Efforts to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska have officially been approved for the November election, despite a lawsuit and a statewide review of the validity of collected signatures.
Bob Evnen, the secretary of state, announced on Sept. 14, 2024, that the group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana had gathered an estimated 90,000 legitimate signatures. The announcement was made precisely one year from receiving the signature initiative’s third effort in 2023, which coincided with the finalization of the November 5 ballot.
Evnen mentioned that the procedure for gathering signatures had sparked questions, which the office of Attorney General Mike Hilgers was looking into. One person so far who participated in obtaining signatures faces felony charges as part of the investigation.
Crista Eggers, statewide campaign manager for the medical marijuana proposal, thanked Hilgers and municipal leaders for maintaining openness throughout the petition process. She expressed gratitude to officials for resolving any differences and maintaining the credibility of the public initiative process.
One of the measures — the Nebraska Medical Marijuana Regulation Act — aims to legalize the possession, production, distribution and sale of marijuana for medical use. It also proposes creating the Nebraska Medical Marijuana Commission, which would be responsible for regulating cannabis in the state. If the legislation passes, the commission would be required to establish guidelines for approving or rejecting applications from marijuana-related businesses by July next year, with the first licenses being issued by October 2025.
The second measure — the Nebraska Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act — seeks to authorize patients to possess a maximum of five ounces of medical marijuana. This measure would also exempt caregivers from legal consequences for helping patients use marijuana and require written recommendations from healthcare providers. For minors, this recommendation would also need to come from a parent or legal guardian.
State law mandates that initiative petitions have valid signatures from at least 7% of Nebraska’s 86,500 registered voters, with at least 5% of the voters in 38 of the 93 counties in the state. Nearly 90,000 of the 114,000 signatures that the campaign presented in July were validated, surpassing the 5% level that was necessary in 52 counties.
However, the campaign is currently facing a legal challenge filed by John Kuehn, a rancher and veterinarian from Heartwell, who previously served in the state legislature. Kuehn claims that Evnen’s office has not provided access to the petition pages as requested under a public records law. He is seeking an independent review of those signatures and has asked the Lancaster County District Court to stop the measures from going before voters or stop the state from certifying any resultant polls results.
Kuehn’s lawsuit also argues that the campaign did not gather enough legitimate signatures and that the proposed measures represent an unconstitutional transfer of regulatory power from the Legislature. Furthermore, the lawsuit challenges the initiatives, stating that cannabis’ classification as a schedule 1 substance under federal law prevents the measures from being enacted.
Cannabis enterprises such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) may regard some of the arguments in the lawsuit to be far-fetched, given that several states have legalized medical and even recreational marijuana despite its current federal classification.
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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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Four20 Premium Markets had its Notice of Intent (NOI) proceedings continued under the CCAA on September 19.
The parent companies of cannabis retail chain Four20 Premium Markets first filed a notice of intent to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act on May 29.
The companies 420 Premium Markets Ltd., 420 Investments Ltd., and Green Rock Cannabis Ltd (GRC)., filed the notices of intent following a $9.8 million judgment against 420 for repayment of a bridge loan and related interest and costs to Tilray subsidiary High Park Shops Inc. High Park was created for the purpose of the acquisition of Four20.
Tilray had initiated litigation against 420 after a failed attempt by Tilray to purchase 420 for approximately $110 million in 2019.
At the time, Four20 had six licensed cannabis retail locations and another 16 locations secured in Alberta. The retailer currently lists 35 locations in Alberta and Ontario.
Four20 then filed a statement of claim against Tilray in 2020 in an Alberta court for $110 million plus $20 million in damages after Tilray chose to end its deal to buy the retailer, with Four20 saying the BC-based cannabis producer had not acted in good faith.
In August, the proposal proceedings of 420 Parent, 420 Premium and GRC commenced under Division I of Part III of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and were extended to September 26, 2024.
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Last week, Democratic Representative Emily Kinkade and GOP Representative Aaron Kaufer filed a measure that would legalize the use of recreational cannabis by adults in the state of Pennsylvania. The measure, dubbed HB 2500, was cosponsored by 15 additional legislators in the House of Representatives.
The measure also places the state’s agriculture department in charge of the production and sale of medical cannabis and adult-use marijuana. The state legalized medical cannabis in 2016.
