• With work habits and corporate IT practices having undergone dramatic changes since 2020, data security has increasingly emerged as a corporate priority.
• Over 83% of U.S. organizations have suffered from one or more data breaches in recent years, making data security strategies more important than ever before.
• Data443 Risk Mitigation addresses the growing wave of demand through a broad product suite of products designed to help with all things data security.

The onset of the global pandemic in 2020 led to “The Great Migration” – from the office, to working from home. While working from home created an improved work-life balance, increased lifestyle flexibility, and eliminated the commute – it also carried with it a host of cyber security concerns. With employees increasingly relying upon personal networks and personal devices, data security has become a key priority amongst corporations around the globe.

Data443 Risk Mitigation (OTC: ATDS), a data security and privacy software company, has focused its corporate mission around data risk mitigation, providing companies with the necessary software and services required to secure their data across devices and databases. Today and with over 10,000 customers across over 100 countries, Data443 enables its client base to prioritize risk, identify security gaps, and implement effective data protection and privacy management strategies through the provision of a broad and comprehensive product suite.

The Data443 product suite seeks to deliver a multitude of solutions designed to help all customer levels securely manage their data and data privacy needs. These include Data Identification Manager, used to inventory and classify all firm data; Data Placement Manager, assisting employees to quickly and securely transfer sensitive data across public and private networks; Global Privacy Manager, providing organizations with a single, comprehensive view across all of their enterprise data simultaneously; as well as Ransomware Recovery Manager, a unique industry solution allowing for a corporation to recover a device, operating system and proprietary data in the unfortunate event of any external data breaches.

A recent study found that 83% of all U.S. organizations have suffered from one or more data breaches, with the average cost of a data breach touching a high of $9.44 million as of 2022 (https://ibn.fm/SRN4G). With ever increasing financial and reputational repercussions now attached to data breaches, as well as the increased prevalence of remote working and cloud-based data storage, protecting corporate data to prevent future mishaps has become a major priority. A 2022 survey by Gartner found that over 30% of enterprises are planning to adopt data security platforms by 2024, up from less than 5% in 2019.

“The explosion of ransomware, zero-day attacks, third-party breaches, along with long-term remote work concerns and the integration of operational technology with IT systems have culminated into a crisis of confidence for IT security leaders” – IDG Security Priorities Study 2021 (https://nnw.fm/1KZnQ).

With the global data security market set to swell to an annual value of $54.23 billion by 2027, representing a CAGR of over 18% between 2021-2027, data security has emerged as one of the fastest growing areas within the global IT market. As a key early mover within the sector and having recently undertaken a series of measures designed to help fuel their future growth trajectory, Data443 finds itself well positioned to support within an industry that continuously grows as technology becomes more intricate.

Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (ATDS) Investor Relations
Matthew Abenante
ir@data443.com 
919-858-6542

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Data443.com.

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

• Starco Brands’ Whipshots(R) vodka-infused whipped cream was developed in collaboration with global artist and icon Cardi B, who has 123 million Instagram followers
• Whipshots recently won the “Rising Star” award at the Beverage Dynamics’ 2023 Growth Brands Awards and four medals at the 2023 DB&SB Spring Blind Tasting component of the Global Spirits Masters Competition
• Starco Brands identifies consumer product category whitespaces, then either develops products internally or acquires existing brands, and uses a network of globally recognized celebrities, influencers, and media and distribution partners in disruptive campaigns
• Other Starco Brands offerings include Winona(R), the first indulgent theater-popcorn spray powered by air; Art of Sport, the body care brand designed for athletes and co-founded by Kobe Bryant; Skylar, the only fragrance that is both hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin; and Soylent, the complete non-dairy nutrition brand

Global artist and icon Cardi B is showing off her sweet side with Whipshots – a vodka-infused whipped cream developed in collaboration with Starco Brands (OTCQB: STCB).

Starco Brands is an invention factory dedicated to developing and acquiring consumer products and brands with behavior-changing technologies. The company’s whipped cream product, Whipshots — where “bougie meets boozy” — is its latest offering that’s currently whipping up a storm among Cardi B’s 123 million Instagram followers and earning numerous awards (https://ibn.fm/551qV).

