chairman. Cross is an engineer with 25 years of experience as a financier and company builder in the mining and oil and gas sectors. He co-founded and serves as chairman of B2Gold, a top-performing growing gold producer which is expected to achieve nearly 1 million ounces of low-cost gold production in 2018. He was also co-founder and chairman of Bankers Petroleum Ltd.; co-founder and chairman of Petrodorado Energy Ltd.; and until October 2007 was the non-executive chairman of Northern Orion Resources Inc. He also was previously the chairman and CEO of Yorkton Securities Inc., and a partner in investment banking with Gordon Capital Corp. in Toronto. Cross has an engineering degree from the University of Waterloo (1982) and received an MBA from Harvard in 1987.

Following a multi-million-dollar financing in Q1 2018, Standard Lithium is well-positioned to meet its upcoming milestones including two maiden resource reports and the launch of its breakthrough rapid lithium extraction technology.

Sugarmade, Inc. (SGMD)

Sugarmade, Inc. (SGMD), one of the largest publicly traded hydroponics supply companies moving into the industrial hemp space, is a product and brand marketing company investing in products and brands with disruptive potential. Sugarmade's brands include: ZenHydro.com; CarryOutSupplies.com; and BudLife. Headquartered in Monrovia, California, a city within Los Angeles county, Sugarmade has various business operations in diverse marketplaces including packaging and paper goods for various industries, agricultural supplies.

Sugarmade has expanded into the European hydroponics supply market with a growing base of orders taken through Amazon UK. Over the past few financial quarters, Sugarmade has seen revenue growth patterns expand geographically. As recently as mid-2017, the majority of hydroponic-related revenue growth was seen from California and other West Coast marketplaces, however growth is becoming more geographically dispersed among U.S. states where legalization has eased restriction. This movement into the United Kingdom further expands the base of geographic growth areas for Sugarmade.

Sugarmade recently launched a new corporate initiative in the booming industrial hemp and CBD, committing up to $1 million in capital over the next 12 months to invest in Hempistry, Inc., a privately held Nevada corporation. Hempistry has begun planting an ultra-high cannabidiol (CBD) industrial hemp strain on a land option it holds on 23,000 acres of prime Kentucky farmland. The strain of industrial hemp being grown by Hempistry is ultra-rich in CBD but contains less than 0.3 percent of THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis. The U.S. hemp industry is expected to produce well over $1 billion in revenues in 2018, with a compound annual growth rate of 14 percent through 2022, according to the Hemp Business Journal.

Demand for industrial hemp and products derived from hemp is soaring, with no let-up in sight, which the company sees as a "tremendous opportunity to become a supplier to this fast-growing sector," said Chairman and CEO Jimmy Chan, who is also an advisor and minority shareholder of Hempistry.

Sugarmade's investment into the market for high-CBD hemp is expected to be highly accretive for common shareholders in two ways. First, Sugarmade's investment will be in the form of common shares in Hempistry allowing Sugarmade common shareholders to possibly benefit from any future initial public offering of Hempistry. Second, Sugarmade is expected to sign a supply agreement with Hempistry for cultivation supplies, which would be additive to corporate revenues.

Sugarmade has also completed a master market agreement with industry leader BizRight Hydroponics, Inc., a leading marketer and manufacturer of cannabis and hydroponic growth supplies, which offers a range of hydroponics-related products including: HPS grow lights, electronic ballasts, HPS bulbs, nutrient mixes, environmental control products, pH measurement and calibration solutions and storage products. BizRight operates the ZenHydro.com website and other e-commerce properties and sells various products to distributors and retailers. BizRight is expected to produce in excess of $30 million in revenues during 2017, with substantial growth expected for 2018.

Sugarmade division CarryOutSupplies.com, the leader in paper and plastic take-out supplies, serves nationwide customers by offering a wide array of high quality products that are cost-efficient, custom-made and delivered on time. This business unit currently serves 2,000 quick service restaurants, garnering from 30-40 percent of the market share. Sugarmade plans to expand operations via the addition of market share and the introduction of new product offerings.

Management

CEO Jimmy Chan is an experienced business executive instrumental in growing multiple business operations with a strong expertise in international trade and banking, and international manufacturing and importation. He is also the founder of CarryOutSupplies.com, a company that revolutionized the custom-printed paper supplies subsector of the quick service restaurant industry, which merged with Sugarmade in 2014.

Arman Tabatabaei serves as operations consultant, providing high-level, day-to-day strategic guidance and tactical operational supervision for all aspects of the corporation's business. He is an expert at data collection and analysis relative to resource management, risk forecasting and profit and loss management.

Sugarmade specializes in growing and acquiring innovative brands to maximize value for company employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. Sugarmade believes its future is very bright as the company expands operations within the cultivation sector and rapidly increases its revenue base.

Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF)

Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF) is committed to providing premium brands and products that reflect the company’s knowledgeable customers, passionate employees, and culture of innovation. Supreme Cannabis’ mission is to grow the world’s best cannabis and become a leader in the global industry. The company calls its Toronto Venture Exchange stock symbol FIRE “a testament to our passion for cannabis and our obsession with quality.”

Supreme Cannabis believes the world is ready to follow Canada’s lead by ending the 100-year cannabis prohibition and, as Canada’s only coast-to-coast premium cannabis producer, the company sees itself at the center of this global shift.

In August 2018, Supreme Cannabis uplisted its shares to the to OTCQX market in the U.S., where the company trades under the ticker symbol SPRWF. The following month Supreme reported record Q4 revenues of CAD$3.55 million, a 71-percent increase over the previous quarter. Supreme Cannabis also recorded revenue of CAD$8.85 million for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, placing it among publicly traded Canadian cannabis companies with the highest reported revenue in their first four quarters of sales.

