• TGOD recently received an oil sales license from Health Canada for its Ancaster, Ontario, facility
• The company’s state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extraction system is capable of processing ultra-pure, certified-organic cannabis oils
• TGOD’s Unite Organic Cannabis Oil, derived from a high potency, THC-dominant strain, is expected to be ready to ship in late April 2019
• The company is targeting a potential market in Ontario and Quebec with 21.5 million residents and an estimated value of more than $2.6 billion

Cannabis company The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) has reached another milestone that supports the company’s ambition of becoming the global leader in delivering premium organic cannabis solutions to enhance people’s lives. TGOD recently announced that it is now licensed to sell cannabis oils produced at its Ancaster, Ontario, facility, which previously received an oil production license in April 2018. The oil sales license and production license were both issued by Health Canada, pursuant to the Cannabis Act, according to a news release (http://ibn.fm/58yr1).

“We are pleased to offer TGOD’s medical patients access to new premium certified organic cannabis oils,” Brian Athaide, TGOD CEO, said in the release. “In addition, this step will assist TGOD in transforming our premium quality organic raw material into a variety of higher-margin cannabis products which is core to our business plan, providing us with the opportunity to bring to market innovative and novel products, including beverages and edibles, once regulations permit. Cannabis 2.0 is rapidly approaching, and we will be ready.”

TGOD’s oils will be as close to the original plant as possible, including terpene profiles to realize entourage effects. The process is easily customizable to create full-spectrum, strain-specific oils, as well as oils of varying cannabinoid and terpene concentrations. TGOD Chief Science Officer Dr. Rav Kumar noted in a release that the oil is predominantly a medical product and patients want clean, organic efficacy with safe and easy delivery.

TGOD produces farm grown, organic, pesticide-free medical cannabis using all-natural, organic craft growing principles. These products are laboratory tested to ensure that patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD is licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) to cultivate medical cannabis and has positioned itself as one of the highest quality and most cost-efficient cannabis producers in Canada by leveraging innovative technology and low-cost power solutions (http://ibn.fm/ORqip).

“Through our certified organic product and process we know we are providing patients the best possible experience,” Kumar added. In March, the first group of patients enrolled in the TGOD’s Growers’ Circle received access to purchase the company’s first certified organic cannabis strain through its newly redesigned, award-winning website (http://ibn.fm/WcaTQ).

TGOD’s state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extraction system is capable of processing ultra-pure, environmentally friendly, organic cannabis oils that are free of toxic solvents. The company’s oil extraction facility was built to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) specifications, and work is currently underway for European Union GMP (“EU-GMP”) certification, which would allow TGOD to expand distribution of its certified organic cannabis oils beyond Canada and into global markets.

Arcview Market Research, in partnership with BDS Analytics, projects that the edibles market could be worth more than $4.1 billion in Canada and the United States by 2022 (http://ibn.fm/RNW2f). Health Canada is finetuning regulations for sales of cannabis-infused edibles, drinks, extracts and topicals, which are expected to be allowed nationwide no later than October 17, 2019.

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

• Wildflower Brands’ announcement of plans to acquire City Cannabis Corp. represents the latest step in Wildflower’s international expansion
• City Cannabis is only the company with multiple licenses in British Columbia, and the only BC-based retailer to go public
• The proposed acquisition represents a major opportunity to gain exposure to the Canadian consumer market, as City Cannabis anticipates operating stores across Canada

The recently announced LOI  (http://ibn.fm/oq9Gy) for the acquisition of Vancouver-based licensed cannabis retailer City Cannabis Corp. by wellness brand builder Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) is a major step for Wildflower. The move points to the potential of a Canada-wide retail presence with City’s own plans for retail expansion. Vancouver news outlet BIV noted that City Cannabis — termed Vancouver’s “first legal cannabis boutique” — expects to eventually operate 20 to 30 stores across the country (http://ibn.fm/9HQWj). Wildflower already sells various CBD products throughout the U.S., and this latest announcement is seen as one part of Wildflower’s ongoing strategy to build itself as an international player in the global cannabis market.

