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With the global population increasing, seeking alternative food sources has become an urgent issue to face the spread of hunger, which doesn’t decrease despite technological progress.
On the other hand, the demand for functional food has gained popularity on the market. This term defines food that is characterized by another function, that can be disease-preventing and/or health-promoting, in addition to its nutritive value.
Because of the rising concerns about the risks of food additives on human health, customers are looking for more natural and sustainable alternatives.
In this scenario, phycocyanins market value has significantly increased in the last years because of their several beneficial effects and the wide range of applicability. [1]
Phycocyanins are peptide-pigment compounds belonging to the phycobiliproteins (PBP) family that can be found in phycobilisomes (PBS). These systems are found in red algae, cryptomonads, cyanelles, and, most of all cyanobacteria.
In these organisms, PBS can represent up to 50 % of the total cellular protein. [2]
PBS are light-harvesting complexes located in the outer part of the lipidic thylakoid membrane, which explains the high water solubility of PBPs, that differentiates them from other proteins. [3]
PBSs’ function is to capture light and transfer it with an electron chain mechanism to photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII), where the proper photosynthetic reaction occurs and that is located inside the thylakoid membrane.
Because of their key role in capturing light, it’s no surprise that all phycobiliproteins have bright and intense colors.
Furthermore, their role is to increase the absorption range in organisms that are often exposed to low-light conditions, by covering the regions of the spectrum where usual pigments – such as chlorophylls and carotenoids- don’t show any absorption peak. [2]
PBPs are divided into three groups, according to their absorption spectrum:
The first component of PBPs is peptidic and is divided into two subunits, α and β, that can assume different conformations.
In the case of phycocyanin, which is the most common phycobiliprotein in cyanobacteria, a ring-shaped trimeric form (αβ)3 and a hexameric form [(αβ)3]2 exist. [3]
Each subunit is linked to a chromophore belonging to the phycobilin class. These molecules are noncyclic tetrapyrroles linked by α,β, and γ single-carbon bridges. [2]
Until now, we have used the plural “phycocyanins” because three forms of phycocyanin exist, C- and R-II- and R-III- phycocyanin. Chromophores are precisely what differentiate these compounds from one another.
R-phycocyanins are only found in a few cyanobacteria species, whilst C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is present almost in all the species and its chromophore is phycocyanobilin, linked through a thioether bond to the peptide structure and responsible for the blue color of the protein.[1]
Because of its abundance compared to the other phycocyanins, articles always use the general term phycocyanin (PC) to speak of C-PC and from now on, this terminology will be adopted here too.
Phycocyanin has been proven to be safe and non-toxic for human health. Besides, the majority (35%) of articles on phycocyanin report an antioxidant activity, hence preventing the production and/or scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). [1]
The imbalance between antioxidant systems and ROS is related to several diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, and aging processes.
It has been proven that both the peptidic structure and the chromophores are responsible for antioxidant activity, resulting in the scavenging of the majority of radicals. [3]
PCB scavenging methods are easier to determine and usually involve the oxidation of tetrapyrrole double bonds.
On the other hand, the apoprotein (α and β subunits) has been proven to scavenge OH radicals – increasing the pH from 7 to 11 resulted in better scavenging due to the change of the protein charge- and HOCl radical by reacting with cysteine and methionine residues.
Other amino acids such as tyrosine, tryptophan, and histidine were able to scavenge ROO. [3]
Many assays can be used to measure the antioxidant activity of phycocyanin, but the main one is with 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). [1]
Furthermore, once the antioxidant activity was demonstrated, its biological efficacy was also tested in vivo and in vitro towards pathological disorders of the heart, brain, liver, lungs, eyes, kidneys, and pancreas. [3]
Interestingly, the antioxidant activity has also been tested in real food, through the in vitro digestion of milk-based ice-creams. Antioxidant activity of PC-containing icecreams was 2- or 13-fold higher than control, depending on the method used. [1]
The majority of articles on phycocyanin deal with its extraction and purification methods. Depending on its purity index (PI), indeed, PC is considered to be food, cosmetic, reactive, and analytical grade. Many chemical and physical parameters influence PC extraction.
