• Geyser Brands is entering into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Solace Management Group for an aggregate purchase amount of $3.9 million
• The acquisition will enable Geyser to broaden the scope of its CBD- and hemp-based product range, helping solidify its position on the international market
• Solace has an extensive portfolio of pet and consumer products, as well as licensing distribution and production arrangements

Consumer health care company Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR) recently announced its entry into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Solace Management Group Inc., a private corporation existing under the laws of British Columbia.

The acquisition is strategic for Geyser Brands, company CEO Andreas Thatcher said in a news release (http://ibn.fm/eJ6DA). It is expected to establish Geyser as a leading provider of health-focused CBD and hemp products. Established brand companies like Solace have developed deep connections with their customers, Thatcher concluded, providing Geyser with an opportunity through its cannabis licensed producer to extend that conversation into CBD.

Solace has well-established brands already operating in the cannabis space. The company has gained significant market share through proprietary formulations and distribution and production arrangements.

One of the company’s most prominent brands is all-natural hemp-based pet treats line Apawthecary Pets. The products are available in pet and veterinary stores across Canada. Solace’s portfolio also features 23 products and 57 SKUs of both pet and consumer health care formulations. All of the products are made from organic, cold-pressed hemp seed oil.

The company has a steady expansion strategy in place. Recently, Solace moved to a new 7,500 sq. ft GMP-compliant facility that significantly increased its production capacity.

Even more significant, however, is the company’s more than C$2 million in 2018 revenues, with net margins of 30 percent. This shows an unusual level of product development and market acceptance.

As per the new definitive agreement with Geyser Brands, Solace will be terminating its licensing agreement with the company’s current Canadian manufacturer. Manufacturing and distribution will both become internal processes for the purpose of revenue maximization. The Solace licensing agreement with the company’s U.S. manufacturer is on hold. The manufacturer has to obtain all required regulatory approvals and licenses to comply with applicable laws.

The terms of the agreement between the two entities state that Geyser Brands will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Solace for an aggregate purchase amount of $3.9 million. Closing of the proposed transaction remains subject to Geyser’s satisfaction of the Solace due diligence review, the receipt of necessary (third-party) consent, board approvals, shareholder approval, TSX Venture Exchange approval, satisfaction of exchange requirements, etc.

Geyser Brands is a health care company with a focus on Hemp CBD-based consumer products. Through its Health Canada-approved licensed producer in Vancouver, British Columbia, it is building a regulatory platform for the manufacture and distribution of cannabis products in Canada, and it is anticipating its processing and sales licenses.

These will be become the channel though which brands can reach consumers in the regulated space. The company plans to roll out this business model globally, where CBD regulations allow, particularly in Asia and Europe.

Investment in product innovation includes the company’s proprietary nanotechnology, NanoFusion, which delivers topical, cream, food, beverage, oil, tincture and baked good formulations with superior bio availability, water solubility and dosage control.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GeyserBrands.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GYSR are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/GYSR

• VPR Brands’ quarterly revenues are up by 31 percent
• The company maintains healthy gross operating margins in excess of 40 percent
• The e-cigarette/vapor market is estimated to hit $9 billion in 2019

Recent financial results released by VPR Brands LP (OTC: VPRB) show that the multi-brand developer and marketer of nicotine and cannabis products has what it takes to scale up successfully. Revenues for the first quarter of 2019 are up, year-over-year, approximately 31 percent, continuing the trend from the year before, when the top line for 2018 climbed to $4,613,300 and marked a 28 percent increase over 2017 revenues of $3,610,379. If the innovative provider of smokeless cannabis and nicotine products maintains its current gross operating margins in excess of 40 percent, break-even doesn’t seem very far away.

VPR’s product portfolio positions the company to capitalize on lofty projections for the e-cigarette/vapor market, as well as the fledgling cannabis industry. Notably, the cannabis sector is still far from maturity. In 2016, the last year for which data is available, just 16 percent of the population aged 15-64 reported using cannabis at least once in the past year. As the wave of liberalization and legalization progresses, that percentage is expected to rise. In addition, driven by an increasing awareness of the negative effects of smoking, consumers are switching to smokeless products. As a result, the e-cigarette market is expected to reach $6.4 billion in 2019.

