Rev. Al Sharpton Believes Smoking Weed Is a Political Statement, And Thi...

It's Official: Mexico's President Signs a Bill Legalizing Medical Marijuana

The North American marijuana industry is on fire, and marijuana stock investors have clearly taken notice. A majority of pot stocks with a market cap north of $200 million have seen triple-digit percentage returns over the trailing 12 months.

Cannabis research firm ArcView projects that legal North American weed sales (recreational and medical) will catapult from $6.9 billion in 2016 to more than $22 billion by 2021. With an estimated $46.4 billion in sales conducted on the black market last year in North America, the opportunity for businesses to move consumers toward legal channels appears to offer a sustainable growth trend.

Image source: Getty Images.

Yet, expansion isn't a given. Despite a record number of Americans wanting to see both recreational and medical pot legalized, the U.S. federal government has dug in its heels on any efforts to reschedule marijuana. Concern over minors gaining access to marijuana, an inability to measure to what extent drivers who've used cannabis are impaired, and insufficient benefit-versus-risk profiles from clinical studies, has halted the U.S. government from loosening laws governing the industry.

Marijuana stock investors rejoice: Mexico legalizes medical cannabis

However, marijuana stock investors do have something to cheer about if they look south of the border.

On June 19, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto signed a bill into law that makes medical marijuana legal in the country. The bill that found its way to Pena Nieto's desk had been overwhelmingly approved by Mexico's Congress nearly two months ago. Pena Nieto had previously opposed legalizing weed, but changed his tune in recent years.

Mexico's medical weed bill will now classify cannabis as a "therapeutic" drug, and the government will now lean on Mexico's Ministry of Health to draft and implement regulations controlling medical cannabis use, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. The Ministry of Health will also be responsible for developing and overseeing a research program to study pot's impact on patients before considering an expansion of the program to cover broader use.

Image source: Getty Images.

Mexico's push to legalize is particularly exciting news for Medical Marijuana, Inc.(NASDAQOTH: MJNA), the very first publicly listed marijuana stock. Medical Marijuana, Inc. is mostly an investment company, with its holdings in clinical-stage cannabinoid-based drug developer Axim Biotechnologies making up a good chunk of its current valuation. But it also fully owns HempMeds Mexico, which imports and distributes cannabidiol (CBD)-based hemp oil products to medical patients.  Not only was it the first company to be given the green light to import CBD products into Mexico, but last week's legislation appears to open the door for an increase in future sales.

There's also hope from Canada's quartet of larger medical cannabis producers and retailers -- Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQOTH: TWMJF), MedReleaf (TSX: LEAF), Aphria (NASDAQOTH: APHQF), and Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQOTH: ACBFF) -- that Mexico's actions could provide an impetus to push a Canadian recreational marijuana bill over its current hurdles. Public opinion toward marijuana improves annually, which is potentially good news for these four providers, all of which are expanding their grow capacity either organically or through acquisitions. Canada legalized medical cannabis all the way back in 2001.

Mexico's legalization still presents challenges

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Yet, in spite of Mexico's legalization of medical cannabis, challenges still remain within the industry. For instance, Mexico has long had an issue with drug cartels, which could make selling legal pot a challenge. Enforcing regulations on the legal industry could be difficult when there's such a rampant amount of black market activity.

The pushback in Mexico against medical marijuana is also arguably higher than it is in the United States. A Quinnipiac University poll in the U.S. found that 93% of respondents wants to see medical weed legal. However, the Catholic Church in Mexico widely opposes the use of marijuana, and a Nov. 2015 telephone poll by the El Universal newspaper found that 66% of Mexicans opposed legalizing the drug (albeit the question appears to have been phrased in terms of recreational legalization as opposed to medical). Comparatively, support for recreational legalization in the U.S. tends to hover around 60%. In other words, Mexico's legalization of medical weed seems to be more of a baby step than a full-ranging expansion of medical pot access.

Image source: Getty Images.