“As a result of the successful execution of our strategy, we have generated significant revenue growth both for the quarter and the year-end period,” Supreme Cannabis CEO Navdeep Dhaliwal stated in a news release. “We look forward to building on this growth as we expand domestically and internationally.”

The company’s growth strategy includes key industry agreements, such as its CAD$12 million supply agreement with Tilray Inc. (OTC: TLRY), a global leader in cannabis research, cultivation, processing and distribution. The agreement calls for Supreme to supply Tilray with dried cannabis for support of medical cannabis patients in Canada for the period of one year.

Another key component is the company’s wholly owned 7ACRES subsidiary. The 7ACRES cultivation facility, one of the first 40 federally licensed cannabis producers in Canada, is focused on building a core competency in scaled cannabis production, which will give 7ACRES the needed flexibility to maintain leadership in the industry as the Canadian market grows and matures. Though 7ACRES is Supreme Cannabis’ flagship brand and only currently operating business unit, the company will continue to identify new opportunities to grow its portfolio of companies and build innovative cannabis businesses throughout the world.

7ACRES operates from a 342,000-square-foot cultivation facility in Kincardine, Ontario, and has been federally licensed since 2016. Current capacity is 13,333 kilograms dried cannabis annually, with plans to ramp up production by mid-2019 to a rate of 50,000 kilograms per year.

Supreme Cannabis seeks to differentiate 7ACRES from other licensed cannabis producers by producing premium quality product sustainably at scale. “Craft quality, commercial scale” is a slogan the company uses, and the Kincardine greenhouse employs state-of-the-art technology and cultivation best practices to strive toward that goal. Supreme identifies the quality of the 7ACRES product as the company’s primary strength and says a shared “passion for the plant” is the driver of company culture. Six Canadian provinces have signed supply agreements with Supreme, a fact the company credits to the high quality of 7ACRES cannabis.

Its customers, Supreme Cannabis management says, are informed and discerning regarding cannabis, and they value a premium brand that respects their product knowledge. The company believes its high regard for customers, premium product quality, and mass cultivation capability has allowed Supreme Cannabis to emerge as Canada’s preeminent premium cannabis producer. In the Canadian cannabis market, the company has established 7ACRES as a premium brand that’s distributed coast-to-coast and commands premium pricing. The 7ACRES brand is already listed as premium cannabis product in all provinces that disclose their cannabis listing categories, and 7ACRES on average wholesales for up to one-third higher in price than other brands in the Canadian cannabis market.

To further its distribution, in the medical cannabis market Supreme Cannabis has partnered with several Canadian cannabis retailers including Aurora Cannabis, Emerald Health Botanicals, Namaste, Zenabis, and others. The company’s investment portfolio also includes an equity position and long-term global distribution partnership with Medigrow, based in Lesotho, targeting the export of medical cannabis oil for the international market.

Supreme Cannabis seeks to make the company an innovator in the cannabis sector regarding design of cultivation facilities and development of operation excellence metrics. The management team is confident that the 7ACRES flagship brand, the company’s proprietary technology and products, and the company’s culture of passion for cannabis will deliver consistent long-term shareholder value.

The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (OTC: TGODF)

The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (OTC: TGODF), whose principal location is in Hamilton, Ontario, produces farm grown, organic, pesticide-free medical cannabis in small batches using all natural, organic craft growing principles. TGOD is licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) to cultivate medical cannabis. The company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada).

Committed to becoming the global leader in delivering organic cannabis solutions that enhance people's lives, TGOD consistently adheres to the highest levels of excellence. Its world-class management team includes a proven group of leaders with outstanding executive and operational experience specific to consumer packaged goods, consumer products, cannabis and finance industries.

TGOD is positioned as one of the highest quality and most cost efficient cannabis producers in Canada by leveraging innovative technology and low-cost power solutions. It holds one of the largest land packages under a single ACMPR license in Canada, providing future cannabis Agri-park style development and opportunities for joint ventures, licensing and distribution partners. Its industry leading alliance partners include Eaton, Ledcor Group and Hamilton Utilities Corp.

Eaton is the second largest power management company in the world and promises to supply innovative and cost effective power solutions to meet TGOD's growing demands. Construction management is supplied by Ledcor, Canada's second largest multidisciplinary construction company and a pioneer in the Green Building Industry. An alliance with Hamilton Utilities Corp allows TGOD to reduce its power costs from $0.13 per kWh to less than $0.05 per kWh. Greenhouse design is provided by Larssen Greenhouse, whose 25-plus years of experience in building some of the most modern and sophisticated greenhouses in the industry will provide TGOD with state of the art, climate-controlled hybrid greenhouse solutions.

Canada is quickly becoming a hub for cannabis investors with over $1.3 billion raised by Canadian companies to date. There are 58 licensed producers to service a population of 36 million and only two organic producers. TGOD, which holds licenses in Ontario and Quebec, is strategically located in both provinces that together claim 22 million Canadians as residents. Another estimated 57 million people live next door in six U.S. bordering states.

The Canadian cannabis market currently has a massive supply demand gap, which makes TGOD's expansion plans even more important to investors. These plans include a combined build-out capacity of 970,000 square feet, allowing TGOD to produce 116,000 kg annually of organic cannabis. Upon completion, Phase One in Hamilton, Ontario, which is fully funded, will provide 150,000 square feet of growing capacity capable of producing up to 14,000 kg of cannabis or $112 million in revenue at $8 a gram.

The company's Quebec expansion will be constructed on a recently secured 75-acre property near Montreal. This new property has a planned expansion of 820,000 square feet capable of producing 102,000 kg of organic cannabis. The first phase of this expansion is underway and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Quebec's first phase will consist of 220,000 square feet capable of producing 22,000 kg of cannabis. Two additional expansion phases will add 250,000 square feet (26,000 kg of cannabis) and 350,000 square feet (54,000 kg of cannabis). Power costs remain exceptionally low for both facilities with access to all other needed utilities available and close by.

