• Multi-year extraction services agreement with Valens GroWorks Corp. expected to accelerate TGOD’s Canadian hemp strategy and market entry
• TGOD is committed to producing premium, certified organic, consumer-preferred products
• Production strategy calls for 80,000 kg of cultivation by end of 2019

Cannabis-focused research and development company The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) is moving quickly to take advantage of Canada’s nascent legal cannabis market, which is expected to include CBD-infused products by October 2019. TGOD’s recently announced entry into a multiyear extraction services contract with Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (OTCQB: VGWCF) underscores the company’s focus on meeting a growing need to furnish high-quality, premium organic cannabis products to Canadian consumers, according to a news release (http://ibn.fm/92NET).

“The ability to partner with skilled and specialized extraction operators such as Valens will add significant bench strength to TGOD’s already robust extraction capabilities in Canada, Poland and Jamaica,” Brian Athaide, director and CEO of TGOD, stated in a news release. “We believe the importance of high-quality cannabis oils will continue to greatly increase as patients and consumers look for safer and healthier delivery methods.”

The agreement with Valens, a licensed provider of cannabis products and services specializing in various proprietary extraction, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification technologies, will accelerate TGOD’s Canadian hemp strategy and allow for early market entry of TGOD’s organic hemp-derived CBD product lines within the coming months. Under the terms of the initial two-year agreement, Valens will process, extract and purify TGOD’s cannabis and hemp biomass under conditions specified by TGOD, as demanded by final product manufacturing and formulation requirements.

“We are excited to work with TGOD, Canada’s premier certified organic producer,” Tyler Robson, CEO of Valens, added in the release. “Organic resonates with consumers, and Valens looks forward to helping accelerate TGOD’s time to market with the launch of its hemp-derived CBD product line in the coming months.”

Approximately 76 percent of Canadians responding to a recent national cannabis survey prepared by Statistics Canada identified quality and safety as their main concerns when choosing where to purchase cannabis (http://ibn.fm/FsWkI). TGOD cannabis is grown in soil, without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides; is never irradiated; and has been certified organic by Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd., one of North America’s foremost certification bodies and the second certification body to endorse TGOD’s organic process at its Hamilton, Ontario, facility (http://ibn.fm/DvL18).

TGOD will supply Valens with significant quantities of cannabis and hemp, and Valens will provide extraction purification services processing the cannabis and hemp into premium quality resins and distillates. TGOD intends to use the concentrated cannabinoid resins and distillates to produce oils, sprays and capsules, as well as oils for vaporization and future edible, beverage and topical products. TGOD has been working closely with Valens to help expedite the pathway to organic certification for Valens organic processing methodologies. Upon certification, TGOD will have exclusive access to services provided by Valens for certified organic extraction processing for a period of one year.

The demand for non-intoxicating, hemp-derived CBD products has been strong and supported through significant patient and consumer research. Being first to market in Canada with organically-certified, hemp-derived CBD products could allow TGOD to capture organic CBD market share, securing future growth in this newly legalized cannabinoid vertical (http://ibn.fm/1yOV1).

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

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

• Pure and Pure Plus tinctures are formulated with hemp-derived CBD, milk thistle and hemp seed oil to provide inflammation relief and support healthy liver and heart function
• Hemp seed oil has been added to the new products for the optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• WLDFF’s product expansion comes against a backdrop of British Columbia retailers scrambling for dominance in the cannabis space

Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) is expanding its CBD+ Wellness line with Pure and Pure Plus tinctures. Wildflower also recently announced that it is planning further additions to its CBD+ product line (http://ibn.fm/Zym2o).

The Pure and Pure Plus tinctures launch is part of WLDFF’s all-natural, plant-based alternatives for the daily wellness regimes of consumers. The tinctures combine the healing properties of hemp-derived CBD with plant-based ingredients.

The new tinctures contain hemp-driven CBD, milk thistle and hemp seed oil to support healthy heart and liver function and to provide relief from inflammation. The hemp seed oil has been added to the Pure and Pure Plus tinctures to achieve the optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These solvent-free formulations can also be taken with a dropper or in food and beverage preparation.

