Sign Up NowThis Month's Tiny Gems - September 2019

Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology (NASDAQ: BHAT)
Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (NUGS)
Canopy Rivers Inc. (TSX.V:RIV) (OTC: CNPOF)
Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX)
Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR)
Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF)
Hemptown USA
INmune Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB)
Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP)
Nabis Holdings (CSE: NAB) (OTC: NABIF) (FRA: 71P)
Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX.V: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI)
Pressure BioSciences Inc. (PBIO)
The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (OTC: TGODF)
Therma Bright, Inc. (TSX.V: THRM) (OTC: THRBF)
Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

 

Featured Company

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.

 

 

 

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 He, 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:

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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:

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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:

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Nabis Holdings (CSE: NAB) (OTC: NABIF) (FRA: 71P)

 

Nabis Holdings (CSE: NAB) (OTC: NABIF) (FRA: 71P), dba Innovative Properties Inc., is a Canadian investment company pursuing interests in high-quality cash-flow assets in real property, securities, cryptocurrency and all branches of the cannabis sector. The company's focus on strategic revenue generation, EBITDA and growth is enshrined in its moto, "One team. One goal," and is reflected in its name: "Na bis," which is defined as, "repeat performance" or "encore."

 

Strategy

 

While the Nabis' targets span numerous industries, the company aims to establish an Anchor Investment Portfolio primarily through the acquisition of majority interests in high quality U.S. cannabis assets and brands that have achieved cash flow. The company will then employ a hands-on approach to assist the investee in implementing standards and consistency to enhance their operations.

 

Criteria for investment targets are as follows:

 

Current Endeavors

 

Nabis has completed investments in five Michigan properties with Cannabis provisioning, processing and cultivation licenses. The Company has also entered into binding Letters of Intent ("LOI") to invest in vertically integrated assets in Michigan, Arizona and Washington State. The company's goal is to be invested in four to five additional states in the coming months.

 

Arizona – LOI to acquire full control of Organica Patient Group Inc. ("OPG") and RDF Management Group. OPG is a fully integrated medical marijuana business licensed under the provisions of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Its assets include the Chino Valley MMJ Dispensary and fully established Patient Group, which since 2012 has operated as "Organica Patient Group" in Chino Valley. OPG also operates a 26,000-square-foot indoor cultivation and processing center along with a 56,600-square-foot greenhouse in Prescott Valley; has its own branded products and wholesale operations which includes distribution to more than 25% of the dispensaries in Arizona; and has exclusive manufacturing and licensing agreements with Fire Brand, Gas Extracts and Donuts Concentrate products distributed within Arizona.

 

Michigan – LOIs to invest in multiple strategically located properties that have or are eligible for municipal approvals for provisioning centers in Michigan. The company is currently evaluating 10 to 15 additional municipally approved locations in Michigan that would substantially increase the company's overall presence in the U.S. cannabis space.

 

Washington State – LOI to purchase assets from PDT Technologies LLC, including extraction and production equipment and rights to lease the current production facility in Port Townsend, Wash. The LOI includes licensing rights to produce Chong's Choice Brand CO2 Vape Cartridges, one of the leading and most recognizable brands in the cannabis space. Expansion plans include construction of a new ISO designed extraction clean room and GMP lab facility with new, highly specialized equipment with two extraction lines. The facility could produce up to 20,500 kg of cannabis concentrate on an annual basis.

 

Hivemind Refinery – LOI to invest in a 70% interest of Hivemind Refinery, an established line of CBD-based wellness products in the United States. The investment into Hivemind expands Nabis' investment portfolio to CBD edibles, water, drops, lotions, and other CBD wellness products across the spectrum. Nabis anticipates Hivemind will be a premium consumer CBD line to be distributed across the U.S. and Canada and will focus on products utilizing locally grown, premium CBD along with unique formulations and delivery systems.

 

Bloombox – binding term sheet with Momentum Ideas Co. to acquire certain assets used and marketed under the brand "Bloombox," a leading intelligent retail cannabis software platform that includes the Bloombox Software and data platform. The acquisition of Bloombox will create a dominating presence in the U.S. cannabis market, featuring an integrated ecosystem of modern, next-generation cannabis technology. Bloombox is one of the world's first standards-based cannabis software systems, enabling frictionless integration with nearly any business system or regulatory body.

 

Proven Management Team

 

CEO and Director Shay Shnet has over 20 years of experience in business and was most recently a founding partner and vice president of operations of MPX Bioceutical (CSE: MPX). While at MPX, Shnet focused on the North American cannabis space and helped build the company's portfolio of international cannabis assets. He is highly skilled in finding unique opportunities and has been directly involved with the development, branding, importing, consumer packaging and distribution of a wide variety of product lines.