City Cannabis is a cannabis retailer holding two of the three City of Vancouver licenses to sell cannabis, and it is the only company with multiple licenses in the Province of British Columbia. It is also expected to be the only BC-based cannabis retailer to go public. In addition, the company currently has multiple cannabis retail license applications submitted in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

In a news release, William MacLean, Wildflower’s CEO, commented, “City Cannabis and Wildflower are the perfect combination of premier products and a premier consumer retail experience. City Cannabis’ retail consumer data and insight will help shape development of Wildflower’s product line-up while the retail expertise of City Cannabis will aid Wildflower in its retail expansion.”

Krystian Wetulani, City Cannabis’ CEO, added, “Wildflower has a tremendous team that has developed several prominent cannabis brands and we are excited to join with them to bring their branding and marketing expertise to City Cannabis as we expand into the Canadian regulated market.”

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

• Redfund Capital is focusing the power of its equity financing and debt financing business incubation model toward flourishing cannabis industry startups
• The company is labeling its recent investment in the international Cannabis Mercantile Exchange (“Cannamerx”) auction platform as “one of our most strategic growth alliances”
• Cannamerx is gaining a growing clientele in the hemp and CBD industries, noting recently that it had clients listing 1.5 metric tons of hemp biomass for auction
• The global hemp market is forecast to reach $5.7 billion in revenues by 2020

Enterprising Canadian finance firm Redfund Capital Corp. (CSE: LOAN) (OTC: PNNRF) (Frankfurt: O3X4) is strengthening its business incubation model through equity financing and debt financing in the emerging cannabis industries, announcing recently that it will partner with the Cannabis Mercantile Exchange (“Cannamerx”) as Cannamerx rolls out the first international global hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) auction platform.

Redfund’s focus on accelerating revenue-producing companies by helping them fund their efforts to get to the next level without giving away equity prematurely has proven a natural fit for rising businesses in the cannabis space as cannabis products gain new social and regulatory acceptance worldwide.

Redfund Capital extended funds to three cannabis companies during the year’s first quarter — RxMM Health, Mary’s Wellness Ltd. and Winterlife Inc. — and it has established a new investment in Wahupta Ventures Inc. (http://ibn.fm/qG3Ko), as well as recent funding for the Cannaki Beverage Company (http://ibn.fm/9sgy2).

The Redfund-Cannamerx alliance announced on March 20 (http://ibn.fm/6uMSa) that it will provide the fully automated business-to-business (B2B) international auction platform with funding to establish its business model and build its global footprint of clientele for wholesale cannabis and cannabis products. On the heels of the announcement, the companies reported that they had listed 1.5 metric tons of hemp biomass for auction (http://ibn.fm/u22cV) on what the companies label “the first international global Hemp/CBD auction platform” and the Midas Letter labels a “B2B eBay” for the cannabis industry (http://ibn.fm/7iDBs).

Cannamerx is drawing hemp clients in Canada, the United States and Europe and is in the process of seeking CBD labs in the United States that it can work with for trade in that country.

“The hemp revolution has begun in North America,” Redfund CEO Meris Kott stated in a news release. “We are excited to help Cannamerx create a global path for many of these companies to trade Hemp/CBD internationally and become cash flow positive at a much quicker pace, decreasing their sales and marketing expenses and removing the ‘middleman’ thereby increasing net revenues. By next fall, we are hopeful CBD edibles will be federally approved and licensed in Canada with Cannamerx’s platform providing the raw materials to licensed LPs, who need hemp.”

Kott added, “Investing in a working cannabis auction platform in the sector is a game-changer. Cannamerx has the ability to connect European buyers with Canadian licensed sellers and South American licensed producers can with a click of a mouse list their products placing reserve prices to the rest of the world. There are many technology marketing plans to connect the world but Cannamerx have already established themselves as the go-to platform. Redfund recognizes that this is one of our most strategic growth alliances.”

Kott added (http://ibn.fm/pzoaG) that the company’s strategy is to develop a portfolio of 20 companies with $75 million in loans to businesses that have “commonalities of revenues, brand awareness, and a keen interest to go global with their products.” This includes a drive to diversify Redfund’s investments in Canada and other countries, building an international footprint with established companies and introducing companies to Canada as a viable location for public listings.

