• Friendable began the New Year by announcing the acquisition of Artist Republik – a platform for music production, distribution, marketing, and management
• The acquisition of Artist Republik brings close to 100,000 artists to the company and triples the technology deck
• Services are provided on a subscription basis or a la carte, depending on the need of the artist

So far, 2022 has been kind to Friendable (OTC: FDBL), a mobile technology and marketing company focused on the development and identification of products, services, and brand opportunities with mass-market potential and scalability. During mid-to-late-2021, the company successfully completed its 90-day plan, with significant milestones achieved, including the release of a new Fan Pass Live app on popular mobile app stores, as well as a new website version. Since celebrating the New Year, one of the biggest announcements by the company has been the acquisition of Artist Republik, a 360-degree platform for independent artists that provide:

• Music production: Submit songs, EPs, and albums to professional audio engineers who can then mix and master your song.
• Music distribution: Independent artists can stream their songs on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
• Music marketing: Artists can promote their music and grow their fanbase.

Paired with Friendable’s flagship offering, the Fan Pass Live artist streaming platform, Artist Republik adds close to 100,000 new artists to the company’s artist portfolio and triples the technology deck between the two companies. CEO and Co-Founder of Friendable, Robert A. Rositano Jr., has talked extensively about the driving factors behind the acquisition of Artist Republik and the benefits it brings. “Artist Republik has experienced great momentum in music distribution, and now Friendable and Fan Pass are the beneficiaries of approximately 100,000 artists alongside these revenues that exceeded $450,000 in approximately eight months of 2021, of which our combined audit and 10k will provide all the details when filed,” he said. He explained that Friendable has the need to update technologies, bug fix, and expand resources to increase current and historical revenues, so it was a real no-brainer for the company to pursue the opportunity and acquire Artist Republik. “It was a bonus to have such great synergies with our branding, marketing, people, technology, and relationships, as well,” Rositano Jr. added (https://ibn.fm/2xINm). (https://ibn.fm/pAhLs). Artist Republik has an a la carte distribution menu. Independent artists can submit one song, a five-song EP, or an entire album for set pricing – or – for $9.99 a year, artists can purchase an unlimited music distribution package to release as much music as they’d like. Fan Pass Live also offers a la carte services to its artists through their Artist Pro Services offering. Pro Services include artist/band logo design, merchandise design, and marketing material packages. The Fan Pass Live application is available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Fans pay $2.99 per month to access exclusive artist content after their free seven-day trial. Together, Fan Pass Live and Artist Republik offer a complete package, from creating music to distributing it, and sharing it with their fans. Friendable is looking ahead to 2022, and Rositano Jr. confirmed the company has big plans for the year. “We believe these most recent milestone achievements have validated our approach to becoming a true artist partner, listening, testing, supporting, and executing on everything we set out to accomplish, one goal at a time, and now it’s time to monetize as we build scale,” he said, adding that the company’s offering has now caught up with artists’ specific needs, requests, and desires. “We now have the credibility, making 2022 the perfect opportunity for scaling revenues, number of artists, and fan subscribers on the platform. Stay tuned for some exciting service offering announcements as we expand into various channels of music distribution and discuss all there is to know about Artist Republik and our integration path,” he explained (https://ibn.fm/k1kAY). For more information, visit the company’s websites at www.Friendable.com or www.FanPassLive.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to FDBL are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/FDBL

• Eat Well Investment Group adds Walmart to its growing list of big-box retailers it distributes its products to
• This partnership opens the company to over 400 Walmart locations in Canada, and Walmart’s fast-growing e-commerce platform
• The growing global demand for consumers seeking nutritious plant-based foods has been integral to Eat Well Group’s growth
• The company plans to tap into this demand and leverage on its investments to grow its market presence and become a leader in the plant-based segment