In a news release, WLDFF CEO William MacLean said, “Consumers are drawn to Wildflower because of the effectiveness and range of options available in our product lineup. The strong brand loyalty of Wildflower customers reflects the time and resources invested in our pipeline of products.”

WLDFF is focused on becoming a world wellness leader with all its brands working in synergy. The company markets its plant-based CBD+ products to retailers in the health and wellness space throughout the United States.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.WildflowerBrands.co

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

• The offering’s maximum proceeds are expected to reach $1.5 million
• The funds will be utilized to further construction at Shymanivske iron ore project, which is anticipated to begin just after year end
• Black Iron is currently working to secure surface rights and reports solid progress

Black Iron Inc. (TSX: BKI) (OTC: BKIRF) (GR: BIN), a Canadian iron ore exploration and development company, recently announced plans to complete a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 25 million units of the company at a price of $0.06 per unit. The proceeds from the offering will be used to advance the Black Iron Shymanivske project, according to a company press release (http://ibn.fm/9fpxA).

The offering’s maximum proceeds are expected to reach $1.5 million. Each unit is to consist of one Black Iron common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant.

The closing of the offering is subject to the receipt of the needed regulatory approval, including approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange. As noted in a news release issued on March 29, the company has already closed the first of two planned tranches of this private placement.

Funding is required to secure essential land surface rights, to further discussions on construction financing and for general purposes at the Shymanivske iron ore project, Black Iron said.

The Shymanivske project is 100 percent owned by Black Iron. Located in the historically-rich Kryvyi Rih region of Ukraine, it contains an NI 43-101-compliant resource that’s estimated to include 646 Mt of measured and indicated mineral resources, consisting of 355 Mt measured mineral resources grading 31.6 percent total iron and 18.8 percent magnetic iron, as well as indicated mineral resources of 290 Mt grading 31.1 percent total iron and 17.9 percent magnetic iron, using a cut-off grade of 10 percent magnetic iron.

In addition, the project also contains 188 Mt of inferred mineral resources grading 30.1 percent total iron and 18.4 percent magnetic iron.

Black Iron is optimistic that it can initiate construction at the project by the end of 2019. According to Black Iron CEO Matt Simpson, discussions to secure the surface rights are progressing well.

Upon its launch, Shymanivske is expected to produce ultra-high-grade 68 percent iron ore concentrate at a very low cost. The use of such ultra-high-grade iron ore in the production of steel generates an array of benefits, such as increased blast furnace productivity and reduced greenhouse emissions.

Because of this fact, as well as the climbing price of iron, Black Iron anticipates a strong economic return from the Shymanivske project. This return further reinforces the unique investment opportunity that the project offers due to the fact that it’s located in a region with well-established infrastructure. Most of the iron ore developments across the world necessitate the construction of high-cost rail, power lines and even ports.

In May 2018, Black Iron announced that analysis firm CRU ranked Shymanivske at the lowest position of the business cost curve and at the second-lowest position based on capital intensity among undeveloped pellet feed iron ore projects globally.

The technical and scientific contents of this article have been reviewed and approved by Matt Simpson, P.Eng., CEO of Black Iron, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

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

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

• TGOD recently received its second organic certification at its Hamilton facility
• Jefferies and Seaport Global have initiated coverage on the company’s stock
• TGOD’s Canada-listed shares climbed by more than 19 percent between February 28 and March 28, 2019
• Company has received initial approval to operate a cannabis greenhouse in Ancaster, Ontario

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) is now most definitely on the radar of the investment community. In February, NYC-based investment bank Jefferies initiated coverage of the stock with a ‘Buy’ recommendation (http://ibn.fm/xdUNV). The company’s stock price has been climbing in the wake of this milestone. Coverage appears to have increased investor confidence, as has confirmation that the company continues to pursue its strategy of producing premium organic cannabis at low cost. TGOD has received organic certification from Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd. for its Hamilton facility, the second time it has done so.

