This week's Cannabis News: FDA and CBD, STATES Act, Cresco and Origin House, Europe and Highlights

The week brought some big news about cannabis, with the FDA its first hearing on the legality of the CBD on food and beverages for the month of May, and State law, which aims to protect cannabis companies and users in the legal states of a federal intervention, introduced in Congress.

"Enabling states to define their own cannabis laws without the threat of federal interference is a key element of a reasonable federal policy on cannabis and would give more states the opportunity to do so." trust needed to move forward with legalization and start tackling the damage caused by prohibition, especially for marginalized communities, "said spokesman for the National Cannabis Industry Association, Morgan Fox, about the legislation.

Tim Moxey, founder of Botanica GLOBAL, branded audience on the CBD: "We think it's a huge step forward for consumers who are clearly very excited about the idea of ​​the future. include CBD in everything from topical foods to beverages and infusions. "

A growing number of companies are coming out with CBD-based products, and the FDA guidelines and rules would allow the industry to "seriously commit" to producing hemp products that are already legally sold, said Moxey.

Lou Leon Guerrero, Governor of the US Insular Territory Guam, signored a bill to legalize recreational cannabis.

Follow Benzinga Cannabis (@BZCannabis) on Twitter for news and reports on cannabis, hemp and CBD.

On the market, the big news of the week was Cresco Laboratories (OTC: CRLBF) of the acquisition of House of origin (OTC: ORHOF) for about $ 825 million. Debra Borchardt, CEO of Green Market Report, told Benzinga that this acquisition was a continuation of the trend toward consolidation of the cannabis industry.

"Many of these companies combined believe that they can become more powerful competitors if they are more important players. There is the impression that all multi-state operators are preparing for the day when state declarations will collapse with regard to the cannabis industry. Cresco Labs enjoys an excellent reputation in the sector. So I'm sure Origin House will be happy to team up with them, "she said.

The Cannabis Capital Conference returns to Toronto on April 17 and 18!

Marijuana Stocks & ETFs

During the last five trading days, the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences ETF Index (OTC: HMLSF) (TSE: HMMJ) gained almost 1%, while the ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (NYSE: MJ) fell 0.2%. the SPDR S & P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE: SPY) closed the period up nearly 2.2%.

Marijuana stocks with a market capitalization in excess of $ 400 million traded in the US markets recorded the following performance:

• Surface Fund (OTC: ACRZF): increase of 4.1%

• Aphria Inc (NYSE: APHA): up 8.15%

• Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE: ACB): up 1.2%

• CannTrust Holdings Inc (NYSE: CTST): down 1.8%

• Canopy Growth Corp (NYSE: CGC): down 0.3%

• Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON): down 0.2%

• Curaleaf Holdings Inc (OTC: CURLF): increase of 8.3%

• Green Growth Brands Inc (OTC: GGBXF): decrease of 2.5%

Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd (OTC: TGODF): down 9.6 percent

• Green Thumb Industries Inc. (OTC: GTBIF): increase of 6.3%

• GW Pharmaceuticals PLC- ADR (NASDAQ: GWPH): decrease of 1.95%

• Hexo Corp (NYSE: HEXO): 3% decrease

• Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. (OTC: HRVSF): increase of 2.35%

IAnthus Capital Holdings Inc (OTC: ITHUF): decrease of 1.4%

• Marimed Inc (OTC: MRMD): 16% decrease

• MedMen Enterprises Inc. (OTC: MMNFF): decrease of 1.6%

• Holdings OrganiGram Inc (OTC: OGRMF): 7% increase

• Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (NYSE: SMG): up 3.9%

• Tilray Inc (NASDAQ: TLRY): 9.1% decline

In other news

Helix TCS, Inc. (OTC: HLIX), critical infrastructure service provider to the lawful cannabis industry, announced the acquisition of California-based security provider Tan's international security. Helix said the acquisition would allow it to expand its security services, including Spanish and Chinese physical security guards, into the state of California.

