TD Forecasts Marijuana Will Hike GDP by $8 Billion
The Chinese Are Coming
Synthetic CBDs and THC: Better Living Through Chemistry
TD Forecasts Marijuana Will Hike GDP by $8 Billion
Momentum Public Relations
Blog: September 26 2018
Just when you thought the Canadian marijuana industry was a slam dunk for becoming a dominant global force the Chinese are beginning to set up and take notice. According to a September story in The GrowthOp, the Postmedia marijuana industry news website, here come the Chinese.
Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics have predicted that by 2027 the global marijuana market will be worth $US57 billion and you can be sure that Chinese business will see that as an attractive market. The Chinese will have to play catch-up, but catch-up is a game the Chinese play very well. Things will kick off when CannaTech: Hong Kong’s first cannabis investor symposium takes place on November 1st.
While Chinese investors will probably start to pour into the Canadian cannabis industry, they will as legislation changes, consider starting their own industry. Chinese herbal medicine has longed used marijuana as an ingredient.
URI Capital Management, one of the symposium sponsors was quoted in the story as saying: “Asia, more specifically China, is poised to leverage its unique advantages in Hemp and agriculture to become a dominant global leader. URI is proud to become the first Chinese financial conglomerate to focus on the Asian cannabis industry and will leverage the firm’s world-class research and investment resources to lead the way.”
If there is any doubt about the marijuana market drying up Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED) spun off its investment arm last Thursday and by Friday, Canopy Rivers Corp. (TSXV:RIV) market evaluation had more than doubled, according to a story in the Financial Post, to $1.6 billion. Before its IPO Canopy Rivers was valued at $600 million.
RIV has already made ten investments in Canada and one in Italy. According to the company website the investments include licensed producers, pharmaceutical formulators and retail.
As noted by Bloomberg it was the first time a bank, CIBC, had helped a marijuana company list on a Canadian stock exchange. CIBC led the deal with GMP Securities and Eight Capital.
The Bloomberg story contained the following quote: “We’re really trying to make this smart money that goes global,” Bruce Linton, chief executive officer of Canopy Growth and acting CEO of Canopy Rivers, said, “The scouting has been pretty active.”
Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) showed just how volatile marijuana stocks could be by rising 98% before plunging and then climbing back up to gain 44% on September 19, 2018. Tilray stock started climbing when the US FDA granted it permission to export medical marijuana for a trial in California as a treatment for essential tremors. The stock then came down to earth when a Florida Republican came down on the deal and said that the trial should be using American produced medical marijuana.
According to Bloomberg, Tilray shares rose to US$176 a share and then dropped like a stone to US$123 a share, finally ending the week up by 12%. Since it IPO in July, Tilray has risen by 800%.
Just as Aphria sold its interest in Liberty Health Sciences last week Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB) has spun off its American interests by spinning off Australis Capital (CSE:AUSA). Last Fall The TMX Group ruled that American federal overruled American state law and that consequently Canadian marijuana companies with American operations faced delisting if they did not exit the American market.
Like Canopy Rivers, Australis is an investment vehicle designed to aid American marijuana companies that have problems accessing capital and expertise. In an oversubscribed non-brokered pre-IPO private placement financing Australis raised $17 million at $0.20 a share. On Friday September 21st, Australis opened at $3.90 before closing at $3.16.
The next story should be filed under the 60s rubric of Better Living Through Chemistry. Cronos Group (TSX:CRON), one of the top Canadian vertically integrated marijuana producers, has announced a partnership with Boston-based Ginkgo Bioworks, a biotech startup. Under the partnership Cronos will fund research designed to produce synthetic CBDs and THC. Cronos is targeting a production price point of a thousand dollars a kilogram. The process will involve using fermentation to produce the cannabinoids.
Ginkgo Bioworks has had success producing expensive ingredients, perfume and flavours using synthetic DNA. The end product could be used in a variety of ways: including medical therapies, vaporizer cartridges and edibles. Cronos will invest up to $22 million in Ginkgo to fund research and development and in return for milestones give Ginkgo up to 14.7 million shares. In exchange Cronos will have the right to use and commercialize the resulting intellectual property.
Cronos is not the only marijuana LP looking into the future. On September 19th The Gazette reported that LP Organigram’s parent company, Organigram Holdings (TSXV:OGI), has invested $10 million in and formed an alliance with Hyasynth Biologicals, to develop synthetic phytocannabinoids, using the same techniques as Ginkgo, biofermentation. Hysaynth will be using its proprietary technique to produce the synthetic cannabinoids. As with Ginkgo, the process uses genetically engineered strains of yeast.