Eat Well Investment Group (CSE: EWG) (OTC: EWGFF), through its majority-owned portfolio company, Amara Organic Foods, partnered with Walmart to distribute its growing line of products across Walmart Canada sores, as well as Walmart’s growing e-commerce platform, Walmart.com. This partnership opens Eat Well Investment Group to over 400 Walmart locations in Canada and one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms globally. Additionally, it further strengthens Amara’s retail footprint, having recently signed an agreement to stock its products in Loblaws stores across Canada. This also adds to the list of big-box retailers Amara distributes its products to, including Sprouts Farmer’s Market, Whole Foods, and more (https://ibn.fm/vX5FJ). “We’re thrilled to partner with Walmart in stores and online to continue to deliver highest quality products for everyone,” noted Jessica Sturzenegger, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Amara. Eat Well Investment Group has witnessed a strong demand for its products, mainly driven by the global trend of consumers seeking nutritious plant-based foods to complement their everyday lifestyles. The company has also seen a strong demand in both natural and conventional channels of delivering its products to consumers, hence its focus on developing a blend of natural and traditional big-box retailers. Its ultimate goal is to become a household brand for every family in North America. “We are very pleased to see the accelerated distribution of our leading consumer brand portfolio company, Amara, to one of the largest online marketplaces for consumers in the world, in addition to Walmart brick and mortar locations across Canada,” noted Marc Aneed, the Director and CEO of Eat Well Group. Amara is currently the fastest-growing baby food brand manufacturer in the United States. It seeks to tap into this market, estimated to reach over $109 billion globally by 2027. With investments in sector-leading plant-based foods companies, Eat Well Group aims to become a leader in the plant-based segment. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.EatWellGroup.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to EWGFF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/EWGFF

• The study is available for public viewing and is entitled “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants” (https://ibn.fm/w6zLQ)
• Dr. Richard van Breeman, who headed the independent study, explained that smoking and vaping cannabinoids are ineffective against preventing SARS-CoV-2, whereas oral delivery methods are effective
• Lexaria has been studying and researching the oral delivery of compounds using its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology, which enhances bioavailability and absorption, requiring less heat than smoking or vaping and leaving the cannabinoid compounds undamaged

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, commented on an independent January 10 study headed by lead research scientist Dr. Richard van Breeman, which discovered that cannabinoids can block cellular entry of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its emerging variants (https://ibn.fm/gpgt1). The study shows that smoking and vaping are likely ineffective measures, whereas oral delivery methods are. “If these hemp products containing these compounds are smoked or vaped, the heat exposure could cause the chemical decomposition or conversion,” Dr. van Breeman discussed the findings in more detail during an interview with Vice.com (https://ibn.fm/Svub8). “So, we would recommend in favor of an oral administration of these compounds instead of smoking them, inhaling them from vaping.” As a company, Lexaria is already actively exploring and researching DehydraTECH(TM)-enabled cannabinoid formulations across various potential therapeutic applications, including oral formulations that are being prepared for registered clinical trials as a possible new pharmaceutical product. The patented process does not require temperatures as high as those used when smoking or vaping, which has been proven in studies to leave the cannabinoid molecules undamaged. In response to the study, Chris Bunka, CEO of Lexaria Bioscience, said, “Lexaria has led the conversation for years related to oral delivery of cannabinoids and is a world-leader through its pioneering drug delivery technology, DehydraTECH(TM), in more effective delivery of cannabinoids to the human bloodstream through oral means.” The study itself has concluded that cannabinoid acids from hemp (Cannabis sativa) were found to be allosteric as well as orthosteric ligands with micromolar affinity for the spike protein. “In follow-up virus neutralization assays, cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells by a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevented entry of live SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant B.1.1.7 and the beta variant B.1.351,” the study found. Lexaria previously announced in June 2021 that the DehydraTECH-enabled remdesivir and ebastine effectively inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Remdesivir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor available under the name Veklury(R) from Gilead Sciences Inc. It has been shown to interfere with the viral replication process of SARS-CoV-2. Due to the properties of the compound, it has received emergency use authorization in several regions as a treatment for COVID-19. Ebastine is an antihistamine that has the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 protease (Mpro, also called 3CL protease), blocking viral entry into human cells. These have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory properties. Mpro inhibitors have been gaining attention in the fight against COVID-19 and its variants, as signaled by Pfizer and its novel compound PF-07304814. Since 2016, DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to increase bioavailability of cannabinoids and nicotine, also offering better efficacy, quicker absorption, and masking the unwanted tastes of the compounds being delivered. Compounds have been shown to be more effective across the blood-brain barrier when using the patented DehydraTECH technology. The company operates its own licensed in-house research laboratory and holds an intellectual property portfolio of 23 patents granted and over 50 patents pending worldwide. 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