What's more, it doesn't appear as if the U.S. will be following the suggestion of Pena Nieto and aligning its marijuana policies with that of its neighbor to the south. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had its opportunity to reschedule marijuana last year away from its current schedule I categorization following two petitions to do so, but chose to keep its status the same. The DEA cited a lack of risk-versus-benefit analyses, as well as a lack of marijuana-use oversight as reasons to keep its scheduling unchanged. Congress shares the same opinion, with lawmakers wanting to see additional clinical evidence before considering a federal medical marijuana bill.

Mexico's legislation also fails to clear up how it'll deal with keeping children from accessing marijuana, as well as keeping impaired drivers off the roads. The Health Ministry may be able to outline a plan after a bit of trial and error, but it could take years to hash out (no pun intended). That's not good news for marijuana stocks that are aiming for broader use.

Though Mexico's actions do represent a baby step forward for the pot industry, it's not yet a sufficient enough reason for investors to place their hard-earned money and faith in marijuana stocks.

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It's Official: Mexico's President Signs a Bill Legalizing Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana, Inc. Subsidiary HempMeds® Brasil To Hold Country's First-Ever Symposium On Medical Cannabis For Health Professionals

Company to Educate Brazilian Medical Community on Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis, Importation Rules to Provide Patients Greater Access

NEWS PROVIDED BY Medical Marijuana, Inc. Mar 30, 2017, 09:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, today announced that its subsidiary HempMeds® Brasil will hold the Country's first-ever symposium dedicated to providing the Brazilian medical community with information about the medical value of cannabidiol (CBD) and how to legally import CBD into the country for patients.

The Company's first symposium on medical cannabis, which will take place on April 4 in Rio de Janeiro, is part of the Company's goal to educate health professionals on the therapeutic uses of cannabis and will feature renowned medical experts and pioneers in the field like Dr. Saul Garza Morales, pediatric researcher and neurologist in Mexico and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Marijuana, Inc. Dr. Stuart Titus. Both will share on the specific therapeutic benefits of CBD, as well as gaining access to medical cannabis for improving health and quality of life.

Dr. Garza will also share the positive results of a recent study he conducted on the effects of Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X™ (RSHO-X™) product in treating children with severe epilepsy, in which 86 percent of the 39 patients he studied experienced statistically significant (greater than 50%) reduction in motor seizures. Seventeen percent of the children were fully seizure free for a 4-month period, which is quite remarkable for this advanced epilepsy population ("the worst of the worst," according to Dr Garza).

"I'm looking forward to participating in this forward-thinking symposium held by HempMeds® Brasil, which serves an invaluable purpose to those in Brazil who suffer needlessly in silence by helping the gain access to CBD hemp oil products," said CEO of Medical Marijuana, Inc. Dr. Stuart Titus. "We are proud of our Company for having educated thousands of doctors and patients alike on medical cannabis and are dedicated to not only continuing educating health professionals on the plethora of benefits that medical cannabis provides to treat several types of indications, but also how to best gain access to these products so that we can work together in strengthening the lives and livelihoods of those we serve."

"With the results of two studies performed in Mexico utilizing RSHO-X, we are thrilled to see the scientific validation of our proprietary products," Dr. Titus continued. "While other groups may offer CBD, we believe that the recap of the recent study by Dr. Saul Garza Morales puts us in a space where the medical community can potentially replicate his results with Brazilian and other Latino populations of epilepsy children. It is especially thrilling to note seizure reductions as well as other quality of life improvements for families - all which make their lives much easier. We look forward to ongoing scientific inquiry utilizing our products and this Brazil Symposium will hopefully kick off additional research on the therapeutic benefits of botanical CBD."

In May 2015, HempMeds® Brasil became the first company to offer legal medicinal cannabis products to Brazil after receiving import approval for those suffering from specific medical conditions. The Brazilian government now waives import taxes for RSHO, subsidizes its cost and covers the product under the Country's health insurance. In addition, 2017 marked the first time that Brazil's National Health Surveillance agency ANVISA granted the filling of a prescription for RSHO™ to help patients combat the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.
Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.

About HempMeds® Brasil
HempMeds® Brasil currently has three cannabis products approved for importation into Brazil as a prescription medication. The company had the first-ever cannabis product allowed for import into Brazil and its products are currently subsidized by the Brazilian government, under their health care system. As of 2015 ANVISA has allowed cannabidiol treatments for any medical condition a doctor sees could help the patient. HempMeds® Brasil has had doctor prescriptions for Epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Cancer, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Pain to date and is working on additional approvals for multiple indications.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.