At 10% alcohol by volume, Whipshots is shelf-stable, doesn’t require refrigeration, and comes in three flavors: vanilla, caramel, and mocha. With invitations to “slap it, shake it, and whip it,” the product has already generated over one hundred thousand Instagram followers.

Whipshots is also gaining widespread industry acclaim, recently earning the “Rising Star” award at the Beverage Dynamics’ 2023 Growth Brands Awards and four medals at the 2023 DB&SB Spring Blind Tasting component of the Global Spirits Masters Competition (https://ibn.fm/VP29M).

“We’re ecstatic that Whipshots has been recognized by both the Growth Brands Awards and The DB&SB Spring Blind Tasting,” said David Dreyer, chief marketing officer of Starco Brands. “Receiving these honors is extremely rewarding and further showcases our product as a disruptor in the industry from a brand and taste standpoint.”

Whipshots is one of many game-changing products designed to spark excitement in audiences worldwide. Other Starco Brands offerings include Winona Popcorn Spray, the first indulgent theater-popcorn spray powered by air, Art of Sport, the body care brand designed for athletes and co-founded by Kobe Bryant, Skylar, the only fragrance that is both hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, and Soylent, the complete non-dairy nutrition brand.

Starco Brands has grown from a few million dollars in revenue to a current run rate of approximately $80 million in annual revenue in one year. The company attributes its success to a strategy that identifies consumer product category whitespaces. It then leverages its manufacturing network and R&D capabilities across eight core consumer categories to invent new technologies and brands or utilizes its extensive M&A experience to acquire brands that fill identifiable voids. It then disrupts the market through strategies that leverage the power of globally recognized celebrities, influencers, media companies, and distribution partners.

The company is led by Ross Sklar – a chemical formulator by trade who made over a dozen acquisitions, encompassing a diverse range of industrial, household, personal care, and food and beverage businesses. Joining him is Chief Operating Officer Darin Brown, with over 20 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, business development, finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Chief Marketing Officer David Dreyer rounds out the team with over 25 years of experience working with iconic brands, including Apple, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, Dr. Pepper, Snapple, Infiniti, The Grammy Awards, Stamps.com, and Honda.

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

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

• The U.S. is under mandates to slash emissions and reduce dependence on Chinese graphite production for EVs, earmarking billions of dollars to develop domestic infrastructure
• About 70 graphite mines are in production worldwide today, none in the U.S., with estimates for nearly 100 more mines to come online just to meet graphite demand for battery anodes
• Reflex Advanced Materials is advancing the 2,000-acre Ruby Graphite Project in Montana with plans to commission it as a high purity graphite mine in the U.S.

President Joe Biden wants his legacy to fall on his efforts to reverse our effects on climate change through renewable energies and electrification. If the nation is to meet its stated goals of 50-52 percent reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas pollution from 2005 levels in 2030 and becoming a net zero emissions economy by 2050, some things are going to have to undergo radical change. High on this priority list must be building holistic infrastructure for domestic electrification manufacturing, particularly as it relates to critical materials like graphite for which the U.S. is 100 percent dependent upon imports.

For this to happen, the North American mining landscape is going to be reshaped, where companies like Reflex Advanced Materials (CSE: RFLX) (OTCQB: RFLXF) can emerge to help meet a massive supply shortfall.

Politicians rarely seem to find common ground anymore, but graphite needs to have hands reaching across the aisle. President Trump put graphite on a list of materials critical to the nation’s security. President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to hasten U.S. production of minerals for EV and storage batteries. Synchronously, billions of dollars have been allocated with bipartisan support to develop an EV battery supply chain.

Don’t pigeonhole graphite into simply being important to the EV sector. Graphite is a versatile material and critical component in various industries, from electronics to battery technology and advanced composites. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, making it an ideal material for use in computer chips, touchscreens, and LEDs. Graphite’s unique thermal properties make it a perfect for use in high-temperature applications, such as in nuclear reactors, aerospace, and automotive industries. Graphite is also used in bio-sensing and membrane technology, where its unique properties make it irreplaceable for use in medical devices and water treatment.

The most significant application of graphite is arguably in battery technology where it is integral to lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to EVs. In fairness, lithium-ion batteries should have “graphite” somewhere in the name considering nearly half of the overall weight of a lithium-ion battery consists of graphite.

