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The Top European Cannabis Companies In 2023

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Europe’s emerging legal cannabis industry is undergoing a significant evolution right now, which is guaranteed to last through at least the rest of this decade. Several countries are pursuing adult-use cannabis reform, most notably Germany, and the continent’s legalization model is starting to take shape.

Meanwhile, Europe’s medical cannabis industry continues to increase in size and scope, and products low in THC, or focused on other cannabinoids such as CBD, are gaining in popularity and availability. Various industry projections currently exist, however, it’s likely that many of them will prove to be too conservative by the time this decade is over.

The coming years in Europe will yield cannabis companies that will likely serve as titans of the continent’s emerging cannabis industry for decades to come. Below are the top companies to keep an eye on (in no particular order).

Weeco – Weeco is a European multi-country operator focusing on medical cannabis product development. The company produces pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis products, conducts cannabis genetics research, and designs product dispensing technology.

Dentons – Dentons Law Firm is one of the leading firms on the entire planet, and while they represent clients from a variety of industries, they also have an area of practice that is dedicated to the emerging cannabis industry.

Canninteligence – CannIntelligence provides independent, in-depth regulatory and market data and intelligence for the global cannabis and cannabinoid sector.

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals – SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals is a specialist biotechnology company delivering transformative treatments to meet the evolving healthcare needs of medical cannabis patients. The company creates novel treatments that truly engage the power of the cannabis plant to alleviate debilitating chronic conditions.

Fluence – Fluence creates lighting solutions for controlled environment commercial crop production, including cannabis production. Fluence applies the latest research in photobiology, evidence-based design, precise engineering, and advanced technology to foster a healthier and more sustainable cannabis industry.

Little Green Pharma – Little Green Pharma is one of the most recognizable medical cannabis brands in Europe (as well as Australia). The company delivers innovative solutions to world-class operations in both Denmark and Australia.

DEMECAN – DEMECAN is the only independent German company that is permitted to cultivate medicinal cannabis in Germany. The company’s production facility is near Dresden, and the focus of the facility is to ensure the consistently high quality of DEMECAN’s cannabis products.

Weiss Technik – Weiss Technik is a world market leader for environmental simulation systems and a leader in heat technology, climate technology, and pharmaceutical systems.

HAPA Pharm – HAPA Pharm is a German company that operates internationally with a focus on the development, production, and distribution of cannabinoid-containing products.

Cansativa Group – Cansativa is the central platform and partner of the German Cannabis Agency (BfArM). The company helps Germany’s government facilitate medical cannabis transactions.

Cannavigia – Cannavigia is Europe’s pioneer compliance software for businesses to trace, secure, and simplify transactions along the entire cannabis supply network. The company’s proprietary system provides transparency for individual processes, interlinked by modules for the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of goods made of cannabis.

Marry Jane CBD – Marry Jane CBD is a Switzerland-based retailer specializing in CBD products, including flowers, oils, tinctures, cosmetics, and sports gels.

BATHERA – BATHERA is a licensed wholesale medical cannabis company based in Germany. Since 2019, BATHERA has been committed to the responsible trade of medical cannabis for therapeutic purposes and only collaborates with high-quality indoor producers and specialized pharmacies.

Storz and Bickel – Storz and Bickel is the creator of the Volcano, which still ranks as one of the greatest cannabis consumption devices on earth despite being introduced to the world over two decades ago. Storz and Bickel’s products serve as the industry standard for cannabis consumption around the world.

Paradise Seeds – Paradise Seeds was founded by Luc Krol in 1994 in Amsterdam. More than 50 cups have been won by Paradise Seeds in several cannabis cups since 1999, as well as some honorable mentions, such as Plant of the Year 2003 for Sensi Star (High Times magazine).

Boveda – Boveda makes patented two-way humidity control pouches that preserve the rich flavors, delicious aromas, and potent effects of cannabis. The pouches can be stored along with cannabis flower to help extend the cannabis’ shelf life.