Finally, on September 19th the Financial Post reported that the Toronto-Dominion Bank had predicted that after legalization the marijuana industry will add up to $8 billion to the country’s real GDP. Canada’s measure of real gross domestic product will get a boost after the legalization of marijuana adds as much as $8 billion to the country’s economy, according to the bank. After legalization. Statistics Canada will face the daunting task of including both legal and illegal marijuana industry economic statistics in its forecasts.
Just how Statscan will assemble the black market statistics remains to be seen. Given that the illegal marijuana trade isn’t big on keeping records a lot of by guess and by golly will probably be used.
- Published in Blog
Coca-Cola Planning to Have Drinks With Aurora Cannabis?
Momentum Public Relations
Blog: September 18 2018
Coca-Cola Planning to Have Drinks With Aurora Cannabis
Global Soft Drink Market Pegged at US$605.6 Billion by 2025
Marijuana Industry Acquisitions Continue
Acquisitions, partnerships, branding and product development have all been on the increase in the legal marijuana industry this year as recreational marijuana legalization comes closer to becoming reality.
You can now begin to see a consumer product rollout that is remarkable in many ways. A new industry that cuts a broad swath in consumer goods is being developed and that Canadian industry is doing its best to reach out and conquer world markets. As well as medical and recreational marijuana CBD infused cosmetic and wellness products are being developed, as well as hemp clothing and THC infused beer.
On Monday September 17, 2018 the news broke that Coca-Cola (KO-NYSE) and Aurora Cannabis (ACB-TSX) were in talks about developing a non-psychoactive cannabis infused soft drink. CNBC reported that pot stocks jumped on the news with Aurora gaining more than 15% as of mid-day. Speculation exists that Coke wants to develop a CBD infused beverage in Canada so that it can launch it in America when marijuana laws there are relaxed.
Earlier in the summer Molson-Coors announced a deal with Hydropothecary (HEXO-TSX) to develop a THC infused beer. Marijuana is going mainstream faster than imagined and industry players are scrambling to gain a piece of what may be one of the last and biggest market rollouts.
Coca-Cola is the largest beverage company in the world and if the Molson-Coors (TAP-NYSE) Hydropothecary beer agreement didn’t give the industry legitimate credibility then the forthcoming agreement with Coca-Cola should. Based on information from an anonymous source the story said that if consummated the partnership would develop health-focused beverages or recovery drinks designed to alleviate inflammation, pain and cramping.
In a statement Aurora issued to CNBC the company described the infused-beverage space as having “incredible potential.” In a statement that Coca-Cola sent to CNBC Coke said: “Along with others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly. No decisions have been made at this time.” The anonymous source described the discussions as “serious.”
Grand View Research has predicted that the global soft drink market will hit US$605.6 billion by 2025.
Crop Infrastructure (CROP-CSE) announced on September 13, 2018 in a press release that it too was entering the soft drink market with a cannabis-infused beverage, Canna Drink, that would have zero calories, be non-GMO, ketogenic-friendly and be available in both tea and coffee versions. Crop Infrastucture Director and CEO Michael Yorke said in the release that: “We see it as a tremendous opportunity for Crop Infrastructure’s branding & IP portfolio and as an auxiliary opportunity for each of our cultivation tenants globally.”
“Functional beverages are a new class of products that offer beyond basic nutritional ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and probiotics. We believe that cannabis’s medically known benefits will enhance our own formulations, so we are bang on target with our CANNA DRINK line.”
Crop Infrastructures is a sophisticated company that has modelled its business plan on REITs, creating a real estate type marijuana investment trust. It owns properties in jurisdictions where recreational marijuana is legal and offers tenants infrastructure, branding and expertise. The company has recently expanded to Jamaica . Crop has also announced that by the end of the year it will open two retail locations in Northern Italy to sell the Urban Juve product line of hemp oil infused wellness, cosmetic and therapeutic products.
While the secondary market, products infused with CBDs, is roaring into life, acquisitions and agreements are still being made as legalization approaches.
Aurora Cannabis’ $290-million all share deal to buy ICC Labs is the latest acquisition to fuel rising share prices. Aurora has already bought up to 10 companies in the last two years. The deal is a reminder that Canada is not the only marijuana playing field and that industry leaders are busily paving the way for international expansion when more countries legalize recreational consumption.