Several methods have been used to obtain PC, using both conventional (solvent, maceration, percolation…) and novel extraction techniques (ultrasound or microwave-assisted extraction, high-pressure processing, high electric fields).
A key step in PC extraction and purification is cell disruption which can be improved by coupling two techniques.
Freezing and thawing is one of the privileged techniques in the laboratory since it allows to reach highly pure extracts. It has been reported that the best yield value has been obtained with 4 cycles of freezing and thawing. However, it is a long procedure which makes it difficult to scale up. New technologies have been set up to respond to industrial applications.
Some of the most suitable methods for such an application are:
Furthermore, to purify phycocyanin chromatographic methods (ion exchange, membrane, gel filtration, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography) are often coupled to extraction methods.
However, PC stability remains a challenge and several efforts are being made to find stabilizing agents such as small sugars that could act as co-solute, preserving protein structure and chromophore stability. [4], [5]
Phycocyanin properties can be used for other important applications. First of all its blue color makes this compound very attractive on the market as a possible alternative natural blue colorant.
Indeed, the United States have approved only two artificial blue colorants as food additives: triarylmethane dye Brilliant Blue FCF and Indigo Carmine, while the European Union has authorized another triarylmethane dye Patent Blue V in addition to the previous ones.
Compared to other pigments, blue and purple colors are relatively less common in nature and can be found in fruits and vegetables with anthocyanins or in cyanobacteria. [1] This explains why phycocyanin is so attractive to the global market.
Another important property of phycocyanin is its fluorescence. Indeed, during extraction procedures, phycobilisomes are disrupted. The energy that is usually harvested by phycobiliproteins that can’t be transferred to an electron acceptor, is then released through an intense fluorescent emission.
PC’s fluorescence is characterized by a higher quantum yield and molar extinction coefficient than other natural fluorochromes, making these molecules interesting as fluorescent markers for several applications.
In the end, phycocyanin is being studied in cancer therapies, where the compound is incorporated into several kinds of nanoparticles. [1]
Phycocyanin is a promising molecule in many different fields that has raised a particular interest among researchers in the last decade.
However, its low stability represents a challenge both for extraction and purification methods and for applications.
Many efforts are being made to find solutions since the amount and the properties of this compound make it very attractive from a sustainable development perspective.
References:
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Trichome Consulting Services has been providing sound advice for the cannabis sector since 2008, when BC’s John Karroll began assisting friends seeking to navigate Canada’s medical cannabis program.
Sixteen years later, Karroll and Trichome Consulting (TCSI) have seen the regulations evolve, beginning with the MMAR, MMPR, ACMPR, and now, the Cannabis Act. With a focus on securing Health Canada licenses and facilitating successful applications, TCSI has established itself as a trusted leader in the industry.
Not limited to Canada, TCSI is a premier leader in cannabis industry compliance consulting, serving North American and international clients. With a comprehensive range of services, including licensing, regulatory compliance, and operational support, TCSI has successfully secured over 1,000 cannabis licenses in Canada since 2008.
“Our advice in this area is to approach the licensing process with meticulous attention to detail and thorough preparation. We recommend conducting a comprehensive assessment of your facility and operations to ensure compliance with Health Canada’s requirements.”
John Karroll, Trichome Consulting Services
With the ongoing evolution of the global cannabis Industry, TCSI also provides expanded services to include domestic and international business development with export relationships, marketing, and sales strategies. They assist in brokering agreements for domestic and international sales and setting up affiliate partnerships with top LPs in Canada and leading international companies in the Cannabis Industry.
“Our extensive experience and commitment to excellence have propelled us to become a preferred choice for clients seeking guidance in the burgeoning cannabis sector,” says Karroll.
“Our experienced team excels in liaising with Health Canada and guiding clients through the application process. From professional consulting to patient services, TCSI is dedicated to exceeding client expectations and setting new industry standards globally.”
Some of the current challenges facing the industry, continues Karroll, are the regulatory complexities, market competition, and barriers hindering small-scale players’ entry into the market.
