Support the Troops: Invest in Legal Cannabis!
How to Make Money and Save Lives at the Same Time
It’s not just about the money.
I know, this is not typically something you’d expect to read from an investment analyst, so let me explain …
A few years ago, I started writing about investment opportunities in the legal cannabis space. As a result, I was accused by many of compromising my ethics in an attempt to make a quick buck. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Yes, one of the reasons I invest in the cannabis space is because it’s insanely profitable. And I make no apologies for this, nor should any other right-minded capitalist who enjoys the spoils of free markets and the good fortune to create wealth and prosperity.
The truth is, at the moment, there is no greater investment opportunity than legal cannabis. And I have dozens of double- and triple-digit winners in my portfolio to back up this claim. Some of my most profitable cannabis investments right now include a 501{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} gain on Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: CGC), a 373{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} gain on Aphria, Inc. (TSX-V: APH), and a 567{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} gain on OrganiGram (TSX-V: OGI). And there are plenty more to come, too.
But while few things make me smile more than watching my brokerage account grow, this is not the onlyreason to invest in the legal cannabis market.
Three Reasons to Invest in Legal Cannabis
Aside from the massive profit potential, there are three other reasons you should be investing in legal cannabis right now:
- Legalization helps slow the war on drugs, which has been one of the most violent and costliest wars in recorded history. More than $1 trillion has already been spent on this war, and it’s put millions of folks — particularly the poor — in early graves.
- Legalization helps build local economies, which, in this day and age, is something we need to embrace, not shun.
- Legalization on the medical side allows millions of Americans to treat illness when other “legal” pharmaceuticals have failed. How anyone could look at a young child with severe epilepsy and deny that child a medical cannabis therapy that’s proved to work is beyond me.
Of course, it’s not just kids with epilepsy that have benefited from cannabis.
Support the Troops
Last year, while attending a legal cannabis conference in New York City, I met a man named Sean Kiernan.
Kiernan is the co-founder of a group called Weed for Warriors. It’s an advocacy group that works to provide access to medical cannabis for military veterans suffering from PTSD.
Now, the fact that a military veteran — someone who has risked his or her life for this country — can be denied medicine to treat PTSD is despicable. Especially when you look at some pretty unsettling statistics.
The suicide rate for veterans is extremely high. Every year, about 8,000 veterans commit suicide. That means that since we first invaded Iraq back in 1991, more than 200,000 U.S. veterans have taken their own lives. And understand, this is a group that makes up just 7{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} of the U.S. population but represents 20{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} of the national suicide rate. And that’s assuming these numbers are accurate — which they are not.
Truth is, this data has only been collected from 21 states and only accounts for the vets who have been seen by the Veterans Affairs Administration. Sadly, those numbers are likely considerably higher. And that’s an absolute travesty. Especially when you consider that many of these deaths could’ve been avoided.
You see, there’s a significant amount of evidence that indicates cannabis can effectively treat the symptoms of PTSD. One study in particular, conducted by the scientific journal Drug Testing and Analysis found that cannabis could “dampen the strength or emotional impact of traumatic memories through synergistic mechanisms that might make it easier for people with PTSD to rest or sleep and to feel less anxious and less involved with flashback memories.”
Of course, to get similar conclusions, one could also simply ask any veteran who uses cannabis to treat the effects of PTSD.
Some do it legally, assuming they live in states where cannabis has been legalized for the treatment of PTSD, and some do it illegally, since the very country that sent them off to war won’t allow them to medicate as they see fit.
Think about that for a moment.
These folks put their lives on the line for us every single day. They’re not paid large sums of money to do this either. These are honorable men and women who not only deserve to be treated with the respect they’ve earned, but also deserve the right to use any medication they choose to keep them safe and healthy.
How any lawmaker in this country could deny a United States veteran medication is beyond me. As far as I’m concerned, this is nothing short of a human rights violation.
Regular People have the Power to do Great Things
Most of us are just regular people.