"Our security team, which primarily employs veterans and law enforcement, delivers unparalleled operational excellence in compliant security services, as evidenced by our dominant market share in Colorado, acquired in a little less than three years, "said Zachary, CEO of Helix Venegas.

"As California's legal cannabis industry progresses, we look forward to leveraging our proven track record and business processes to achieve a similar market position in the emerging market."

Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. (OTC: HRVSF) announced a new $ 500 million debt financing cycle. The product will be used to fuel the company's national growth.

"This transaction is fueling growth to realize our vision of becoming one of the most valuable cannabis companies in the world," Steve White, Harvest CEO, said in a press release.

"With the recent announcement of our acquisition of Verano Holdings, not only will we have the widest and deepest US licensing footprint, but we will also have sufficient capitalization to to secure our growth ambitions as a society. "

Aphria, Aurora Cannabis and the Wayland Group were the three winners of the call for public offers aimed at cultivating and distributing marijuana for medical purposes in Germany. Read the full story here.

Haleigh's Hope, Whole plant hemp extract, received the USDA's organic certification for "handling" last week. The culture from which the extract originated had already been certified organic; With this new certification, Haleigh's Hope became the first hemp-derived CBD product to receive a USDA-certified, vertically-integrated organic product label.

"By controlling all aspects of production ourselves, we can ensure the highest possible quality for our product," said Jason Cranford, founder of Haleigh's Hope.

Vireo Health International (OTC: VREOF), a science-based multi-state cannabis operator, is expanding to Massachusetts with the acquisition of Mayflower Botanicals, one of the state-registered marijuana dispensaries.

Vireo operates in nine US states, but Massachusetts will be the company's first foray into the market for adult-use recreational marijuana.

The CEO and founder of Vireo, Kyle Kingsley, MD, told Benzinga that he had created the company with the experience of an emergency physician tired of seeing his patients die from overdose. # 39; opioids.

"Medical cannabis is not only a good alternative to pain medications, but it can also help save lives by becoming an alternative to the recreational use of alcohol and tobacco, that create more dependency and create bigger health problems. "

High Times Holding Corp. – owner of the iconic High Times magazines, Cannabis Cup Festivals, Dope Magazine, Culture Magazine, Green Rush Daily, The Big Show and Spannabis, is currently undergoing a management reshuffle while its capital reconciliation before the end of the IPO is imminent.

Prior to an IPO scheduled for later this year, the holding company announced that it has appointed a media veteran Kraig Fox as the new President and CEO. Former CEO Adam Levin will move to an executive chair position.

In anticipation of its proposed public debut, High Times is in the process of a larger restructuring of its business to strengthen its content and products. Recent changes include the appointment of Jon Cappetta as vice president of content, Christina Heintzelman as a new publisher of Dope Magazine and Mark Kazinec. as new Events Director.

Veritas Farms (OTC: VFRM), a vertically integrated hemp company, has launched a user-friendly enhanced package consisting of unique QR codes per batch, coupled with verifiable testing certificates from a testing lab. approved scientists.

"Our full spectrum hemp oil extract products serve a wide range of consumers in the United States and around the world. As we continue the planned expansion of Veritas Farms' e-commerce into only several new and important retail channels and physical retailers, we have seized this opportunity to improve our labels and packaging with more information so that consumers can better understand our products when they want. the point of sale, "Alexander Salgado, CEO and co-founder of Veritas Farms, told Benzinga.

Cannabis Auxiliary Services Industry Company TILT Holdings Inc. (OTC: SVVTF) announced the expansion of its Blackbird supply and supply chain services in the greater Los Angeles area. The expansion will include "delivery of cannabis on demand, positioning Blackbird as one of the largest distributors of consumer products directly in the cannabis industry, which complements its significant presence in wholesale," according to Blackbird. the society.

stoned, the creator of homemade cannabis-infused chocolates has announced the launch of new products, including low-dose bites and simple squares. The offerings are all gluten free (with vegan options too) and the flavors include dark chocolate blueberries, milk chocolate hazelnuts and white chocolate with matcha tea, as well as classic milk and black chocolates.