In a telephone interview with The GrowthOp, Postmedia’s marijuana news website, Aurora’s chief corporate officer Cam Battley said: “We feel a significant sense of urgency to rapidly establish a powerful global footprint. We see ICC as the jewel of the South American market. This is going to be our anchor in South America and we have very big plans for that continent.”
The jewel that prompted Aurora’s purchase was the fact that ICC has 70% or more of the Uruguayan market. Uruguay legalized marijuana in 2013, becoming the first country in the world to do so. As well as having majority market share in Uruguay, ICC Labs also comes with Columbian licenses to grow medical marijuana and an agreement to sell CBD products to Mexico.
In the meantime, Aphria (APH-TSX) has more or less cleared the decks by selling its interest in Liberty Health Sciences for almost $60 million. According to a Canadian Press article published on September 6, 2018 in the Financial Post Aphria has sold the shares to several investors and the deal contains an option to repurchase the shares within five years.
Aphria now has money in its war chest to finance further acquisitions and opportunities. TSX regulations forced the company to sell its shares in Liberty because marijuana is illegal under federal American legislation and Aurora was threatened with delisting if it did not comply. The company intends to return to the American market when regulations change, hence the buyback option.
Canada’s largest marijuana producer, Canopy Growth(WEED-TSX), appears to just keep getting bigger. On September 5, 2018 it announced that it had acquired Hiku Brands in exchange for Canopy Growth shares. The deal improves Canopy’s retail and branding position.
Hiku is an attractive acquisition for Canopy. It has a subsidiary, DOJA Cannabis, a licensed ACMPR producer with two British Colombia based production facilities in the Okanogan Valley. Another subsidiary, TS Brandco Holdings has one of four master retail licenses in Manitoba. The company also has a chain of retail outlets branded as Tokyo Smoke in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
All of this only goes to show that the Canadian marijuana industry is a global leader and that as countries begin to decriminalize possession, Canadian companies will be able to significantly grow their operations because of their existing footprint. All the major Canadian marijuana producers have foreign operations.
This blog was written for information purposes only and should not be mistaken for investment advice. In the interests of transparency Crop Infrastructure is a Momentum client.
Marijuana Stocks Still Have Legs
Momentum Public Relations
Blog: June 1 2018
Marijuana Stocks Still Have Legs
Bryan, Garnier & Co: Global Marijuana Market to Hit US$140 Billion by 2027
Canadian Licensed Producers Expanding Abroad
The exact date when recreational marijuana will be legalized is still uncertain. The Trudeau government has repeatedly said that it will be legalized this summer. When that great day comes to pass it may be the only time in Canadian history that the government has created an economic stimulus package that actually works: the legal marijuana industry.
Not content with only being valued in the billions of dollars in Canada, our domestic marijuana industry is also hell-bent on international expansion.
On January 28, 2018 the CBC ran a story quoting Bloomberg that said there were 87 publicly listed marijuana companies on the TSXV and that collectively they were worth US$37 billion. In January Statistics Canada estimated that almost 5 million Canadians spent $5.7 billion dollars buying marijuana, with only 10% of that going to legal medical cannabis.
On May 28, 2018 Aurora Cannabis announced that it had signed a distribution agreement with German plant based pharmaceutical distributor Heinrich Klenk. Klenk distributes its products in more than 25,000 drug stores across Germany and Europe. Klenk is a trusted name and Aurora has launched a new brand that will be produced in Canada named Cannabis Klenk which the company will distribute. Medical cannabis is legal in Germany.
Aurora has been making international plans and putting them into action for some time. It owns Berlin-based Pedanios, the leading marijuana importer, exporter and distributor of medical marijuana in the European Union as well as 51% of Aurora Nordic which plans on constructing a one million square foot greenhouse in Denmark. To round out its diversified activities the company also owns two companies that specialize in building greenhouse lighting systems, BC Northern Lights and Urban Cultivator.
Aurora is not alone on the international stage, Canopy Growth, which has Snoop Dogg as a spokesman, has operations in seven countries on four continents. Aphria Inc. has operations in more than 10 countries on five continents. It recently created a joint venture, Canninvest Africa with the South African Verve Group of Companies that will see it gain an interest in Verve Dynamics, a licensed producer of medical cannabis extracts, which it believes will become one of if not the lowest cost producer in the extract field.