With the rise in demand for EVs, electronic devices and the advent of new technologies like 5G, the demand for graphite is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A quick look at the numbers provides a great deal of clarity as the urgency to bring new graphite mines online. In 2023, there are 70 graphite mines globally, most of which are in China, India, and Africa. To meet demand for battery anode materials by 2035, it is estimated that 97 natural flake mines producing 56,000 metric tons annually will need be to be constructed, along with 52 new synthetic plants, averaging 57,000 metric tons each year.

Why so much? When a lithium-ion battery is charging, lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode, a process that is reversed as the stored energy is discharged. Manufacturers use different materials in cathodes, but graphite is hands-down the most popular for anodes owing to its lower cost and longer life cycle.

In 2021, China produced approximately 70 percent of graphite for EV batteries in America. The U.S. is committed to slashing this reliance, with tariffs implemented that makes it more expensive to import graphite products from the country. This has emphasized the need for North American graphite production.

From its headquarters in British Columbia, Canada, Reflex Advanced Materials is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The company is working to advance its graphite Ruby Graphite Project (high-quality natural flake and vein), located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

The company is executing a diversified model to capitalize on market opportunities. Late in March, Reflex entered into a subscription agreement and agreed to make a strategic investment in Bio Graphene Solutions Inc. (“BGS”). BGS is a private nanotechnology company that specializes in the production of high-quality graphene. As part of the strategic investment, Reflex expects to benefit by collaborating with BGS on potential cross-development projects that include exploring downstream applications that compliment any graphite material sourced from the company’s Ruby Graphite project, which spans about 2,000 acres in the southwestern corner of the state.

The project was an operating mine run by the Crystal Graphite Company from 1901 until 1948, having produced more than 2,500 metric tonnes of vein graphite. A fire consumed the small concentration mill and part of the mining camp around 1950, and the location was abandoned and mostly forgotten. Reflex plans to resurrect the graphite production and become the only commercial crystalline graphite mine in the U.S.

Aligned with market needs, Reflex has a mine-to-market approach, including plans to custom process graphite products to customer specifications by working with carefully selected, best-of-breed, North American mineral processors, each of whom own and operate world-class, industrial-scale processing facilities.

Investors are going to have plenty to look forward to this summer. Permit applications for an exploration program at the Ruby Graphite project have been submitted to the Bureau of Land Management detailing construction of access routes and 20+ drill pads, amongst other things to advance the project.

The initial drill program, slated for this summer, includes 3,500 meters of drilling cored to an average depth of 130 meters. Targets were determined from historical data from original mine operations and data gathered for the initial 43-101 technical report on the project, dated January 31, 2023.

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

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

• Lexaria recently completed its 2,106,000-unit public offering at $0.95 per share – representing proceeds totaling over $2 million gross in support of the company’s growth
• Maxim Group LLC is acting as the sole placement agent in connection with Lexaria’s offering
• Earlier the company was granted four new patents, bringing its total to 32 granted and many more pending worldwide for its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology
• Lexaria is currently seeking IND status from the FDA for use of DehydraTECH-processed CBD with hypertension and expects to begin dosing a new human clinical trial in October 2023

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently announced the closing of its 2,106,000-unit public offering. Each unit consists of one share of common stock, and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The common shares and accompanying warrants can only be purchased together in this offering but will be issued by the company separately and will be separable upon issuance.

Each unit in Lexaria’s public offering is being sold at $0.95 and will be immediately exercisable at $0.95 per share and expire five years from the date of issuance. Maxim Group LLC is acting as the sole placement agent in connection with Lexaria’s offering. Before deducting the placement agent fees and other offering expenses, gross proceeds totaled approximately $2 million (https://ibn.fm/Bdr8d).

Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology is designed to deliver lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) more effectively. The major benefits of DehydraTECH-enabled drugs or consumer products include:

• Speeds up delivery – the subject feels the effects of the product in just minutes
• Increases bioavailability – the technology is much more effective at delivering the drug or product into the bloodstream
• Increases brain absorption – animal testing suggests significant improvement in the quantity of the drug delivered across the blood-brain barrier
• Improves drug potency – more of the ingested product is made available to the body, so lower doses are required to achieve the desired effect
• Reduces drug administration costs – lower doses mean lower overall drug costs
• Masks unwanted taste – the technology eliminates or reduces the need for sweeteners

Lexaria has demonstrated through animal studies a propensity for DehydraTECH to elevate the quantity of the drug delivered across the blood-brain barrier by as much as 1,700 percent, initiating additional new patent applications and opening possibilities for improved drug delivery. Since 2016, DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated, through cannabinoids and nicotine, the ability to increase bio-absorption by up to five to ten times, reduce the onset time from one to two hours to just minutes, and mask unwanted tastes.