“Our advice in this area is to approach the licensing process with meticulous attention to detail and thorough preparation. We recommend conducting a comprehensive assessment of your facility and operations to ensure compliance with Health Canada’s requirements. This includes implementing robust security measures, designing facilities to meet regulatory standards, and developing detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of your operations.
“Additionally, we advise clients to seek guidance from experienced consultants who have a deep understanding of the licensing process and can provide expert advice and support every step of the way. By partnering with a knowledgeable consultant like Trichome Consulting Services (TCSI), applicants benefit from our extensive experience navigating the licensing process and increase their chances of success.”
Trichome is also positioning itself to address these challenges by advocating for reduced regulatory barriers and fees imposed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on cannabis businesses, advocating for their clients and the industry at large.
“We recognize that these fees can be prohibitive for small-scale players and hinder their ability to compete with larger corporations. Additionally, we are advocating for further streamlining of licensing processes and regulations to make entry into the industry more accessible for small businesses and individuals. By addressing these issues, we aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry that benefits both entrepreneurs and consumers alike.”
Some of the challenges applicants and licence holders face and that an experienced consulting agency like Trichome can help with include inadequate preparation, a lack of understanding of the current regulatory requirements, poor documentation practices, and a failure to address deficiencies actively.
Karroll explains that many applicants underestimate the complexity of the licensing process and fail to prepare their applications thoroughly, which can lead to incomplete or inaccurate submissions, resulting in delays or rejections.
Applicants may also overlook or misunderstand key regulatory requirements set forth by Health Canada, which can result in non-compliance with security, facility design, or quality assurance protocols, leading to application denials.
To avoid these common pitfalls, applicants should thoroughly educate themselves on the licensing process, seek guidance from experienced consultants, and ensure that their applications are comprehensive, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
“At Trichome Consulting Services (TCSI), we take pride in being the top choice for cannabis consulting,” says Karroll. “With a wide array of services and unparalleled experience, we’re dedicated to helping you thrive in the dynamic cannabis industry. Whether you need assistance with licensing, compliance, or operational support, rely on us to steer you towards success.”
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Quebec-based Cannara Biotech Inc. saw gross cannabis revenues before excise taxes increased to $26.3 million in Q2 2024, up from $15.9 million in Q2 2023.
The cannabis producer owns and operates two cannabis facilities in Quebec located in Farnham and Valleyfield. Both facilities have the combined potential to produce approximately 33,500 kg of cannabis per year, a 50% increase in production capacity over the prior year.
The company sold under the brands Orchid CBD, Nugz, and Tribal in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia in Q2 2024. In March 2024, Cannara received permission to list products in Manitoba, which it expects to launch in Q3 2024. In April, it launched products in Nova Scotia.
In Q2 2024, Cannara generated $19.7 million of net revenue, a gross profit before fair value adjustments of $7.1 million or 36% of net revenues, an adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 million or 18% of net revenues, a net loss of $3.4 million, free cash flow of $1.2 million and a loss per share of $0.04. The company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “LOVE,” the OTCQB under the symbol “LOVFF”, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “8CB0.”
Cannara reported $7.5 million in excise taxes on its $26.3 million in gross revenue from its cannabis operations for the three months ending February 29, 2024, and net revenue of $18.7 million. Net loss was $3.4 million in Q2 2024 compared to $618,055 in Q2 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 8.7%, from $3.2 million in Q2 2023 to $3.5 million in Q2 2024. Free cash flow for Q2 2024 increased to $1.2 million from $(1.3) million in Q2 2023.
“This past quarter, despite a challenging market environment, Cannara continued to demonstrate continued positive execution towards becoming one of the leading cannabis companies in Canada,” said Zohar Krivorot, President & CEO. “With our tenth grow zone now operational, our annual production capability has increased to 33,500 kg, underlining our dedication to increasing capacity to meet the growing market demand for our product.