TGOD also plans to gain a share of the burgeoning cannabis oils market which by Q1 2017 accounted for 49 percent of all cannabis sold in Canada under the ACMPR, up from only 27% in Q2 2016. TGOD has ordered a purpose-built extraction laboratory with an estimated commission in Q4 of 2017. This is a commercial-scale CO2 extraction unit capable of processing up to 12,000 kg of raw material per year and producing approximately $170 million worth of organic cannabis oils. Raw cannabis oil provides a significant downstream manufacturing opportunity into several potential recreational market verticals including edibles, beverages, topicals and concentrates.

Data from the Canadian ACMPR Market Trends report indicates a rising number of consumers will continue to seek out healthier, less conspicuous ways to consume cannabis, ensuring sales of organic cannabis oil products remain brisk. Organic cannabis products demand a significant premium compared to non-organic products and the demand keeps growing.

Plans to take the company public are underway with an initial public offering (IPO) slated for January 2018. In November, the company raised $13 million in equity financing and in March closed a $27 million non-brokered private placement. Another $20 million is currently being raised before the IPO in January, which will be utilized for expansion plans.

TGOD is uniquely positioned between the medical and recreational cannabis industry since Canada is scheduled to legalize cannabis for all adults in mid-2018. As of August 2017, TGOD has 2,400 shareholders. Established in 2012, TGOD's motto, "Making Life Better," can be seen in its strategic partnerships, top quality management team, and dedication to organic farming and principles.

Therma Bright, Inc. (TSX.V: THRM) (OTC: THRBF)

Therma Bright, Inc. (TSX.V: THRM) (OTC: THRBF) is a medical device technology provider focused on addressing dermatological needs in the multi-billion-dollar cosmeceutical industry. The company’s effective, non-invasive and pain-free skin care is based on proprietary technology which has received Class II medical device status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Therma Bright’s portfolio includes products, devices and treatments that have both cosmetic and medicinal or therapeutic benefits, such as for relief of pain, itch and inflammation resulting from more than 20,000 types of insect and marine life bites and stings, including bees, wasps, hornets, mosquitos, black flies and jellyfish.

The Company’s current focus is to market its products online through various social media networks, and to eventually re-establish relationships with major North American and Global retailers.

Products

The company currently has two products on the market and another in the research and development phase:

InterceptCS™ is a thermal therapy device for the treatment and prevention of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex Type 1 virus*. Symptoms typically include sores around the mouth and lips which InterceptCS™ treats by application of controlled topical heat with no risk of burning the skin. When used at the first sign of an oncoming cold sore application of InterceptCS™ can prevent symptoms from developing. Infrared energy and light from the device penetrate the skin killing cells infected with the virus.

InterceptCS™ is available without prescription and comprises a battery powered ergonomic hand-held unit and a disposable single-use treatment activator. Therma Bright has completed prototyping of multi-use activators for InterceptCS™. The company plans to bring to market 5, 10 or 20 multi-use activations at prices that will offer customers greater value than the current single-use activator.

The other Therma Bright product currently under development is TherOZap™, a next generation thermal therapy device powered by the company’s core technology, which is approved by the FDA as a Class II medical device for the relief of the symptoms of insect bites. Therma Bright is testing a new easier-to-use prototype of the device for effectiveness against Zika virus and other diseases carried by mosquitos. Once the technology proves effective, Therma Bright intends to seek regulatory approvals and extend the prototype enhancements to a new commercial version of TherOZap™.

Cannabis

Therma Bright is also conducting research and development on a unique thermal therapy device that would incorporate medical grade cannabis or cannabidiol (“CDB”) sourced from hemp as a cream or gel to provide relief of back, knee and other joint pain. In preparation, the company has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary to hold any technology for use or application of cannabis. Once approvals are secured, the company plans to sell the device through licensed cannabis producers or retailers across Canada and in international markets where use of cannabis has been legalized. The company has initiated trademark and patent protection for its thermal therapy technology incorporating medical cannabis. Therma Bright has indicated it will seek an acquisition to help further development of this product.

Market Opportunity

A report by market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence put the global cosmeceuticals market at a value of nearly US$47 billion in 2017 and projects it to be worth more than $80 billion by 2023, growing at a rate of almost 9.5 percent annually. Medical research estimates that somewhere between 20 percent and 40 percent of the population suffer occasional cold sore outbreaks. In Canada those figures would mean five to 10 million people, and in the U.S. some 40 million to 80 million, with recurring cold sores, representing a substantial potential market for Therma Bright.

Management

Rob Fia serves as Therma Bright chairman and CEO. Fia has extensive contacts in the investment community and the financial sector as well as knowledge of various Canadian stock exchange listing processes and requirements. His 18 years in the investment business has included equity research and advising promising early stage companies on corporate finance. Therma Bright CFO Victor Hugo is a senior financial analyst at Marrelli Support Services Inc., for which he provides CFO, accounting, regulatory compliance, and management advisory services to companies listed on the TSX, TSX Venture Exchange and other Canadian and US exchanges.

**Based on double blind placebo study, the InterceptCS™ is approved by Health Canada for the claim “For prevention of cold sores when used within 3 hours of the onset of the prodrome.” The InterceptCS™ is not approved by the United States FDA or any claim of clinical indication, clinical efficacy, and/or cure or prevention of disease.

Trxade Group Inc. (TRXD)

Trxade Group Inc. (TRXD) is an integrated pharmaceutical services company that offers a unique combination of a web-based purchasing platform (www.trxade.com) for transactions between independent pharmacists and drug distributors (B2B); a network of pharmacies with E-Hub software; a mail order pharmacy; and warehouse and drug delivery services. This synergistic combination of product offerings and superior data analytics is poised to benefit all stakeholders and consumers within the pharmaceutical industry.