Earlier, Seaport Global Securities’ Senior Equity Analyst initiated coverage on the company with a ‘Buy’ rating and a bullish price target, citing the company’s bright future in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space.

Organic certification is a big deal for TGOD, big enough for the company to enshrine the concept in its name. Organic cultivation leads to a cleaner product – one free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can pervert natural growth processes. In May 2018, TGOD’s facility based in Ancaster, Ontario, received organic certification from Ecocert Canada, an internationally recognized world-leading organization in organic certification. Ecocert is one of the most discerning organic certification bodies, with standards that are based on employing natural and organic cultivation principles, including the use of ingredients derived from renewable resources and environmentally-friendly processes.

The new certification from Pro-Cert marks a doubling down by TGOD on the production of clean cannabis (http://ibn.fm/EcUv0). The certifier of organic, gluten-free and grass-fed products is one of North America’s premier certification bodies, with a client base of producers, processors and traders stretching across Canada and the United States. Pro-Cert’s certification programs are ISO 17065-compliant and accredited, providing global recognition and international access to the products that are certified. Certified brands and products carry the Pro-Cert logo.

“Organic” is a label that refers to methods of agricultural production and food processing designed to minimize disruption of the natural environment, encourage the health and vitality of the soil, promote humane animal management and preserve ecological integrity. To use the label, manufacturers and producers must typically comply with government regulations. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has four distinct labeling categories for certified organic food products: ‘100% Organic’, ‘Organic’, ‘Made with Organic ***’ (http://ibn.fm/QyiQp) and ‘Specific Organic Ingredients’. Generally, organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering, sewage sludge and irradiation during crop production. These standards also forbid artificial food colors, flavors and sweeteners, as well as many preservatives and processing aids.

Canadian consumers have stated a preference for organic cannabis. In a recent study conducted by Hill & Knowlton, over 50 percent of recreational consumers stated that it was important that their cannabis be organic. When the same question was posed to medical patients, that number increased to 63 percent.

In addition, TGOD recently received news that the Hamilton City Council has voted to approve the company’s settlement offer, allowing TGOD to operate its cannabis greenhouse in Ancaster, Ontario, upon confirmation of the settlement by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal at a meeting scheduled for April 25, 2019. According to the press release (http://ibn.fm/sPj23), the combined facilities in Ancaster, when complete, will be capable of growing 17,500 kgs of organic cannabis annually. The newly constructed, LEED-designed purpose-built greenhouse is expected to commence growing operations by June and employ up to 85 people. In a news release, Brian Athaide, CEO of TGOD, stated, “This is important to TGOD’s ability to generate considerable near-term revenue while the Company continues to approach its global planned output of 219,000 kgs.”

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

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

• The new CBD oil product was introduced at the Financial Carnival Event in San Francisco
• The full-spectrum oil joins CIIX’s other CBD products, including OptHemp and the OPT2Mist CBD-infused sprays
• CEO sees possibility of reaching $6-$10 million in annual sales volume, facilitating uplisting to the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Capital Market

ChineseInvestors.com Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) has added a high-end, full-spectrum brand of CBD oil to its CBD offerings through subsidiary ChineseHempOil.com Inc. The new product line is available at www.365CWC.com. CIIX said in a news release that the new, branded oil should have a positive impact on its sales and profit margin (http://ibn.fm/EbzcF).

CIIX’s new site, which caters to both Chinese and English speakers, offers a growing selection of CBD wellness products, including:

• OPTHemp-branded organic, industrial hemp-derived CBD oil, CBD scrub and cream and other hemp-infused cosmetics;
• OPT2Mist daily vitamin and full-spectrum CBD-infused sprays; and
• Organic full-spectrum CBD oil sourced from Colorado.

In a news release (http://ibn.fm/hcvXw), CIIX CEO Warren Wang said, “This 100 percent organic product, free of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, will provide our most discerning, health-conscious customers with one of the highest quality CBD oils available.” The CBD oil was introduced in San Francisco at the Financial Carnival Event, Wang added.