The company’s flagship brand – HoneyStick – targets both the nicotine and cannabis markets. The company is betting heavily on the lifestyle brand to drive growth in both verticals. The HoneyStick platform was developed with the vaping enthusiast in mind and has evolved through in-house product development to suit the needs of both cannabis and nicotine consumers. The line, consisting of vaporizers, vape tanks and accessories, is a High Times award-winner. Krave, Helium, VaporX and Vaporin are ancillary brands that cater to the nicotine vertical, while the company has entered the CBD vertical through its Goldline CBD product line.

The Goldline range is presently available in 15 SKUs that include CBD gummies, CBD pens, CBD oil and CBD extracts. The high potency Goldline gummies provide quick activation and strong onset of CBD. Each gummy uses a high-quality CBD glaze so that activation begins immediately on contact with the tongue. The Goldline CBD vape pens are pre-loaded, ready to vape devices. They’re also disposable. When the tank runs dry, you can simply toss the pen and buy another one. The pens contain 100mg of pre-loaded pharmaceutical grade CBD that comes in four flavors.

Goldline CBD crumble is a full spectrum extract that is rich in CBD. Its 250mg power-packed filling delivers CBD immediately, with unmatched potency. Extracted from the highest grade of CBD flower, the product comes in a solid format, which allows it to be placed and vaped on an open coil vaporizer. The Goldline range also includes CBD oils and tinctures that come in 30ml bottles.

A strong management team holds the reins at VPR Brands LP. The company’s chief executive officer is Kevin Frija, a veteran entrepreneur with three decades of experience in advertising, brand licensing, marketing and supply chain management. In 2009, Frija became the president and chief executive officer of Vapor Corp., a publicly traded electronic cigarette company and e-cigarette importer, which, in 2014, uplisted to the Nasdaq Capital Market. In 2016, Vapor Corp. sold its brands and wholesale business assets to Frija. They are presently owned by VPR Brands LP.

Dan Hoff is the chief operating officer of VPR Brands LP. He previously worked at Vapor Corp. under Kevin Frija, overseeing finance and accounting, supply chain management, product design and development and key vendor relations. Hoff also helped build and expand Vapor Corp.’s cannabis-based products division and expand its wholesale division. More recently, he worked to develop and expand Vapor Corp.’s medical cannabis vape program, which provides turnkey OEM vapor solutions for cannabis farmers, cultivators and extractors.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.VPRBrands.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to VPRB are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/VPRB

• Anticipating Canadian legalization of adult-use cannabis edibles in October 2019, Organigram recently announced a C$15 million investment commitment in a high-speed, high-capacity, fully automated chocolate line
• Production capacity is expected to be about 4 million kilograms per year of exceptional chocolate cannabis edibles
• The company’s chocolate launch is being led by a product development and production team with more than 25 years of combined chocolate experience and expertise

Canada is drawing closer to the legalization of edibles and derivative products, which is expected to occur this fall. As noted by Green Entrepreneur, edibles are expected to increase to 12-14 percent of the total cannabis market in Canada and the U.S. by 2022 (http://ibn.fm/5dB6x). The pending rise of the edibles sector is good news for companies such as Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX.V: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI) that are positioning themselves to capture this further growth opportunity.

Organigram recently announced a C$15 million investment commitment for a state-of-the-art chocolate molding line and a fully integrated packaging line that includes advanced engineering, robotics, high-speed labeling and automated shipping carton packing. According to the company’s statement, the production line is expected to produce chocolate innovations that are not only unique to the cannabis industry, but to the chocolate industry as a whole.

“Over the last number of years, Organigram has become known for its best-in-class cannabis production facility and high-quality products. With this investment, we will soon also be known for our world-class chocolate production capability,” Organigram CEO Greg Engel stated in a press release announcing the investment (http://ibn.fm/cR5Yy).

On May 21, 2019, Organigram hit another company milestone when shares of its common stock began trading on the Nasdaq under ticker symbol ‘OGI’ (http://ibn.fm/pNuWR), in addition to its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange under the same symbol.