Trxade will leverage and scale its fully integrated model to execute the following growth strategies:

  • Increase share of pharmacist drug purchasing
  • Additional SKUs and expand product breath
  • Partner with Specialty and International Mfg.
  • Expand mail order licenses to all 50 states
  • Scale Delivmeds for consumer delivery nationwide
  • Integration with telemedicine
  • M&A Opportunities within drug value chain

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Trxade's overarching corporate strategy is to penetrate the existing retail independent pharmacy marketplace and diversify the company's pharmaceutical mix with additional specialty and acute care products. Trxade is advancing on this mission by focusing on three key niches in the health care market.

Business-to-Business (B2B)

The $330 billion U.S. pharmaceutical industry is comprised of more than 65,000 pharmacy facilities and 1,500 state-licensed suppliers. Roughly 24,000 of these facilities are independent pharmacies, which collectively spend approximately $93 billion a year on branded and generic drugs.

Trxade targets these independent pharmacies, leveraging a robust, "E-Bay/Kayak-like" technology platform with optimum buyer/seller pricing algorithms, product availability, and predictive data analytics features.

Trxade currently serves and transacts with more than one-third (10,250) of these independent pharmacies and facilitates over $10 million of drug purchases a month!

Consumer

Trxade also targets the "consumer side" of the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to lower prescription drug costs by attacking the inefficient value chain; offering drug price transparency and efficient buying; and, delivering drugs DIRECT to independent pharmacists and consumers.

The company operates a full-service mail order pharmacy for U.S. consumers, as well as a mobile app called "Delivmeds" (http://www.delivmeds.com) which enables SAME DAY home delivery of dispensed prescriptions.

Retail

Trxade's Managed Services Organization ("TrxadeMSO") enables its member independent retail pharmacies to get patients, process orders, and deliver or ship prescriptions to patients. TrxadeMSO provides access to encompassing network of pharmacies through the E-Hub software, allowing for timely and comprehensive medication fulfillment.

These offerings ensure the best-suited pharmacy receives the patient's information, thereby ensuring appropriate medication coverage based on the patient's location, payor coverage, and medication access/inventory. This will save the clinicians and their staff time as they benefit from efficiency and enhanced workflow management in script processing and fulfillment.

Health Care Market

The U.S. health care market currently hovers near $4 trillion and is expected to grow as the general population ages. This growth will have greater impact on consumers as out-of-pocket expenses also rise. Additionally, drug costs are paced to increase faster than the overall health care and well above inflation.

Drug pricing is variable, and reimbursement is squeezing profits. This provides significant opportunity for the Trxade model of price visibility and profit optimization.

Trxade's fair online market platform targets the nation's retail community and independent pharmacies, of which there are approximately 24,000 nationwide. TRxADE has found that independent pharmacies, in order to be cost-effective, often operate with minimal staff and conduct up-to-the minute price checks. The TRxADE S2P platform gives these pharmacists the ability to easily compare the price of drugs offered by various suppliers and select the most favorable deals, saving money by taking advantage of best purchase pricing.

TRxADE's programs include:

  • TRxADE Exchange, which opens and widens the distribution channel to the retail, community pharmacy. A purchasing pharmacy can view products from manufacturers, buying groups, and wholesalers on a real-time and continuous basis. This approach significantly enhances the competitive spirit of the exchange where the lowest price exists for each product at any given point in time. TRxADE has become a competitive tool for all progressive entities and is recognized for its easy searching of hard-to-find generic pharmaceuticals at substantially reduced prices.  
  • RX Guru™ is an industry-leading price prediction model that integrates product shortage insight into pharmacy acquisition benchmarks ("PAC") to ascertain trends and pricing variances that result in significant purchasing opportunities. RX Guru affords members the opportunity to continuously benefit from real price purchasing opportunities that are concealed from the rest of the industry. 
  • Product Shortage Database – TRxADE maintains the most comprehensive retail, specialty and acute care pharmaceutical product shortage database in the country. Other industry competitors mainly restrict their efforts to specialty and acute care product shortages and narrowly research oral generic products. TRxADE's advanced prediction tools help members source those hard-to-find products at affordable costs in a timely and easy-to-search process. 

Management Team 

Trxade's management team is rich in expertise within the pharmaceutical supply chain and is supported by a base of advisors and contractors who are experts in related fields of the pharmaceutical sector.

Suren Ajjarapu – Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary
Suren Ajjarapu has served as Trxade's chairman of the board, CEO and secretary since 2014, and as the chairman of the board, chief executive officer and secretary of Trxade Nevada since its inception. Ajjarapu also serves as a chairman of the board for Feeder Creek Group Inc., since March 2018. Ajjarapu formerly was a founder, CEO and chairman of Sansur Renewable Energy Inc., a company involved in developing wind power sites in the Midwest, United States; a founder, president and director of Aemetis Inc., a biofuels company (AMTX.OB); a founder, chairman and CEO of International Biofuels, a subsidiary of Aemetis Inc.; and a co-founder, COO, and director at Global Information Technology Inc., an IT outsourcing and systems design company. Ajjarapu holds an M.S. in environmental engineering from South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, and an MBA from the University of South Florida, specializing in international finance and management. Ajjarapu is also a graduate of the Venture Capital and Private Equity program at Harvard University.

Prashant Patel – Director, President and Chief Operating Officer
Prashant Patel has served as Trxade's full-time president and COO, and as a director since the company's acquisition of Trxade Nevada in 2014, and as the COO and president and as a director of Trxade Nevada since its inception. He has been a president and member of the board of Trxade since August 2010. Patel is a registered pharmacist and pharmaceutical consultant with over 10 years of experience in retail pharmacy and pharmaceutical logistics. He is the founder of several pharmacies in the Tampa Bay area, in Florida. Since 2008, Patel has been managing member of the APAA LLC pharmacy. Since 2007, Patel has been a vice president of Holiday Pharmacy Inc. Patel graduated from Nottingham University School of Pharmacy and practiced in the United Kingdom before obtaining his masters in Transport, Trade and Finance from Cass Business School, City University, UK.

VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX.V: VIVO) (OTC: VVCIF)

VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX.V: VIVO) (OTC: VVCIF) is a globally licensed, cost efficient producer of premium quality, organic, standardized medicinal cannabis. One of the earliest licensed medical marijuana producers under Canada's federally-controlled Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), VIVO has five years of operating experience in the burgeoning medical marijuana space through its flagship operation, ABcann Medicinals, Inc. The company recently received its Health Canada license to produce medical cannabis oils and is working toward production of saleable, extracted, finished products that will lead to a final inspection allowing sales of its oils.

"Receipt of the license to produce cannabis oils is a major milestone in our pursuit to provide our medical cannabis patients with additional product formats that can be precisely dosed. The expansion and innovation of our product lines are a top priority for the Company as we continue to serve the needs of our customers, and we anticipate strong demand for our cannabis oil products," VIVO CEO Barry Fishman said.

VIVO owns and operates a fully functioning 14,500 square foot facility in Napanee, Ontario, which is being doubled in size to produce 1,400 kg of cannabis per year. The company's expansion plans include adding a seasonal greenhouse and a hybrid, multipurpose facility, capable of producing 31,000 kg of cannabis per year between the two facilities, to be constructed on 65 acres it already owns near the Napanee facility. This additional location is properly zoned with existing infrastructure in place for an eventual 1.2 million square feet of production space.

VIVO has built a reputation over the years for its best-in-class standardized approach to growing cannabis that includes the absence of pesticides and a computer monitored growing technique that provides a consistent, pharmaceutical-grade with high yields. The company's custom, scalable growing chambers with proprietary lighting can be replicated anywhere in the world, leading to lower production costs. This technique has helped it record a customer retention rate of 94.7 percent alongside 30 percent month-over-month customer growth. When combined with VIVO's current yield rate, which it has measured at roughly 100 percent greater than the industry average, the company has constructed a strong foundation upon which to build a sizable presence in the global cannabis industry.

This global growth potential is illustrated by VIVO's partnership with Israel's Syqe Medical, producer of the world's first selective-dose pharmaceutical grade medicinal plant inhaler. After visiting VIVO's production facility, Perry Davidson, founder of Syqe Medical, noted that the company's production technologies put it "in a class with the best in the world" in its ability to produce standardized pharmaceutical grade cannabis.

VIVO's recent acquisition of Harvest Medicine Inc. represents further progress toward the company's goal of becoming a vertically integrated medical cannabis company. Harvest Medicine is one of the fastest growing medical cannabis clinics in Canada – adding over 1,200 new patients monthly from a single location – with an aggressive expansion plan and a patient-focused approach that perfectly aligns with VIVO's philosophy of quality and innovation.

VIVO's seasoned management team, board of directors and advisory board features well over a century of combined industry experience. Fishman, who has over 20 years of experience as a business leader, previously served as CEO of both Teva Canada and Taro Canada, as vice president of marketing at Eli Lilly Canada, and as past chair of the Canadian Generic Manufacturers Association. He most recently served as CEO of international specialty pharmaceutical company Merus Labs.

Notably, VIVO also has access to the 'Father of Cannabis Research', Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, through its board of advisors. An organic chemist and professor of medicinal chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mechoulam was the first scientist to isolate both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). He has received more than 25 prestigious academic awards, including the Rothschild Prize in Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences in 2012.

With more than 65 acres of growth capacity, a healthy cash balance to fund upcoming construction efforts, steady sales growth, industry-leading yield rates and an established operations team in place, VIVO is well positioned to compete in the rapidly expanding Canadian cannabis industry and beyond.

VPR Brands, LP (VPRB)

VPR Brands, LP (VPRB) is an innovative technology holding company whose assets include patented atomization-related products and technology. VPR Brands' current lineup of products includes accessories and vaporizers for cannabidiol (CBD), cannabis concentrates and extracts. The company is also engaged in product development within the vaping market and partners with top international brands to elevate their products within the vaping industry.

VPR Brands employs a growth strategy centered on high-performance, high-quality products that build exponential brand equity, awareness and loyalty. The company's current product portfolio is comprised of the following:

  • GoldLine combines premium ingredients and extracts coupled with the newest in technology to achieve the ultimate selection of cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp-based products available anywhere. The product range is designed for a wide variety of consumers and features edibles such as gummies and pure honey stix, tinctures, pre-rolled flower, vapable products and creams. For more information please visit www.cbdgoldline.com.
  • HoneyStick is a lifestyle brand that combines the features of high tech, high performance, dependability and affordability when it comes to upper tier vaporizers. HoneyStick was first to market in creating a Sub Ohm vaporizer to the latest Ripper and Plasma GQ. The HoneyStick team works with a vast network of growers, extractors and industry figures to bring the needs of patients and recreational users to life. HoneyStick is sold online and through a diverse network of distributors, e-tailers, dispensaries and smoke shops. For more information about HoneyStick, visit www.vapehoneystick.com.
  • Helium brings the vaping experience to a new level with intense flavors that are steeped to perfection and chilled at 20 degrees below room temperature. Helium's chillers are scientifically proven to preserve flavor, freshness and aroma. Helium is in a 50ml durable and squeezable bottle with drip tip that is functional from the start, engineered to deliver 77 percent VG.
  • Vaporin delivers Sub Ohm series starter kits. Vaporin also provides an eye-catching display case with multi-packs of selected starter kits, coils and premium e-liquids for retail and dispensary operations.
  • Vaporx offers the most current, highest quality products from the best-known brands, including KangerTech, eLeaf, Aspire, Pioneer4You, JoyeTech, Samsung. Vaporx acts as an extension to a client's purchasing department, providing the option to schedule regular product mix refresh for maximum sales.
  • GoldLine Hemp products are developed specifically for the convenience store market segment. GoldLine Hemp-only products are created without CBD, providing an alternative product line for consumers who are not ready to experience CBD products but still want to take advantage of this rapidly expanding class of products. GoldLine Hemp-only edible Hemp Gummies debuted at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Expo in Las Vegas in October 2018 and are now being distributed nationwide. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154, 000 stores nationwide, serves 160 million customers daily and has sales that are 10.8% of the total U.S. retail and food service sales. Visit www.goldlinehemp.com for more information about GoldLine Hemp-only products.
  • Vapor Store Direct in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the largest vaporizer and e-liquid wholesalers in the United States. Vapor Store Direct stocks internationally elite brands, vaporizers, tanks/atomizers, coils, e-liquid, e-cigarettes, batteries, glass and accessories.