420 Pharma – 420 Pharma is a medical cannabis producer in Germany. The company produces its own cannabis brand “420” which includes both flower and full spectrum extracts.

Futurola – Since 1996, Futurola has served as Amsterdam’s leading brand for rolling papers and personal consumption equipment. The company sells products all over the globe, including rolling machines and various other consumption rolling accessories.

CannaMedical – Cannamedical is one of the leading independent licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers in the European Union, specializing in medical cannabis. The company also produces content and the ‘CannaAcademy.’

Huber – Huber is a leading supplier of high-precision temperature control solutions for cannabis research and industry. The company’s products ensure precise temperature control in laboratories and production facilities.

Plagron – Plagron is a reliable producer and global supplier of high-quality substrates, fertilizers, additives, and germination products for both personal and commercial cannabis gardens.

Bedrocan – Bedrocan produces five cannabis products or plant varieties for medicine development, patients, and clinical use. Each cannabis product is standardized according to pharmaceutical standards with a defined active ingredient composition. Every stage of the manufacturing process is GMP-certified (good manufacturing practice).

Tilray – Tilray is a global leader in cannabis research, cultivation, processing, and distribution. The company aspires to lead, legitimize, and define the future of the cannabis industry by building the world’s most trusted cannabis and hemp company. Tilray was the first GMP-certified medical cannabis producer to supply cannabis flower and extract products to tens of thousands of patients, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, governments, and researchers on five continents.

Sanity Group – Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts.

Sensi Seeds – Sensi Seeds pioneered the cannabis seed industry in 1985. Today, the company is the world’s largest cannabis seedbank with over 500 varieties. These genetics and the brand name have become true classics in the cannabis community. Additionally, the Dutch government chose Sensi Seeds genetics to develop the medicinal cannabis supplied by pharmacies.

Canopy Growth – Canopy Growth Corporation is a world-leading diversified cannabis company. Canopy operates a collection of diverse brands and curated strain varieties, supports millions of square feet of indoor greenhouse production capacity, and has partnered with some of the leading names in the sector.

HOMEbox – HOMEbox is the first indoor greenhouse designed in Germany. For over 20 years, customers worldwide have trusted the market leader HOMEbox. With home cultivation legalization on the horizon in Germany, HOMEbox products will likely experience a big spike in demand in the coming years.

Hesi – Hesi is a thriving international company with a global reach including Europe, America, Asia, and South America. The company makes plant aids and soil additives that are mixed, filled, and packed in the company’s production facility in Kerkrade, the Netherlands.

HBI Europe – HBI Europe produces several popular cannabis consumption brands, including RAW, Elements, and Juicy Jay’s, as well as produces various types of scales.

Lux Light – For over 20 years Lux Light International has specialized in the development, production, and marketing of high-valued horticultural lighting solutions. The company product range concentrates on high-quality lamps, complete fixtures, ballasts, and LED modules for the qualitative and economical demands of cannabis cultivation.

Quality Services International (QSI) – QSI is an accredited laboratory with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and experienced, continuously trained specialist staff. The company is certified to carry out GMP analysis of medical cannabis.

Pure Holding AG – Pure Holding AG is among the largest, fully vertically integrated cannabis companies in the European market. It covers the entire value chain of the cannabis industry with its 6 entities – Pure Production, DEOM, Puregene, Pure Pharma, Pure Europe GmbH, and Pure Europe Sàrl.

Canna – Canna produces nutrients and growing media for cannabis plants. The company was founded in the early 1990s, and all its products are scientifically tested before they are launched.

LUX 99 – LUX 99 provides express delivery of medical cannabis products throughout Germany. The 2nd generation, family-owned company also has two pharmacy locations.

Cannovum Cannabis AG – Cannovum is a fully licensed medical cannabis company with the vision that every patient deserves the best therapy.

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Attend CannaPortugal On May 19th And 20th

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

It is a truly historic era right now for cannabis policy, industry, and research, particularly on the European continent. Adult-use legalization is receiving significant attention in Europe right now, and understandably so. However, there’s currently far more going on with the continent’s emerging legal cannabis industry than just the push to legalize adult-use sales.