Redfund cites a New Frontier Data market forecast predicting that the global hemp market will reach $5.7 billion in revenues by 2020, attributing the growth mostly to Chinese textiles, European industrials, Canadian foods and the hemp-derived CBD product market in the United States. Drug store outlets Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA) and CVS Health Corp. (NYSE: CVS) exemplify the market expectations, announcing during the final week of the quarter that they will begin offering CBD products in select states (http://ibn.fm/fAW25).

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

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

• Kontrol Energy Corp. grew its revenue run rate from $1.8 million to $16 million over the past two years
• The company has a foothold in various industries, promising energy-efficiency solutions to help customers achieve green goals
• Kontrol has secured contracts to provide services to licensed producers in the Canadian cannabis sector
• The company recently announced the upcoming release of its 2018 financial results

Kontrol Energy Corp. (CSE: KNR) (OTCQB: KNRLF) (FSE: 1K8), a leader in the energy-efficiency sector, is working to reshape the way consumers use, manage and strategically allocate resources. The company has taken root in myriad industries and promises to help customers realize their energy-efficiency goals.

Through Kontrol’s innovative solutions, customers can leverage more control over their energy consumption as they see immediate and real-time energy savings. Currently, the Kontrol Energy group of companies saves its customers more than 40 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (http://ibn.fm/SF7Ns).

Kontrol has seen incredible growth in its revenue run rate over the past two years, growing from $1.8 million to $16 million. This growth is due in large part to the company’s dedicated focus on a strong acquisitions strategy and concentrated effort to foster organic growth. Additionally, the company’s presence in multiple industries has allowed it to diversify efforts. These industries include commercial buildings, multi-residential buildings, commercial cannabis, utilities, manufacturing and education.

As Kontrol offers its integrated energy-efficiency solutions and technologies to the thriving cannabis industry, it continues to seek new ways to deepen its reach. To date, Kontrol has secured two contracts to provide energy-efficiency services to licensed producers in the Canadian cannabis sector. The Canadian medicinal marijuana industry alone was valued at C$400 million in 2017, and Canadian bank CIBC expects this figure to grow to C$6.8 billion by 2020 in the wake of Canada’s full legalization (http://ibn.fm/eHZBx). Kontrol’s leadership team realizes the revenue potential of the cannabis industry, as it is an industry fully dependent on large amounts of low-cost energy to be successful.

Kontrol has much to offer licensed producers (“LPs”) in this regard. Its energy solutions and technologies provide real-time energy monitoring, allowing LPs (http://ibn.fm/X9rVQ) to “reduce waste and increase system reliabilities” by detecting “inefficiencies and areas of improvement,” thus ensuring higher yields and more lucrative crop harvests. Additionally, Kontrol’s technologies “identify high return energy retrofits and distributed generation upgrades,” helping companies improve their energy consumption. Lastly, the company helps customers “comply with energy and water disclosure laws” by providing “customized granular energy data and historical reports.” Kontrol’s menu of energy-analytics solutions and technologies enable customers to meet their energy efficiency goals while also obtaining air quality and emission compliance.

The company recently announced that it will release its fiscal 2018 financial results for the year ended December 31, 2018, on Tuesday, April 30 (http://ibn.fm/PoG05).

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

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

• The cannabis beverage market is estimated to exceed $4 billion by 2022
• Sproutly is focused on becoming the leading supplier of water-soluble cannabis solutions and bio-natural oils to the emerging beverage and consumables market
• Company has exclusive rights to Infusion Biosciences’ APP technology in Canada, Australia, Israel, Jamaica and the European Union

Sproutly Canada Inc. (OTCQB: SRUTF) (CSE: SPR) (FRA: 38G) foresees a lucrative vertical emerging in the cannabis sector as the cannabinoid-infused beverages and edibles space continues to grow in popularity with consumers. A report from cannabis market research firm ArcView Research and BDS Analytics projects rapid growth in this arena, with sales of cannabis-derived edibles, which include beverages, expected to surpass $4 billion in the U.S. and Canada by 2022 (http://ibn.fm/JwVxI).

Sproutly’s wholly owned subsidiary, Toronto Herbal Remedies Inc. (“THR”), is already a licensed producer under Canada’s Cannabis Act, and it was recently granted a processing license from Health Canada that allows THR to produce cannabis oil and related products (http://ibn.fm/9QeUM). Research and development efforts at Sproutly include a scientifically groundbreaking formulation for clear cannabis beverages fortified with water-soluble cannabinoids and terpenes.