“Our footprint is expanding robustly across Alberta and BC, bolstered by the introduction of new SKUs and the approval from the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation, paving the way for a stronger market presence in Q3 2024. The outpouring of positive feedback from our diverse clientele across Canada reaffirms our success in delivering unparalleled premium quality at affordable pricing. My gratitude goes to our dedicated team, whose relentless pursuit of operational excellence positions Cannara on our strategic objective of becoming Canada’s premier cannabis producer.”
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By Susan Ferguson
“Propaganda, the Formation of Man’s Attitudes” is the brilliant work of the French philosopher Jacques Ellul. Written in 1965, Ellul offers us disturbing and painful insight into the mechanics of propaganda, insights that are today even more indispensable to understanding our world. In the ‘digital era’ the Internet has made propaganda easier, faster, more efficiently confusing than ever before.
Propaganda becomes a necessity of the modern era
In a world of disequilibrium, disconnected from primordial metaphysical principles, a world that condemns contemplative introspection and thrives on speed and change, propaganda becomes a necessity according to Jacques Ellul. With no meaningful understanding of our place in this world and our connection within the greater cosmos, modern man needs endless propaganda — as Ellul says, “to help us face our condition.” If we did not feel this lack, if we were in harmony with the Cosmic Laws that govern our universe, we would have no need for propaganda. Neither would we feel compelled to read the endless often absurd, explanations that conspiracy websites provide that over time on reflection amount to little or nothing of any real value.
Propaganda and likewise these ‘insider’ websites that claim to explain everything, only exist because we need them. Ellul explains that this need for propaganda is practically universal in modern civilization and increases as any country “progresses toward civilization.” This need for propaganda is intrinsic to the current digital era. We have left the industrial era and now live in a Technological Digital Age. I often wonder if all colonized planets go through these stages.
The Mix of truth & Lies
As a subtle yet effective form of propaganda, conspiracy websites serve to distract, to defuse anger and frustration that stem from the despair of a profound sense of helplessness in our Digital Era, which is marked by an obsession with quantity in the twilight days of the Kali Yuga.
Conspiracy websites pretend to give their readers the ‘insider’s truth’ however, in fact are a myriad mix of manufactured confused and confusing information that deludes, giving the reader a false sense of participation in decisions that are being made without his or her knowledge and consent. The reader is often left feeling cynical, filled with distrust, and impotent — thus rendered ineffectual and non-intrusive. Distracted in this manner, the real players are left free to rule. Haven’t you ever wondered why these websites are allowed to thrive in our western culture?
Fear as a business
Fear based insecurities are the biggest component. Ellul: “Propaganda is the manipulation of the subconscious by technical means…hypermodern police methods…have as their end the establishment of a ‘neurotic complex’ based in feelings of insecurity. Our technical world not only creates these feelings spontaneously, it develops them with malice aforethought for technical reasons and by technical means which, in their action on the human being, reinforce the structures of that technical world.”
Technology has rendered us disconnected from the eternal Real, from any understanding of Dharma and is symptomatic of this cycle of time. We exist in a perpetual state of disequilibrium. Technology has moved from the machine to the digital era. Digital simply means numbers, quantity, not quality. Our lives have been reduced to digits, numbers, quantities and what cannot be quantified is of no value. Only that which can be perceived by the five-senses is taken to be real, thus the material world is the only real world. The laws of matter are based on numbers and “spiritual power is in no way based on numbers…all true knowledge is based in an intuitive intellect (buddhi in Sanskrit) — and the identification with its object. [Rene Guenon]”
Rene Guenon: “Absorbed by action to the point of denying everything that lies beyond it, they do not see that this action itself degenerates, from the absence of any principle, into an agitation as vain as it is sterile. This indeed is the most conspicuous feature of the modern period: need for ceaseless agitation, for unending change, and for ever-increasing speed…It is dispersion into multiplicity that is no longer unified by consciousness of any higher principle…an ever more pronounced materialization…all that proceeds from matter can beget only strife and conflict…”
Integrity
Human life has ceased to be an integral whole, and has become “a disconnected set of activities having no other bond…Today the human being is dissociated from the essence of life. Instead of living time, we are split up and parceled out by it. [J. Ellul]” Our lives are measured by the machine, by technology, and by a tsunami of ‘apps’ that leave us even more isolated and powerless. Helpless, we watch the children mesmerized by hand-held devices that offer them only momentary relief from an endless cauldron of confusion. The Kali Yuga is the Age of Confusion and Conflict indeed.