Europe’s legal medical cannabis industry continues to make strides at the national level, and ‘cannabis light’ is a sector of the industry that is growing in popularity. Products focused on hemp-derived CBD and lesser-known cannabinoids continue to enter the space as well.

All the while laws are being reformed, rules and regulations are being implemented, and consumer and patient trends continue to evolve. With so much going on in Europe’s cannabis industry, it can be difficult to keep up with the best and most timely information.

The CannaPortugal International Hemp and Cannabis Expo will take place on May 19th and 20th at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa/Junqueira and we are encouraging people that are serious about the cannabis industry to consider attending. The event will bring hundreds of investors and specialists from more than a dozen countries together in a single space, in addition to featuring exhibitors and celebrities from the cannabis research and economic sectors.

“This is an event with established credits, in Lisbon, which aims to disseminate scientific knowledge, add value and accompany the expansion of the hemp sector, in particular, and cannabis, in general, as well as to reinforce the entire production process, without forgetting the positive impact that cannabis activity has in the field of human rights, quality of life, health, sustainability of the planet and economic development.” event organizers stated in a press release.

CannaPortugal integrates several initiatives, with a view to different professional areas and audiences. In addition to the Fair component of the event, with close to a hundred companies and national and international projects, the Expo integrates a B2B (business to business) program.

Additionally, CannaPortugal will feature professional workshops, to be carried out by specialist trainers in the area of ​​cannabis medicine, including:

  • Dr. Tanja Bagar, Slovenia
  • Dr. Neuza Fernandes, Brazil
  • Dr. Rafael Traldi, Brazil
  • Hugo Monteiro, Portugal
  • Chef Luís Pimenta, Portugal

CannaPortugal will also feature debates and round tables, with renowned national and international speakers, including:

  • Luna Stower, USA
  • Marcelo De Vita Grecco, Brazil
  • Del HendriXson, USA
  • João Taborda Gama, Portugal
  • Peter Homberg, Germany
  • Marcelo Demp, Paraguay
  • Elad Kaspin, Israel-Portugal
  • Maria Lourdes Serpa, USA
  • Giocomo Bulleri, Italy
  • Maren Krings, Germany
  • Sofia Fernandes, Portugal
  • Pedro Anastácio, Portugal
  • Bozidar Radisic, Slovenia
  • Carlos Beltrão, Spain
  • Neuza Fernandes, Brazil
  • Grant M. Saxena, USA
  • André Fajardo, Brazil
  • Eric Boone, USA
  • Francisco Almeida Ferraz, Portugal
  • Mila Jansen, Holand
  • Rita Oliveira, Portugal
  • Maurício Galvão, Brazil
  • Aimée- Aimée A. Drouin, USA
  • Carla Da Silva, Canada

The Expo also includes a wide range of innovative cultural activities, including the Global Cannabis Awards to honor personalities, countries, and projects that have contributed to the advancement of the cannabis industry around the globe.

Also, the event will include the HempAction Cannabis Fashion Show by GreenFits and Neuron Bonus with the participation of Weedog (Brazil) Cannabis Holistic Therapeutic Center. There will also be the Cannabis Art Space, a Media Center for the media and influencers, the Enthronement of the Confraria Internacional Cannabis Portugal, a Car Exhibition with hemp components, a Cannabis Food and Drinks Court, as well as music by Carlota Barros, vocalist of Telefonia.

CannaPortugal will be open on May 19th and 20th from 10am to 8pm. On May 21st, CannaPortugal participants and visitors will be offered a special tour of the capital – “Lisbon Cannabis Historical Tour” – which aims to explore the relationship between Portugal and the traditional cultivation of hemp in the country.