Dr. Arup Sen, chief science officer of Sproutly, said in a news release that the company utilizes the proprietary Aqueous Phytorecovery Process (APP) technological platform, developed by portfolio company Infusion Biosciences Inc., to extract water-soluble forms of cannabinoids for inclusion in beverages and edibles. This patent-pending technology, a plant-to-product process that recovers oil-based cannabinoids, in addition to water soluble phytochemicals, can also be used in pharmaceutical drug development efforts (http://ibn.fm/B6SCT).

“We have completed a substantial amount of formulation work to date with our proprietary, naturally produced, water-soluble cannabinoids, which we have named Infuz2O,” Sen said in the release, adding that THR’s processing license is a major milestone in the company’s bid to commercialize its line of cannabis beverages and edibles. “In addition to the anticipated launch of our cannabis beverages utilizing Infuz2O, we are equally excited about commercializing products containing our Bio Natural Oils, which provide substantially different characteristics than other oil-based products on the market today.”

Bio Natural Oils deliver the full-spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes of the strain from which they are made, thus empowering consumers to enjoy the experience of their strains of choice in an edible form. Cannabis edibles are quickly becoming a popular option for cannabis consumers, and they even broke into a list of the top 10 food trends of 2018, moving into the eighth position, according to the Specialty Food Association (http://ibn.fm/JSn5f).

The application of water-soluble cannabis infusions has potential to be widespread in both medicinal and recreational cannabis sectors, giving Sproutly a distinctive edge in a market with untapped potential. Since Sproutly owns the exclusive rights to APP technology in Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Israel and the entire European Union, the company is looking at significant international expansion opportunities.

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

• During an investor conference call, GCGX’s CEO noted that the company’s ultimate goal is to be listed and traded on the Nasdaq
• California has issued an annual license for adult and medicinal cannabis manufacturing to Global Consortium Group LLC
• CEO Dwyer added that GCGX subsidiary Infused Edibles is expected to see its production operations relocated to Sacramento, California, by the end of Q2

Global Consortium Inc. (OTC: GCGX) CEO Matthew Dwyer said during an investor conference call (http://ibn.fm/japym) that the company has already started its uplisting process by consolidating financials for its audit team. Following that, the company plans to begin the registration process to become listed and ultimately traded on a major stock exchange.

“Our goal is to go on Nasdaq and trade on that exchange,” Dwyer said during the call. He referred to the strategy of various companies in the cannabis space that were first listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange in Canada before trading on the Nasdaq in the United States.

Headquartered in Florida, GCGX is a diversified cannabis holding company that has a portfolio of companies related to cannabis, including Infused Edibles and Indulge Oils.

Dwyer also discussed the required California annual state license for manufacturing cannabis. After the call, the company tweeted that it had been granted an annual license for adult and medicinal cannabis manufacturing through April 9, 2020, by the state of California. The tweet included an image of the actual manufacturing license.

During the call, Dwyer also explained that the production operations of subsidiary Infused Edibles will be relocated to Sacramento, California. The move, he said, will take place by the end of Q2. Infused Edibles markets an infused menu that includes tinctures, gummies and cannabidiol. It also offers several products that require the addition of water, such as brownie and chocolate chip cookie mixes (www.InfusedEdibles.org).

Additionally, Dwyer provided insight on the location of the cannabis mall that the company is planning. The 64,000-square-foot unit will provide manufacturing, distribution, retail, testing and cultivation facilities, all under one roof. Dwyer noted that the cannabis mall will be located in Sacramento, California.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GCGX.org

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

• Geyser Brands has completed its first test harvest and second harvest as a cannabis cultivator under Health Canada’s licensing regulation, and it is working to complete licensing for direct-to-consumer sales; its third harvest, now in the ground, promises a 200 percent yield increase over the first two harvests
• GYSR recently undertook a $400,000 private placement financing bid and welcomed two new investor relations officers to boost its management team
• The company has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the cannabis brands and assets of Solace Management Group

Cannabis cultivator Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR) is beginning to steam its way into an industry centered on what is known as a natural, healthful recourse for people struggling to manage insomnia, digestive difficulties, pain and inflammation. Geyser is building brands and celebrating the successful March harvest of its first test crops under the requirements of Health Canada’s license to cultivate.