If approved, the legislation would permit the regulated sales of recreational cannabis to individuals 21 years of age and older, and adults would be allowed to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. While it also permits medical cannabis patients to grow up to five marijuana plants at home, it doesn’t allow home growing of recreational marijuana.
The measure also contains provisions to make participation in the regulated marijuana industry by small businesses a priority. This includes businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans as well as companies in the rural parts of the state. In addition, the bill has made it compulsory for all advertising, labeling and packaging regulations for cannabis products to be followed. This is in an effort to prevent marketing to minors.
The bipartisan duo also included criminal justice reforms in the bill, which includes a policy that would provide relief for cannabis-related convictions. This includes resentencing, commutations and expungements.
A 5% excise tax and an 8% sales tax would also be levied on recreational marijuana sales, with 30% of tax revenue generated being allocated to the Cannabis Regulation Fund. The measure also apportions 10% of tax revenue to drug treatment offered by the Drug and Alcohol programs department, 15% to the Commission on Crime and Delinquency and 30% to the Cannabis Business Establishment Fund. Local governments with marijuana businesses in their jurisdiction would also receive 10% tax revenue, with the remainder being used to support the state’s medical cannabis program.
If the bill is approved, Pennsylvania will become the 25th state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. An economic analysis conducted by FTI Consulting forecasts that the measure will help create about 30,000 employment opportunities in 12 months. The national consulting company also expects that the measure’s passage will also generate an additional $2.6 billion in GDP for Pennsylvania and more than $4 billion in economic output.
Earlier this year, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro included marijuana legalization in his budget proposal, explaining that cannabis needed to be taxed and regulated responsibly.
Industry actors from within and outside the country, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be watching to see how this legalization bill progresses in Pennsylvania because it could broaden opportunities for entities interested in expanding their footprint beyond their current areas of operation.
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Bioreactors are fundamental in extraction, analytical and production processes in the biotechnology sector. Researchers and industrialists must understand the fundamental principles of bioreactors, their different typologies, the multiple applications in different sectors and the challenges associated with their use to obtain the best operating conditions to optimize the production of the metabolites of interest. However, they have some limitations that must be addressed to optimize their efficiency and performance.
Understanding these different elements is fundamental for optimizing industrial processes, obtaining biomedical and pharmaceutical engineering products, as well as in environmental biotechnologies.
What is a Bioreactor?
Bioreactors are the main unitary operations of industrial biochemical transformation in which the chosen substrates are biotransformed by the action of living cells (microorganisms) or from their cellular components such as enzymes. They are reservoirs in which cells or cell-free enzymes, or both, transform raw materials into biochemical products and, sometimes, in less unwanted by-products.
Commonly cylindrical and of variable dimensions from one liter to a few cubic meters, they differ depending on operational needs. Microorganisms include bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, plant or animal cells, including tissue-like matrices. [1]
What are the Principles of a Bioreactor?
The design and all parts of the bioreactors are specially designed to create a vessel within which biological reactions take place in a constantly controlled environment. Kernel sensors allow continuous monitoring of key parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, nutrient concentration) necessary for growth and metabolic or enzymatic activities. Sensors and alarms allow the adjustment of parameters in real time and guarantee reproducibility, constant output and high quality of production, in particular pharmaceuticals, biofuels and food additives, reducing contamination to a minimum. [2]
The conditions can vary depending on the needs of the reactions, they may not be constant over time but create ramps or accompany the different reaction phases. Very often the obtained metabolic products are removed from the reaction environment to overcome what could be negative feedback signals that reduce the rate or even realization of reactions.
Mixing mechanisms provide uniform distribution of nutrients while avoiding gradients that would affect system performance. Aeration systems regulate oxygen in aerobic processes, fundamental for the initial reaction and growth phases of microorganisms. [1]
Types of Bioreactors
The applications of bioreactors are very vast as we have anticipated, and the specialization is determined by the conditions applied: cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms, anaerobic fermentation or intensive production of cells in controlled environments, as well as the production of metabolites of industrial or pharmaceutical interest.