You can find out more about CannaPortugal and purchase tickets at: https://cannaportugal.com

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New Report Highlights Global Cannabis Industry Investing Trends In 2022

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

A new data analysis report was recently published involving cannabis industry investing, merger, and acquisition trends from last year. The data analysis study was performed by New Frontier Data and sponsored by Viridian Capital Partners.

Last year was a banner year for the emerging international cannabis industry as a whole, although financial trends varied from market to market. Below are some of the key findings from the recently published data analysis report:

  • In 2021 virtually every sector of the industry received blockbuster investments, leading to over $12 billion in capital raises; a combination of economic headwinds and dampened expectations for federal action shrank North American capital raises to $4 billion in 2022.
  • The United States continued to attract the majority of investor capital in 2022, growing as a percentage of total capital raised, from 71.7% in 2021 to 80.6% in 2022.
  • The United States drove the majority of M&A activity in 2022, growing from 59% of M&A activity in 2021 to 68% in 2022.
  • Cultivation and retail remained the leading sectors for M&A activity at 57% in 2022; however, the cultivation/retail sector represented 70% of the activity in 2021.
  • The average size of equity raises decreased 44% from $22.17 million in 2021 to $12.40 million in 2022, whereas the average size of debt raises decreased from $45.72 million in 2021 to $21.48 million in 2022.

“Investors are in the process of recalibrating their strategies for the cannabis market. By bringing together two of the most-trusted cannabis industry data companies, we provided an unbiased view of the current opportunities and challenges,” said Gary Allen, New Frontier Data CEO, in a press release. “Simultaneously, the report offers a sobering view of the capital markets for cannabis business owners who must adjust their own expectations for outside investment to construct healthier businesses.”

“Capital investment and M&A activity in the cannabis industry has become more narrowly focused on those states, countries and operators that have proven management teams, business models, and corporate strategy. This report, buoyed by data from the Viridian Cannabis Deal Tracker, provides the insight and actionable data for investors, lenders and acquirers to make smart capital allocation decisions.” added Scott Greiper, President and Founder of Viridian Capital.

The emerging legal cannabis industry will continue to expand across the globe, with new reforms being pursued and/or implemented in 2023, and in some cases, new markets launching.

Additionally, many existing markets will continue to expand in size throughout the year, and it will be interesting to see how statistics from 2023 compare to 2022 once this calendar year is over and the relevant data is compiled and analyzed.

Brand Front Of The Brandenburg Gate Berlin Brand Front Of The Brandenburg Gate Berlin

These Sectors Of Germany’s Cannabis Industry Will Thrive Under Phase 1 Of Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science.

Germany’s long-awaited legalization plan was announced earlier this month, with multiple federal ministers participating in a widely viewed press conference.

“In a first step, cultivation in non-profit associations and private cultivation should be made possible nationwide.” Government officials stated in a press release after the historic press conference.

According to details offered up during the press conference, Germany will institute a possession limit of up to 25 grams of cannabis and a cultivation limit of a maximum of three plants as part of the first phase of national legalization. The legal age will be set at 18.

The other key component of the legalization plan’s first phase, which will serve as the foundation for adult-use cannabis access for many consumers in Germany, will be noncommercial associations or clubs. Membership will be capped at 500 consumers per club.

“Membership fees cover the cost price, staggered according to the quantity supplied (possibly with a basic flat rate and an additional amount per gram supplied). The number of members per association is limited to a maximum of 500 with a minimum age of 18 years and domicile or habitual abode in Germany. The number of associations can be limited by population density.” Germany’s government press release stated.

The personal freedoms afforded to consumers under the first phase of Germany’s legalization plan will create various opportunities for entrepreneurs. Below are some noteworthy examples.

Consumption Devices

When it comes to cannabis consumption technology, Germany is second to none. After all, the European nation is the birthplace of the Volcano by Storz & Bickel, which remains the best cannabis flower vaporizer on the market despite so many other consumption gadgets entering the space since the Volcano’s introduction in 2000.

New cannabis freedoms for consumers and the rise of cannabis clubs in Germany will surely be met with innovations in cannabis consumption technology. As one of the many people out there that operates a cannabis consumption gadget review channel, my eyes are glued on Germany to see what inventions inevitably debut in the nation’s cannabis clubs.