Geyser Brands is a British Columbia-based company producing consumer health care products and brands through a formulation laboratory focused on enhancing the bio-availability and shelf stability of all-natural, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products. The company’s proprietary NanoFusion technology is at the heart of its topical, cream, beverage and baked goods, oil and tincture formulations for promoting human and pet health. Its strategy is to build and market brands nationally and internationally, establishing retail channels and direct-to-consumer experiences for its hemp-infused products and enhancing the products with CBD where legal.

Geyser began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange in December, and, with its first and second harvests under its belt (http://ibn.fm/BN5Vz), the company is working to complete a processing and sales license, which will allow GYSR to extend its products into the regulated Canadian cannabis market and direct-to-consumer medical market.

On April 18, the company announced that it is undertaking a private placement financing of up to 615,385 units at $0.65 per unit, with each unit including a common share and a purchase warrant exercisable into an additional common share at a price of $0.85 per share (http://ibn.fm/JvlLj). The placement is expected to generate gross proceeds of up to C$400,000 as a means to provide general working capital for Geyser’s growth initiatives.

“Investing in operational capacity expansion is vital to maintaining our brands’ existing leadership positions in the global cannabis industry,” CEO Andreas Thatcher stated in the announcement. “This financing gives us additional resources so we can maintain our momentum and launch ourselves through the window of opportunity that exists domestically and abroad so we can continue to lead a sector forward into new territory.”

Geyser has also augmented its executive staff, recently welcoming Doug Kerr and Alan Jones as its investor relations officers (http://ibn.fm/nEQTm). The pair brings industry experience from working with Wildflower Brands Inc. and Phivida Holdings Inc., respectively, where they helped the companies communicate their corporate strategies to shareholders.

Under the terms of joining the management team, Kerr received 250,000 stock options to purchase common shares exercisable at a price of $0.70 per share, and Jones was granted 125,000 options.

In February, Geyser signed an LOI with Solace Management Group Inc. to acquire Solace’s brands and assets, including hemp-infused pet treat brand ‘Apawthecary Pets’, hemp-based product line ‘Apothecary Naturals’, hemp-based tattoo after-care products ‘Apothecary Ink’, hemp-infused freeze-dried pet products for dogs and cats ‘WildTail Pets’, and the company’s research and development arm, Apothecary Labs.

Solace already distributes its products in Canada through over 3,000 stores, with international distribution to European, Caribbean and North American markets.

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

• Marijuana Company of America Inc. has returned to its roots with a joint venture to launch a cannabis delivery service targeted at California’s recreational market
• Market researchers predict that California’s cannabis sales will hit $5.1 billion this year and $7.7 billion by 2022
• MCOA’s year-end financial report noted an increase of 840 percent in annual revenues, thanks primarily to the company’s proprietary hempSMART brand

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) is solidifying its position as an innovative pioneer in the cannabis industry as it forms a strategy for new growth and celebrates significant revenue gains over the past year.

Marijuana Company of America has long developed a presence in the hemp-derived product market, edifying a framework of cannabidiol (CBD) cultivation and distribution opportunities primarily through its proprietary hempSMART brand. However, as legislative and industry opportunities open up, MCOA is re-establishing its root identity as the Marijuana Company of America, as exemplified by its recent acquisition of a 20 percent interest in a licensed manufacturer, distributor and retail delivery service for volatile cannabis products in California (http://ibn.fm/wphq0).

“We have aspirations of becoming a major distributor, delivery service and manufacture in California,” MCOA CEO Don Steinberg stated in announcing the agreement with Natural Plant Extract of California (“NPE”).

Together, the companies aim to form a premier cannabis delivery company named ‘Viva Buds’, which will serve as the marketing arm for the new retail cannabis delivery service launched by NPE subsidiary Northern Lights Distribution in California. The joint venture is expected to begin with Los Angeles-area distribution before extending to other parts of the state.