"We are extremely excited to introduce our expanded range of cannabis confectionery, offering Californians new, delicious options to enjoy premium low-dose foods," said Eric Eslao, Founder and CEO. from Stoned.

"Our goal has always been to improve the edible experience and we have worked hard to develop a consistent, safe and delicious brand. Our new products are perfect for those looking to indulge in a discreet and sophisticated fashion, and with the wide range of flavors, there is something for everyone.

iAnthus Capital entered into a license agreement with Blissiva, specialized in the creation of medical cannabis products specially designed for women. In this context, iAnthus will manufacture and market Blissiva products throughout its territory, consisting of eleven states. Sales will begin in Maryland on April 20 with the launch of the Blissiva Balance pen at Health for Life clinics.

"We are extremely proud to partner with Blissiva to bring women's cannabis products to market. We believe that women should be able to "have everything" and I look forward to working with this team to fill the gaps in the industry, "said Beth Stavola, Chief Strategy Officer for Anthus.

The company also announced its fourth quarter financial results this week, including pro forma revenues of $ 14.8 million. Read about them here.

Focused on cannabis Merida Capital Partners announced the launch of a third fund worth $ 200 million, the opening of a new office in Canada and the creation of three new employees. Read all about this here.

Front Range Biosciences (FRB) in partnership with Agricultural Genomics Research Center (CRAG) to build its marker-assisted reproductive platform. Using CRGA's world-class research facilities, FRB will continue to develop new varieties of cannabis plants and make improvements to the hemp cultivation methodology.

"We are pleased to establish our presence in Europe with the help of such an innovative and reputable organization," said Ray French, director of product development for FRB. "Partnerships with leading entities such as CRAG are essential to developing internationally proven cultures and created with methods based on the best available global knowledge."

Arcanum, a hemp-based CBD sports supplement company, has released Arcana-Lyte, a pack of hydration powder containing 5 mg of water-soluble CBD and regenerative electrolytes. Arcana-Lyte has a mild taste that mixes easily with 16 oz. any liquid.

Created for athletes by athletes, Arcana-Lyte provides systemic hydration that helps manage energy and improve performance. The unique blend of CBD and electrolytes in Arcana-Lyte can cause bronchial relaxation increasing the airflow and breathing in the lungs during inhalation – and improving mental clarity and concentration said the company. Additional benefits may also allow a faster overall return to homeostasis after training.

"Arcana-Lyte reduces the negative symptoms associated with intense training via CBD and electrolytes. This first mix on the market also activates unique chemicals for athletes – the "best rider", said Tyler Mintz, founder and chief operating officer of Arcanum. "These nutrients, along with the known benefits of cannabinoid supplementation, help athletes gain a new advantage."

CB2 Insights, a provider of predictive analytics tools and data-driven software for the cannabis industry, has acquired the group of Colorado-based medical cannabis treatment clinics, Rae of Sunshine Health Services, operating under the name "Relaxed Clarity". This acquisition follows the announcement of the Colorado and Colorado-based acquisition agreement of Arizona and MedEval.

"At CB2 Insights, we continue to strive to provide a new level of clinically validated factual data to the medical cannabis industry. Much of the data we collect that is used to create tools and analytics comes from our own clinical operations, "said Benzinga, CEO of CB2 Insights.

"While we currently operate the largest multi-state cannabis clinical group in the United States, our growth strategy is essentially to continue to grow our data pool through accretive acquisitions of other operations." cannabis-focused clinics in strong and emerging markets Relaxed Clarity – along with the ongoing MedEval acquisition we announced – are both working to grow our data assets and should have an immediate positive impact on our indicators. financial statements. "

Celebrity and cannabis activist Montel Williams announced that his team had entered into a court agreement with Timothy Isaac and certain entities that he owns and / or is associated with.