Home Cultivation Equipment

Every adult household in Germany will be permitted to cultivate up to three plants according to the provisions contained in the recently unveiled legalization plan. It’s a very safe bet that there will be a huge boost in domestic personal cultivation soon in Germany. That, in turn, will create enormous opportunities for home cultivation equipment companies.

Smaller scale equipment such as cultivation tents, ventilation, energy-efficient LED lighting, nutrients, grow mediums, and odor control are just a handful of examples of cultivation products that will be in demand during phase 1 of German legalization. Larger-scale equipment will also experience a spike in demand once cultivation clubs start launching.

Educational Services

Anyone that follows internet search trends knows that leading up to cannabis legalization, and well beyond legalization, consumers look for cannabis information at an increasing rate. Long-time cannabis consumers are less likely to seek out educational resources, however, they only represent one part of Germany’s consumer base. Adults that are new to cannabis, or coming back after a long break, will want to learn the best ways to consume and cultivate cannabis, and that creates tremendous opportunities for cannabis educators.

‘Cannabis Light’

Germany, like most European countries, has a lot of demand within its borders for ‘cannabis light.’ The low-THC variety of cannabis products may not be the product of choice for every cannabis consumer in Germany, however, it’s an option that is already widely available to consumers.

Germany is in the process of shoring up regulations surrounding industrial hemp and products derived from it, which will hopefully provide some certainty to Germany’s low-THC industry. With adult-use commerce likely to come farther down the road compared to what presumably will be a much faster process for legalizing personal possession, cannabis light will be a popular option for some consumers.

Clubs Beyond Cannabis Sales

While we now know various details about what noncommercial cannabis clubs will eventually look like in Germany, there are still many components and regulations that are being worked out. With that in mind, this section is admittedly based on personal conjecture. However, I assume that noncommercial cannabis clubs will be able to sell other things beyond just cannabis itself, and owning a very popular cannabis club creates significant ancillary profit potential.

Food, beverages, merchandise, and a whole host of other things will be in high demand at cannabis clubs in Germany, no pun intended. Crafty entrepreneurs that can create an environment and experience that resonates with cannabis consumers in Germany can reap considerable financial rewards even if they never make a dime on cannabis sales.

Tourism

Cannabis-based tourism is going to increase in Germany during Phase 1, even if Phase 1 does not involve national sales to all adults. The tourism sector of the cannabis industry is made up of some of the most innovative entrepreneurs on earth, and no one should be shocked by some of the concepts that will inevitably pop up in Germany. Tours and museums are just a couple of the cannabis tourism ideas that are already popular in other legal jurisdictions.

Industry Service Providers

If you are familiar with the gold rush period in the United States many years ago, then you likely know that the people that made the most consistent money were those that sold axes, shovels, and other goods to gold miners, not the gold miners themselves per se. To some degree, the same could be true in Germany when it comes to industry service providers. Industry software, packaging, and other services will be in demand during phase 1, and entrepreneurs that can supply the demand will be financially rewarded.

Research and Consulting

Entrepreneurs and investors are already flocking to Germany to try to be strategically placed to take full advantage of the upcoming reforms, and many of them need consulting services. Additionally, there will be a huge spike in cannabis-based research in Germany with researchers exploring any and all things related to cannabis, including social science-based research. Both areas of the cannabis space possess significant potential for individuals with the right backgrounds and skill sets.

Culture-Based Brands

Cannabis culture is far from being a new thing, and while it may not look like it did decades ago, cannabis culture still creates huge opportunities for entrepreneurs. Clothing, gear cases, and media outlets are just a few examples of culture-based brand opportunities that already exist in Germany and those opportunities will only become more plentiful going forward.