CONTACT:
Public Relations Contact:
Andrew Hard
Chief Executive Officer
CMW Media
P: 888-829- 0070
andrew.hard@cmwmedia.com
www.cmwmedia.com



SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.
Related Links

http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com

Cannabis Science Inc (OTCMKTS:CBIS) To Attend Global Health Catalyst Summit At Harvard Medical School

Cannabis Science Inc (OTCMKTS:CBIS) has announced that it would be represented by its CEO, Raymond C. Dabney, at the Global Health Catalyst Summit, due to be held at the Harvard Medical School, on April 28-30, 2017. The company stated that Mr. Dabney would be a keynote speaker, at the summit and would also be a part of the panel. Added to this, the CMO of CBIS, Allen Herman, has also been invited to the summit, to co-chair a special session at the summit.

It should be noted here that Cannabis Science and the Harvard Medical School have a close working relationship. Mr. Dabney and Mr. Herman, have previously visited the school and delivered presentations about the rapidly developing medical cannabis industry. Further details from the company have revealed that Mr. Dabney has been asked to be a keynote speaker and panelist for a special session on “Cannabis Science Versus Cancer and Other Malignancies.”

In addition to this, Mr. Dabney plans to use the summit as a platform for providing an overview of the company, its drug development programs and the ongoing collaborative research agreement between the school and the company. CBIS is viewing the summit as an opportunity to discuss some of its cutting edge research, with the top minds in the medicinal industry. Moreover, the company also plans to establish partnerships, with institutions, present at the conference.

Mr. Dabney expressed his excitement about the potential partnership with the Dana-Farber Research Center, at Harvard Medical School. He claimed that his meeting with Wilfred Ngwa, the director of global health catalyst, at the center, had led to the immediate realization of potential synergies, in cancer research. The two had first met in September 2016, at the annual Constituency For Africa summit and went on to develop a research partnership in later months.

Cannabis Science Inc (OTCMKTS:CBIS) completed the March 3 trading session with a gain of 3.87% in terms of its share value, to close at $0.094 per share. The stock had a trade volume of 34.72 million, during the session.

Cannabis Science Inc (OTCMKTS:CBIS) To Attend Global Health Catalyst Summit At Harvard Medical School

We Are A Company of Firsts

A Company of Firsts - Introduction (Part 1)

Marijuana Sector Remains One of Markets Hottest Industry Behind Newest Products and Services

PALM BEACH, Florida, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The exploding cannabis and legal marijuana industry, globally and within the United States, is calling for a significant expansion and improvement of both services and operations as marijuana stocks within the industry aim to capitalize on the unprecedented momentum. Active companies in the sector this week include: Vemanti Group, Inc. (OTC: VMNT), Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), Agritek Holdings, Inc. (OTC: AGTK), Cannabix Technologies Inc. (OTC: BLOZF) and Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG).

Vemanti Group, Inc. (OTC PINK: VMNT) a diversified holding corporation, announced today that its preparing to launch a new wholly-owned subsidiary, which will look to provide a comprehensive mobile commerce and payments service for the emerging cannabis industry. Through their smartphones, the service will enable retail customers to pay for goods at any participating dispensary without using physical cash. It will also present dispensaries, growers, and other legitimate participants of the industry with the opportunity of carrying out non-retail transactions among themselves in digital payments. 

Read the full Vemanti (VMNT) Press Release at: http://marketnewsupdates.com/news/vmnt.html

The Company believes that the emerging legal cannabis industry where retail and non-retail transactions, including vendor payments and payroll, are almost exclusively paid for with cash presents a real challenge for financial institutions. Concerned about the evolving conflict between federal and state laws, they are eager to avoid the inherent risks associated with this cash-intensive sector. It is widely acknowledged that many are unwilling to go to the expense of establishing and maintaining the type of thorough due diligence program for this emerging market at the present time in order to comply with growing demands of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) guidelines, anti-money laundering regulations, and the US Patriot Act. As the result, traditional banking and payment solutions have been out of reach for the vast majority of cannabis businesses.