"The lawsuit alleged that Isaac, his companies and various Internet marketers had ferociously sold CBD (cannabidiol) oil products to unsuspecting consumers by illegally using the name and likeness of Mr. Williams like it's about his own products, "according to a press release.

"Mr. Williams is pleased to announce today that we have resolved our lawsuit against Mr. Isaac and his various affiliated entities." The case involved the use of fake news articles and advertisements. using the name or image of Mr. Williams, without his permission, to sell cannabis or CBD products as if he personally endorsed the products, "Williams spokesman Jonathan Franks said.

Based in Detroit Emerald growth partners (EGP) announced that it has received prequalification status from the Office of the Board of Marihuana for Medical Purposes of the LARA of the State of Michigan. The approval of 12 Pleasantrees retail sites, four Class C cultivation licenses, one Class A cultivation license and one treatment facility license marks a milestone for the commercial footprint of EGP in Michigan.

The state has become one of the largest markets for medical cannabis in the United States, with a population of 10 million and nearly 300,000 patients enrolled in its medical cannabis program, the company said.

Hemp Company Folium Biosciences announced the launch of Folium Finance, which they believe is "the one-stop program of the hemp industry offering CBD / hemp customers supply chain financing, competitive processing services CBD for merchants, traditional accounts, CBD / hemp friendly lines of credit, property and casualty insurance, etc. employee insurance benefits. "

Based on Oxnard CURE Pharmaceutical (OTC: CURR) announced plans to acquire a formulation technology company Chemical Holdings Inc. in a transaction while in stock. The agreement will allow the former to obtain intellectual property rights over the latter's pharmaceutical technology, including a chewable dispensing system that will complement its platform CUREfilm – an oral thin film used to deliver active ingredients.

"[The] The combined technologies expand the CUREfilm platform to allow the distribution of a wider range of active ingredients at higher doses and create an extremely versatile platform for the delivery of release medications immediate or controlled, "said CURE.

CEO Rob Davidson said the deal "would create a pioneering engine in drug delivery with the promise of transforming the patient's experience and well-being".

CURE will receive $ 2 million from Chemistry Holdings as convertible note offering at closing. Chemistry Holdings is expected to bring at least an additional $ 8 million in cash to the combined entity. The transaction is expected to close on April 30th.

CropLogic Limited (ASX: CLI), a global agricultural technology company, said that she was using agricultural technology to optimize the yields of her experimental hemp farm in Oregon. After receiving its first shipment of industrial hemp seeds, the company sprouted them in a third nursery in Oregon before planting in May.

With the adoption of the Farm Bill in late 2018, the area grown in industrial hemp in Oregon has increased and will continue to grow significantly, said CropLogic's Managing Director James Cooper-Jones.

"By demonstrating CropLogic's agronomy and technologies, such as CropLogic realTime, on the industrial hemp of its experimental farm this season, CropLogic is well positioned to capitalize on what is likely to be a lucrative and growing market. "

Find out more information about this and other news with our friends at Marijuana Money.

More from Benzinga Cannabis

Here are some of the most interesting stories about this week's cannabis.

420 Investor, Alan Borchstein presented his bullish thesis for Alcanna Inc (OTC: LQSIF).

This author interviewed Kevin Frija, CEO of VPR Brands LP (OTC: VPRB); Nabis Holdings (OTC: INNPF) on their $ 26 million increase; and the CEO of Défoncé for their brand of high-end infused chocolates.

Wayne Duggan took a look at Tilray's technical support point.

Andrew Ward analyzed the CBD for the pet market.

Stem Holdings Inc (OTC: STMH) announced the acquisition of Western Coast Ventures, Inc. as part of an all-equity transaction, providing access to the cultivation, processing and distribution of cannabis in Canada. California.