Learn More in Berlin in June

Every one of the previously mentioned areas of Germany’s emerging cannabis industry will be discussed at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, which will be held on June 29-30 at the Iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. Cannabis leaders from over 80 countries will be in attendance and with so much going on in Germany right now, the conference is a must-attend for anyone who is serious about succeeding in Germany’s industry, as well as those wishing to succeed at the continental and international levels. Purchase your tickets today before the event sells out!

Cannabis Europa

Attend Cannabis Europa 2023 In London In May

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The emerging legal cannabis industry in Europe is set for exponential growth in the coming years. Germany recently announced its adult-use cannabis legalization plan and several countries in Europe are expected to do the same soon.

In addition to adult-use reform, the legal medical cannabis industry is continuing to expand across Europe. The rise of adult-use legalization will obviously impact Europe’s medical cannabis industry to some extent, however, much is still unclear regarding how both sectors of the industry will operate alongside each other in the future.

The next three to five years in Europe will be pivotal for the emerging legal cannabis industry, and with it, the timing for entrepreneurs and investors trying to gain a meaningful footprint in the space.

Industry policies, rules, regulations, and other framework components that are being created and implemented during this crucial period will largely determine what the future of Europe’s cannabis industry looks like for decades to follow.

That is why it is so important for cannabis entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other leaders to network and learn from each other as much as they can right now. A great opportunity to do exactly that is coming to London on May 2-3, 2023, when Cannabis Europa’s flagship event comes to the Barbican Centre.

“We are ultimately trying to change society by bringing about acceptance and accessibility to cannabis in Europe,” stated Stephen Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners at last year’s Cannabis Europe event. It’s a mission that remains true for this year’s event as well.

The venue for the event, the Barbican Centre, is a return to Cannabis Europa’s roots, with the location previously serving as the venue for the first-ever Cannabis Europa conference back in 2018. The event’s two-day agenda covers a range of topics. Below is a sampling of the event’s speakers. For a full list click this link:

  • Alex Rogers – Founder & CEO, International Cannabis Business Conference
  • Dorien Rookmaker – MEP for the Netherlands, European Parliament
  • Bell Ribeiro-Addy – Member of UK Parliament, Labour Party
  • Ronnie Cowan, MP – Member of UK Parliament, Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Christian Werz – Scientific Associate, Federal Office of Public Health Switzerland
  • Mitch Barchowitz – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Merida Capital Holdings
  • Professor David Nutt – Head of Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London

Cannabis Europa will also offer a digital networking platform that will enhance the conference experience and help attendees get the most out of the two-day event. Features include viewing the attendee list, exploring partners’ virtual exhibition booths, learning and conversing via virtual ‘discussion rooms,’ and much more. You can find more information about Cannabis Europa, including how to register for the event, at: www.cannabis-europa.com

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Argentina’s Government Participated In First Legal Hemp Harvests In Half A Century

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Starting in 2019, Argentina has made a big push to boost its domestic cannabis industry, particularly as it pertains to science and research. Back then, Argentina’s Ministry of Science and Technology signed an agreement with a local government, the National University, and other entities.

That was followed by a Presidential decree issued in 2020 which provided a way for medical cannabis patients to, in theory, sign up for a government program in order to be able to cultivate their own medicine.

In May 2022, lawmakers in Argentina passed a measure that created the framework for a more robust medical cannabis industry in the South American nation, including provisions for boosting exports around the world. Later in 2022, the government established a public company to provide seeds, testing, and training to the nation’s emerging medical cannabis industry.

Recently members of Argentina’s government participated in the nation’s first legal hemp harvests in half a century, marking another milestone for the nation. Per Hoy:

The Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (Senasa) and the National Seed Institute (Inase) participated in the first experimental harvests of industrial hemp on Argentine soil after 50 years, it was officially reported.

The cultivation practices are developed by the national company Industrial Hemp Solutions (IHS), within the possibilities offered by the new regulatory framework for medical cannabis and industrial hemp.

Late last year regulators in Argentina approved new cultivars for the nation’s industry, although it’s unclear what exact genetics were involved in the recent harvests. Hopefully harvests of hemp and non-hemp-categorized cannabis become more common in Argentina as time goes by.