In an interview on MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon, Wang expressed hopes that, within the next three to five years, the company will be uplisted to the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Capital Market as it reaches up to $10 million in annual sales volume (http://ibn.fm/15XKN).

Based in San Gabriel, California, CIIX offers educational programs in investing to its international Chinese-speaking audience. The company also offers an industrial hemp-infused consumer products line.

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

• Therma Bright Inc.’s proprietary technology has received Class II medical device status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• The global market for cosmeceuticals was valued at nearly $47 billion in 2017 and is estimated to see continued growth
• The company is waiting on regulatory approvals for its thermal therapy technology, which incorporates the use of cannabis or cannabidiol

Therma Bright Inc. (TSX.V: THRM) (OTC: THRBF), a medical device technology provider focused on addressing dermatological needs in the multi-billion-dollar cosmeceutical (the convergence of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products) industry, offers relief for insect and marine life bites and stings, which is especially relevant as spring weather patterns transition into increasingly wet and humid conditions.

The company’s pain-free skin care offerings alleviate pain, itch and discomfort caused by a myriad of creatures, including bees, wasps, hornets, mosquitos, black flies and jellyfish. Therma Bright’s products, devices and treatments are effective and non-invasive, offering both cosmetic and medicinal or therapeutic benefits. This proprietary technology has received Class II medical device status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The global market for cosmeceuticals was valued at nearly $47 billion in 2017 and is estimated to be worth more than $80 billion by 2023. The industry is growing at a rate of nearly 9.5 percent, according to a report published by Mordor Intelligence (http://ibn.fm/8VK8q). Many factors are contributing to this growth, including a “sustained rise in aging population globally.” As the life expectancy for both women and men increases, the share of people over 75 using cosmetics is also on the rise. Women and men are desirous of maintaining a youthful appearance, and this healthy demand for such cosmetic products has opened a window for innovation. The industry continues to thrive as a result of these factors.

Currently, Therma Bright is utilizing social media to market its products, working to develop and maintain relationships with established North American and global retailers. In an effort to enter the flourishing cannabis market, Therma Bright is also researching methods of utilizing medical grade cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) to achieve back, knee and other joint pain relief. Once it obtains the proper regulatory approvals, the company plans to use its wholly owned subsidiary to produce and sell its thermal therapy technology, which incorporates medical cannabis.

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

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

• Most of MCOA’s projects involve the cultivation and distribution of hemp-derived products
• The company has officially launched its industrial hemp-based, CBD-formulated hempSMART products in the United Kingdom
• MCOA recently entered into an LOI with Natural Plant Extracts of California

An umbrella company, Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) supports an array of portfolio businesses that participate in the cannabis industry. Primarily an industrial hemp business, MCOA’s hempSMART company is focused on producing premier-quality botanical supplements derived from organically grown industrial hemp and synergistic botanicals (http://ibn.fm/jL0vQ). MCOA is headquartered in Escondido, California.

Fundamentally, hempSMART offers a line of industrial hemp-derived cannabidiol (non-THC) products. The expectation is that the hemp market will increase tenfold this year. Hemp acreage in the United States increased by more than 500 percent between 2015 and 2017. Some estimates declare that 70 percent of the U.S. hemp crop is grown for cannabidiol (CBD) (http://ibn.fm/9eFoZ).

In the United States, MCOA is raising the profile of its hempSMART subsidiary. In addition, the company is planning an expansion of the brand into Asia and Europe (http://ibn.fm/NTkAg). hempSMART also offers the opportunity to distribute its products as part of its affiliate network marketing program. This program centers on promoting and selling the company’s legal hemp-based consumer products containing CBD.

hempSMART officially launched MCOA’s industrial hemp-based, CBD-formulated hempSMART products in the United Kingdom during the company’s March 23, 2019, launch event in London (http://ibn.fm/2ZYcw). Its launch program included an in-depth overview of the CBD industry, its hempSMART products and marketing and compensation plans, which also feature information on how associates can start their own businesses in the CBD industry.