 

President Mark Krytiuk is a very successful cannabis operator and was a founding partner of MPX. As the vice president of grow operations of MPX, he oversaw the production of medical marijuana and pharma-grade products across North America. He has been directly involved in overseeing the rapid expansion and buildout of nine facilities in three countries with budgets ranging up to $30 million. Krytiuk's experience includes consulting and working with customers to develop individual requirements for indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation while working with federal regulators and licensing bodies to ensure compliance.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX.V: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI) is the parent company of Organigram Inc., a leading Canadian licensed producer ("LP") of premium-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 sales in all 10 provinces. Organigram delivers industry-leading yields and maximizes quality cannabis production at one of the lowest cultivation costs per gram1 among publicly reporting Canadian LPs. Organigram is focused on translating operational excellence into strong financial results and return on investment for shareholders.

 

Financial Results

 

Fiscal year-to-date, the Company has reported net revenue of C$64.1 million, adjusted gross margin of C$37.1 million or 58%1 and adjusted EBITDA of C$27.8 million or margin of 43%1, the latter of which has been positive for four consecutive quarters.

 

Significant Expansion on Schedule

 

Located on a 14-acre campus in Moncton, New Brunswick, Organigram's production facility and research and development program includes a state-of-the-art, indoor, three-tier cultivation system that maximizes facility square footage. Design and automation improvements of the three-tier system include an ergonomically friendly grow room design, automatic potting, pre-roll and packaging machines, and larger propagation rooms with advanced environment systems.

 

Organigram's Phase 4, fully funded expansion project is on target to be completed by the end of 2019 and is expected to increase target production capacity to 113,000 kg/year (249,000 lbs), once fully licensed and operational.

 

Beyond Phase 4, Organigram is refurbishing 56,000 square feet of space within its existing Moncton Campus designed under EU GMP standards for its own edibles and derivative production facility as well as additional extraction capacity. Substantial construction of Phase 5 is expected to be completed in October 2019.

 

Proprietary Nano-emulsification Technology

 

Organigram has developed a proprietary nano-emulsification technology that is anticipated to provide an initial onset of the effects of the cannabinoids within 10 to 15 minutes. The emulsion process developed by the Organigram team generates micro-droplets that are very small and uniform (size of 20 nanometers), translating to an absorption and onset of effect that is rapid, reliable and controlled. With traditional edibles and beverages, the body spends significant time breaking down fat soluble cannabinoid particles which are then absorbed and metabolized in the body before effects are felt. This lengthy process can result in accidental overconsumption and undesirable experiences. Organigram, subject to the receipt of any required approvals, plans to conduct further testing, to confirm the onset of action and duration of effect.

 

The nano-emulsion technology is stable to temperature variations, mechanical disturbance, salinity, pH, and sweeteners.

 

The Company's researchers have also recently developed a way to transform this emulsification system into a solid form, turning it into a dissolvable powder. This shelf-stable, thermally-stable, water-compatible and palatable cannabinoid nano-emulsion formulation will also provide an initial onset of effect within 10 to 15 minutes if used in a beverage.

 

The powdered formulation will offer consumers a measured dose of cannabinoids which they can then add to the beverage of their choice, while also offering the discretion, portability and shelf life expected of a dry formulation.

 

The Company is planning to launch a variety of dried powder formulation beverage products in early calendar 2020 and is actively seeking a strategic partner with proven experience in beverage product development to take advantage of the liquid formulation it has developed.

 

Disruptive Production Technology

 

Organigram is one of only two Canadian LPs to make a strategic investment in biosynthesis – a disruptive production technology.

 

Biosynthesis has the potential to create cannabinoids at large scale at a fraction of the cost of traditional cultivation.

 

Organigram has invested in Hyasynth Biologicals Inc. a Montreal-based biotechnology company and leader in the field of cannabinoid science and biosynthesis. Hyasynth has developed a disruptive technology using proprietary yeast strains and patent-pending enzymes to naturally produce cannabinoids without growing the cannabis plant.

 

Biosynthesis vs Traditional Cultivation:

 

Well Positioned for Adult-Use Recreational Launch 2.0 ("Rec 2.0) – Legalization of Edibles and Derivative Products

 

Outlook

 

Experienced Executive Team

 

1 Cultivation cost per gram, adjusted gross margin, and adjusted EBITDA are nonIFRS measures. Please see the Company's latest MD&A.

2 QUICK TAKE – Cannabis – Cowen's THC Tracker: U.S. Brands – Cowen and Company, March 29, 2019

3 The Company has no investment or ownership in any entity in the United States nor does it provide any products or services to entities in the United States.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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)

 

Youngevity International, 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.

 

 

 

 

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:

 

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.