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New Greens Proposal Would Legalize Home Cultivation In Australia

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

In the fall of 2019, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalize cannabis for adult use. The ACT measure permitted adults 18 years old or older within its jurisdiction to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to two plants. The measure did not legalize cannabis sales.

The new public policy obviously did not extend to the entire nation, however, it was still a revolutionary measure in many ways. For adults that live in the ACT, the newly established freedoms were surely welcomed and many people are undoubtedly benefitting from them.

At least one political party in Australia is seeking to make cannabis legal for adult use nationwide, and with a home cultivation provision that is significantly greater than what is already in place in the ACT. Per Crikey:

Cannabis would be available to be bought and smoked at Amsterdam-style cafés or grown at home under a legalisation bill written by the Greens.

Adults would be allowed to grow up to six plants at home for private consumption, and there would be no upper weight limit for possession, according to the bill drafted by Senator David Shoebridge.

According to a poll conducted in May 2022, 55% of Australians support regulating cannabis like alcohol. Australia‘s Parliamentary Budget Office released a report earlier this year which estimated that legalizing cannabis for adult use and launching national adult-use sales would generate A$28 billion in tax revenue in the first decade.

Medical cannabis was legalized nationwide in Australia in 2016, however, suffering patients can only legally obtain medical cannabis products via a prescription from a licensed doctor. Home cultivation is prohibited, even for licensed patients, and the type of medical cannabis products available in Australia is limited.

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Ispire Technology Inc. Announces Closing Of Initial Public Offering

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

One of my favorite cannabis technology companies is Ispire, which makes cannabis consumption devices such as the DAAB. The company’s stock recently began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. Below is more information about it via a press release from GlobeNewswire:

Ispire Technology Inc. (“Ispire” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: ISPR), a leader for vapor technology, providing high-quality, innovative products with first-class performance, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,700,000 shares of common stock at the initial public offering price of $7.00 per share. Gross proceeds from the offering were approximately $18.9 million, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 4, 2023.

US Tiger Securities, Inc. acted as sole book-running manager for the Offering. TFI Securities and Futures Limited and Prime Number Capital, LLC acted as underwriters for the offering.

In addition, 1,750,000 shares of common stock may be offered by two selling stockholders pursuant to the prospectus. These shares may be sold from time to time by the selling stockholders, who have not engaged any underwriter in connection any sales they may make. The Company will not receive any proceeds from sales by the selling stockholders.

The offering was made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus related to the offering may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov, or by contacting US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10022; email: IB@ustigersecurities.com.

A registration statement relating to these securities being sold in the initial public offering was declared effective by the SEC on April 3, 2023. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Ispire Technology Inc.

Ispire is engaged in the R&D, design, commercialization, sales, marketing and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. The Company has or licenses from a related party more than 200 invention/design patents received or filed globally. Ispire’s tobacco products are marketed under the Aspire brand name and are sold worldwide (except in the PRC and Russia) primarily through our distribution network. Ispire’s cannabis products are marketed under the Ispire brand name primarily on an original design manufacturer (ODM) basis to other cannabis vapor companies. Ispire currently sells its cannabis vaping hardware only in the United States, and it recently commenced marketing activities in Canada and Europe, primarily in the European Union.

Please visit www.ispiretechnology.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and YouTube. Any information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the Company’s website, any other website or any social media, is not a part of this press release or the prospectus.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release and the prospectus contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements;” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis for Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the documents that referred to in the prospectus with the understanding that the Company’s future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. Other sections of the prospectus include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, the Company operates in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the Company‘s our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company and the Underwriters qualify all of the forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

The prospectus contains certain data and information obtained from various government and private publications. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. The e-vapor industry may not grow at the rate projected by market data, or at all. Failure of this market to grow at the projected rate may have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business and the market price of the shares of common stock. In addition, the rapidly evolving nature of this industry results in significant uncertainties for any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of the market. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

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Investor Relations Contact:
Raphael Gross
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nba national basketball association

Why Is Mexico’s President Criticizing The NBA’s New Cannabis Policy?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, Policy.