Management Team

CEO Kevin Frija is a veteran entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain management, marketing, advertising and brand licensing. In 2009, Frija became the president and chief executive officer of Vapor Corp., one of the first U.S. importers and publicly traded electronic cigarette companies. In 2016, Frija purchased the brands and wholesale business assets from Vapor Corp., which is now owned by VPR Brands. Under his leadership, VPR Brands is pivoting toward cannabis products which is increasing sales and profit margins.

Dan Hoff, chief operating officer, has worked in the vaporizer and e-cigarette industry, serving in various positions at Vapor Corp., including overseeing the financial management, accounting functions, supply chain management, product design and development, and key vendor relations. He has played a pivotal role in building and expanding the cannabis-based products division at VPR Brands, which includes a turnkey OEM vapor solutions program available to farmers, cultivators and extractors. Hoff received his bachelor's degree from the University of Miami School of Business.

Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF)

Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) is a public cannabis company developing and designing brands that focus on plant-based wellness and health products. Wildflower markets its full-spectrum CBD products to retailers in the health and wellness space throughout the United States and in legal cannabis markets in accordance with regulations marketing its THC and CBD products.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Wildflower employs a unique and holistic business model that encompasses research and development, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and retail. First launched in 2012 as a private company with a cannabis-focused brand, Wildflower went public in 2014 and has since reached numerous significant milestones in its drive to create brands that work in synergy toward becoming a global wellness brand leader.

Gathered within the growing family of Wildflower brands are the following entities:

  • Wildflower Wellness is known for its reputable brand, uncompromising quality and mission to connect people with the healing power of plants. Wildflower Wellness offers CBD vaporizers, capsules, tinctures, soaps and topicals that are backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Wildflower Wellness offers a full lineup of full spectrum CBD extract infused products made in the U.S. in Wildflower’s GMP facilities which are always third-party lab tested for quality assurance and accurate labeling.
  • King Extracts is a California-based company focused on cannabis technology and delivery systems. The King Recharge is a discreet, 97mm small, rechargeable vaporizer with a sleek pocket-sized charging and storage case. King concentrates are clean and sophisticated blends made from CO2 extractions that are fractionally distilled for clarity and purity with proprietary terpenes blended in to deliver a robust, full-flavor profile. King products are available at 26 select, regulated retail dispensaries in California.
  • Exclusive is a dispensary of high-quality cannabis products and accessories serving the city of Los Angeles, California. The company enjoys a close association with select hospital oncology departments and community programs.

Using the slogan “Plants Heal,” Wildflower’s distribution network in the U.S. includes 200+ retailers in Washington state and 20+ retailers in New York City. Wildflower has also partnered with Retail Worx to establish shop-in-shop retail locations in the heart of New York City which pairs nicely with the introduction of Wildflower into existing Bridges General’s stores in New York City and San Francisco. Through this partnership with Retail Worx, Wildflower by Bridges General stores will have exclusive product offerings in addition to the full lineup of existing Wildflower Wellness CBD products. Distribution in other U.S. markets includes 80+ wellness and healthcare practitioners with a total distribution of over 300 stores nationwide.

Wildflower holds 14 California cannabis licenses that cover recreational and medical cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and retail/delivery in the jurisdictions of California state and the city of Los Angeles. Opportunities to activate these licenses creates the phenomenal potential of driving significant revenues while minimizing risk. Expansion plans into Canada are underway with discussions centered on retail acquisitions and Wildflower launching into over-the-counter market with its CBD product line. Global expansion is a key part of Wildflower’s strategy with initial plans aimed at specific international markets where regulatory hurdles are less restrictive.

In December 2018, Wildflower began on-demand, legal and licensed cannabis delivery services to adult consumers in the Los Angeles area and has hired dozens of full-time delivery drivers to accommodate this unmet need. Wildflower has partnered with leading technology and logistics company Eaze.com to help route deliveries efficiently, manage inventory and comply with California law. Providing legal, licensed delivery services helps to ensure that all adults including those with mobility challenges and limited access to transportation services can purchase high quality, legal cannabis products.

Wildflower’s direct-to-consumer online store sales have shown an organic growth. The Company recently achieved over 300 percent growth in online sales since January 2018 with annualized revenues exceeding $1 million for online sales only, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of increased revenue.

Core Team

William MacLean is the founder and CEO of Wildflower Brands Inc. His involvement in all aspects of the business from product R&D to manufacturing setup has led the Company to its current success. MacLean is a seasoned sales professional with over 20 years of experience in various industries from advertising and marketing to medical sales. While in the advertising and marketing space, his clients included major brands including: Bell, Remax, BC Hydro, and Royal Bank.

CFO Stephen Pearce is a director and officer of a number of public companies in the resource sector. His professional experience as a practicing attorney is primarily in corporate and securities work. Pearce’s academic background includes an honors bachelor’s degree in economics from York University, in which he focused specifically on corporate finance. Pearce obtained a law degree from the University of British Columbia.