As a leading Canadian licensed producer of high-quality cannabis and extract-based products, Organigram is focused on producing indoor-grown cannabis for patients and adult recreational consumers in Canada, as well as developing international business partnerships to expand the company’s global footprint.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Organigram.ca

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to OGI are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/OGRMF

• The company maintains the top two best-selling edible cannabis products in California
• Plus is working to make cannabis safe and approachable for all
• The company recently reported a 4.9 percent increase in sales over Q4 2018, bringing Q1 2019 retail sales to $10.84 million
• Plus recently commenced trading on the OTCQX Best Market

Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) recently released its unaudited first quarter 2019 results (http://ibn.fm/ZS4tn). As the edibles’ share of the cannabis market continues to grow, PLUS is well positioned to lead the way in the branded products space. The company is one of the fastest-growing brands in the California market and produces two of the top-10 cannabis edibles products in the state. California is the most competitive cannabis market, due, in large part, to its long history of medical legalization.

PLUS creates high-quality, precisely dosed products that bring balance to people’s lives. Customers know what they are getting every time they reach for a PLUS gummy or mint. This consistency keeps customers coming back and is a key factor in why PLUS held the spot for the best-selling and second best-selling edible products in California in both dollars and units sold. PLUS “Uplift” was the top-selling branded product of more than 13,700 products sold across all categories in California, according to Headset (http://ibn.fm/MSOpO).

While the gummies continue to hold the top-two slots for edibles, PLUS launched a new microdose product line earlier this year. The new mints complement the already-successful gummies, providing the same Create, Uplift and Restore elevation but at a lower dose of only 2.5mg of active ingredients per piece. The mints were launched at the Hall of Flowers cannabis trade show on April 30, 2019.

“Mints are a logical extension to the PLUS product family as more customers seek out unique taste experiences and low-dose products they trust,” Plus Products CEO and co-founder Jake Heimark stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/bFMn1). “We are excited about giving customers the best experience and will continue to be the leader in low-dose infused products in THC.” The company continues to provide low-dose cannabis edibles, which now include options for the microdosing movement that consumers continue to revisit.

PLUS believes strongly that cannabis should be safe and approachable for everyone and is actively involved in the National Cannabis Roundtable. Taking on leadership roles within the roundtable, company officials are working to help structure laws that align with these values.

The company has also redesigned its signature tins in new, child-resistant packaging, meeting government regulations one full year before the 2020 deadline. According to Heimark, the new tins are an “elegant solution to a difficult problem” and “an important step in PLUS continuing to make cannabis safe and approachable.”

Finally, PLUS has one of the largest food-grade manufacturing plants in the state. Currently, the factory, located in Adelanto, California, is 12,000 square feet with an annual production capacity of $50 million. The square footage is anticipated to reach 40,000 square feet with a $450 million production capacity upon completion of phase III. During the production process, gummy and mint products are manufactured, and dosage is tested twice internally at the factory and two more times by an independent lab. The company has strategically placed itself in the most competitive cannabis market in order to prove itself to be the leading edibles brand.

Plus Products’ first quarter 2019 sales marked a 4.9 percent increase over the fourth quarter of 2018, bringing retail sales to $10.84 million. Private placement offerings of convertible debentures earlier this year raised $17.9 million in capital. PLUS continues to invest in talent, market share, infrastructure and financial capacity as it looks forward to continued growth.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlusProducts.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PLPRF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/PLPRF

• Innovative Properties officially changed its name to Nabis Holdings Inc.
• Nabis Holdings continues to pursue investment in high-performing operators in the cannabis industry
• The company purchased assets from PDT Technologies to expand its production and licensing capabilities

Nabis Holdings (CSE: NAB) (OTC: INNPF) (FRA: 71P), a Canadian investment company pursuing interests in high-quality cash-flow assets in real estate, securities, cryptocurrency and all branches of the cannabis sector, has undergone a name change. Nabis Holdings will continue its focus on strategic revenue generation by investing in successful vertically integrated operators.