"The cannabis industry needs access to digital payments in order to grow, and consumers want a safe and secure way to purchase marijuana products without always relying on cash. Our goal for the new subsidiary is to launch a service that alleviates the risk of cash transactions and helps dispensaries monitor and record data needed to address concerns about violating anti-money laundering laws, with the long-term goal of moving transactions away from cash altogether. It will comply with every relevant regulatory requirement and provide a sustainable solution for the cannabis industry", commented Tan Tran, CEO of Vemanti Group.

In other cannabis developments and happenings to watch this week in the markets:

StoneBridge Partners, LLC -- a global finance communication and consulting firm -- announces the release of an in-depth business analysis of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC PINK: MJNA) presented in a comprehensive report. The report, which outlines the company's formation and current operations, also offers insight into the perceived opportunities in the explosive-growth market of cannabis. It explores the Company's diversified portfolio of cannabis organizations and brands that continue to flourish as new markets open and existing markets continue to develop

Agritek Holdings, Inc. (OTC: AGTK) closed down slightly on Tuesday on just over 6.88 Million shares traded by the market close. Agritek Holdings, Inc. offers various products and services to the medicinal marijuana sector in the United States. It distributes hemp-based nutritional products; and provides solutions for electronically processing merchant transactions.

Cannabix Technologies Inc. (OTC Pink: BLOZF) closed up over 24% on Tuesday at $0.59 on just under 1 Million shares traded by the market close. Cannabix Technologies, developer of the Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer for law enforcement and the workplace, recently released images of its Beta 2.0 Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer. New images of the device can be viewed at http://www.cannabixtechnologies.com.

Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: Pink: REFG) works to solve the fragmentation problem by identifying tools that are important to dispensaries, and customizing those tools specifically catered to the industry. We strive to create awareness within the medicinal marijuana industry and to develop an environmentally friendly, economically sustainable business while increasing shareholder value.

DISCLAIMER: MarketNewsUpdates.com (MNU) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. MNU is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. MNU and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. MNU's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. MNU is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed MNU has been compensated three thousand nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press release issued by Vemanti Group, Inc.. by the company. MNU HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and MNU undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:
Media Contact email: info@marketnewsupdates.com - +1-(561)325-8757

SOURCE MarketNewsUpdates.com
Marijuana Sector Remains One of Markets Hottest Industry Behind Newest Products and Services

Forbes Features Medical Marijuana, Inc. Portfolio Company Kannalife in Article on NFL and Concussion-Related Disease CTE

Article Explains How Cannabis Could Be the "Holy Grail" of Neurological Medicine

SAN DIEGO, CA --(Marketwired - July 25, 2016) - Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) announced today that its portfolio company Kannalife Sciences, Inc. ("Kannalife") was the focus of a Forbes article that discussed Kannalife's role in developing a pharmaceutical treatment for the degenerative brain disorder Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a concussion-related disease that is pervasive among NFL players.

The July 22 Forbes article titled, "NFL To Name New Medical Chief, Bringing Hope for Cannabis Concussion Treatment," describes how bio-pharmaceutical and phyto-medical company Kannalife is conducting U.S. government-licensed research to determine the effects of cannabinoids on CTE and how such research could lead to major changes in how the NFL treats and prevents players' brain injuries. The article also includes success stories from former NFL players who have used medical marijuana instead of addictive opioid painkillers to address their brain injury-related symptoms.

In the article, Kannalife co-founder Thoma Kikis cites the plethora of athletes, including girl soccer players, who could benefit from Kannalife's research. "We want to be able to have a pharmaceutical product that's available the moment an injury happens," Kikis told Forbes. "It would be great if the parents know what they're giving their children. That it's provided by a doctor and not from a dispensary."

Scientific research studies have found that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces brain swelling and neurological impairment following a traumatic brain injury, which in turn improves recovery.Kannalife currently holds two licenses with the U.S. National Institutes of Health for U.S. Patent 6,630,507 "Cannabinoids as Antioxidants and Neuroprotectants." These licenses are currently in use by Kannalife to develop novel therapeutic drugs to treat CTE and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). While CBD from marijuana is tightly restricted, CBD found naturally in hemp is legal throughout all 50 states in the U.S.