Lexaria is exploring additional orally administered bioactive molecules, including antivirals, cannabinoids, PDE5 inhibitors, oral nicotine and more.

The company currently has 32 granted patents, with several more pending worldwide – after recently being granted four new patents in Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Lexaria believes that the U.S. patent could be of particular importance as it relates to the company’s pursuit of utilizing DehydraTECH-CBD in relation to its hypertension studies and its FDA Investigational New Drug application.

Phase 1b of Lexaria’s HYPER-H23-1 clinical trial, Phase 1b Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of DehydraTECH-CBD in Subjects with Stage 1 or Stage 2 Hypertension, is expected to begin dosing as early as October 2023, after the filing of the IND with the FDA which is expected in this summer. The five previous (non-FDA regulated) human trials of DehydraTECH-CBD have shown potential to have pronounced clinical benefits relative to anti-hypertensive therapeutics.

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

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

• GolfLync, dubbed “the social network for golfers,” just hit an incredible milestone of 17,000 downloads as of May 2023
• The growth in app downloads indicates the growing popularity of the app, and of golf, which is a fast, group-based game, ideal for social connections like those offered in GolfLync
• The company is optimistic that, as the momentum around golf and it’s increasing draw from other social media platforms grows, GolfLync will rapidly scale its platform

GolfLync Inc., an enterprise that is making golf more accessible by matching golf games and players, similar to the way a dating app matches those looking for romance, just hit an incredible milestone of 17,000 downloads as of May 2023. Dubbed “the social network for golfers,” GolfLync Inc. is committed to helping golfers looking to grow their golf network by offering a platform that opens them up to other players with similar interests and course preferences.

The growth in app downloads indicates golf’s growing popularity, especially in the United States. Since 2011, the United States golf industry has grown by 22% over the past 10 years, from $68.8 billion to $84 billion in 2023. In addition, currently, 27% of new golfers are Gen Z, aged between 18-34, with women representing 41% of all off-course golfers (https://ibn.fm/61V7j). Social media influencers around the game have played a key role in growing its popularity, and it is projected that by 2030, the golf products market alone will be valued at $10.1 billion, up from $6.9 billion in 2022 (https://ibn.fm/9H8Q3).

GolfLync understands this growing popularity, and the growing demand for golf courses, golf buddies, and the best overall golf experience. The company looks to tap into this demand with its one-of-a-kind app, in what is a first for the industry. With its built-in logic, the GolfLync app can link individuals based on their preferences, enabling a more fulfilling and engaging golf experience that helps to grow the sport and create a healthy community around it.

“{GolfLync App} Basically operates like Tinder for golfers. If you don’t belong to a private club, but want to expand your golf network, you can jump on the app, and you can find people in your area that have the same preferences as you,” noted Noah DiPasquale, Co-Founder and CEO of GolfLync Inc. (https://ibn.fm/j0rSl). The company is optimistic that, as the momentum around golf continues to grow, so will downloads.

You can download the GolfLync app using the following links:

Android: https://ibn.fm/sDjMx

iPhone: https://ibn.fm/Rqzd0

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

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

• There are over 41 million Americans enjoying the game of golf and 7 in 10 actively use social media. GolfLync is the first social media APP built to create communities and groups around the game of golf
• GolfLync offers users a fun, enjoyable experience with all the features of a modern social media platform purpose-built for Golfers
• GolfLync is seeing a rapid scale in users and groups with members joining from other social media platforms

GolfLync Inc., is creating a new experience for golf lovers, connecting them with like-minded friends and groups with whom they can golf. Built to scale, GolfLync is ready to connect millions of players across the country and has groups forming in cities and at courses across America.

Features include streaming feeds with social posts from golf players and groups across America, posting and finding Tee Times and of course, chatting about golf!

GolfLync is built to help players to connect with others that share similar interests and course preferences. New players to the game can easily find local clubs and groups that have a virtual community on GolfLync – GolfLync connects users on and off the green.
Couples who enjoy golfing together can easily find other couples to tee it up with. For a regular group that finds itself down a player, GolfLync can help find that last-minute addition to complete the group.