• Applied Magix’s product selection for consumers includes The MagixDrive Wireless CarPlay Adapter, The HomeKit Secure Video Camera with iCloud Storage, The Multipurpose Sensor with Alarm, The Environment and Motion Sensor, and The Window and Door Contact Sensor
• The next phase of the ad campaign will ramp up the frequency of the ads and expand upon a higher interest profile of viewers
• Smart home market size was valued at $98.24 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.59% from 2021 to 2028

Technology company SPYR (OTCQB: SPYR), dba SPYR Technologies, announced the expansion of a comprehensive marketing campaign for its subsidiary Applied Magix Inc. to additional markets, further broadening viewership for the brand (https://ibn.fm/UHVRD). SPYR operates through its Applied Magix Inc. subsidiary, developing and reselling Apple(R)-ecosystem-compatible products emphasizing a growing, multibillion-dollar Internet of Things (“IoT”) Smart Home and Connected Car markets. Consisting of both 30- and 60-second commercials, the dynamic TV ad campaign for MagixDrive, Applied Magix’s wireless CarPlay device, is being handled by TVA Media Group (“TVA”) and BB3 Advertising. TVA began this dynamic TV ad campaign by placing “test airings” of the commercials on different channels and timeslots during the last week of December. TVA estimates that more than one million viewers saw these ads based on the channels and time slots they were given. These initial airings serve as a test to determine specific interest from different demographic groups, and after the data was analyzed, a more strategic broadcast strategy was created. The campaign for MagixDrive is moving toward the next phase of development, increasing the frequency of the ads and continuing to focus on the best fit demographic profile of what the company refers to as a “perfect customer.” The plan is to expand upon this and fit a higher interest profile with the aired ads. “We continue to enjoy working with such talented and experienced organizations like TVA and BB3,” Applied Magix CEO, Dr. Harald Zink, voiced his enthusiasm about the campaign. “This has turned out to be an extremely valuable partnership. With their help, we have created an exciting advertising campaign that we expect to be a success.” Applied Magix offers multiple product lines to each of its target markets. The company finds white label products, applies its branding, updates and improves the software, and sells the improved product to consumers. The company is also developing its own proprietary line of smart home and car-related products, including Apple(R)-compatible home cameras, sensors, alarms, and additional compatible smart car products in the iOS infrastructure. Current products being sold to consumers by Applied Magix include:

• The MagixDrive Wireless CarPlay Adapter (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/carplay/magixdrive-wireless-carplay/)
• The HomeKit Secure Video Camera with iCloud Storage (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/cameras/onvis-c3-camera/)
• The Multipurpose Sensor with Alarm (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/sensors/onvis-cs1-smart-sensor-alarm/)
• The Environment and Motion Sensor (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/sensors/onvis-sms1-homekit-motion-sensor/)
• The Window and Door Contact Sensor (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/sensors/onvis-door-window-contact-sensor-ct2/)

These and other products can be purchased at their online shop (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/). The smart home market is growing exponentially, providing multiple opportunities for companies such as SPYR. According to Verified Market Research, the market was valued at $98.24 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.59% from 2021 to 2028 – resulting in an estimated revenue of $495.15 billion by the end of the forecast period (https://ibn.fm/047f1). This growth can be attributed to the increasing number of homeowners turning to smart devices like video doorbells, voice-assisted technological solutions, and surveillance systems. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Spyr.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPYR are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SPYR

• NA legal cannabis market size projected to grow at CAGR of 16.6% from 2022 to 2028
• More than 3,500 peer-reviewed scientific papers studying cannabis were published in 2020 alone
• SGMD reaches key objectives, seeing key growth in 2021