"CTE can affect everybody from children who fall off their bikes, to combat veterans, to the professional NFL football players that were highlighted in this Forbes article," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus.

"Each time a story is written on the positive effects of cannabinoid therapeutics, hemp and marijuana - as well as cannabis derivatives such as CBD - we are one step closer to `access for all' to this powerful botantical and its chemistry," added Dr. Titus. "We are grateful for news organizations that continue spreading the word about the medical benefits of cannabis, which has the potential to effectively treat or prevent CTE, and for our Kannalife researchers who are on the front lines developing cannabinoid-based therapeutics and solutions."

About Kannalife Sciences, Inc.Kannalife Sciences, Inc. is a phyto-medical company involved in the research and development of novel therapeutic agents designed to be neuroprotectants and immuno-modulators. Kannalife is currently conducting research and development at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Doylestown, PA, for target drug candidates to treat Hepatic Encephalopathy ("HE") and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy ("CTE"). HE and CTE are oxidative stress related diseases that affect cognitive and behavioral functions. For more information, visit: www.Kannalife.com.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER 

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE 

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE 

Medical Marijuana Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil.

Forbes Features Medical Marijuana, Inc. Portfolio Company Kannalife in Article on NFL and Concussion-Related Disease CTE

Dixie Brands, Inc. Launches Aceso Daily Powder, the First-Ever Cannabinoid Drink Mix

Featuring Three Unique, Scientist-Developed, Terpene and Vitamin Enhanced Formulas that are Now Available for Sale Online Across the Nation

DENVER, May 11, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dixie Brands Inc. (Dixie), a leader in emerging cannabinoid extraction and wellness platforms, announces the expansion of its Aceso line of products with the launch of a delicious, dissolvable effervescent drink mix featuring hemp-derived cannabinoids, boosted with all-natural vitamins and terpenes. The introduction of Aceso’s CBD drink mixes marks the launch of the first cannabinoid delivery format designed for easy mixing into 4-6 oz. of water. Aceso’s daily-use powdered sachets are available in three formulations, Soothe, Calm and Wellness, each with a proprietary mix of cannabinoids and terpenoids to create everyday wellness benefits that fit discreetly into healthy lifestyles.

“We are proud to launch three highly effective cannabinoid formulations that provide a new and novel format for those looking for all-natural answers to daily aches and pains and anxiety,” said Tripp Keber, CEO of Dixie Brands. “While the custom formulations take hemp-derived cannabinoids to an entirely new level, it is also the familiar, easy-to-drink delivery system that makes this such a unique product. Kudos to our development team for once again leading the evolution of cannabinoid wellness and bringing customers such a delicious product that can make such a difference in their lives.”

Aceso’s powder format combines Dixie’s cannabinoid extraction expertise with the highest quality whole-plant cannabinoids and terpenes. Aceso’s drink mixes were developed by a team of cannabinoid scientists to target common wellness goals with unique vitamin-boosted, delicious formulas.

• The Soothe formulation features cinnamon and tart cherry notes and delivers a whole-plant cannabinoid blend enhanced with the terpene beta-carophyllene and a proprietary blend of turmeric and bromelain to soothe everyday aches and pains.
• The Calm formula is designed to promote a relaxed, stable disposition and includes passionflower and lavender whose terpenes have been used for centuries. The benefits of these ingredients are compounded by hemp cannabinoids and the terpenes linalool (from lavender) and limonene (from grapefruit) to induce a fast-acting, non-sedative state of relaxation.
• The third product in the portfolio, Aceso’s general Wellness formulation, pairs hemp cannabinoids and capsaicin with a team of synergistic terpenes like limonene and sweet orange oil to promote energy, mood stability and a healthy immune system.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to better define the burgeoning field of cannabinoid synergy,” said Jay Denniston, Director of Science for Dixie Brands, Inc. “Current research indicates that whole-plant cannabinoids and the entourage effect will be the guiding principles of the next generation of quantitative and qualitative cannabis research. Aceso products, already capitalizing on the benefits of cannabinoid synergies, are definitely ahead of their time,” said Denniston.