Each of these intended uses will have its specific parameters, they can often be directly provided by the manufacturer, other times they will be implemented within the specific process following research and development of new methods, this is why they are so widespread in use, even for their manageability. [1]
Stirred Tank Reactor (STR)
Stirred tank reactors are widely used: they consist of a cylindrical vessel equipped with a stirrer, often a mechanical shovel, which allows complete and continuous mixing of the nutrients, as well as a transfer of oxygen to the entire culture medium and to the cells that contains. STRs are perfect for aerobic processes where the presence of oxygen is a limiting factor for the reactions.
The design allows an easy transition from the minimum laboratory dimensions to those on an industrial scale, this makes them ideal for the production of compounds of high pharmaceutical interest, enzymes, bioproducts of high economic value (microbial cultures, animal cells and tissue-like matrices, plant cells, etc). [1]
Bubble Column Bioreactor
These reactors consist of a vertical column filled with culture broth, into which air or other gas is injected to create bubbles that will mix the solution without mechanical agitation. The insertion occurs from the bottom and the ascending bubbles mix and supply oxygen making this type of setup suitable for aerobic fermentation processes and wastewater treatment.
Wastewater treatment
In the first phase, suspended solids are removed by sedimentation plus filtration.
The second step sees the biologicaldegradation of organicpollutants, in bioreactors containing microorganisms such as activated sludge or biofilm.
The third step involves further purification through chemical (chlorine disinfection), physical (UV treatment) or biological (membrane filtration) processes.
The fourth step concerns the removed sludge which can be stabilized, dehydrated, disposed of or reused, often in agriculture as fertilizers.
They are particularly advantageous for processes involving shear-sensitive organisms since they generate low shear forces. Their simple design also results in lower capital and operating costs compared to more complex bioreactor systems. [1]
Airlift Bioreactor
Airlift bioreactors utilize air circulation to mix the culture medium gently and efficiently. The design typically includes a central riser and an outer downcomer, creating a loop for natural fluid circulation. This setup reduces mechanical stress on cells, making airlift bioreactors ideal for cultivating shear-sensitive organisms like animal cells and certain types of plant cells.
These bioreactors are commonly used in wastewater treatment and large-scale cell culture processes. Their energy-efficient operation and lower maintenance requirements widen their appeal for industrial applications, where maintaining cell viability and productivity are high priorities. [1]
Fluidized Bed Bioreactor
Fluid bed bioreactors are characterized by their structure: solid particles and fluid are contained inside the tank or column; the cylindrical shape facilitates uniformity of movement. Solid particles can be glass, ceramic or polymer spheres on which microorganisms or enzymes are attached.
The ascending flow (liquid or gas) is introduced from the bottom, the flow speed is adjustable and allows the particles to be kept in a “fluid bed” state.
Ancillary aeration and mixing systems are used to improve oxygen transfer and promote particle-fluid contact. There are also control systems (sensors and alarms) for all the fundamental parameters, and an enriched fluid outlet from which the metabolites of interest will then be separated. This model can operate continuously, offering advantages in scalability and sustained productivity for various industrial applications. [1]
Packed Bed Bioreactor
Packed bed bioreactors contain immobilized cells or enzymes within a packed column, optimizing substrate conversion and product yield. The structure of the equipment is suitable for processes involving a high density of cells and prolonged stability of the enzymes or biocatalysts. Packed bed bioreactors are primarily used in the production of active molecules or biopharmaceuticals, biofuels or high-purity chemicals, where consistent quality and high productivity are essential.
It is precisely the immobility of cells or enzymes that allows continuous operation, efficient use of substrates while containing costs and all this makes the application ideal for the industrial scale. [1]
Photobioreactor
Photobioreactors are equipment designed for the growth of algae or plant tissue-like matrices. In fact, under controlled light conditions it is possible to optimize the photosynthesis process and maximize biomass production. They may have open tank-like structures or closed systems with artificial lighting. The result? Constant production and high efficiency products.
Biopharmaceuticals, biofuels and food supplements are produced with this technology and the sustainability of the system is one of the reasons why it is so widely used. This last characteristic, added to the possibility of precisely controlling the environmental conditions in photobioreactors, makes them an applicable technology for the development of renewable energy and bioproducts. [3]
Membrane Bioreactor
The combination of bioprocessing and filtration with biological membranes is the basis of the membrane bioreactor model, in this way in a single step it is possible to efficiently treat the effluent and then separate the biomass. Also in this case, wastewater treatment is one of the most common applications because they offer superior performance in terms of effluent quality and operational efficiency.