Effective May 6, 2019, the company formerly known as Innovative Properties officially changed its name to Nabis Holdings Inc. This name change resonates with the company’s motto – one team, one goal – while na bis translates to “repeat performance” or “encore.”

To continue expanding its production and licensing capabilities, Nabis Holdings recently announced completion of a previously announced purchase of assets from PDT Technologies (“PDT”). These assets include extraction and production equipment, as well as the right to lease PDT’s current production facility in Port Townsend, Washington.

This purchase signifies a promising opportunity for Nabis Holdings, and the company plans to spend approximately $3 million to expand the newly acquired production facility, which currently specializes in high-grade cannabis concentrate production. This expansion project will include “highly specialized equipment, two new extraction lines, [and] an extraction clean room and lab facility capable of producing up to 20,500 KG of cannabis concentrate on an annual basis.”

“We are thrilled to officially enter Washington State with the purchase of PDT’s certain assets,” Nabis Holdings CEO and Director Shay Shnet stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/hQiAJ). “Washington represents the successful execution of another promising opportunity that will expand our production and licensing capabilities. We remain committed to our aggressive expansion plans, as we evaluate other opportunities in limited-license states that align with the company’s multistate cannabis expansion strategy.”

Nabis Holdings has been pursuing investment opportunities in a myriad of industries but seeks to establish an anchor investment portfolio by focusing on high-quality U.S. cannabis assets and brands that have proven themselves profitable. Once the company completes these acquisitions, Nabis Holdings actively assists the investees to implement standards and consistency, thus enhancing the existing business operations. Nabis seeks to be a leading investor in a diverse portfolio of vertically integrated multistate operations, including companies that are distributing nationally but with global ambitions.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.NabisHoldings.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to INNPF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/INNPF

• Hemp seed genetics are critical to hemp farming success
• Cannabigerol (CBG) is emerging as a valuable cannabinoid with multiple potential health benefits
• Hemptown USA is growing one million rare cannabigerol-dominant plants designed to yield up to one million pounds of CBG biomass

High quality seeds are a key prerequisite for growing healthy, strong cannabis plants. The right seeds can deliver the right cannabinoid profile, increase resilience and help for achieving sufficiently sustainable yields.

Companies like Hemptown USA are pioneers in the farming of novel cannabinoid strains in addition to cannabidiol (CBD). In 2019, the company acquired $5.5 million worth of Oregon CBD Seeds, including one million rare cannabigerol (CBG) seeds. Planted in early May, these seeds are now scheduled for soil transplant in early June.

Growing demand and legislative changes like the passing of the federal Farm Bill are changing the cannabis industry. Leading seed genetics like the ones being grown by Hemptown USA allow for new strains that can be bred to produce various novel cannabinoids while maintaining the broad-spectrum appeal of the plant. This also allows for diverse corporate portfolios through the creation of products featuring distinct formulations.

Dealing with the THC Issue

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is typically found in full-spectrum expression of cannabis plants. Despite the legalization of THC cannabis products at the state level, there is a large base of consumers who prefer to forego the high provided by THC and focus on the wellness benefits of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD.

Historically, hemp types are grown for the production of seed and fiber (http://ibn.fm/J23gn). They contain low amounts of THC, and, over the years, they emerged as a reliable source of non-psychoactive CBD (http://ibn.fm/GGd0l). In the U.S., hemp is defined as cannabis that features 0.3 percent THC or less. For the emerging consumer, hemp can now be engineered to maintain low THC while producing exceedingly high cannabinoid levels.

Achieving Higher CBD Content

The plant’s DNA produces different types of proteins and enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of CBD and THC. Plants that produce a lot of CBD feature more of the enzymes or proteins responsible for CBD synthesis (http://ibn.fm/IV19L). Hence, it’s easy to see how genetically superior seeds can produce large quantities of CBD and minimal concentrations of THC.

Genetic work has already enabled the development of strains that produce consistently high levels of either THC or CBD. Once plants with desirable traits are identified, they can be bred to express the new genetics. This mechanism works for boosting CBD production, but it can also be used to accomplish much more – high yields, resistance, etc.