A year into California’s legalization of recreational marijuana use, more than half of the municipalities in the state still did not have laws governing the industry entering 2019 (http://ibn.fm/i6dD0), and regulatory differences between the state’s varied municipalities have stymied efforts to legally deliver cannabis products to some areas, although a contested court ruling in January opened the way for companies to bypass local limitations (http://ibn.fm/XZqQu).

Analysts with plant industry advisory firm Cannabis Business Plan predict that California’s cannabis market will reach yearly revenues of $7.7 billion by 2022, with 61.5 percent of the overall market driven by recreational-use marijuana (http://ibn.fm/MrfhL), while BDS Analytics researchers forecast California cannabis sales of $5.1 billion this year  (http://ibn.fm/vhPAA).

The Viva Buds rollout follows on the heels of MCOA’s financial successes in 2018. The company recorded an 840 percent year-over-year increase in total revenues, rising from $26,830 to $252,135 (http://ibn.fm/Cahq7). Its gross profit for 2018 increased from a 47 percent gross margin to a 68 percent gross margin, while the company’s net loss from operations decreased by 82 percent from the prior year.

“Our financial results were better than many other cannabis public companies in our sector, which are still in the development stage and not yet producing revenue,” CFO Jesus Quintero stated in the news release. “Marijuana Company of America, through our hempSMART brand, has experienced a dramatic increase in sales, most of which occurred in fourth quarter. This trend is continuing to grow in first and second quarter of 2019. We think our shareholders are going to be very satisfied with the execution of our highly aggressive growth and restructuring plans in 2019.”

CEO Don Steinberg added that the company expects to complete the acquisition of a California marijuana manufacturing and distribution license shortly, which could allow Marijuana Company of America to capture additional market share.

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

• The second and final tranche of a Black Iron private placement will contribute to gross proceeds exceeding $1.59 million; these funds are expected to be used for Shymanivske iron ore project advancement
• Black Iron needs the financial resources to secure essential land surface rights and to further discussions surrounding project construction financing
• The company also announced discussions with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense regarding the transfer of a parcel of land to be used for the construction of its processing plant and waste rock storage facility

Toronto-based Black Iron Inc. (TSX: BKI) (OTC: BKIRF) (GR: BIN) recently closed the second and final tranche of an earlier announced private placement of units. The funds generated through the non-brokered private placement are earmarked for securing essential land surface rights and furthering the advancement of Shymanivske iron ore project construction and financing.

Pursuant to the closing of the second tranche, the company issued 9,043,950 units at a price of $0.06 per unit for gross proceeds of $542,637. Combined with the closing of the first tranche, the private placement is set to generate gross proceeds of $1,593,143.

The current Black Iron focus is on advancing the development of its wholly owned Shymanivske iron ore project in Krivyi Rih, Ukraine, toward construction. The mining-friendly area is surrounded by five other operating iron ore mines in very close proximity to all of the infrastructure necessary to allow for a low upfront cost phased build, including railway, power, port and skilled labor.

At the end of March 2019, Black Iron announced that Ukraine’s government had agreed to develop a plan to transfer a key parcel of land to the company. The company requires additional land suitable for the placement of its processing plant, tailings and waste rock. The transfer is expected to be completed after additional discussions focusing on a compensation package that will cover the replacement and relocation of Ministry of Defense facilities, as well as repatriation of some surrounding land.

The parcel of land is suitable from both social and environmental standpoints, Black Iron announced in a news release (http://ibn.fm/4Skwl). Its close proximity to Shymanivske also makes it a cost-efficient choice that should reduce the expenses linked to hauling ore and waste.

As per the announcement, Black Iron plans to build its Shymanivske iron ore project in two phases. The company will make use of the solid fundamentals that the area has to offer, which include the excellent infrastructure, skilled local labor and close proximity to steel mills located in Turkey, Europe and the Middle East.

The Shymanivske iron ore project is expected to produce an ultra-high grade, 68 percent iron ore concentrate. The operating cost is forecast to be low, at roughly $31 per ton, with a capital intensity of less than $95 per ton of capacity.

Black Iron intends to produce high-grade pellet feed, as the concentrate available at Shymanivske is an ideal source for pellets, because it doesn’t have to be ground finer. The price of high-grade pellet feed is anticipated to grow disproportionately on the iron ore market. Since November 2018, iron ore prices have gone up nearly 40 percent and are currently at their highest levels in almost a year.