Aceso’s powdered drink mixes are designed to fit seamlessly into healthy lifestyles. Simply add the powder to water daily to enjoy the benefits of whole-plant cannabinoids, terpenes and vitamins. Each formulation features a unique flavor and benefits, is discreet and easy-to-use and is available in 5-packs and 30-packs.

Available Now: www.MyAceso.com

• Aceso 5-pack $10
• Aceso 30-pack $50

Want to try Aceso? Use the promo code ‘AcesoRelease’ for 10% off your purchase

ABOUT ACESO

Named after a Greek goddess of botanical wellness, Aceso intends to bring the power of cannabinoids to the next level, allowing more people to more accurately find a whole plant formula that will optimize their health. Featuring both an effervescent powder format and a hemp cannabinoid spray with specific ratios of ingredients in a proprietary formulation, Aceso is available in Soothe, Calm and Wellness targeted formulations. Aceso is a company founded on the belief that nature holds the key to wellness. Available now athttp://www.myaceso.com. Wholesale inquiries can be addressed to Sales@MyAceso.com.

ABOUT DIXIE BRANDS, INC.

Located in Denver, Colorado, Dixie Brands, Inc., (Dixie) through its affiliates across the country, has been formulating and producing award-winning cannabinoid infused products since 2009. What began as a single flagship product, the Dixie Elixir (a THC-infused soda), has now expanded to over 30 different products across over 100 SKUs, representing the industry’s finest edibles, tinctures, topicals and connoisseur grade extractions. In addition, Dixie Brands launched two new cannabinoid product lines: Aceso, is a suite of “hemp 2.0” products designed to provide general wellness and relief from minor aches and pains as well as everyday anxiety. Therabis is a pet supplement formulated by an experienced veterinarian and designed to provide pets, and their owners, for calming, itching and joint mobility. To find out more about Dixie’s innovative products, or about how Dixie is building the future of cannabis, please visit us athttp://www.dixiebrands.com.

CONTACT
Joe Hodas
Dixie Brands, Chief Marketing Officer
jhodas@dixiebrands.com
303-827-6972

Original press release: http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/05/11/838832/10162595/en/Dixie-Brands-Inc-Launches-Aceso-Daily-Powder-the-First-Ever-Cannabinoid-Drink-Mix.html

Two months after Oregon legalization, pot saturation sends profits up in smoke

After the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis, over-saturation and shaky business plans mean that for some dispensaries business is not booming

Melanie Sevcenko

Saturday 21 November 2015 12.00 GMT

Along North-east Sandy Boulevard in Portland, Oregon, there’s a stretch known as the “Green Mile”. Here, medical marijuana dispensaries are budding. Almost two years ago, when Matt Walstaller opened Pure Green in the area, there was only one competitor. Today there’s close to 10.

In the beginning business was booming, recalled Walstaller. But last autumn, Pure Green’s traffic started to slow.

“Then we looked at the numbers. There was a couple thousand new medical cardholders, but two or three times as many stores as there had been the year before,” said Walstaller.

In Oregon, 76,723 patients are listed as medical marijuana cardholders. Over 12,000 of them are in Portland, where 136 publicly listed medical dispensaries are located – that’s roughly 80 patients per dispensary. Yet the state’s Medical Marijuana Dispensary Program continues to accept applications for new licenses, with more than 200 still pending.

Oversaturation and shaky business plans have led some dispensaries down a path of no return. “I know of some shops that have closed, and I’ve heard of others that have been sold,” said Walstaller.

Since 1 October, when the sale of recreational marijuana was legalized, struggling businesses have found firm footing again. At Pure Green, the amount of customers per day has tripled. Donald Morse, who owns the Human Collective medical dispensary in south-west Portland, also experienced a substantial uptick in business since 1 October.

But as the director of the Oregon Cannabis Business Council, Morse says the number of license holders is consistently going down month to month. “We didn’t need all those dispensaries. A lot of people got into it, but they were not well financed and were hanging on by their fingertips,” said Morse. “The shake-out has begun. Those with sound business practices will survive, those without are going to fail.”