In a news release, MCOA Chief Executive Officer Donald Steinberg said, “We are now ready to start on the global rollout of our hempSMART products. Our software is set to accommodate many countries, our product line has been well developed, and we have leaders throughout the world ready to take up their roles as county directors.”

MCOA recently announced that it has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Natural Plant Extracts of California (“NPE”) and its subsidiary, Northern Lights Distribution LLC (“NLD”). This LOI is to acquire a 20-percent ownership interest in NPE and also to establish a joint venture (JV) to operate a California cannabis delivery service called Viva Buds.

Through the JV with NPE’s distribution company, MCOA created the wholly owned subsidiary Viva Buds Inc. to serve as the marketing division for NLD’s new retail delivery service in California. MCOA will first concentrate on delivering cannabis products to Southern California and subsequently launch to other cities across the state (http://ibn.fm/5WuTO).

Steinberg added, “This partnership will enable MCOA to establish itself as a major player in the cannabis arena. All licenses are in place to allow for vertical integration from farm to consumer. We are excited to expand our business model to now include marketing our new THC brand Viva Buds through our fully licensed partner NPE.”

Providing first-rate turnkey services to the legal cannabis and hemp industry, MCOA continues to advance its initiatives. The company offers investors the opportunity to partake in an industry that is showing exponential growth. MCOA has established itself along different points in the industrial hemp, cannabis and related services supply chain as it works to create even more value for its shareholders.

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

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

• THRBF offers an IoT- and Bluetooth-enabled device for cold-sore prevention
• Its sales strategy is part of the company’s larger focus on developing products for the dermatology market
• THRBF’s proprietary technology is designed to prevent cold sores in the OTC sector, which is projected to record significant sales growth

Therma Bright Inc. (TSX.V: THRM) (OTC: THRBF) is offering a new generation of technology in the burgeoning skin care market. The company is specifically planning to target sales growth for its high gross-margin InterceptCS* cold sore prevention device with a new website, social media campaign and online sales strategy (http://ibn.fm/qqEgF).

THRBF’s new InterceptCS is a class II medical device that works through three 30-second treatments and offers multi-use activators. Therma Bright’s strategy is to market the product online through distributors and a new social media campaign, as well as on its new website at www.ColdSores.com.

Toronto-based THRBF offers first-rate medical devices for dermatological needs. The company focuses on proprietary technology in the OTC pain-free and noninvasive sectors, and it has received class II medical device status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therma Bright also markets TherOZap, an insect-bite treatment device.

The dermatology market is estimated to reach $22.6 billion in the United States by 2028, according to GMR Data (http://ibn.fm/tzY4X).

* Based on a double-blind placebo study, InterceptCS is approved for the claim, “For prevention of cold sores when used within three hours of the onset of the prodrome,” by Health Canada. InterceptCS is not approved by the United States FDA for any claim of clinical indication, clinical efficac, and/or cure or prevention of disease.

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

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

• The R&D program will focus on the proprietary Lexaria DehydraTECH delivery technology with the purpose of enhancing it further
• Results could contribute to new patent filings in the future; in addition, the program will examine more extensively the way DehydraTECH-enabled CBD outperforms generic CBD
• Lexaria-designed nanotech enhancements will also be included in the program

Biotechnology company and drug delivery platform innovator Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) is launching its largest cannabinoid research and development program to date. The program consists of 11 separate animal studies, according to a company press release (http://ibn.fm/xidEM).

The Lexaria in vitro study design was conceptualized six months ago. Laboratory test articles have been produced and meet or exceed required quality control thresholds. The program has moved on to the implementation stage, which includes testing for a variety of performance-enhancing variations of the company’s DehydraTECH.

The DehydraTECH trademarked delivery technology is patented for cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC). The technology has a wide scope of applications, with evidence gathered separately of an ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which could lead to applications related to nervous system conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Through the research, Lexaria aims to enhance the DehydraTECH drug delivery platform even further, with optimization enhancement designed to improve the platform’s performance in next-generation formulations currently under development.