Alfred Kee, COO, is a business technology leader with over 15 years of experience in building high performing teams at small startups to large enterprises. With foundations in running large scale business critical technology and user experience product management mindset, Kee excels at guiding teams to deliver business value with agility. His knowledge and experience were honed while working with Electronic Arts, KPMG, CenturyLink, Cisco and Apple, as well as a string of successful startups. Lee brings a global perspective having lived and worked through parts of the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.

Creative Director Amy Yamamura is a founding member of Wildflower and has been a driving force behind the Company from the start, creating the Wildflower brand. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston University, Yamamura returned to Tokyo to develop her career in TV as an international business correspondent coordinating collaborative projects between top creators around the world and corporations. Yamamura’s unique experience in working closely with successful Japanese brands like UNIQLO has given her exceptional eyes for branding a company.

Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW)

Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW) is a leading developer of biosynthetic production systems for high-value, plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) and intermediates. The company’s cannabidiol (“CBD”) yeast-based biosynthesis program produces a high yield, ultrapure, low-cost and scalable manufacturing solution for pharmaceutical, food, beverage and personal care consumers of CBD.

The company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Biosynthesis Platform

Willow’s proprietary yeast-based lab strains produce CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), and cannabigerol (“CBG”), as well as certain minor and novel cannabinoids.

The company’s expertise in the esoteric field of biosynthesis and in delivering commercial fermentation pathways for the production of pharmaceutical-grade compounds grew from its origins in opiate research. Willow recently delivered a de novo biosynthesis pathway in yeast for thebaine, a key precursor API used as a feedstock in the manufacture of semi-synthetic opiates such as naloxone (used to reverse opioid overdose) and several common analgesics. Led by Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Peter Facchini, Willow’s research team discovered and patented numerous previously unknown genes coding for core catalytic pathway enzymes, as well as a number of additional non-pathway, yet commercially-essential, accessory genes.

Utilizing this proven synthetic biology platform, Willow’s research team has already begun producing cannabinoids at lab scale, using yeast as the host cell “factory”. This biosynthetic fermentation-based process is capable of producing pharmaceutical grade CBD in 10 days – far less time than traditional plant-based extraction methods.

Willow anticipates its technology can be scaled to produce hundreds of kilograms per batch of cannabinoid API at less than $1,000 per kilogram, thus costing approximately 60% less than current chemical synthesis methods and 90% less than conventional plant-based extraction methods.

World-Class Collaboration

Willow and Noramco Inc., the world’s largest producer of high-quality synthetic cannabinoid APIs and other controlled substance APIs for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, have an exclusive, worldwide Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) to design a yeast-based biosynthesis platform for the production and distribution of a highly pure CBD isolate.

The mutually exclusive agreement calls for Willow to be responsible for optimizing yeast strains in a biosynthetic process to generate ultrapure CBD at high yield and substantially lower cost compared to current methods. Noramco will leverage its decades of experience in producing and delivering CBD and pharmaceutical APIs by being responsible for the scale-up, regulatory submission, marketing and distribution of products manufactured under the JDA.

Each company will invest comparable funds, will retain the intellectual property associated with their respective scopes of work and share equally in gross profits from sales of products manufactured under the JDA.

Market Opportunity

The agreement with Noramco (http://nnw.fm/Mz1vW) addresses the increasing demand for CBD-based APIs and other CBD-infused products by pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer packaged goods, beverages and other industry sectors.

The U.S. market potential of cannabinoids is significant, with industry analysts projecting $50 billion in cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical sales and $16 billion in CBD consumer goods retail sales by 2025. As of June 2019, 34 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands have legalized cannabis for medical use. Another 13 states and territories have approved recreational cannabis for adult use while other states are considering similar measures.

The cannabinoid API market continues to evolve with CBD and other cannabinoid-based treatment options currently in clinical trials for indications such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, schizophrenia, cancer treatments and other challenging unmet medical conditions.

Capitalization

Willow is fully funded after raising $29 million via private placement and $8 million in exercised warrants by Tuatara Capital Fund II, L.P. Proceeds of the funding will be used to enhance the existing laboratory space in Calgary and Vancouver, Canada, and in San Francisco, California. The company anticipates exiting 2020 with $15.8 million in cash.

Leadership

President and CEO Trevor Peters is an experienced executive who co-founded four startup companies in the past 15 years. He has raised over $1 billion in equity and debt financings at various stages of corporate development and has been integral to successful transactions totaling over $4 billion on sale. Mr. Peters previously was chief financial officer at Caracal Energy Inc., which sold to Glencore plc in 2014 for $1.8 billion.

Chief Financial Officer Travis Doupe has over 18 years of experience in financial leadership roles, principally in the international oil and gas industry, where he provided corporate strategic direction while overseeing all aspects of financial operations. Mr. Doupe is the treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Canada Council for the Americas – Alberta and holds a CA-CPA designation and earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Calgary.

Dr. Peter Facchini, Chief Scientific Officer, has been professor of plant biochemistry in the department of biological sciences at the University of Calgary since 1995. He is the Canada research chair in Plant Metabolic Processes Biotechnology and has published more than 150 research papers and scholarly articles. Dr. Facchini received a PhD from the University of Toronto and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky and Université de Montréal.

Dr. Joseph Tucker, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, holds more than 20 issued or pending patents and is a member of the Board of Directors of BioAlberta. He has extensive senior leadership experience in multiple public and private biotech companies. Dr. Tucker received a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Calgary.

Xalles Holdings Inc. (OTC: XALL)

Xalles Holdings Inc. (OTC: XALL) is a fintech holding company leveraging blockchain and other technologies for e-commerce, payments, financial reconciliation, and payment auditing solutions. The company actively seeks acquisition targets with strong management teams and business models, large total attainable markets, and lucrative exit opportunities in which to invest and accelerate growth.