Why CBG Will Play as Important a Role as CBD in the Near Future

While the industry has thus far been focused on CBD, cannabigerol, or CBG, is also emerging as a valuable cannabinoid. Non-intoxicating and present in relatively low concentrations in cannabis strains, CBG is the parent of both CBD and THC, hence the nickname “mother of all cannabinoids”. The market price for CBG oil in the U.S. is presently four to five times that of CBD.

The full range of effects is currently being studied, but, so far, CBG, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits, has exhibited potent anti-cancer properties (http://ibn.fm/pafod), in addition to anti-depressive effects and benefits in the treatment of glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Through Hemptown USA’s “soil to oil to shelf” methodology, the company will be producing broad-spectrum CBD and CBG crudes, distillates, pure isolates, multiple cannabinoid formulations and branded products. This year’s CBG focus positions Hemptown as a leading CBG producer in the U.S. in 2019 and beyond. In addition to the Oregon farm, the company is also growing in Kentucky and Colorado. Its present footprint comes in at just over 1,500 acres, but plans are in place to scale up operations by 2020 – expanding cultivation to 2,500 acres and increasing potential revenues up to $200 million.

While the market is currently focused on CBD-producing plants, some are already eyeing the opportunities that CBG brings to the table. Forecasts suggest that CBG could rival CBD in the years to come and turn into the market’s next big thing. As societal attitudes toward medicinal and recreational cannabis products continue evolving, further changes and faster growth are both to be anticipated.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HemptownUSA.com

• CIIX CEO Warren Wang’s FY2020 projections are driven by forecasts of increased sales of CBD and planned merger/acquisition activities in Asian markets
• CIIX is also exploring retail space and expanding targeted advertising
• CIIX’s core revenue source is educational services for the Chinese-speaking investment community, including websites, radio and TV

ChineseInvestors.com Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) CEO Warren Wang projects that the company’s sales will reach $11-12 million in FY2020, the 12 months ending in May 2020. Wang made the projection in a wide-ranging interview on the Redchip Money Report with host Dave Gentry, broadcast on YouTube (http://ibn.fm/hXpNa).

While CBD plays an important role in the growth of CIIX, Wang reminded viewers that the diverse company has numerous services focusing on delivering daily financial investment news through its online information portal, radio and TV shows, as well as online/offline cryptocurrency investment classes. The company’s website, ChineseFN.com (http://ibn.fm/EvtZN), has a following of more than 100,000 registered users and 5,000 subscribers.

Wang is also optimistic about the future of CBD, noting, “We believe this is like the dot com (boom) in 1993, with CBD products booming, and there is a lot of chance for us to enter into this market.” He noted CIIX’s opening of a pop-up kiosk in the Glendale (California) Galleria Mall (http://ibn.fm/nBT92) as an example of the company’s plans to grow.

“There are over four million Chinese Americans and Chinese Canadians in North America,” Wang continued. “Our growth plan is to try to use different advertising methods to open the retail shop to expand our sales.” To that end, Wang said that CIIX is expanding its advertising budget to focus on campaigns focused on holiday gift-giving events, such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Internationally, Wang indicated that the company is eyeing acquisition/merger activity in the Asian marketplace in the future.

CIIX is a diverse company that offers its audience of Chinese-speaking investors real-time market commentary, analysis and education-related services in Chinese character language sets.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ChineseInvestors.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CIIX are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/CIIX

• A high-quality manufacturing process, award-winning genetics and distinct premium packaging combine for a superior cannabis experience with the Caliber brand
• Sproutly’s wholly owned subsidiary, Toronto Herbal Remedies Inc., holds Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations licenses to cultivate and process cannabis
• Sproutly’s innovations in cannabis include groundbreaking water-soluble cannabis solutions and bio-natural oils for use in the beverage and consumables market

Sproutly Canada Inc. (CSE: SPR) (OTCQB: SRUTF) (FRA: 38G) holds several aces in hand when it comes to the competitive Canadian cannabis marketplace. Sproutly recently provided an update on the company’s premium cannabis brand for the recreational market – aptly named ‘Caliber’ for its high degree of excellence and use of Sproutly’s craft cannabis flower production – noting that the brand is designed to deliver a superior cannabis experience, every time.