We’re not billionaires with loads of influence in Washington. We’re not lawmakers, judges, or high-profile celebrities. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do our part to keep our vets healthy and safe.
You see, as investors, collectively, we have an enormous amount of power. Every day, billions of dollars worth of public equities are bought and sold on the open market. And I’m not talking about fancy algorithms created by investment banks and hedge funds. I’m talking about regular, retail investors. Folks that have online trading accounts and are happy with year-end returns of eight to ten percent.
Now imagine if all these investors decided to allocate just one percent of their portfolios to stocks that represent companies that are making it possible for our veterans to get the relief many of them need by providing medical-grade cannabis.
While the U.S. government may not be willing to do right by the very people that protect our democracy, we can override that decision through our collective purchasing power, which will result in strengthening the cannabis industry thereby making it harder and harder for the government to continue its prohibition against something that, quite frankly, never should’ve been prohibited in the first place.
Of course, I’m not suggesting you run out and buy a bunch of random cannabis stocks. Especially those listed in the U.S., which, for the most part, are garbage. Investing in a stock that’s not going to make you any money makes no sense. Particularly because such a stock is likely issued by a company that’s not going to be around very long. And that’s not going to help anyone.
But there are exceptions. Take Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE: IIPR) for instance. This is a REIT that acquires specialized industrial real estate assets that are used for growing medical-use cannabis and operated by state-licensed growers. Just a few weeks ago, IIPR closed its first transaction with PharmaCann, a cultivator of medical-grade cannabis. This transaction alone guarantees the company an initial base rent of $319,580 per month. That ain’t chump change.
It should also be noted that the company’s executive chairman is the guy who co-founded BioMed Realty Trust, which was sold to Blackstone last year for $8 billion. These guys aren’t amateurs.
Of course, if you’d rather focus on actual cannabis producers, one of your best bets might be with Emblem Corp. (TSX-V: EMC).
While this is a Canadian cannabis producer, management is actively developing advanced cannabis formulations designed to help folks with PTSD. This research alone could prove to be incredibly valuable to other producers in the U.S. that are currently providing cannabis for vets with PTSD.
Here’s the bottom line: As a legal cannabis investor, we can not only make a lot of money, but we can also help facilitate a movement that can help our veterans get the medication they need… a medication that could help these folks live normal lives… a medication that could quite possibly decrease the number of veterans that commit suicide, too.
And that, my friend, is an honorable investment.
Source (Wealth Daily)
- Published in Blog, Medical Marijuana, Namaste Technologies, Tetra Bio Pharma
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (TBP Enters Into Binding LOI for Co-Development & Commercialization of Health Care Products Containing Cannabinoids
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. Enters Into Binding Letter of Intent for Co-Development and Commercialization of Health Care Products Containing Cannabinoids and Closes a Private Placement
– Momentum Public Relations –
Press Release: January 10, 2017
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“TetraBio“, “TBP“, or the “Company“) (CSE:TBP)(CSE:TBP.CN)(OTC PINK:GROPF) through its subsidiary, Agro-Tek Health Inc. (“GTK“), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter of intent to form a joint venture with Ford’s Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center (“FFP“) in Moncton, New Brunswick. The primary objective of this venture is the development and commercialization of cannabinoid-based products for the Canadian health care market with a special focus on CBD and THC-free cannabis products for the USA cosmetic and supplement market.
About Tetra Bio-Pharma
Tetra Bio-Pharma, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the development and commercialization of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals and consumer health products. www.tetrabiopharma.com
About Agro-Tek Health
Agro-Tek Health is a subsidiary of Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. and is focused on commercialization of over the counter consumer goods containing cannabis and other non-controlled medicinal plants.