Consumption is not Wisdom
Jacques Ellul: “The disequilibrium between the traditional affirmation and the new criterion has produced the climate of anxiety and insecurity characteristic of our epoch and of our neuroses…The human being does not feel at home in the collective atmosphere…” Thus we need techniques, propaganda, entrainment, self-help books, seminars, and conspiracy websites to “calm our fears, and reshape our heart and brain.” We need to be indoctrinated in insidious ways into mass consciousness, the herd, and as Ellul says, this “entails a tremendous effort of psychic mutation.”
We feel helpless. Without the high-priced indoctrination that takes place in our major universities to literally pre-educate the elite and make them true believers in the current technological paradigms, which are based in matter, consumption and power — we can never have any influence. Ellul makes the harsh point that the problems of global politics and economics are in fact over our heads. What can we actually know? These complexities involve “choice and decisions that demand maturity, knowledge, and a range of information” that we simply do not and cannot have. Can any of us really have useful opinions on foreign policies. Certainly military decisions have always been and must remain in the realms of utmost secrecy. If they don’t want the enemy to know, why would they tell the public?
Cyberwar
In wartime, secrecy is not questioned, accepted. Many of us believe our opinions can prevent war, but as you may have noticed — we are already at war. The very technology that claims to transform our lives into a Utopian paradise has thrust us into global cyberwars. Once lauded as miraculous conveniences, online access for our banking, shopping, medical services, etc. has left us more vulnerable than ever. These days, cyberspace is like walking down a dark alley and this vulnerability to criminal hackers is not ultimately fixable.
Our insecurities have multiplied with every advance in technology that initially promised to make our lives better. We are more alienated from an integral harmony with our universe and trapped in an ever-increasing sense of disequilibrium, disharmony. Seeking answers, we turn to conspiracy websites with their half-truths and so-called ‘insider’ information no matter how absurd these reports may be. The more absurd the better, for as Ellul brutally says, at least this gives us the illusion of participation and most of us prefer to express “stupidities to not expressing any opinion.” In our desperation to participate, we are ready “to accept a propaganda that will permit them to participate and which hides their incapacity beneath explanations, judgments, and news, enabling them to satisfy their desire without eliminating their incompetence.”
“…a corps of men who do nothing but study the ways and means of changing minds or binding minds to their convictions.”
Alex Carey: “The common man…has never been so confused, mystified and baffled. His most intimate conceptions of himself, of his needs, and indeed the very nature of human nature, have been subject to skilled manipulation and construction in the interests of corporate efficiency and profit…propaganda has become a profession. The modern world is busy developing a corps of men who do nothing but study the ways and means of changing minds or binding minds to their convictions.”
The people who are actually in power know how these conspiracy websites work in their favor. They have read all the books on propaganda, including Jacques Ellul, Edward Bernays and others. They know how it works and how ‘true-believer’ websites can distract and divert unwanted anger and energy that might be problematic for them. Thus these websites are allowed to thrive — perhaps they are even in fact created and supported by a ministry of propaganda think-tank.
We helpless individuals, who realize we have no control over decisions that are profoundly altering our lives on every level —— economic, environmental, and political — are driven to despair. We require what Ellul calls “an ideological veil” to blunt this harsh reality and propaganda found in any ‘insider’ conspiracy website offers “a remedy for a basically intolerable situation.” My intuition tells me these websites are actually being used to refine techniques and make indoctrination through subtle insidious propaganda even more effective, to calm the “bewildered herds” as Edward Bernays would say.
Propaganda: The Formation of Men’s Attitudes, by Jacques Ellul, 1965; Vintage Books, NY, 1973.
“The theme of Propaganda is quite simply…that when our new technology encompasses any culture or society, the result is propaganda…Ellul has made many splendid contributions in this book.” — Marshall McLuhan, Book Week
The Technological Society, by Jacques Ellul, 1954; Vintage Books, 1964.