“Every element of the brand is intended to be as high a quality as the buds inside,” Melise Panetta, Sproutly’s vice president, marketing and sales, said in a news release (http://ibn.fm/GDb9Y). Sproutly intends to package its craft flower for sale in 1-gram, 3.5-gram and 7-gram units.

Sproutly’s Caliber brand logo and packaging are designed to be distinctive and appealing to the cannabis connoisseur, as well as being reflective of the premium nature of the brand, Panetta said. Caliber is produced using a high-quality manufacturing process, award-winning genetics that includes an award-winning strain, and distinct premium packaging.

News that Health Canada recently changed its process for issuing cannabis licenses in a bid to reduce wait times and cannabis shortages illustrates another positive position held by Sproutly. New applicants for licenses to cultivate, process or sell cannabis must now have a fully built site that meets Health Canada regulations when submitting an application, the government agency said in early May (http://ibn.fm/3PjG0).

Sproutly’s wholly owned subsidiary, Toronto Herbal Remedies (“THR”), has a 16,600 square foot cultivation facility strategically located in the greater Toronto area. THR received its Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) cultivation license from Health Canada in 2018. On April 1, 2019, the company was also awarded a processing license by Health Canada (http://ibn.fm/jY2eg). Sproutly’s position is clearly a favorable one as Health Canada begins this new licensing process.

Caliber will be produced and packaged at the THR facility that utilizes state-of-the-art production and climate-control technology, as well as methods designed to deliver pharma-grade standards that enable it to produce ‘top-shelf’ premium cannabis flower. THR produces high-quality, small-batch flower and is now at full production and harvesting weekly.

Following receipt of its sale license from Health Canada and ahead of distributing its flower products, Sproutly plans to roll out a Caliber brand campaign in compliance with Health Canada’s promotional guidelines. Consumers and retailers will receive important product education and information, along with a view of Caliber’s brand highlights and the vision behind the brand.

Sproutly’s core mission is to become the leading supplier of water-soluble cannabis solutions and bio-natural oils for brands in the emerging cannabis beverage and edibles market (http://ibn.fm/ErvB4). The company’s groundbreaking, patent-pending Aqueous Phytorecovery Process (APP) technology replaces traditional water-compatible solutions with true natural water solubility, improving the body’s ability to utilize cannabinoids and making the effect of the cannabis almost immediate.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Sproutly.ca

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SRUTF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SRUTF

• The core IONIC product line is building on the growing social appeal of cannabis, with plans to add infused beverages, edibles and low-dose entries to vaping standards
• IONIC’s strategic acquisitions promote an organic growth platform that is expected to expand from the West Coast across the United States this year
• The launch of its Lucid Green technology exhibits IONIC’s commitment to product quality and industry transparency through a QR code rewards program

The recent growth of the cannabis industry as a global, socially appealing phenomenon has given rise to an inspiring mood-focused mission for holding company IONIC Brands Corp. (CSE: IONC) (OTC: ZRRRF) and its vape-friendly oil concentrates.

The West Coast-based company is aggressively expanding from its Washington headquarters and is building on years of experience there for its new operations in Oregon and California, with plans to continue growing into other states this year.

IONIC’s product line includes six cannabis oil formulas labeled IONIC Black, Black 50/50, IONIC White, White 50/50, Cask Oil and IONIC Pure, each of which now provides three distinctive mood offerings formulated for curated and consistent recreational use experiences, including SOCIAL (Hybrid), RELAX (Indica) and FOCUS (Sativa). The mood enhancements serve the purposes that their names suggest, promoting rich sociability, serene relaxation and enlightened creativity (http://ibn.fm/BE8nB).

The company has immediate product line expansion plans to add tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) / cannabidiol (CBD) mixes, low-dose products, high-end edibles and device innovation. It recently announced patents that move it into the infused coffee beverage market (http://ibn.fm/3zdpA). Its products are currently available in hundreds of stores in Washington, Oregon and California, with growth through expansion and acquisition anticipated in Nevada, Illinois and Massachusetts subsequent to the close of negotiations this summer.