While recreational sales have helped Oregon’s medical dispensaries stay afloat, come 2016, the rules will change.

On 4 January, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) will take over all sales of recreational marijuana and add a 25% sales tax – in a state that has no sales tax. In autumn of next year, OLCC-licensed retail stores will open.

At that time, existing dispensaries can choose between obtaining an OLCC license to sell recreational marijuana or remaining a medical-only dispensary. Businesses are not permitted to hold both licenses.

OLCC spokesman Mark Pettinger said there’s been talk about co-location of medical and recreational marijuana under one roof, “but that would require a ‘fix’ by the Oregon legislature, because there are conflicting statutes regarding regulatory authority”.

In Colorado, the first state along with Washington to legalize recreational marijuana use, medical and retail weed are already “co-locating”. Some shops have even dropped their medical license because the recreational market promises greater profits, said Ean Seeb, co-owner of Denver Relief dispensary. Five years ago, Seeb recalls close to 900 medical dispensaries in Colorado. Today there’s half that amount.

Marijuana revenues continue to climb every month in Colorado. According to August sales data from the state department of revenue, recreational marijuana accrued $59.2m, with medical marijuana following behind at $41.4m.

In Washington, medical dispensaries too are heading into the recreational market, and Oregon is likely to follow suit.

Pure Green will be one of them. Walstaller, though an advocate for patients rights, says he couldn’t afford not to acquire an OLCC retail license. “We couldn’t stay in business that way.”

If the state does not allow the medical and recreational markets to merge, Donald Morse believes that “95% of dispensaries in Oregon will go opting for recreational sales. There won’t be enough to service the needs of the patients, and those patients will be forced into retail stores.”

In the retail shops, medical marijuana patients will be subject to taxation.

To remedy this, Donald Morse and the Oregon Cannabis Business Council are introducing a bill into the legislature’s short session in February. If passed, patients will receive tax-exempt status, whether they shop at a retail or medical dispensary.

“We don’t charge tax on anyone else seeking medicine,” said Morse. “We have to find a way to marry these two systems in a way that’s not going to screw over the patients.”

The medical marijuana card still has its benefits. It allows patients to have six plants instead of the recreational four, along with 24 ounces of dried flower, compared to the eight ounces allotted to regular consumers in their homes.

The supply to patients could also be at risk as the recreational market takes off. Anthony Taylor of Compassionate Oregon, an organization that protects the rights of medical marijuana patients, is concerned that small family farms could be exhausted from the retail demand.

However, he’s certain that some medical dispensaries will dodge the dangling carrot of the retail revenue and let their client base carry them.

“They believe in the compassionate use of therapeutic cannabis and they think the recreational market is a distinctly different market,” said Taylor. “Some of them really believe in holding the line and dealing exclusively with patients.”

While that could prove true, Donald Morse feels the winds of change.

“I think it’s entirely possible that the medical system as we know it today is pretty much obsolete within a year,” said Morse. “Legally it will still be there, but market forces will create a situation where people will say, why bother with this?”

Two months after Oregon legalization, pot saturation sends profits up in smoke

Former Microsoft exec's Colorado pot plans questioned

Jamen Shively, CEO of Diego Pellicer and a former Microsoft executive

By Eric Gorski
The Denver Post

Jamen Shively is a former Microsoft executive who wants to see the visage of his hemp-growing great-great- grandfather become the Juan Valdez of weed.

But Shively's plans to create the first national marijuana brand — with a strong presence in Colorado soon — is encountering heavy skepticism about running afoul of state laws and inviting federal scrutiny.

Shively said his Washington state company is close to acquiring rights that will allow him to put its Diego Pellicer brand name on a chain of Colorado medical-marijuana dispensaries. If legal, it would prove a creative way around laws barring out-of-state ownership and restricting investment in Colorado pot businesses.

"We want to be the dominant player in the United States market," Shively said. "Whether in the form of acquisitions or a strategic alliance, we are very interested in exploring Colorado."