Driven by economies of scale and the desire to have all the pieces to the puzzle in one place the industry has been consolidating for some time. The most recent example is the merger of Aurora and MedReleaf, which has created the largest marijuana company in the world.
If you think the market is now too high to buy in, you may want to think again. A story published in Forbes on March 1, 2018 predicts a robust and growing legal international marijuana poised for exponential growth.
The story is based on a report by Arcview Market Research which predicts that by 2027 spending on legal recreational and medical marijuana will hit US$57 billion with a 67% market share for recreational marijuana and a 33% share for medical cannabis.
The lion’s share of the revenues will be generated in North America where the largest recreational market is expected to develop with sales going from US$9.2 billion in 2017 to US$47 billion in 2027.
All of which means that serious investors should start doing their due diligence on the marijuana industry now, if they haven’t already. That due diligence should also include bio-pharmas that are developing cannabis- based drugs for regulatory approval and for the over the counter market.
If you still think that marijuana stocks are overpriced you may wish to consider this, investment bank Bryan, Garnier & Co have just predicted that the global marijuana market is poised to grow by a 1,000 percent to hit US$140 billion by 2027.
One of the more interesting set of statistics put out by Statista is that in America, medical marijuana will take a larger slice of the pie than recreational marijuana. The company predicts that by 2025 cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals will be valued at US$13.2 billion and the legal recreational market at US$10.9 billion.
Whether or not cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals will surpass the legal recreational market is as yet unknown but predictions like the one above are a sure indication that bio-pharmas launching successful drugs will be lucrative.
A rising tide raises all ships. When Canadian recreational marijuana legalization takes place marijuana stocks are expected to jump and by association so will those pharmaceutical companies developing successful cannabinoid-based drugs.
Tetra Bio-Pharma, (TSXV: TBP) is one such company with a pipeline of cancer chronic pain, and other products under development. Its lead product, PPP 001, trademarked as RX Princeps has started Phase 3 clinical trials and stands to be the first cannabinoid therapy that will have its efficacy and safety proved.
Once that happens, PPP 001 will very likely become the first drug to be given Health Canada and American FDA approval. This achievement will be marked by a Drug Identification Number, DIN, which means that it can legally be prescribed by doctors and eligible for insurance plan coverage. TBP already has distribution agreements in place in Israel and in Europe.
The above does not and should not be taken as investment advice. Investors have the responsibility of performing their own due diligence. In the interests of transparency, Momentum PR represents Tetra Bio-Pharma.
- Published in Blog
Relevium Engages PipeDreemz as Lead ACMPR Consultant for Biocannabix
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: May 17 2018
Relevium TechnologiesInc. (TSX.V:RLV) (OTCQB:RLLVF) (Frankfurt:6BX) (the “Company” or “Relevium”), is pleased to announce it has engaged PipeDreemz as lead consultant (the “Consultant”) for the Biocannabix Health Corp (“BHC”) ACMPR applications to Health Canada to obtain the necessary licenses. Biocannabix will focus on organic products and on the development of specialty genetic strains targeting primarily cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) for use in medical applications as well as consumer packaged goods.
Highlights
- Industry veteran Georges Routhier and PipeDreemz have been providing advisory services to a number of successful Licensees
- Instrumental in designing the H2 Biopharma facility in Lachute, Qc., acquired by Aurora Cannabis
- The PipeDreemz team holds advanced degrees in science, engineering, business, agriculture, horticulture and plant sciences
- As at January 1, 2018 PipeDreemz had 23 highly advanced facilities under construction across Canada
- ACMPR license application submission forecasted for Summer 2018
Aurelio Useche, CEO of Relevium stated: “Since the creation of Biocannabix Health Corp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Relevium, we have interviewed a multitude of cannabis consultants, key industry suppliers and advisors with a focus on the Quebec market.” Mr. Useche continued: “We are extremely pleased to partner with George Routhier and the team at PipeDreemz who were highly recommended by industry insiders. George is a veteran in the industry, has a proven track record and shared values with Relevium in terms of the evolution of the cannabis business both in Canada and around the world.”
The Company will begin working immediately with the PipeDreemz and its advisors in the evaluation of selected locations in and around Montreal, Quebec, where the company will host its operations. All facets of the operations, from HVAC to security, genetics and micropropagation, to distribution and branding will be taken into consideration in order to ensure aligned strategic fit and the best possible long-term ROI for the company and its shareholders.