After a year of impressive progress and growth, Sugarmade (OTC: SGMD) has established an enviable position in the legal cannabis market, a sector that is expected to see an estimated 16.6% growth in the coming years (https://ibn.fm/ELp2X). “The North America legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 12.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’) of 16.6% from 2022 to 2028,” the most recent Grand View Research report stated. “Growing legalization and the rising awareness about the health benefits of the consumption of cannabis are the major factors driving the market growth. “In addition, the rising need for remedies for pain management among the patient population and an increasing number of patients suffering from chronic pain and other conditions in the region are also anticipated to fuel the market growth over the forecast period,” the report noted. “The rising utilization of cannabis for medical as well as nonmedical purposes is increasing in the North American region, thereby paving way for the growth of the market.” The increased awareness of cannabis benefits has come from growing cannabis research. In fact, cannabis research is in full swing, according to the “Seattle Times,” which reported that “after a dormant period, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has moved on authorizing federally authorized marijuana manufacturers for research” (https://ibn.fm/Fjmmc). “Before 1999, there were fewer than 5,000 published cannabis studies in total, but with cannabis reform, over 3,500 peer-reviewed scientific papers were published in 2020 alone,” the article continued. “This critical work helps to destigmatize cannabis and reinforces the potential medical benefits of cannabis. Plus, understanding cannabinoids can lead to more efficient products.” At the beginning of 2021, Sugarmade CEO Jimmy Chan called 2020 a “landmark year” for the company, telling shareholders that in 2021 SGMD would “continue to verticalize our model, creating a full farm-to-door structure that expects to produce high-quality branded cannabis products positioned in a vertical in-house supply chain. We expect that this will provide Sugarmade with optimal margins. “We believe that we will also be better able to make use of 280e tax deductions related to production once we have a more vertical structure in place,” he stated (https://ibn.fm/2MDhW). “With our vertical vision coming together, our advantageous brand development positioning, and an increasingly promising macro context, we are very excited about the year in front of us.” The strategy for 2021 appears to have paid off as Sugarmade’s Nug Avenues hub in the Los Angeles metro area has grown dramatically since opening in March 2021 (https://ibn.fm/phNrt). In addition, the company is making significant progress on opening a second Nug Avenue location and has implemented new cannabis delivery technology to establish a competitive advantage in its core delivery zone. Finally, in 2021 the company moved closer to its goal of first planting at the large 640-acre outdoor cultivation site associated with its recently acquired Lemon Glow subsidiary. Sugarmade has set its eyes on expanding its end-market access as a central player in the growing California cannabis delivery marketplace while also developing its in-house cannabis production capacity to verticalize operations in the space. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Sugarmade.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SGMD are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SGMD

• Six LiDAR companies have gone public since 2020, raising $3.6+ billion as investors look for exposure to autonomous vehicles market
• Cepton is merging with Growth Capital Acquisition Corp GCAC in the coming weeks in a deal valuing Cepton at $1.55 billion, with $231 million in pro forma cash on its balance sheet
• Cepton has worked with the world’s biggest automotive OEMs, including General Motors and Ford, and garnered a $50 million investment for Japan’s Koito Manufacturing