Available in the APP store for both iOS and Android, GolfLync contains no ads and is free to download and enjoy today.

You can download the GolfLync app using the following links:

Android: https://ibn.fm/sDjMx

iPhone: https://ibn.fm/Rqzd0

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

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

• D-Wave is a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and is focused on delivering value to customers via practical quantum applications for problems spanning multiple industries
• D-Wave has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including a recent piece in Nature, one of the most highly-regarded journals in the field, demonstrating quantum speedup on specific set of problems, 3D spin glasses
• The study shows that coherent quantum annealing can provide improved solution quality faster than classical algorithms
• This is a major scientific achievement and represents growing evidence of quantum’s superior performance over classical computers

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services focused on delivering value to customers via practical quantum applications for problems such as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, fault detection, and financial modeling, is continuing to advance the science of quantum computing in an effort to further the technology’s benefits to the enterprise.

D-Wave has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals. A new article published in Nature showcases recent research findings from D-Wave that provide direct evidence of quantum’s superior performance over classical computers (https://ibn.fm/uvpwJ).

The paper, “Quantum Critical Dynamics In A 5,000-Qubit Programmable Spin Glass,” shows that D-Wave has demonstrated that its quantum computing systems deliver a speedup over classical systems for an important class of hard problems, 3D spin glasses. Spin glasses are an intractable class of problems that apply to various real-world business problems across multiple industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and more. The speedup observed in the experiments corresponds with the theory of coherent quantum annealing and shows a direct connection between coherence and computational power at its core. D-Wave’s breakthrough demonstrates direct evidence of quantum acceleration in this instance.

The studies show that coherent quantum annealing can provide improved solution quality faster than classical algorithms. This is not just a significant achievement for D-Wave, but for the overall industry, demonstrating quantum technology’s superior performance and application to large-scale optimization problems.

The results demonstrated by D-Wave with spin glasses are a major scientific achievement and an example of how quantum can outperform classical computers. D-Wave’s track record of innovation and advancing the science allows the company to enable enterprises, governments, developers, and researchers to harness the power of quantum computing, providing an intriguing opportunity for prospective investors.

D-Wave is a trailblazer in quantum computing, with a history of delivering the world’s first commercial quantum computer, the first real-time quantum cloud service, and countless hardware and software product and research milestones.

The company is strategically positioned in the quantum computing industry, serving a roster of blue-chip customers with a clear focus on achieving value by leveraging quantum computing in practical business applications.

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This article contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, which are subject to a number of risks. Forward-looking statements in this article include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the release and performance of the Advantage2 processor. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this article will prove to be accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including general economic conditions and other risks; customer acceptance of our products and services; and the uncertainties and factors set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the registration statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with the SEC on February 13, 2023, as well as factors associated with companies, such as D-Wave, that are engaged in the business of quantum computing, including anticipated trends, growth rates, and challenges in those businesses and in the markets in which they operate; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us; risks related to the performance of our business and the timing of expected business or financial milestones; unanticipated technological or project development challenges, including with respect to the cost and or timing thereof; the performance of our products; the effects of competition on our business; the risk that we will need to raise additional capital to execute our business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the risk that we may never achieve or sustain profitability; the risk that we are unable to secure or protect our intellectual property; volatility in the price of our securities; the risk that our securities will not maintain the listing on the NYSE; changes in applicable laws and regulations; the effect of pandemics, geopolitical events, natural disasters, wars, or terrorist acts on our business or the economy in general; and the impact of inflation. Furthermore, if the forward-looking statements contained in this article prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In addition, you are cautioned that past performance may not be indicative of future results. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements in making an investment decision or regard these statements as a representation or warranty by any person we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this article represent our views as of the date of this article. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this article.

Cannabis industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, service providers and consumers are all invited to attend the Lift Toronto 2023 Conference & Expo to be held at Metro Toronto Convention Centre from June 1-3, 2023. The advocacy-oriented, strategy-focused Lift Cannabis Business Conference (“LCBC”) on June 1st kicks off the three-day event and is dedicated to discussing best practices in evolving cannabis industry topics, brushing up on policy matters, and connecting with industry leaders.