The integrated membranes allow high concentrations of microorganisms responsible for improving the rate of biodegradation, or biological conversion, as well as a reduction in the environmental impact of the entire production system. [3]
Bioreactor Applications: What are Typically Used For?
Now that we know the various types of bioreactors models, we can delve into the many production applications at an industrial and scientific level.
The main drugs produced are antibiotics (from Streptomyces) such as penicillin, or recombinanthumanhormones such as growthhormone or insulin (from bacteria or yeasts). [3]
Biofuels such as bioethanol are produced by fermentation of sugars from corn or sugar cane; Biodiesel is obtained by converting vegetable oils produced by algae. [3]
In the food industry sector, bioreactors are exploited for the production of enzymes used for cheese production processes or additives for bakery dough. They find application in the production of bacterial strains beneficial to human health (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) used widely as food supplements, but also in the production of dairy products and yogurt. Let’s not forget bioproducts such as organic lactic and citric acids which are the main antioxidant additives in packaged food.
In scientific research, bioreactors are used to provide researchers with proteins of interest for structural or functional studies (e.g. for new drugs), furthermore genetically modified cells can be cultivated to test new generation gene therapies. [3]
What are the Limitations of Bioreactors?
In addition to the many benefits, there are also application and performance limitations. The initial costs and ongoing operational and maintenance expenses for complex systems is certainly a challenge, implementing automatic mechanisms or management software could be a solution. The transition from the small laboratory scale to the industrial one can bring to problems related to the mass or heat transfer process, causing inconsistency and lower reaction yields.
On an industrial scale the risks of contamination are higher. To overcome this problem companies should implement rigorous sterilization protocols and containment strategies. Even small variations in environmental parameters (pH, temperature or nutrient availability) can lead to suboptimal performance or the inability to adapt these systems to all types of cells or microorganisms, the a priori failure of the system therefore limits its applications.
Regulations and constraints of following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) further reduce the possibility of achieving implementation and scalability of biotransformation processes in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Although all these challenges and risks exist, advances in bioreactor design continue to enhance their efficiency and reliability. More sustainable bioproduction processes for companies could lead to greater implementation of biotechnology in scalable and innovative processes in industrial and environmental sectors.
References:
Christy, Y. Basic Biotechnology. Cambridge University Press. 2006. Third Edition.
Jaibiba P., et al. Chapter 10 – Working principle of typical bioreactors. Bioreactors Sustainable Design and Industrial Applications in Mitigation of GHG Emissions. 2020
Spier M.R., et al. Application of Different Types of Bioreactors in Bioprocesses. Bioreactors: Design, Properties and Applications. 2011
Cannabis sales showed some upward movement in the first half of 2024, but increases did not surpass those previous highs in much of the first half of 2023, as the annual growth of the market appears to be finding a ceiling.
Unadjusted retail cannabis sales in Canada continued to rebound through July from steep seasonal declines in January, but sales were down year-over-year from March through July compared to 2023.
When looking at the same figures adjusted for seasonal changes, July 2024 was down 1.8% from June and 3.8% compared to July 2023. Provincially, those declines appear to have been most pronounced in Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
While price compression is likely a factor in slowing overall sales figures, price compression has been an issue facing the industry for years now, even as overall sales continue to increase.
One change in the market is that the number of new stores has been slowing in the last year, which has correlated with increased sales since legalization began. Another possible factor is the increasing number of options consumers have in the illicit market, both brick-and-mortar and online stores.
Cannabis retail salesin July in terms of dollars were down 1.8% month-over-month, and 3.8% year-over-year (seasonally adjusted), likely reflecting continued price compression as well as a potential leveling-off of the market after 5 years of year-over-year-growth. More on this from StratCann next week.
Origine Nature, a cannabis production company based in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, was ranked the 22nd best workplace in Canada in the category of manufacturing companies with 50 to 99 employees.