The Company anticipates that the application will be deposited to Health Canada before July 31, 2018.
More about PipeDreemz
The founder and CEO of PipeDreemz, George Routhier has over 15 years of experience in Medical Marijuana research and 8 years of experience as a designated grower under MMAR. PipeDreemz is one of the most senior consultants in the Canadian cannabis landscape and has helped clients obtain over 16 Licensed Producers since inception. PipeDreemz offers a turnkey, start to finish service and has never had a Licensed Producer application fail at Health Canada.
PipeDreemz cemented its position as an expert in the cannabis field following the sale of a PipeDreemz designed state-of-the-art, 49,000 square foot cannabis production facility to Aurora Cannabis Inc. H2 Biopharma retained PipeDreemz for start to finish services including design and oversight on construction of the facility, located in Lachute, Quebec. Aurora Cannabis Inc. acquired the PipeDreemz designed facility from H2 Biopharma in November 2017.
About Relevium Technologies
Relevium is a TSXV-listed company focused on growth through the acquisition of businesses, products and/or technologies with a focus on e-commerce in the growing health and wellness sector. Relevium Technologies Inc. also holds patented intellectual property for the use of static magnetic fields for application on wearable devices.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including the timing and completion of the proposed acquisitions, are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward- looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or “occur”. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including the assumptions that the Company will be able to apply for and ultimately obtain an ACMPR licence, the proposed business of Biocannabix will develop as anticipated, that the Company will raise sufficient funds to develop the Biocannabix business, and that the Company will obtain all requisite regulatory approvals. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, the risk that the proposed business developments may not occur as planned; the timing and receipt of requisite approvals and failure to raise sufficient funds. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
RELEVIUM TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Aurelio Useche
President and CEO
For more information about this press release:
Tel: +1.888.528.8687
RELEVIUM TECHNOLOGIES INC
Email: investors@releviumcorp.com
Website: www.releviumtechnologies.com
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- Published in Relevium Technologies
Aurora (ACB:CSE) Continues Accelerated Growth
Aurora Continues Accelerated Growth
– Momentum Public Relations – Feb. 2, 2016
Aurora Cannabis Inc. (“Aurora” or the “Company”) (CSE:ACB)(OTCQB:ACBFF)(FRANKFURT:21P) (WKN: A1C4WM) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc., a producer and distributor of medicinal cannabis pursuant to the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (“MMPR”), has registered hundreds of fully authorized medical cannabis clients, crop yields have proven to be 100 percent more productive than forecasted, and the strain selection will expand rapidly this month.
Aurora’s recent crop yielded 1.36 grams per watt, or 1.4 kilograms (3.08 pounds) per light. The facility, with 55,200 square feet of expandable licensed production space, will be running at full capacity by spring 2016, with a demonstrated capability of producing over 7,000 kg of dried cannabis annually.
Furthermore, the Company recently launched its revamped website at www.AuroraMJ.com with a streamlined registration process and user-friendly patient and physician portals. Registrations began January 4th, 2016, with all Aurora strains being priced at $8 per gram, as well as a $5 per gram compassionate pricing standard across all strains.
Three-hundred and ten people became a part of Aurora’s ‘Founding 420’ in the month of January. Each member of the Founding 420 represents one of the Company’s first four-hundred and twenty clients. This bestows upon each member a number of benefits, including a welcome package with an Aurora-branded DaVinci Ascent portable vaporizer, a premium Aurora grinder, free cross-country shipping, and $50 in Aurora credit. In return, Aurora will be asking for detailed feedback with respect to the product, the service, the delivery, our brand and other key metrics.
Neil Belot, Chief Brand Officer, comments, “People have been eagerly waiting to experience the Aurora Standard, and the response from the community has been fantastic. The Founding 420 welcome package has been a big hit and everyone is wondering what we are up to for our next campaign; here is a hint – 710.”
Over the next several months, one of Aurora’s future strains availabile is poised to make global headlines. Facility Director, Joel Fuzat, explains why:
“In February 2016, Aurora intends to begin selling its flagship CBD cannabis strain. This groundbreaking development represents new heights in the field of medicinal marijuana in Canada. Our CBD-rich strain tested at over 25{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} CBD and just 1{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} THC by an independent third-party laboratory during the qualification run, which would make this the highest percentage CBD flower in Canada by a significant margin.”