Halo Labs' founder, Kiran Sidhu, shared his perspective on what the US needs to do to prepare for the global legalization of cannabis.

Evogene Ltd (NASDAQ: EVGN) has launched a medical cannabis subsidiary.

Dawn filed a preliminary prospectus to raise up to $ 750 million.

Vertical Companies closed its round of Series A financing at $ 58 million.

Tilray has announced support for two cannabis clinical trials in Australia and Canada.

Discover these and a lot from other cannabis stories in our cannabis portal.

Event calendar

April 8-10: the Scientific Conference on Cannabis will host its first east coast event at the Baltimore Convention Center. The Cannabis Scientific Conference, hosted by CSC Events, LLC, will feature television icons and cannabis advocates, Montel Williams and Ricki Lake, as well as more than 75 expert animators.

April 9: The Cannabis Innovation Demonstration Company, REVEL, holds an educational demonstration featuring Chanda Macias of Women Grow and National Holistic, Ashley Piccolo of Point7 and Breaking the Grass Ceiling and Jason Starr, Associate Counsel for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The showcase will consist of educational "discussions" on how to obtain a marijuana license, in addition to gifts, vendors and networking opportunities.

"We believe we have put together an absolutely dynamic showcase," said Lulu Tsui, co-founder of REVEL with Jacobi Holland.

"Licenses are vital to any serious cannabis entrepreneur and our experts have either hands-on experience to obtain them or are writing legislation that will allow companies to obtain them once New York has legalized the process." cannabis.

April 10: Denver, Colorado, organizes its monthly meeting of the CIA. But that's not what you think. It's a Gathering of Cannabis Industry Associates.

"I was new to the cannabis industry and wondering what else was doing in the field. So I started a monthly networking group on Meet Up, called CIA, about a year and a half ago. Today, we have more than 1,000 members with approximately 45 to 75 people each month, "said Karen Thomas, event organizer and project manager at Medicine Man Denver.

"The group represents a wide spectrum in the world of cannabis, from lawyers to chiefs, bankers, clinic owners, sales representatives, investors, and so on. [and] insurance representatives. No agenda, no speakers, just a place to meet, meet and connect with other people who may need their services or who are trying to get into space. "

April 17-18: The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the first gathering of cannabis entrepreneurs and investors in North America, back in Toronto. Keynote speakers include Carcer's Giadha Aguirre, Cam Battley, Alan Brochstein, Jon Najarian, Danny Moses, Jeanne M. Sullivan, Tim Seymour and many more! Find all the information you need on bzcannabis.com.

April 20: Escape in the launch of a multidimensional celebration inspired by cannabis and cross-pollination New ups CBD on 420 in NYC, presented by Humble Bloom, to explore the five senses with all the things that bloom, heal and tempt.

"The New Highs launch event at The William Vale, appropriately called Full Spectrum, focuses on curiosity, education, and inclusion. The wide range of ways to experience CBD and explore what makes the hemp plant so powerful, "said Sarah Remesch, founder of New Highs CBD.

The lottery proceeds will be donated to the Drug Policy Alliance office in New York.

April 25-26: The CannaMexico World Summit returns to Centro Fox in Leon, Mexico. Organized by former Mexican President Vicente Fox, this conference aims to create a safe and legal global cannabis market. By 2028, the cannabis industry in Latin America could reach a value of $ 12.7 billion.

More than 2,000 participants are expected to converge at CannaMéxico 2019, as well as prestigious speakers, including television host Montel Williams, scientist Inbar Maymon-Pomeranchik and NORML Canada vice-president Deepak Anand.

Topics include legislation and regulation, eco-growth, medicine and science, safety and industrial opportunities.