Earlier this month the National Basketball Player’s Association, which represents National Basketball Association (NBA) players, announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the league.

“The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, pending ratification by players and team governors. Specific details will be made available once a term sheet is finalized.”

The NBA is, of course, the world’s most popular basketball league and has historically prohibited cannabis and penalized its players both for cannabis use as well as when players were subjected to criminal justice cannabis prohibition away from their teams. With that in mind, the tweet below from a top NBA analyst is very significant:

As Shams noted in his tweet, the NBA had already suspended cannabis testing for multiple seasons, starting with the ‘bubble’ that ended the 2020 pandemic-plagued season. It appears that once the collective bargaining agreement between the players and the league becomes official, cannabis prohibition as it pertains to player use will finally end.

For many people, myself included, the end of cannabis use prohibition in the NBA is welcomed news (albeit long overdue). However, one notable exception to the joy is Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who fired off the following tweets in response to the NBA’s announcement, in addition to airing other grievances about the U.S.:

The first tweet auto-translates to, “They threaten to invade, they sell high-powered weapons in their street markets, they do nothing for their young people, they suffer —unfortunately— from the terrible and deadly fentanyl pandemic, but they do not address the causes. They are not concerned with well-being, only money, nor do they strengthen moral, cultural and spiritual values; Nor do they limit drug use, on the contrary, they encourage it even in sports. It’s sad and decadent.”

The second tweet auto-translates to, “Thats what I refer. It is contradictory and hypocritical:” followed by a link from Mexican media outlet El Universal, which reported that the NBA will allow the use of cannabis by its players.

There are two grievances aired by Mexico’s President in his tweets that I feel compelled to air my own grievances about, being that both of the points made by Mexico’s President are ignorant and born out of reefer madness prohibitionist strategies.

The first is that cannabis use is ‘encouraged in the NBA’ via the reported new collective bargaining agreement. At no point in time has the player’s union, the NBA, or the United States government encouraged NBA players to use cannabis. Rather, the players have argued that the league’s prohibition on cannabis use is harmful and that it serves no purpose in the NBA.

On the NBA side of the equation, league officials have tried very hard to maintain the status quo and keep cannabis prohibition in place for decades. I know this to be true because I advocated alongside 18-year NBA veteran Clifford Robinson who did everything he could to right the wrongs that he was subjected to by the NBA, and any and all inquiries we pursued with the league between 2016 and Clifford’s untimely passing in 2020 were either ignored or met with stoner jokes.

My experience lobbying the NBA to get on the ride side of history in tandem with Clifford Robinson is anecdotal to be sure, however, there is zero evidence that NBA leadership has ever ‘encouraged’ cannabis use by players, and there’s a mountain of evidence backing up the opposite. The NBA is not encouraging its players to consume cannabis, rather, the NBA is agreeing to allow its players to consume a plant that is 114 times safer than alcohol – a plant that is now legal in a growing list of states and the entire nation of Canada.

The second point made by Mexico’s President that I take direct issue with is his selective pearl-clutching when it comes to the fentanyl crisis. The fentanyl crisis is definitely serious, which is why it is a huge disservice for Mexico’s President to try to shame the cannabis plant given that a laundry list of peer-reviewed studies have found that cannabis can be an effective substitute for opioids.

Cannabis reform quite literally helps reduce opioid use by allowing people to use a far-less harmful substance, and studies have demonstrated that people will do so when given the legal opportunity. Cannabis is an effective pain management tool, and anyone that claims otherwise is likely profiting off of the opioid industry in some way.

If Mexico’s President truly cared about addressing the fentanyl issue then he would be encouraging governments, sports leagues, and other powerful entities to embrace the cannabis plant rather than demonize it. Yet, that is clearly not President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s goal. His goal is to apparently push reefer madness talking points on Twitter, and that is truly unfortunate.