About Ford’s Family Pharmacy
Ford’s Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center currently holds a Controlled Substance License from Health Canada for the processing, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances. https://www.fordrx.com
Since 1997, Ford’s Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre has helped clients improve and prolong their health, wellness, and vitality by providing personalized compounding and wellness solutions. Their team consists of: four pharmacists, 14 pharmacy technicians/assistants and two registered nurses. FFP provides innovative solutions to complex medical problems and works with Canadian healthcare providers (including physicians, veterinarians, and dentists) to create well-rounded, comprehensive natural and compounding treatment plans.
To maximize the benefit of this venture, GTK will establish its health care product development and commercialization activities within the province of New Brunswick. New Brunswick is quickly positioning itself as a desired homebase for companies in the cannabis industry and GTK commends the government of New Brunswick for its assistance in establishing this project.
Dr. Peter Ford, Pharm D will work with GTK to develop cannabinoid-based skin care and wellness products for the Canadian retail markets. This joint venture will allow GTK to develop a portfolio of innovative CBD-based products for patient self-care in addition to CBD and THC-free products for the USA cosmetic and supplement market.
According to Mr. André Rancourt, Chief Executive Officer, “These products will allow GTK to commercialize cannabis-derived products for the Canadian and USA wellness market in preparation for the unveiling of Canada’s new cannabis regulations.”
Dr. Ford will also assist TetraBio with its ongoing NSERC Engage partnership grant with McGill University (see press release from October 19, 2016). Dr. Ford’s expertise will also be used for the development of the PPP001 dried cannabis pellets for upcoming phase 1 clinical trials. “The partnerships with McGill University and Dr. Ford are in line with the Company’s vision to expand its commercial operations focused on the development and sale of cannabis-derived supplements and retail products for the North American market,” commented Mr. Rancourt.
Dr. Guy Chamberland, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, commented, “Ford’s Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center currently holds a Controlled Substance License from Health Canada for the processing, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances. Working with Dr. Ford will allow TBP to adhere to current regulations relating to controlled substances including cannabis. This resource allows TBP to further its ongoing projects while remaining compliant with Canadian and US narcotics regulations.” He also stated, “Dr. Ford is a renowned expert in wellness and a highly-experienced formulator and this joint venture will help the Company bring cutting edge cannabis-based health and wellness products to patients and consumers in a timely and cost effective manner.”
This project will be funded via current working capital and the previously announced NSREC research grant in collaboration with McGill University.
Closing of Non-brokered Private Placement
The Company is also pleased to announce that, on December 30, 2016, it closed a non-brokered private placement of 2,395,500 units at a price of $0.20 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $479,100. Each unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable warrant, with a whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.26 per share for a period of twelve months expiring December 30, 2017.
The securities issued pursuant to the private placement are subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date and subject to all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange.
The proceeds of the private placement will be used to pursue commercialization projects in 2017 and increase scientific staff.
In Other News
Tetra Bio-Pharma is also pleased to announce that, effective December 16, 2016, TBP has been added to the Canadian Securities Exchange composite index. The index is comprised of listed companies that meet market capitalization, trading, and seasoning criteria established by the exchange.
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy or accuracy.
- Published in Medical Marijuana, News Home, Tetra Bio Pharma
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TBP:CSE) Receives $1,000,000 Investment from Aphria
Aphria Makes $1,000,000 Investment in Tetra Bio-Pharma via Private Placement to Fund PhytoPain Pharma Clinical Trials
– Momentum Public Relations –
Press Releases: December 6, 2016
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra Bio” or “the Company”) (CSE:TBP)(CSE:TBP.CN) and (OTC PINK:GRPOF) is conducting a non-brokered private placement with Aphria Inc. (TSX VENTURE:APH)(OTCQB:APHQF) of 5,000,000 units at a price of $0.20 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,000,000. Each unit will consist of one common share and one non-transferable warrant, with a whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.26 per share for a period of 3 years following the closing date. The warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry if the Company’s shares trade above $0.45 for thirty (30) consecutive trading days then the warrants will expire in 30 days if not exercised.
The private placement closed on December 5, 2016.
Completion of the private placement is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange.