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a non-pyschoactive cannabinoid. To date, according to various medical studies it has shown promise as a treatment for chronic pain, seizures, epilepsy, multiple, sclerosis, anxiety, different forms of inflammation, and regulation of immune system functioning amongst others. Further studies are underway to explore its promise as an inhibitor of cancer cell growth.
Additionally, Aurora’s application for a Section 56 exemption to produce cannabis derivatives, such as CBD oil products, has been submitted to Health Canada for approval. In anticipation of the introduction of this new suite of products, Mr. Bryan Pyle, an expert in chromatographic separation and extraction, has been added to the Aurora team.
Aurora CEO, Terry Booth, says, “We are thrilled to have Bryan join us. His experience in high value plant metabolites is invaluable. Bryan will help to ensure standardization and consistency in all our extract-based products. The Aurora Standard continues to resonate with people and raise the bar for the industry as a whole.”
Terry Booth also commented, “Now that we shored up our cash position, we can execute on a number of key initiatives that will swiftly strengthen market share and likely bring us to profitability in the shortest time frame accomplished by any publicly traded Licensed Producer in the MMPR industry to date.”
About Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Aurora’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc., is a licensed producer of medical marijuana pursuant to the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations and operates a 55,200 square foot expandable state-of-the-art production facility in Alberta, Canada. Aurora’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Australis Capital Inc., is an active participant in the U.S. Cannabis market. Aurora is trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the trading symbol “ACB”.
- Published in Aurora Cannabis, News Home
Aurora Cannabis obtains $3-million loan
Aurora Cannabis obtains $3-million loan
– Momentum Public Relations – Jan. 27, 2016
Aurora Cannabis Inc. has closed a $3-million secured demand loan. The loan matures two years from the date of closing or on demand. The maturity date of the loan will be accelerated if the company raises new debt, equity or other forms of financing of a minimum of $7.5-million.
A fee of 3 per cent of the gross proceeds of the loan will be payable to the lender. In addition, the company will issue 300,000 share purchase warrants to the lender, exercisable into common shares at a price of 55 cents per share for a period of four years expiring Jan. 25, 2020. The expiry date of these warrants may be accelerated by the company if its shares reach an average closing price of at least $1.10 over a period of 30 days. If any of the warrants expire unexercised, the company shall settle the warrants in cash.
Aurora’s total debt, including the loan, will have a maximum blended interest rate of approximately 6.85 per cent. The net proceeds from the loan will be used for working capital.
The warrants and the common shares underlying the warrants will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
We seek Safe Harbor.
- Published in Aurora Cannabis, News Home
Aurora Cannabis increases financing to $4.5-million
Aurora Cannabis (ACB:CSE) Increases Financing to $4.5-million
Due to strong response from investors, Aurora Cannabis Inc.’s non-brokered private placement of units has been oversubscribed, and, as a result, the private placement has been increased from $3.5-million to a maximum of $4.5-million.
As previously announced, the company closed the first tranche of the private placement consisting of 3,250,755 units of the company at a price of 53 cents per unit for gross proceeds of $1,722,900.
All other terms of the private placement remain the same as set forth in the company’s news release dated Dec. 30, 2015. Each unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share of the company at a price of 66 cents per common share for a period of two years. The expiry date of the warrants may be accelerated by the company if its shares trade above $1.25 for 10 consecutive trading days.
We seek Safe Harbor.
- Published in Aurora Cannabis, News Home
Aurora Cannabis Signs Deal with CanGenX for Plant Tissue Culture
Aurora Signs Agreement with CanGenX BioTech Inc. for Pharmaceutical Type Production and Rapid Propagation to Increase Crop Yields
Aurora Cannabis Inc. (CSE: ACB)(FRANKFURT: 21P)(WKN: A1C4WM)(OTC PINK: PSNTF) (“Aurora” or the “Company) is pleased to announce that the agreement to undertake plant tissue culture as the Company’s production basis has been formalized with Dr. Geoff White of CanGenX BioTech Inc.
Plant tissue culture offers several distinct advantages over the traditional asexual propagation technique known as ‘cloning’. With plant tissue culture, each plant is produced under completely sterile conditions ensuring all batches begin in a disease-free environment. These controlled conditions provide for massive scalability in predictable timeframes along with consistency, ensuring the integrity of future crops. In addition, unlike traditional cloning, plant tissue culture allows for faster propagation while utilizing fewer resources. This leads to greater production efficiencies and increased yields due to improved plant vigor and health. Plant tissue culture melds well with pharmaceutical type production as it incorporates Good Manufacturing Practices in every aspect of the process.