As per the official Lexaria announcement, the research and development program could contribute to additional patent filings in the future. Thus, the company has limited information about the study’s design for the time being. The primary aim of the research, however, is to determine the mechanisms by which DehydraTECH-enabled CBD outperforms generic CBD – a fact that has already been established through multiple trials.

DehydraTECH and the other Lexaria technologies are already disrupting the cannabis edibles industry. These developments reduce the undesirable taste of CBD products, eliminate the need for the addition of sweeteners (simplifying the creation of sugar-free options), increase absorption rates and reduce the time of positive effect onset.

Lexaria-designed nanotech enhancements will also be included among the research and development program subjects. In the beginning of 2018, Lexaria evaluated a number of nanotech emulsions for use with DehydraTECH. These nano emulsions are expected to be tested in combination with the DehydraTECH delivery system for the first time ever.

Various nanotech solutions are already available on the market. No other company, however, has come up with a combination of nano emulsions and a drug delivery platform that’s patented for use with cannabinoids. Lexaria representatives believe that the combination enhances the individual performance characteristics of both technologies.

DehydraTECH is a disruptive delivery technology platform that promotes healthier ingestion methods and lower dosages, while increasing overall effectiveness of lipophilic active molecules. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. has multiple patents pending in over 40 countries and already has patents granted in the U.S. and Australia for the utilization of its signature DehydraTECH technology. The technology increases intestinal absorption rates, allowing for more rapid delivery to the bloodstream of various orally administered bioactive compounds, such as cannabinoids, vitamins and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.

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

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

• Marijuana Company of America Inc. recently initiated a new push into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) product development through an LOI with Natural Plant Extract of California
• Analysts predict that California’s cannabis market will reach $5.1 billion in sales this year and $7.7 billion by 2022
• Recreational use marijuana is expected to be the prime driver in the market

During a crucial year for expansion in California’s cannabis market, Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) is lighting the pathway toward achieving its goal of farm-to-consumer vertical collaboration among its subsidiaries in the cannabis space.

MCOA recently uplisted its trading tier to the OTCQB Venture Marketplace, as well as improving its hempSMART brand presence as cannabidiol (CBD) oils and infused products gain increasing gravitas among the health and wellness community.

This month, the company added a push into the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) product space by announcing an LOI with Natural Plant Extract of California (“NPE”) and its subsidiary, Northern Lights Distribution, LLC, to establish a joint venture that would operate a California cannabis delivery service named Viva Buds.

“This partnership will enable MCOA to establish itself as a major player in the Cannabis arena,” CEO Donald Steinberg stated in a news release about the agreement (http://ibn.fm/UZuHW). “The NPE team has a great deal of industry knowledge and has an industry disruptive business model. This is a huge strategic move for MCOA!”

Although California is more than a year into its legalization of recreational marijuana use, regulatory differences between the state’s local community markets can make getting cannabis products to consumers challenging. At the same time, the ongoing federal view of cannabis as a restricted plant has limited transportation contracts to companies that don’t have federal contracts, leaving the door open to potential competition in the space such as the proposed Viva Buds delivery service.

Data analysts at industry advisory firm Cannabis Business Plan are forecasting a California cannabis market with $7.7 billion in annual sales by 2022, with 61.5 percent of the overall market driven by recreational use marijuana (http://ibn.fm/KMTNr). Researchers at BDS Analytics predict that sales of cannabis will hit $5.1 billion in California this year due to the fast-moving nature of what is one of the largest cannabis markets in the world (http://ibn.fm/SjxCl). California tax and fee regulators are already celebrating the nearly $350 million in sales and excise tax receipts brought in during the first year of recreational marijuana legalization in the state, even though expectations had been for almost double that amount (http://ibn.fm/ED7tE).

Marijuana Company of America has seen its expectations for a cannabis boom enhanced by regulatory changes in the United States, such as the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill just ahead of year’s end, which allowed hemp to be classified as an agricultural product and paved the way for it to become a farm commodity largely free of drug schedule restrictions, even though components of the plant used for medicinal purposes still have to abide by Food and Drug Administration standards to be approved (http://ibn.fm/pORXr).

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

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