Final Bell Holdings International Ltd. announced that its US subsidiary, Final Bell Holdings, Inc., entered into an agreement to sell all the shares of Final Bell Corp., along with its subsidiary Westside Caregivers Club, LLC to Vassar Wellness Enterprises LLC. The sale marks Final Bell’s exit from its plant-touching manufacturing business segment, comprising operations in Canada and the US.
The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) welcomed two new vice-presidents to its management team. Yves Lokossou is now Vice-President, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, and Jean-François Dulac-Lemelin is now Senior Vice-President, Customer Experience.
Retailer Rocky Mountain Roots in Barrhead, Alberta, was the target of a break-and-enter on Sunday Sept 15. Mike Wilson, co-owner and manager, says he had asked RCMP to increase their presence in the area due to an increase of crime.
A Redditor posted what they said is a email response from Saskatchewan MLA Nathaniel Teed in regard to concerns about the province’s current zero-tolerance approach to THC detection in drivers, regardless of indications of impairment, that has led to an increase in roadside suspensions. The Saskatchewan NDP did not provide a response to several requests for confirmation and comment. Teed is the Saskatchewan NDP’s Official Opposition Critic for Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). The province has an election in October.
A radio station in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, spoke with Organigram CEO Beena Goldenberg. She says that the top 10 LPs in Canada represent less than 40% of the overall market and says OGI has about a 7.5% market share.
Tilray launched their Redecan brand into the Australian medical cannabis market with two 15-gram dried flower SKUs.
In mid-November, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will update the back-end of its e-commerceShopify platforms. Minimal to no disruption to service is anticipated. More detail on the updates will be provided the week of October 21.
The Agenda’s Steve Paikin spoke with James MacKillop of McMaster University and Ranjeev Dhillon, a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, about the state of the cannabis industry, highlighting some of the same cooling sales figures StratCann has covered in recent months.
UK’s Akanda Corpreceived a license forhemp cultivation in Canada in connection with Akanda’s recently announced agreement with 1107385 B.C. LTD.
Edmonton Grow Up will be from Sunday Sept 29–Wednesday October 1 this year, and StratCann will be there helping to curate topics for the main stage!
A hemp farmer in Maine is offering a u-pick option this fall. Sheepscot Farm sells whole plants for $30 and is growing five cultivars this year.
Thailand has proposed a new bill to regulate its cannabis industry and restrict marijuana uses to primarily health and medical purposes—the latest effort to rein in recreational smoking after several policy U-turns, reports the Bangkok Times.
A former Nebraska senator and past member of the Nebraska Health Board has filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping two state medical marijuana ballot petitions. John Kuehn, a rancher and veterinarian from Heartwell, is challenging the placement of these measures on the Nov. 5 , 2024, ballot.
Kuehn has listed seven key reasons for his challenge, including claims of procedural violations and constitutional issues under federal and state laws. Kuehn’s legal team, led by attorneys Cameron E. Guenzel, Steven E. Guenzel and Andrew La Grone (another former state senator), filed the case in Lancaster County District Court. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Bob Evnen, the secretary of state of Nebraska, from approving the two petitions for the ballot. Further, Kuehn wishes to prevent the state from recognizing the election results even if these measures are approved.
The two measures in question would legalize medical marijuana and outline who would be considered a patient, provider and caregiver. The measures are supported by Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis, with leaders including campaign manager Crista Eggers, State Senator Anna Wishart and former State Senator Adam Morfeld. Kuehn’s lawsuit names these campaign leaders as well as Evnen.
Kuehn claims that there were several issues with the petitions, including delays in accessing the signatures, a lack of valid signatures, duplicate entries and an invalid sponsor statement from Wishart. He also argues that the petitions violate the state’s constitutional single-subject rule, unlawfully delegate power to a proposed Nebraska Medical Marijuana Commission and conflict with federal laws banning cannabis as a Schedule 1 substance. The lawsuit further asserts that most signatures were collected either before the official petition circulation period or after the deadline. Kuehn argues that invalid signatures were unlawfully accepted by the secretary of state’s office. However, the lawsuit doesn’t specify exactly how many signatures may be invalid.
Mike Hilgers, the state’s attorney general, announced a press conference to address alleged falsifications in the petition process, though it is unclear if these remarks relate to the medical marijuana measures.