Operations

The common element to all acquired entities and projects is a business model that involves setting up a payment or financial transaction “toll gate,” thereby creating a recurring revenue stream.

Xalles’ business plan focuses on consumer, business and government-oriented payment and financial reconciliation transactions. Combining the blockchain decentralized financial ledger platform with the company’s existing X2X transaction reconciliation system design, Xalles is building technology that supports payment audits, exchanges, and new business models and opportunities worldwide. Xalles will launch new services card and mobile payment and rewards systems, and will expand the technology offerings for referral marketing and e-commerce engines.

Subsidiaries
All current subsidiaries are wholly owned

  • Xalles Holdings
    Raise capital for fintech accelerator program acquisitions, provide management, administrative, finance and marketing support to all subsidiary companies
  • Xalles Capital
    Management support of investment consortiums, direct investment into funds or projects, and management of investments
  • Xalles Limited
    Design and market new X2X solutions; acquire U.S Government transportation post-payment audit business through GSA schedule and expand to non-transportation payment auditing
  • Xalles Technology
    Technical development of the X2X blockchain systems
  • Xalles Financial Services
    Consumer and small business financial service offerings
  • Co-Owners Rewards
    Stock-based rewards system for payments cards and financial services
  • Amazing Living Enterprises
    Affiliate program and e-commerce platform for enhancing financial lives
  • Global Savings Network
    Not-for-profit fundraising system with consumer discounts at local merchants

X2X Solutions

Xalles provides payment and financial transaction management solutions through the company’s proprietary blockchain-based X2X technology. The X2X solution includes the Investment and Financing System (IFS), which supports complex investment structures, assists international investment consortia, and provides links to Xalles’ Financial Transaction Reconciliation (FTR) solution. FTR supports complex financial ecosystems, making it easier for parties to exchange products, services, grants and government incentives, and assists “Exchange Managers” with liquidity and auditability. X2X also supports the Xalles pre- and post-payment auditing services.

Advancements in 2019

  • Co-Owners Rewards subsidiary is working to launch a general purpose reloadable prepaid payment card with a stock rewards program.
  • Previously announced LYC Mortgage acquisition will create a structure that will dramatically increase revenues in 2020 with new mortgage business portfolios.
  • Xalles Financial Services expects to launch the Cryptocurrency Trading Engine and acquire multiple cryptocurrency asset portfolios to drive increases in value through the trading engine.

“The structure and growth plan for the company contains a balance of diversity and synergy so that we can effectively use limited resources to obtain the best results. We will see the culmination of the fundraising efforts, acquisitions and organic growth in the second half of 2019 put us on the path to tremendous growth in 2020.”

– Xalles CEO Thomas Nash (http://nnw.fm/rU6iT)

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) is a leading omni-direct lifestyle company offering a hybrid of the direct selling business model that includes e-commerce and the power of social selling. Among the Top 100 Global Direct Selling Companies, Youngevity offers products from the six top selling retail categories: health/nutrition, home/family, food/beverage (including coffee), spa/beauty, apparel/jewelry, and a range of innovative services. Created through the 2011 merger of Youngevity Essential Life Sciences with Javalution® Coffee Company, today's Youngevity International Inc. is a virtual worldwide Main Street of products and services under one corporate entity that supports a healthy and empowered lifestyle.

Youngevity International is dedicated to improving lifestyles through the universal desires of vibrant health and flourishing economics. Catering to health-conscious consumers, Youngevity believes that combining the best of the direct selling industry with the fundamentals and capabilities of a traditional business model will maximize shareholder value. The company's Nutritional, Lifestyle and Telecommunications products and services are distributed through a global network of Preferred Customers and Distributors.

Youngevity's wholly owned CLR Roasters LLC business line offers quality branded and private label coffee to retail stores, office coffee services, hospitality, food services, distributors, convenience, petrol stores and vending businesses. Today, CLR Roasters is the largest coffee provider for cruise lines in North America and the second largest roaster in the state of Florida. Producing a consistent premium product with superior taste, CLR Roasters has earned numerous certifications that demonstrate the company's commitment to the craft of providing the highest quality coffee products using the best practice standards available.

Youngevity, operating in the direct-selling channel, is rapidly expanding its product and distributor base through acquisitions and mergers under an innovative concept called "the Network Cloud" that provides other direct selling companies with a home base. The company's YoungevityGO2 mobile distributor app, a new technology-driven web platform supporting expansion of global e-commerce and social selling platforms, is available on Google Play and the App Store. In addition to the Network Cloud concept, Youngevity International owns CLR Coffee Roasters which operates a traditional coffee roasting business offering a JavaFit® gourmet product line that vertically integrates with Youngevity and its growing network of direct marketers.

Youngevity International offers more than 1,000 high quality, technologically advanced products under the following categories:

  • Health and Nutrition
  • Home and Family
  • Food and Beverage
  • Spa and Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Essential Oils
  • Photo and scrapbooking
  • Services for Home and Business

Youngevity International Inc. has compiled a best-in-class management team with a strong track record of success in private and public companies. Steve Wallach, CEO, has nearly two decades of sales and network marketing experience and has successfully guided Youngevity International Inc. to become an international, publicly-traded direct marketing company positioned for worldwide growth. Dave Briskie, president and CFO, has shepherded the company's development into a fully vertical coffee roasting and distribution company that owns the direct marketing brand JavaFit® and the retail brand, Café La Rica.

Youngevity has also attracted a stunning group of Brand Evangelists who endorse its products. Among these are actress, author and well-known health and wellness activist Marilu Henner; former NBA basket player, Mike "Stinger" Glenn; former NFL wide receiver Drew Pearson; "Greatest Natural Bodybuilder in the World" Gene Nelson; and WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist Delisha Jones.