The Lift Cannabis Business Conference is an ideal opportunity for those who are serious about thriving in the global cannabis industry; it is the premiere gathering of subject matter experts, cannabis business leaders, regulators and decision-makers. Each speaker and panel offers innovative education about the most pressing issues in our industry.

An Irresistible Experience

Continuing the can’t-miss event for the cannabis industry and community, the expo is open June 2nd & 3rd for Industry and Budtender Days and Consumer Day. Hundreds of companies participating in the expo will gain new business leads, strengthen client relationships, revisit existing customers, and create awareness of their businesses.

In turn, attendees will experience the latest and greatest in cannabis brands, products and innovations across cannabis retail, cultivation and extraction, as well as learn about the operational, technical, and strategic tools you need to grow in this ever-changing, ever-challenging industry. From a 360-degree perspective, Lift Toronto provides a complete opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities that cannabis businesses face today while getting insights into the products and ideas that will drive the industry forward. Lift events are known for memorable positive experiences, which keep thousands of cannabis industry leaders and trailblazers talking long after an event is over.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/t5Gor.

• China currently commands approximately 90% of rare earth metals, alloys, and permanent magnets, along with 85% of the world’s rare earth oxides
• This dominance has seen Beijing demonstrate a willingness to leverage it in pursuit of political objectives
• Countries have resorted to looking elsewhere for the supply of rare earths, and Ucore is building to satisfy that demand in North America
• Its recent announcement of a $75 million investment in CapEx over the next four years reflects the company’s understanding of the North American REE market and the value that the investment will create for its shareholders

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF), a company with a vision and plan to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry, is doubling down on its North American operations, in light of a gradual but important shift away from Beijing’s influence over the global rare earth industry.

The move is in response to China’s current global rare earth supply chain dominance, which has seen Beijing demonstrate a willingness to leverage this in pursuit of political objectives. This level of dependence has seen nations such as Japan, the United States, and Europe struggle to afford supplies of rare earths following China’s move to tighten its export quotas and, in return, significantly increase the price of global rare earth imports. For a nation that commands approximately 90% of rare earth metals, alloys, and permanent magnets, along with 85% of the world’s rare earth oxides, it is easy to see how much power China holds, how dependent other nations are on it, and how detrimental this can be both in the immediate and distant futures.

Proactive nations such as Japan have sought to address this dependence by looking elsewhere for the supply of its rare earths. The country has since invested $250 million in Lynas Corporation, an Australian miner, making it the only supplier outside China capable of processing rare earths while accounting for nearly one-third of Japan’s rare earth imports. In the United States, Ucore has stepped up and remains committed to developing a robust North American rare earth elements (“REE”) supply chain built on its revolutionary RapidSX(TM) technology.

Recently, the company announced a $75 million investment in capital expenditures (“CapEx”) over the next four years to establish the region’s first modern technology REE separation and purification facility. Ucore projects that, once done, the facility, located in England Airpark Community in Alexandria, Louisiana, will have a maximum production rate ranging between 5,000 and 7,500 tons per annum of total rare earth oxide (“TREO”). This will help push North American operations, particularly given that there is only one rare earth mine in the United States, located in Mountain Pass, California, which only resumed operations in 2017.

Ucore’s commitment to invest in this market shows confidence in the North American region. In addition, it shows the growing need to shift from dependence on China and the incredible opportunity that comes with it. Most importantly, it reflects Ucore’s understanding of the North American REE market and the value this investment will create for its shareholders.

The recent Secured Credit Facility Agreement with Orca Holdings, LLC of up to $1 million further accentuates the move. The proceeds from this facility will be channeled towards trials at the company’s RapidSX(TM) REE Commercial Demonstration Plant in Kingston, Ontario, ultimately helping refine this transformative commercial-ready technology for separating and purifying critical metals.

The global rare earth market is witnessing a supply chain shift from China to different global players, including the United States. So far, China’s share of global mining production has dipped from 97.7% in 2010 to 62.9% in 2019, with global rare earth reserves falling from 50% to 36.7% over the same period. Ucore is well-positioned to take advantage of, and accelerate this shift in China’s dependence and dominance, potentially making North America a leader in this segment. Its investment in this sector shows the company’s optimism in the industry’s performance and its management’s confidence in the steps the company is taking to achieve its vision.