This is not the first attempt for Nebraska to place medical cannabis on the ballot, as previous efforts in 2020 and 2022 fell short due to similar legal challenges. The current campaign marks the group’s third attempt, and group officials are hopeful that this will be their final push. However, the lawsuit presents significant hurdles that could delay or derail their efforts once again.
The cannabis industry, including established enterprises such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will likely be watching how the legal battle pans out and whether voters will finally cast their ballots on this matter as the year draws to an end.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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Pure Elevations, a new business that recently opened its doors, is the first cannabis spa in Denver. It is also the first business where individuals can purchase and consume cannabis in the city. Consumers are allowed to buy cannabis products and use topicals or consume edibles inside the spa. Individuals can also smoke in the store’s consumption lounge.
Owner Rebecca Marroquin revealed that the business would be working together with Mary Jane’s Medicinal. The latter’s infused massage oils will be used in all services the spa offers to customers, from inner-body treatments and massages to nail services. Marroquin added that they had been working on this spa, which was the first-of-its-kind, for three years. She noted that she was grateful to have the platform to introduce cannabis as a wellness tool to others.
She began experimenting with the drug more than a decade ago, after a traumatic accident that saw her break her neck right before her college graduation. Marroquin, who was pregnant at the time of the accident, was on bed rest for months after. The trauma from the accident caused her to miscarry, which led her to depression.
Marroquin began using cannabis to help manage her anxiety and depression, as well as the pain and nausea she felt during that time. She revealed that the drug also helped get her off the pills prescribed by physicians, noting that the drug saved her life. Now, Marroquin is focused on helping others with issues and providing them with an alternative to opioids.
Eric Escudero, spokesperson for the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, stated that there was no place within city limits where an individual could buy and consume the drug. This is despite the fact that Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in December 2012 following the passage of the Colorado Amendment 64 by voters. The first legal sale of recreational marijuana in Denver occurred on Jan. 1, 2014.
Escudero added that he hoped this move by the city would bring in more creative businesses for individuals seeking places to consume marijuana legally in the state.
Pure Elevations is located on 185 S. Santa Fe Drive. Its mission is to redefine the wellness industry by blending the healing benefits of massage and the transformative power of marijuana with luxury spa services. All were invited to the spa’s welcoming party, which was held this past Saturday and ended at 8 p.m. The store’s grand opening was also held earlier this week. It should be noted that the store’s services are appointment based.
This diversification of the offerings available to marijuana enthusiasts is a welcome development that the entire marijuana industry, including leading companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), would wish to see in as many jurisdictions as possible in states where legal marijuana markets have been launched.
About CannabisNewsWire
CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
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Welcome to the Fall issue – a favourite season for its warm hues and the joy of harvest after a busy, fruitful summer.
This edition came together with a few standout themes. However first I will mention that soon we’ll be closing nominations for our Top Grower Award, so if you haven’t gotten around to submitting your choice Canadian grower, please do so by Sep. 30. We can’t wait to showcase more top talent on the cover of the Winter issue!
But before Winter arrives, there will be a new President to the south (fortunately the harvest also brought lots of corn for popping).
Unlike Canada, 2024 was a big year for cannabis in the United States, and lately every other headline is about a nominee taking a stance one way or the other. Will the rescheduling ofmarijuana and a new leader coming forth shift the way cannabis laws are enacted?
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We know the final verdict for Schedule 3 won’t be announced until after the election, so it’s definitely a political issue.But what does it all mean?
Last month I rounded up two lawyers to talk about it, and a summary of that conversation made the cover. Spoiler alert, regardless of drug policy, they suspect it’s a narrow Republican win due to economic pressures.
However, earlier this month, friend and collaborator Mitchell Osak said in his Cannabis Management Review: “Rescheduling is coming, albeit a little late. Weed-friendlier Dems have a better than even odds of winning in November.” Denis Gertler and I then spoke about his column. I told him about the predicted Trump victory, he exhaled, and we chatted about Mitchell’s newsletter, citing positive Florida and Nevada updates.
Many can see the Democrats odds of winning the election, but when prompted, Clark Hill’s Bob Hoban in the Election Special reminds us of the dual nature of the contentious issue; that we’re mostly operating in echo chambers. What will happen? Who’s to say!