Dr. Jason Dyck, Board Director and head of Aurora’s Research Council said, “Healthcare practitioners can be assured that plant tissue culture is just one of the many systems Aurora has implemented to ensure patients have access to safe, high quality standardized cannabis. The signing of the CanGenX BioTech contract confirms once again to our shareholders and industry stakeholders that the Company is committed in ensuring that the Aurora Standard is the Gold Standard throughout North America.”
About Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Aurora’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc., is a licensed producer of medical marijuana pursuant to the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations and operates a 55,200 square foot expandable state-of-the-art production facility in Alberta, Canada. Aurora’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Australis Capital Inc., seeks to be an active participant in the U.S. Cannabis market. Aurora is trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the trading symbol “ACB”.
- Published in Blog, Medical Marijuana
Aurora Cannabis’s (ACB:CSE) Marijuana Plants Start Flowering
AURORA COMMENCES FLOWERING OF 2400 MEDICINAL CANNABIS PLANTS CONSISTING OF 7 STRAINS
2015-04-28 – News Release -Aurora Cannabis Inc.’s 2,400 clones of seven different strains have been moved to the flowering stage. Commonly used names for the strains are Purple Kush, Agent Orange, Girl Scout Cookies, LSD, Strawberry Cough, AK47 and Exodus Cheese. Patients can be assured that the variety of strains will address a wide range of needs. More strains will be introduced as production ramps up. Aurora is expecting the first harvest to occur towards the end of June, 2015. Once in full production, the facility will be harvesting approximately 2500 plants every 7 days that will result in up to 100 kg of product per harvest.
Aurora’s patient acquisition plan is in the process of being finalized and the Company is confident that it will establish a significant customer base for sales while ensuring that our patients are not compromised by product shortages. This is an exciting time for Aurora and its shareholders as Aurora will begin producing a steady stream of revenue through the sales of its expertly cultivated and safe artisanal medical cannabis to customers across Canada.
Inspectors of Health Canada’s Office of Controlled Substances have visited Aurora twice since the cultivation license was issued (March 25 and April 21) and were satisfied with the facility, procedures and the progress thus far. The successful outcome of these and previous inspections continues to demonstrate Aurora’s commitment to operating successfully in this developing branch of the pharmaceutical industry. Further, in keeping to its vision of producing artisanal medical-grade cannabis, Aurora is proceeding forward with production under a unique advisory relationship designed to expand and augment each strain’s unique medical potential. This relationship was recently secured via an audit performed in California by Aurora’s quality control team.
Aurora is pleased to announce that it has entered into a contract with Ample Organics to obtain, utilize, and be supported by their advanced seed to sale enterprise resource planning (ERP) software platform for cultivation and sales of medical cannabis and medical cannabis related products. The software will enhance Aurora’s recordkeeping, traceability and overall efficiency in all aspects of facility operations. The progressive software will also help ensure that Aurora is operating as a leader in this expanding industry with only the most innovative solutions and products being made available to its future patients.
John Prentiss, CEO of Ample Organics, stated, “Ample Organics could not be more excited to have the privilege of working with the talented and experienced team at Aurora. Their purpose-built, state- of-the-art facility will now be powered by the most comprehensive software solution available today. We firmly believe that this partnership will set the bar thus further defining the Aurora Standard as the leader in this nascent industry, resulting in the best client experience in the cannabis space at every level.”
Aurora has also entered into a contract to employ the services of MMJ Hype, a division of Triforce Media Inc., a full service cannabis-marketing agency that is dedicated to providing Aurora with the highest quality search engine optimization (SEO), social media, marketing, reputation management and web analytics in the industry. Maxwell Duchaine commented, “MMJ Hype is looking forward to working with Aurora on generating additional website traffic from search engines and increasing brand awareness across Canada. MMJ Hype and Triforce Media will leverage the latest digital marketing tactics to ensure a leading position within this burgeoning industry.”
Aurora has entered into 11 non-disclosure agreements including 4 in the United States to review in detail additional synergistic opportunities within the cannabis space. Terry Booth, CEO of Aurora, commented: “The opportunities in the Cannabis industry are plentiful. It is imperative that we stay on point and focus on our strategy which is inherent to our strengths and talents.”