IONIC is committing itself to ensuring quality in its products with the launch of its Lucid Green technology platform. The technology enables consumers to earn rewards as they scan a package’s QR code with a smartphone camera to instantaneously access a library of product-specific insights, such as test results, dosage guidance and known effects – a measure aimed at enhancing trust and transparency in the cannabis industry (http://ibn.fm/ml1oz).

Five transformational acquisitions are expected to elevate IONIC’s revenues this year – Washington-based Zoots edibles, Washington-based WW Agriculture cultivation, Nevada-based VVG vape pens, Washington-based Vuber vaporizer hardware and a California-licensed manufacturing facility (http://ibn.fm/zuTX5).

“I refer to IONIC Brands Corp. as an upstart company now, not so much a startup,” CEO and Board Chairman John Gorst stated in an April interview (http://ibn.fm/WVkFI). “We’re working to develop hard systems that run our businesses regionally and eventually nationally with the end goal of being international. That’s what we’re focused on right now.”

At the same time, Gorst acknowledged that M&A activity is not the company’s prime strategic driver as it focuses on organic, bottom-up growth in cultivating and delivering medical and recreational market cannabis products.

“We’ve made about six acquisitions over the last… seven months,” he added. “Everybody’s centered around mergers and acquisitions and making these strategic acquisitions, which do play a part in your business and they can be important, but they must be strategic. M&A for the sake of M&A is not a business strategy… It is a land-grab right now. What we’re focused on is owning the West and winning the rest, and if we can own the top four markets of the top 10 in the United States, we believe that we’re going to achieve a billion-dollar market valuation.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.IONIC.social

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ZRRRF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/ZRRRF

• PLUS recently entered into a definitive partnership agreement with TapRoot Holdings Inc.
• As PLUS expands beyond its home market of California, it wants to ensure that its product remains consistent
• TapRoot offers Nevada licenses and industry knowledge, enabling rapid deployment into new markets

Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF), a manufacturer and marketer of cannabis food products, has expanded beyond its home market of California. The company has entered into a definitive partnership agreement with TapRoot Holdings Inc., which holds seven retail licenses in Nevada and has a deep understanding of the Nevada market (http://ibn.fm/lY7pw).

PLUS entered Nevada with the recent debut of its low-dose mints in dispensaries. PLUS said that it hopes to replicate in Nevada the success it’s achieved in California. In California, PLUS sold more than one million units in 2018, earning the distinction of having the two best-selling cannabis offerings among over 20,000 products (http://ibn.fm/rkPER).

BDS Analytics retail sales data reported that PLUS product lines made up the top cannabis-infused edibles brand in California retail sales and units sold in Q3 and Q4 of 2018 (http://ibn.fm/SUSHy). BDS Analytics added that PLUS is the number one cannabis gummies brand in California, with a 25 percent market share in 2019 YTD (http://ibn.fm/aaYiA).

“As we look to expand beyond California, we remain committed to producing a consistent product in all jurisdictions,” PLUS co-founder and CEO Jake Heimark stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/CfUIc). “We want the PLUS customer to have the same experience with our products whether they buy it in LA or in Las Vegas… Partnering with the TapRoot team will let us realize that goal, and we are confident they are the right team to spearhead our expansion in Nevada.”

As PLUS expands outside of California, TapRoot will serve as the manufacturing operations partner to ensure that product consistency and quality is maintained across markets.

TapRoot is a vertically integrated cannabis company operating cultivation and manufacturing facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company has extraction facilities to produce premium cannabis oils. The partnership agreement calls for PLUS to participate economically in a revenue-sharing model. TapRoot has seven of the 61 retail licenses issued by Nevada in December 2018. PLUS believes that TapRoot has a “deep understanding” of the Nevada market and will enable PLUS to rapidly deploy into new markets (http://ibn.fm/4inPf).

San Mateo, California-based PLUS is a cannabis-infused branded products manufacturer selling to regulated medicinal and adult-use recreational markets in California and Nevada. PLUS is focused on building the largest cannabis brand by growing organically and through acquisitions.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlusProducts.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PLPRF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/PLPRF