The securities issued pursuant to the private placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date.
The proceeds of the private placement will be used to initiate clinical trials in PhytoPain Pharma Inc.
“Obtaining an investment from one of Canada’s leading cannabis producers re-enforces the value of the research and development being conducted by the science team at Tetra Bio-Pharma lead by Chief Science Officer, Dr. Guy Chamberland,” commented Ryan Brown, Co-Founder/VP Business Development.
- Published in News Home, Tetra Bio Pharma
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TBP.C) Provides USA Regulatory Update for its Cannabis Inhalation Product
Tetra Bio-Pharma Provides USA Regulatory Update for its Cannabis Inhalation Product PPP001
– Momentum Public Relations –
Press Release: November 23, 2016
PhytoPain Pharma Inc. (“PPP“), a subsidiary of Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra” or the “Company“) (CSE:TBP) (CSE:TBP.CN) (OTC PINK:GRPOF), is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic cannabis-based products for the treatment of pain and other medical conditions announces that the development of its smoked marijuana prescription drug is on schedule.
The Company confirmed that, on November 8, 2016, it received a letter from the Office of Combination Products stating that the USA Food and Drug Administration (“FDA“) had completed its review of the request for designation for the marijuana prescription drug and titanium pipe kit. The FDA confirmed that the product is a combination product, and assigned it to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (“CDER“) as the lead agency center for premarket review and regulation based on FDA’s determination of the marijuana product’s primary mode of action.
The Company previously announced that it received a pre-IND (Investigational New Drug) acknowledgement and meeting request granted letter from the US FDA. This week, the company is submitting the information package required by FDA for the Type B pre-IND meeting in January 2017 with the Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Addiction Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. According to Dr. G. Chamberland, Chief Science Officer, “As per FDA policies, the pre-IND information package is submitted to obtain guidance from FDA on the product development and marketing requirements for the smoked marijuana prescription drug combination product”. Dr. Chamberland further commented that this regulatory filing is part of PPP’s dedication to the commercialization of marijuana as a prescription controlled drug and the corporation’s plan to seek reimbursement by insurers for patients.
The Company has been working with Algorithme Pharma, an Altasciences company, for the conduct of its Phase I clinical trial in healthy human subjects. PPP is using the services of Algorithme Pharma based on its experience and expertise in the conduct of clinical trials for the pharmaceutical industry. Later this week the project team will be submitting the Phase I clinical protocol, and related documents, to the Institutional Review Board for review. If approved, Algorithme Pharma will subsequently submit the Clinical Trial Application to the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada for approval. In parallel, Algorithme Pharma will submit an application for exemption under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for its planned research on healthy subjects.
The Company stated that, subsequent to a request for classification to the Medical Devices Bureau, Health Canada, the PPP001-titanium pipe that will be used in the clinical trial is a Class I medical device. Dr. Chamberland commented: “As a Class I medical device, the PPP001-titanium pipe does not require approval for use in the clinical trial”.
About PPP001-kit product
PPP001-kit product will be sold as two separate products packaged together in a single package and is comprised of the drug PPP001 and the device PPP001-titanium pipe. The drug component and device component will be linked together by the labelling of each component.
The product PPP001-kit, once approved, could be sold in pharmacies containing the prescription controlled drug PPP001, in a blister pack, and the PPP-titanium pipe device that will be used to generate the smoke to deliver the active ingredients by inhalation.
PPP001 drug pellet blisters and a fully assembled PPP-titanium pipe for combustion and inhalation of the generated smoke are required for therapy with PPP001 and are provided in the PPP001-kit.
Each blister of PPP001 drug pellet contains marijuana with a standardized amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol and cannibidiol. A single PPP001 drug pellet is pushed out of the blister by the patient and inserted into the PPP-titanium pipe.
In Other News:
The Company has received $227,738 in exercised warrants for November 2016.
- Published in Bio technology, News Home, Tetra Bio Pharma