Debra Borchardt
It’s time for your Daily Hit of cannabis news for May 3 2018:
On The Site:
DEA Wins One
A panel of judges for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge filed by cannabidiol (CBD) producers against a Drug Enforcement Agency rule that classifies CBD as a Schedule I drug. The rule originated in 2016 when the DEA created a new Administration Controlled Substances Code Number for the term “marijuana extract,” which defined a marijuana extract as “an extract containing one or more cannabinoids that have been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis…” This meant that CBD, regardless of whether it was extracted from hemp or cannabis, was now effectively a Schedule I substance.
Firing back at the DEA, the Hemp Industries Association filed a challenge against the rule, arguing that the agency overstepped its authority by scheduling substances that were not included in the Controlled Substances Act and that hemp-based CBD extracts were protected under state laws and Farm Bill provisions. The HIA’s case hinged on whether or not the DEA rule violated agricultural laws, which the justices determined it did not and consequently ruled in favor of the DEA.
ABcann Global Corporation
ABcann Global Corporation (ABCCF) reported net sales of C$922,030 in 2017 versus C$525,940 in 2016. The annual report or business update did not provide much in the way of standard financial reporting with regards to profits or losses. ABcann’s 2017 audited annual financial statements showed a cash balance on December 31, 2017, of $70.8 million and operating expenses totaling C$27.5 million.
Namaste Technologies
After posting an impressive second quarter financial earnings, the cannabis-tech company Namaste Technologies (NXTTF) has started makings moves in the world of artificial intelligence.
Today the company announced that they have executed a definitive agreement to acquire Findify AB, a Swedish corporation on the forefront of A.I. powered e-commerce personalization, delivering solutions such as personalized search, recommendations, and advanced data analytics.
In Other News
Medicine Man Technologies Inc.
Medicine Man Technologies Inc. (MDCL) reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. Medicine Man generated revenues of $1,211,037 as compared with the three months ending March 31, 2017, where it generated revenues of $541,136. Overall revenue increased during this three-month period over that of the prior year by $669, 901, or 124%, making this the fifth consecutive quarter on quarter revenue growth period achieved.
Harvest One Cannabis Inc.
Harvest One Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: HVT) is acquiring all the outstanding shares of Dream Water Products Canada Inc. and Sarpes Beverages, LLC in exchange for a combination of US$12.5 million in cash and C$18.5 million in shares at a deemed price of C$1.00 per share, representing total consideration of approximately C$34.5 million. After closing, Harvest One will continue to hold a substantial cash position of approximately C$62 million and zero debt. As part of this Transaction, the combination of Dream Water Canada and Dream Water USA will become Dream Water Global (“Dream Water”) and own the worldwide rights and all intellectual property to and for Dream Water.
CannaRoyalty Corp.
CannaRoyalty Corp. (CNNRF) announced that it has received renewed licenses for Kaya Management Inc., Alta Supply Inc., Vista Distribution Inc., and Zenco Manufacturing Inc. Kaya and Alta are wholly-owned subsidiaries of CannaRoyalty, and the company’s active cannabis operations in California are exclusively carried out through these two entities. The company intends to apply for permanent licenses in both the adult use and medical categories in due course during 2018, and a further update will be provided on receipt of such permanent licenses.