May 7: DCM Hill Welcomes Its Inaugural Cannabis Technology Summit, CannTech 2019, designed to accelerate the cannabis technology industry by bringing together entrepreneurs, industry executives and investors from across North America. The agenda includes discussions on the most salient topics of the industry – such as regulation, distribution and funding – and ends with a pitch contest with a prize of $ 30,000 ( "The Golden Seed") to present some of the most exciting companies in the industry. .

Guest speakers include Jim Patterson, CEO of Eaze, Bharat Vasan, CEO of Pax, and Gunner Winston, CEO of Dosist, and more will be announced. CannTech is scheduled for May 7 in San Francisco.

"We have been optimistic for some time now about the cannabis industry, starting with our investment in Eaze in 2014, which made DCM the first Sand Hill Road company to occupy a prominent place. We created CannTech to enable new cannabis professionals to be funded, educated and connected, and we're excited to hear the "big ideas" at the table, "said DCM partner Kyle Lui.

May 8th: LeafLink animates a panel at the New York City headquarters, led by Eric Hippeau, managing partner of Lerer Hippeau Ventures. The panel will examine the emergence of NYC as the epicenter of cannabis on the East Coast and will feature the following stakeholders: LeafLink's co-founder and CEO, Ryan Smith; The founder and CEO of Vangst, Karson Humiston; New York-based cannabis journalist Debra Borchardt; and Ari Hoffnung, CEO of Vireo Health of New York. RSVP by sending an email to [email protected] to reserve a spot.

May 9-11: The ExpoCannabiz Business Conference and the Investment Forum in Cannabis land in Cartagena, Colombia. The first event of this series will feature keynote speakers, Vincente Fox, former President of Mexico; Steve DeAngelo from Arcview Group; Jennifer Sanders of CNS Equity Partners; and this author, general manager of Benzinga Cannabis. Get your discounted tickets at www.expocannabiz.com using the code Javierhasse20.

May 28-June 1: The inconvenients is a gathering of three professional and amateur shows, Cam Con, Cannabis Con and Inked Con, all under one roof at the SLS South Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. The 2019 Cons will offer a variety of seminars with panel members, network parties and high-performance displays for content providers, models and affiliates of the industry.

May 30-31: The Expo Concentration comes to San Diego. Concentration is a conference and event on cannabis extraction that brings together the full spectrum of analytical science and cannabis extraction in a single, connected space to provide real, proven solutions .

Participants will meet industry leaders directly by providing practical ideas and practical applications in all areas of cannabis extraction and analytical science. The conference is a two-day immersive event featuring exclusive content and key seminars as well as validated exhibits and interactive experiences.

June 7-8: the 2019 Women's Growth Summit arrives on the east coast. Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of this women-centered organization, will welcome a crowd of people to her hometown of Washington, DC, from June 7 to 8 for the largest event of its kind on cannabis.

"We look forward to expanding our message on the legalization, inclusion and equality of cannabis here in our nation's capital," said Macias.

«Être à quelques pas du capitole américain, où nous avons assisté à un afflux de femmes occupant des postes de direction, incitera à coup sûr notre communauté dans son ensemble à créer des liens, à éduquer et à autonomiser des dirigeantes dans cet espace.»

Voyager: le CBD Expo Tour est le coup d'envoi. Les événements rassemblent plus de 70 exposants, ainsi que de nombreux exposés et présentations d'experts et des experts en recherche, production, mondialisation et vente de produits à base de CBD.

«Après une tournée réussie en 2018, notre calendrier chargé pour 2019 s'ouvre avec CBD Expo MIDWEST. Nous le prenons dans une région laborieuse d'Amérique où la population cherche un soulagement naturel de la douleur. Nous continuerons d'éduquer sur les avantages du bien-être de la CDB et sur les raisons pour lesquelles les sociétés pharmaceutiques et les efforts de répression de la FDA sont intéressés », a déclaré Celeste Miranda, fondatrice de CBD Expo Tour et PDG de MACE Media.

Photo par Javier Hasse.