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

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

• Lexaria recently reported that dosing of the targeted 36 volunteers in its human clinical oral nicotine study, NIC-H22-1, had been completed
• The company hopes to demonstrate that its DehydraTECH(TM)-processed nicotine absorbs more quickly and more efficiently into the human bloodstream than leading oral nicotine brands
• Through previous animal testing, Lexaria showed that DehydraTECH-nicotine was up to 10x to 20x faster in delivering comparable levels of nicotine and delivered up to 6-fold higher levels of nicotine into blood plasma than concentration-matched controls
• If the findings from the human study replicate a similarly improved performance, Lexaria believes this could facilitate a more satisfying oral nicotine experience than any leading brands sold around the world today
• Success could result in an important commercial relationship developing in 2023, according to CEO Chris Bunka

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently announced that the dosing of the targeted 36 subjects in its human clinical oral nicotine study NIC-H22-1 had been completed. In the meantime, the company has already commenced sample and data analysis and expects to report the findings as soon as possible (https://ibn.fm/7bhFu).

NIC-H22-1 is a human pharmacokinetic randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study that involved 36 human volunteers that are current cigarette smokers. Each participant visited the laboratory for dosing three times over several weeks, and during each visit, only one oral nicotine pouch was administered: Lexaria’s DehydraTECH(TM)-processed purified nicotine, On!(TM) brand manufactured by Altria, or Zyn(TM) brand manufactured by Swedish Match. Dosing began in December 2022 (https://ibn.fm/G4CAT).

“We hope to demonstrate that the Lexaria DehydraTECH-processed nicotine absorbs more quickly and more efficiently into the human bloodstream than the world’s leading oral nicotine brand, Zyn(TM), or America’s third leading brand, On!(TM). If we are successful, we feel this will be a major step towards adoption of our technology into a consumer product, which could result in an important commercial relationship developing in 2023,” Lexaria CEO Chris Bunka wrote in the January 2023 annual letter to stakeholders (https://ibn.fm/3Y7WF).

The study results from years of work as Lexaria sought – and continues to seek – a safe alternative to vaping or cigarette smoking, methods of nicotine intake that pose significant dangers to the health of smokers. Data from the World Health Organization (“WHO”) shows that over seven million people die each year due to direct tobacco use, while about 1.2 million non-smokers die because of exposure to second-hand smoke (https://ibn.fm/OOdMg). And while vapes or e-cigarettes were developed as less harmful alternatives to conventional cigarettes (“c-cigarettes”) because they do not contain combustible tobacco (https://ibn.fm/y5Mj8), NIH-funded studies show that long-term use of e-cigarettes or vaping products can significantly affect the function of blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (https://ibn.fm/eFnSx).

Over the years, oral nicotine pouches entered the market as companies sought to reduce the societal impact of tobacco globally, and their uptake has been on the up since. According to a 2023 report, the global nicotine pouches market is projected to grow from $4.69 billion in 2022 to $11.91 billion in 2029, representing a CAGR of 13.4% (https://ibn.fm/CR5KW). But despite this projected growth, nicotine pouches have been shown to deliver lower nicotine levels to the blood than with cigarettes, with the time taken to reach peak levels being slower too (https://ibn.fm/ypgdX).

A reluctance by industry to embrace modern technology – has contributed to the failure of older, slow-acting traditional nicotine products to woo smokers; especially considering that in 2020, cigarettes accounted for 84.1% of the retail value sales of all nicotine products, down from 88.9% in 2017 (https://ibn.fm/SyWUk). Given that the global nicotine market is worth roughly $1 Trillion per year, each percentage point of sales represents about $10 billion in revenue. However, Lexaria believes its fast-acting technology – which decreases wait times from as long as an hour to just 3-6 minutes in animal testing – points to a possible seismic shift if improved DehydraTECH nicotine pouches hit the market.

Through animal testing, Lexaria showed that DehydraTECH-nicotine was up to 10x to 20x faster in delivering comparable levels of nicotine into the bloodstream than the peak of concentration-matched controls. The technology also went on to far exceed their total delivery; in particular, it delivered up to 6-fold higher nicotine levels into blood plasma (https://ibn.fm/aSrL6). If the findings from the human study replicate similarly improved performance, Lexaria believes this could facilitate a more satisfying oral nicotine experience than any leading brands sold around the world today.

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

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