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

• Proprietary genetics program with strains high in CBG, CBD, CBN and other high-potential cannabinoids
• Exclusive rights to 1 million rare CBG seeds for the 2019 growing season and beyond
• Biomass producing higher yields with up to 20% full-spectrum CBD and other cannabinoids
• Multistate farming presence in Oregon, California, Colorado and Kentucky projected to cultivate 3,000 acres by 2020
• Sales and distribution channels include contract wholesale, bulk wholesale, in-house brands and white labeled products
• Disruptive product formulation ensures water solubility, high bioavailability and efficacy
• S. hemp-derived CBD sales forecast calls for $22 billion by 2022

Hemptown USA, headquartered in Central Point, Oregon, is a proven grower of full-spectrum hemp biomass grown using premium seed genetics that contain less than 0.3% THC and exceptionally high cannabinoid (CBD) content of up to 20%. The company’s “soil to oil” methodology combines seasoned professionals working in hand-picked agricultural microclimates located in Oregon’s famed Emerald Triangle, Kentucky and Colorado.

Hemptown has exclusive rights to 1 million rare CBG (cannabigerol) seeds genetically programmed to yield from 15% to 20% full-spectrum non-intoxicating cannabinoids. As a result of a long-standing relationship with the one of the world’s most respected cannabis breeding companies – Oregon CBD Seeds – Hemptown is positioned to be a leading CBG producer in the U.S. in 2019 and beyond.

In 2018 Hemptown’s harvest from its Oregon hemp farm was 150,000 pounds of full-spectrum biomass with CBD content hovering around 17%. 2018 harvest revenue expected to range from $8.1 million to $12.6 million. The company is scaling up operations in 2019 to meet market demands and projects it will reap over 1,000,000 pounds. By 2020, Hemptown projects potential revenues in the $100 million to $200 million range are possible once additional farming operations are at full strength.

Growth Strategy

By 2020, Hemptown anticipates it will have more than 3,000 acres in several states dedicated to hemp farming. Expansion plans include increasing in-house extraction capabilities to boost profit margins by providing additional CBD and CBG isolates and distillation services. Development of business-to-business channels as well as new products and formulations for the direct-to-consumer market, along with several strategic acquisitions, are also key to Hemptown’s growth strategy.

Hemptown plans to expand distribution and growing operations globally through strategic partnerships and development of contracts with leading Fortune 500 brands in European markets. The company intends to grow its IP portfolio by developing a proprietary water-soluble cannabinoid delivery system. Not to be confused with water-compatibility, water-soluble cannabinoids combine seamlessly with other liquids, have a superior shelf life, and deliver dramatically increased efficacy to the consumer.

Branded Products

Hemptown’s first in-house branded product line combines the inspiring strength found in the unbridled nature that surrounds the company’s original hemp farm in the Siskiyou Klamath region of Oregon. Siskū is set to redefine the cannabinoid packaged goods space with an elegant look, clean feel and potent, reliable efficacy.

Custom product lines can also be created for any product manufacturer as Hemptown brings GMP and ISO accredited processing facilities online in 2019. Together with Oregon CBD Seeds and Hemptown’s product sciences team, Hemptown will be able to create custom, proprietary full-spectrum CBD and CBG oils and pure isolates.

Management Team

Company Chairman Rod Wolterman founded Hemptown’s Oregon operations in 2016. He has extensive experience in the cannabis sector having been active within the space since 1998. Wolterman has also acted as a private equity investor in numerous medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation operations in southern California.

CEO John Cummings has over 20 years of experience in finance, marketing, sales and project management. He led the compliance and special projects efforts for Kings Garden, one of the largest vertically integrated operators in California. Cummings also spent a year in Europe launching the continent’s first GMP and ISO-accredited cultivation and manufacturing facility.

Dr. Gordon Chiu is chief science officer for Hemptown USA. He has more than 15 years of combined domestic and international experience in biomedical, chemical, cosmetic, medical and technology industries. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a master’s degree from Seton Hall University, Chiu is leading Hemptown’s cannabinoid research team and is responsible for filing IP patents, specifically in the areas of water-solubility, bioavailability and peptide sequencing.

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