Colorado is fertile ground as a state that established elaborate regulations for medical marijuana and, along with Washington state, last year became the first to legalize recreational use for adults.

Some outside investors sense opportunity in side businesses that do not grow or sell marijuana, and thus carry less risk — including a private equity firm run by Yale MBAs that is scouting prospects in Colorado.

Of the entrepreneurs trying to get in on the ground floor, Shively has been among the most public.He laid out his vision at a news conference May 30 in Seattle with a high-profile booster at his side: the former president of Mexico, Vicente Fox.

Fox, an acquaintance of Shively's from business dealings in Mexico, supports marijuana legalization and appeared at Shively's invitation. Fox said he is not involved in the business venture.

The 45-year-old Shively, a former Microsoft corporate strategy manager, is seeking investors in a company named for his great-great-grandfather. According to the company, Pellicer was the world's largest hemp grower in the 1890s, supplying rope from his home base in the Philippines to Spanish forces in the Spanish-American War.

Shively already has a deal with a chain of Washington state dispensaries and is negotiating with interests in other states, he said. The company plans to get involved in medical and recreational pot.

"Yes, we are Big Marijuana," Shively announced.

Some news media accounts have said Shively's company has purchased or is about to purchase Colorado dispensaries, but he said that is not true.

Shively said his company is "very close" to finalizing the acquisition of a "specific set of rights" from a Colorado medical-marijuana dispensary company with multiple locations.

He declined to identify the company or go into detail about the rights, citing a confidentiality agreement. But he was confident enough to predict the Diego Pellicer name would appear on Colorado dispensaries in a month or so.

"To operate in this environment, we've had to get pretty creative in terms of our deal structure and exactly what right this will give us," he said.

Shively said he is hopeful restrictions eventually will be loosened and allow for more direct involvement in the Colorado pot industry.

Others are skeptical.

"I don't know how it will work — someone will carry his brand for payment?" said Meg Collins, director of the Cannabis Business Alliance, a trade group for Colorado medical marijuana interests. "All of us were kind of scratching our heads. Every conversation we've had with the Department of Revenue has been pretty clear they want to make sure it's Colorado money being invested in Colorado businesses."

State officials would need to review the arrangement before weighing in, said Julie Postlethwait, spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Revenue division that oversees medical and recreational marijuana regulations.

Colorado law says licensed marijuana business owners must be residents of the state for at least two years. Out-of-state interests may loan money to Colorado pot businesses but may not share in profits or have any equity stake.

Mark Kleiman, a professor of public policy at the University of California at Los Angeles, who is part of a team hired by Washington state to help craft its recreational pot rules, questioned whether Shively is most interested in promoting his company's stock.

"Maybe he has good legal advice that he can lend a brand name and not be considered by the federal government to be distributing cannabis," he said. "Boy, I wouldn't want to defend that case. ... Nobody has identified anything about this whole thing that makes sense."

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and Shively said federal scrutiny is a concern. But he claimed his company's plans do not run against the Obama administration's approach to marijuana.

Generally, the federal government has made enforcement of marijuana laws a low priority. But large operations continue to be targeted, and it's anyone's guess how federal authorities will respond to recreational industries taking shape in Colorado and Washington.

Other businesses are more quietly looking to invest in Colorado.

Partners in Seattle-based Privateer Holdings keep shared office space in Denver and are working on two acquisitions that should be finalized within 90 days, a spokeswoman said, declining to elaborate.

The private equity firm started by partners with Yale MBAs is focused on businesses that do not produce or sell marijuana and already has purchased Leafly, a sort of Yelp for dispensaries and cannabis strains.

Joe Megyesy, a lobbyist on marijuana issues, said out-of-state interest in Colorado can be a double-edged sword — potentially giving the industry legitimacy while putting it at risk of federal attention.

"Maybe," he said, "it could push the federal government into changing their tune and saying, 'Hey, maybe we should stop wasting money trying to make this substance illegal and instead generate tax revenue not just for enforcement but other government services.' "

Eric Gorski: 303-954-1971, egorski@denverpost.com or twitter.com/egorski

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read more: Former Microsoft exec's Colorado pot plans questioned - The Denver Post

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