The Crisis of the Modern World, Rene Guenon, 1946; Sophia Perennis, Hillsdale NY, 2001.
The Reign of Quantity & the Signs of the Times, by Rene Guenon, 1945; Sophia Perennis, Hillsdale NY, 2001.
***
The Mechanics of the Kali Yuga, our current Age of Confusion
Taking the Risk out of Democracy:
Corporate Propaganda versus Freedom and Liberty
by Alex Carey
http://metaphysicalmusing.com/articles/early_articles/risk.htm
This post was originally published on from Randy Rowe and can viewed here: https://newagora.ca/propaganda-in-our-digital-era/
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Lawmakers from various states in the United States joined in the celebration of the 4/20 cannabis holiday on Saturday, April 20, 2024, adding their support to the growing movement for cannabis reform. While this day has traditionally been a time festivities within the marijuana community, it has also become a platform for politicians to advocate for further reform, reflecting the increasing bipartisan backing for the issue.
In the lead-up to 4/20, members of Congress and advocates intensified their efforts to promote reform. This included calls for full legalization and proposals to enable banks to engage with state-regulated cannabis businesses. Representative Earl Blumenauer, cochair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, expressed optimism that this year’s 4/20 could mark a turning point in marijuana policy.
Across the country, lawmakers seized the opportunity to discuss cannabis policy, highlighting the significant shift in public perception from viewing marijuana as a taboo subject to recognizing it as a normalized aspect of society.
President Joseph Biden emphasized the need to end the imprisonment of individuals for marijuana possession, acknowledging the disproportionate impact on lives, while Vice President Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shift in the nation’s approach to cannabis and reforming the justice system.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of reintroducing the Marijuana Administration and Opportunity Act, aiming to end the federal prohibition on marijuana and address the harms of the drug wars. Representative Nancy Mace highlighted the widespread public backing for responsible marijuana reform and urged Congress to prioritize the preferences of their constituents. She advocated for the States Reform Act, which empowers states to lead marijuana reform efforts while safeguarding veterans and children.
Other lawmakers, including Representatives Cori Bush and Pramila Jayapal, called for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, emphasizing the need to redress the disproportionate impact of the war against drugs on marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy celebrated the second anniversary of adult-use cannabis sales in his state, highlighting the growth of dispensaries and the positive impact on the local economy.
This year’s 4/20 festivities coincide with heightened anticipation regarding potential federal marijuana reform, as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under President Biden’s directive issued in 2022, is currently reviewing marijuana rescheduling. There is speculation that the DEA may recommend moving marijuana from Schedule I to III of the CSA, a move that would not federally legalize cannabis but is nonetheless eagerly awaited by industry stakeholders, including major cannabis companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), since that rescheduling is expected to have major ramifications for the trajectory of the industry.
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Decibel Cannabis generated a net loss of $1.8 million in 2023, from $177 million in net sales, with adjusted net income of $8 million, according to its most recently released financial report.
The cannabis producer reported that its net revenue for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $27.7 million and $116 million, respectively.
These figures represent an 8% and 46% increase from the same reporting periods in 2022, driven largely by increased demand for cannabis derivative products, the expansions of Decibel’s manufacturing capacity, the launch of the brand’s Vox and General Admission Edibles, and branded sales to Israel.
Adjusted EBITDA for the same period was $5.1 million and $25.9 million, respectively, a decrease of 34% and an increase of 49% over the comparative periods.
Decibel’s net recreational sales in Canada for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, were $24.8 million and $105.8 million, respectively, an increase of 15% and 54% over the same reporting periods in 2022.
International sales for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, were $1.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively, compared to $1.9 million in the three and twelve month comparative periods for 2022.
The company also notes that its sales into the Israel market may be impacted by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and domestic challenges in Israel, such as possible measures to curb international shipments of cannabis to the country.
Decibel recently signed a supply agreement with a new Israel cannabis company, with the potential for an annual commitment of 1,000 kg of cannabis.