Aurora is the gold sponsor of the upcoming Jacob Securities Inc. investment event. Jacob Securities is a Toronto based, independent full-service investment bank, providing underwriting and financial advisory services to companies in the power, infrastructure, technology, energy and mining sectors. The event has attracted investors from around the world. Leslie Bocskor of Electrum Partners and Terry Booth, CEO of Aurora, will be guest speakers at the event.
In addition to the Jacobs investor conference, Aurora is proud to be a part of the upcoming Canadian Securities Exchange event hosted on May 6th in Calgary. The “TakeStock! Alberta Spring Investor Forum” will be featuring Aurora’s CEO, Terry Booth, as a speaker.
With regard to the Bakerview Business Borough in Bellingham, Washington, the Company’s wholly- owned subsidiary, Australis Capital Inc., is pleased to announce that this project has progressed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with AJR Builders Group. This signing is another step towards developing Australis Holdings LLP’s plans in the creation of the best multifaceted project in Washington State that will exclusively cater to the recreational and medical cannabis industry.
- Published in Blog, Medical Marijuana
Aurora Cannabis (ACB:CSE) Milestones and Objectives for Success
Aurora Cannabis Inc. Setting up to become a Top Marijuana Producer in North America
With a full license to produce up to 5,500 Kilograms/year and a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility exceeding governmental expectations, Aurora Cannabis Inc. is a promising Canadian marijuana producing company. With sound market strategies, Aurora intends to increase its production facility to 50,000 square feet every 1,5 years.
Aurora’s milestones since the beginning of 2015
• January 26, 2015 – Completion of the 55,200 square foot brand new facility in Mountain View County, Alberta.
• February 20, 2015 – Aurora received the federal license to produce medical marijuana under the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations. Among the few organizations in Canada, Aurora is also the sole licensed producer within Alberta -Canada’s most business-friendly province. While the application was being processed, Aurora’s scientific team was organizing meetings with leading botanists from around the world, and developed a patent-pending pest control system.
• March 10, 2015 – Appointment of Dr. Jason Dyck, PhD, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Dyck specializes in the molecular biology of heart disease and metabolism. He is a leader in his field and has extensive experience in drug discovery and commercialization.
Important developments in the US
“Weed 3: The Marijuana Revolution”, a CNN documentary aired on April 19| 2015, explores the politics of medical marijuana research in the US. Dr. Sanjay Gupta interviewed President Barack Obama, who showed his support for the Careers Act of 2015. He also declared on record that it would be appropriate to follow science vs ideology and treat drug abuse issues from a public health model, as opposed to an incarceration model.
The Act, if passed, will entail the following for the marijuana industry:
• states will be able to legalize medical marijuana use without federal interference
• increase research on the medical benefits
• alter marijuana’s status as “dangerous drug”
US Marijuana market forecast
- Existing demand drives rapid growth from $1.5 billion in 2013 to $2.7 billion in 2014 – a 74{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} increase in one year
- It is expected to grow to $3.5 billion – an additional 32{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} in 2015
What this means for Aurora Cannabis Inc.?
In March 2015, Aurora Cannabis Inc. opened Australis Capital Inc. – a wholly owned subsidiary focused on opportunities in the United States with respect to production, processing, extracting of derivatives, and sale of both medicinal and recreational cannabis.
On April 7, 2015 Aurora Cannabis Inc., through Australis Capital Inc., made an agreement with AJR Builders Group LLC (Bellingham, Wash.), to form Australis Holdings LLP. Under this partnership, Australis will develop and construct a new marijuana production and processing facility on the 24.5 acres in the Bakerview Business borough (Whatcom County, Wash.). The site will be largest industrial development catering to the cannabis industry in Washington. (Read full description).
- Aurora will provide training, quality control, operation manuals and technical support for a number of turnkey production facilities;
- Operations in the state of Washington will facilitate expansion plans to serve recreational and medical marijuana markets in other American states.
Considering the imminent possible changes in the US legislation, paired with Canadian regulatory environment implemented as the Aurora standard, Aurora Cannabis has the potential for extensive market-defining impact.
Objectives and strategies for success
• Capture the majority of the market share.
• Adapt to changes in laws and markets.
• Expand activities beyond North America.
• Extensive marketing campaigns and set a different tone to the “marijuana” conversation.
• Create strategic partnerships with the marijuana scientific communities.
We encourage you to visit Aurora Cannabis website and view the Company’s investor presentation.
With their license now official, this creative energy can now be directed to producing the highest quality Medical Marijuana possible.
- Published in Blog, Medical Marijuana
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