I would also like to welcome our newest writer David Silverberg – journalist and editor among other accolades. Silverberg pitched high-stress training, something we’ve seldom covered and is one of those practices everyone has their own set of rules for.
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Dustan McLean wrote the Cultivation column, spoke it rather, during a talk at the Unicorn Music Festival. He, too, advocates for 1:1s and other low potency products, like the high terpene and heightened taste profiles preferred by his German clients. The low dose market that’s currently MIA in Canada is then queried in the complexity of Gertler’s Vantage Point, and is again mirrored in the hemp and marijuana civil war taking place in the United States you might read about in the cover story.
Moreover, I was fortunate to speak with Margaret Brodie and Mathieu Aubin about Rubicon Organics’ desirable products and practices. Brodie supports budtender knowledge and training, exemplified by returning Budtenders columnist Katie Pringle.
And a Canadian brand that began by leveraging the California and Oregon markets – the top selling vape in Alberta, Papa’s Herb – is our final Q&A. It shows the U.S.-Canada relation in action, about how traveling the west coast helped two cousins brand and expand. I have my own fond memories of driving south along the Oregon Coast, past the bluffs that dot it, on route to a 2018 event in San Jose.
Here’s to the friends we’ve made along the way!
This issue really would not have been complete without the gorgeous equestrian photo at Creemore’s Purple Hills. The changing leaves on the Ontario trees the whole country adores can’t be beat. It is a “portrait of connectivity – an ecosystem that is enriched and supported, not exploited, by its stewards.” That, in a nutsell, is what I would like to vote for.
Lexaria, a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, announced the appointment of Richard Christopher as its new CEO, replacing Chris Bunka who will serve in his new capacity as Executive Strategic Advisor while remaining Chairman of the Board
Lexaria also announced entering a Material Transfer Agreement with an undisclosed pharmaceutical industry partner, leading to speculation of which company has taken this formal step to get closer to Lexaria’s technology
The company is focusing on this pharmaceutical industry collaboration and on investigations in cardiometabolic and GLP-1 sectors (alternative diabetes and obesity treatments), a huge sector that particularly needs its unmatched technology
The company seems one step closer to exploiting commercial opportunities in the sector, with a goal toward associated commercialization of its patented DehydraTECH technology
Lexaria (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, has, since 2016, worked on the development of its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology. It has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to increase bio-absorption and has also evidenced an ability to deliver some drugs more effectively across the blood-brain barrier. These efforts have earned it 46 patents in the United States, European Union and other countries, with many more pending worldwide (https://cnw.fm/mBfkA).
With the success achieved thus far, Lexaria is looking to pivot and focus on pharmaceutical industry collaboration and operations. To help steer it in the right direction, the company appointed Richard Christopher as its new CEO, effective Aug. 31, 2024. He will replace Chris Bunka, who will serve in his new capacity as Executive Strategic Advisor to the management team. He will continue to support and advise Lexaria and remain chairman of the board of directors.
“I’m delighted that I have been appointed to lead Lexaria,” noted Mr. Christopher. “The company is well positioned for an exciting period of growth centered around the advancement and improvement of drug delivery in the GLP-1 marketplace. We are preparing for an active and collaborative new era for Lexaria in the pharmaceutical industry,” he added (https://cnw.fm/kj2tz).
Mr. Christopher will lend his vast experience spanning more than three decades in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. He also has domestic and international experience in leadership, operations, acquisitions/licensing, business development, strategic planning, and capital markets. Most recently, he was the Chief Financial Officer at InVivo Therapeutics, a research and clinical-stage biomaterials and biotechnology company focusing on treating spinal cord injuries.
This appointment directly followed the Material Transfer Agreement with a pharmaceutical company (“PharmaCO”) to evaluate Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology in a pre-clinical setting. Under the terms of the agreement, Lexaria will formulate and supply certain DehydraTECH compositions for use in animal studies. PharmaCo has been awarded a temporary exclusive license option limited to specific DehydraTECH concepts and formulations under examination, and the project should be completed within roughly six months or less (https://cnw.fm/62ydz).
Lexaria is looking to double down on its DehydraTECH research and commercialization. This move points to this commitment and ushers in a new chapter for the company. Its management is optimistic about the future, not just from a commercial standpoint and creating shareholder value, but also by positively transforming human health.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/LEXX
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