The company also reports that an Israeli customer defaulted on its payments for cannabis, leading Decibel to provision $1.6 million of receivables, which it is currently pursuing.
In March of 2024, Decibel expanded its export footprint when it completed its first cannabis export to Australia and says it has received its first purchase order for vapes to be exported to Australia.
Decibel operates three facilities: one in Creston, BC, one in Battleford, SK, and one in Calgary, AB.
The company has entered into supply agreements for derivative products with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), the Ontario Cannabis Retail Association (OCRA), the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Board (BCLDB), the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation (MBLL), and Cannabis New Brunswick. Decibel is also registered as a cannabis supplier in Saskatchewan.
Decibel has two cannabis derivative product brands, Pressed by Quest and General Admission. It also has four dried cannabis brands, two positioned as premium brands, Qwest and Qwest Reserve, and two positioned as core-segment and value-segment brands, Blendcraft by Qwest and General Admission.
The company sold its control of cannabis retail chain Prairie Records to Fire and Flower Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of 2759054 Ontario Inc. d.b.a. FIKA, for $3 million. Prairie Records has six cannabis retail stores in operation in Saskatchewan and Alberta, three in each province.
Earlier this month, BC-based We Grow BC Ltd and Alberta-based Westleaf Labs, now operating as Decibel Cannabis, filed a notice of civil claim in a BC Supreme Court for $834,901, arguing that BC-based Seven Elk Shipping’s actions resulted in the seizure of their product by US border officials.
“The Company’s fourth quarter financial results delivered another year of growth across all metrics and I look forward to working with the team to continue to build on this success,” said Benjamin Sze, Decibel’s new Chief Executive Officer.
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By Brenda Sawatzky, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Niverville Citizen
For the first time since cannabis was legalized in 2018, adult recreational users in Manitoba will have the green light to grow their own plants for personal use.
“Manitoba will now align with federal legislation on cannabis by allowing people to grow up to four plants per residence,” said Minister of Justice Matt Wiebe in a press release. “This amendment is a direct response to Manitoba consumers and was one of our campaign promises. This bill will provide Manitobans the opportunity to grow their own cannabis as long as it is done in a safe and secure way. The regulatory framework will prioritize public safety, with a focus on protecting youth and ensuring cannabis plants are not accessible to young people.”
The soon-to-be-introduced amendments to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act will leave Quebec as the only province with a ban on homegrown recreational cannabis.
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According to Wiebe, the legislative changes won’t come into effect until the province has established adequate safety and security requirements for growing cannabis at home.
“I want to emphasize that, as we implement these changes, the safety of the public, and particularly of young people, is paramount,” Wiebe said.
The ban on homegrown plants was originally enacted under the Progressive Conservative government. They initiated a fine of $2,542 for those caught breaking the law. Between 2019 and 2023, 13 people have been charged according to the Winnipeg Police Service.
The not-for-profit organization TobaGrown, founded by Jesse Lavoie, has been challenging the law since it came into effect. In two court cases, one in 2020 and another in 2023, the ruling was upheld.
Premier Wab Kinew has long voiced his opposition to the laws banning homegrown product. He made it a part of his election campaign in 2023.
“We are incredibly pleased with the Manitoba government’s decision to bring our laws into alignment with the federal Cannabis Act and the rest of the country,” says Lavoie. “It’s been a long journey for us at TobaGrown to reach this point and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the Manitoba cannabis community. Thank you, Premier Kinew and the Manitoba government.”
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Stoners are not as lazy and unmotivated as stereotypes suggest, according to new U of T Scarborough research
April 29, 2024 By Neuroscience News
The study, published by the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, surveyed chronic cannabis users to see what effect getting high has on their everyday lives.
“There is a stereotype that chronic cannabis users are somehow lazy or unproductive,” says Michael Inzlicht, a professor in the Department of Psychology at U of T Scarborough who led the study.
“We found that’s not the case — their behaviours might change a bit in the moment while they’re high, but our evidence shows they are not lazy or lacking motivation at all.”
Source: University of Toronto
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