As the race to fully autonomous vehicles (“AVs”) heats up, one particularly important pocket of the AV and advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) markets is gaining momentum right along with it: LiDAR. LiDAR (short for “light detection and ranging”), developed for space applications and hyped for its potential in automotive applications, is moving beyond speculation and into revenue-generating reality. Investors are on board, with six LiDAR companies coming to market via special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) since 2020, raising over $3.6 billion in the process, and another, Cepton, Inc.,  is dialed-in to go public on or about February 10th through a merger with the Growth Capital Acquisition (NASDAQ: GCAC) SPAC. LiDAR technology uses infrared laser beams to generate a three-dimensional map of the road and surrounding environment, serving, in a manner of speaking, as the eyes of an AV or ADAS. LiDAR is remarkably adept at detecting objects and measuring their distance from a vehicle with incredible precision and speed, even in bad weather and low light conditions. It cannot, however, tell the difference in colors or a rock from a human, which makes it an ideal candidate to work in adjunct with technology such as high-definition cameras, which can provide details on objects. While viewed by many as the future of AVs, LiDAR has faced numerous challenges, including high cost along with integration issues that are commonplace during introduction of any disruptive technology. Cepton was purposely assembled in 2016, developing and patenting its Micro Motion Technology (MMT(R)) LiDAR platform as a new, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that deliver long-range, high-resolution 3D perception for a range of markets (auto, smart cities, industrial, etc.), with the initial thrust on ADAS, the most robust market today. Unlike most peers that use rotating microscopic mirrors to bounce and measure laser beams, known as MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems), Cepton uses quartz-crystal-like materials, which provides better performance and lower power usage at a better price point. Cepton has also engineered its LiDAR system to work in different installations, including behind windshields, an auto industry first that gives Cepton a competitive advantage. In November, Cepton was named a CES(R) 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation category for its Nova lidar, a miniature, wide field of view lidar sensor for near-range applications. The Cepton technology team has captured the attention of upper echelon companies and upstarts alike. Management says it is in negotiations with all the top 10 biggest original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in the world, as well as four new electric vehicle OEMs. While some of this information remains closely guarded, Cepton has provided some valuable insight on its direction, including deals with Koito Manufacturing, General Motors (NYSE: GM), and Ford (NYSE: F). Tokyo-based Koito, a Tier 1 automotive lighting manufacturer, has licensed the Cepton technology on a non-exclusive basis. Furthermore, Koito made a $50 million investment in the company as part of a PIPE (private investment in a public entity) in connection with the upcoming SPAC merger. On a valuation level, GCAC has $172.5 million in cash and $58.5 million raised through the PIPE giving it $231 million in pro forma cash on the books. The company has a pro forma valuation of $1.55 billion, equivalent to 1.8x estimated 2025 revenue of $861 million. The Koito relationship resulted in Cepton securing the largest ADAS LiDAR production award (based on # of vehicle models) today through a new contract with GM. In fact, the three companies collaborated on development of a special type of glass used by Cepton sensors that are entering the GM ecosystem. With an initial term running from 2023 through 2027, all GM vehicles equipped with the automakers’ Ultra Cruise ADAS – expected to be up to nine different platforms of several models each – will exclusively use Cepton LiDAR sensors. Ultra Cruise is the next generation of GM ADAS, designed to ultimately work on every paved road in North America. Today, LiDAR is used in extremely limited fashion and only on ultra-high-end vehicles in select parts of the world. The agreement with GM positions Cepton as the first company to bring LiDAR sensors to production markets. Introduction to the mass markets is what will help drive Cepton’s production costs down from around $1,000 to down near $500 in the coming years, which will make the option even more affordable, subsequently driving greater adoption until the tech is mainstream. The working relationship with Ford has been in place almost since Cepton’s inception nearly six years ago. Ford is working with Cepton on different projects, including advanced ADAS features and on its some of Ford’s smart city projects, where Cepton LiDAR technology is already deployed. As the company has said, it is first addressing the rapidly emerging LiDAR for ADAS markets, but it has grander plans in the long run to address an array of applications. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GCACorp.com NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GCAC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/GCAC

• Psychedelics pose potential as effective treatments for mental-health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
• Well+Good says psychedelics “poised to change the course of mental health treatment”
• Cybin working to combine novel psychedelic molecules with controllable drug-delivery systems through proprietary deuterated process

A USA Today article is touting psychedelics as the next big thing in mental health treatment (https://ibn.fm/3ZGGE). This forecast aligns perfectly with what Cybin (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) has been working toward since the company started: a strategic psychedelics to therapeutics model that will transform the mental health space. “If you haven’t heard about psychedelics being used as a treatment for mental health disorders, this year may change that,” the article stated. “While this type of treatment won’t be accessible to everyone in 2022 (and will likely take a while to become widespread), experts say you should expect to hear much more about this emerging wellness trend this year and beyond. “‘For a long time, psychedelics have been sort of frowned upon,’ says Amy Morin, psychotherapist and editor-in-chief at VeryWell Mind. ‘We thought they were more recreational drugs, but with a closer look, we’ve seen they can actually be really good treatments for things like depression, anxiety, even substance abuse issues.’” The article noted that Dr. Matthew W. Johnson, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins and acting director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, has seen a gradual increase in interest around psychedelics since he began focusing on them in 2004, but he said interest now is increasing dramatically; he thinks that interest will only increase moving forward. “In their 2022 wellness trend forecast, Well+Good dubbed psychedelics as being ‘poised to change the course of mental health treatment,’” the article stated. “Institutions are also getting ready by opening up specialized centers to study these drugs in a mental health capacity.” This dramatic increase bodes well for one of the leaders in the psychedelic space. On a mission to revolutionize mental health care, Cybin has developed key relationships with a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists as it focuses on creating safe and effective therapeutics for patients to address a multitude of mental health issues. The company is working on turning its psychedelics to therapeutics vision into reality by engineering proprietary drug-discovery platforms, innovative drug-delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health disorders. At the core of this transformative work is Cybin’s efforts to combine novel psychedelic molecules with controllable drug-delivery systems through its proprietary deuterated process. In doing so, the company is creating patent-protected, commercially scalable drug candidates and establishing itself as a strong player in an industry projected to see significant growth. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Cybin.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CYBN are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN

• Multi-state cannabis operator Red White & Bloom Brands is developing opportunities strategically in sizable cannabis markets such as Michigan, Florida, Illinois, California, Arizona, Oklahoma and Massachusetts
• The company recently announced it has secured full licensing for manufacturing both medical and adult use cannabis products in Michigan, one of its key markets
• Red White & Bloom has closed on a lease assignment for a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing, processing and distribution facility in the state
• In Florida, Red White & Bloom settled a CAD$5.1 million debt at a favorable conversion price, granting the company an accounting gain of approximately CAD$2.3 million

As Michigan enters into its third year under legislation allowing the legal sale of adult “recreational use” cannabis, multi-state cannabis operator Red White & Bloom Brands (CSE: RWB) (OTCQX: RWBYF) is celebrating corporate developments that include full licensing for manufacturing both medical and adult use cannabis products in the state. “We will be expanding the wildly popular Platinum Vape brand to include gummies and chocolates to capitalize on the existing brand equity we command in Michigan,” CEO and Chairman Brad Rogers stated in a Jan. 18 announcement (https://ibn.fm/kb0Ox). Red White & Bloom Brands, also known simply as RWB, received adult recreational use prequalification status for manufacture in Michigan in September, allowing it to begin marketing itself to the state’s approximately 10 million residents. The company has closed on a lease assignment for a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing, processing and distribution facility in Warren, Mich., which is part of RWB’s strategic planned acquisition of 18 Michigan dispensaries, four cultivation facilities and other significant real estate announced in September (https://ibn.fm/gdxMJ). Eight of the dispensaries are already open with the remaining 10 in process, a January High Times article reports (https://ibn.fm/sND8F). “This Warren facility allows us to centralize distribution for our ‘house of premium brands’ in Michigan and finally report all of our Platinum Vape(TM) wholesale sales on a much less confusing and straightforward basis,” Rogers stated. “The facility provides the production capacity to expand sales of our award-winning brands from the 250+ Michigan dispensaries that carry them to the state’s 400+ dispensaries.” Platinum Vape, also referred to as PV by the company, recorded a 93 percent YOY increase in revenues as of the close of the company’s Q3 period, gaining it recognition as a top-selling brand in the state by LeafLink’s marketplace analysis (https://ibn.fm/LLC4c). Michigan’s cannabis sales were expected to approach $2 billion last year with a run-rate that falls behind only California and Colorado. RWB’s operations in California have granted its gummies, chocolates and premium cannabis flower popularity and the developments in Michigan will expand those products through Platinum Vape beyond California for the first time. RWB also operates in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Arizona. Its Florida operations have progressed rapidly in recent months, where the installation of 30 grow pods at the company’s 45,000-square-foot Apopka cultivation site heralded the beginning of Phase 2 expansion for the company there (https://ibn.fm/cECpn). In addition, Red White & Bloom announced Dec. 30 that it had refinanced the principal amount of a debt established in connection with RWB Florida LLC’s acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Acreage Florida, Inc. At the same time, the company settled a CAD$5.1 million (US$4.0 million) debt at a favorable conversion price, granting the company an accounting gain of approximately CAD$2.3 million (US$1.8 million) (https://ibn.fm/LUIdJ) and helping RWB to better position itself for growth in the coming year. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.RedWhiteBloom.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to RWBYF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/RWBYF

• The global cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals market is projected to be valued at $50 billion by 2029
• InMed is leading the industry, laying down the foundation in manufacturing and clinical development of rare cannabinoids
• It is shedding light on the potential of rare cannabinoids and laying the groundwork on how to tap into the industry’s growth

It is projected that by 2025, the global cannabis market will be valued at around $146 billion, up from just $20.47 billion in 2020. This sector is experiencing tremendous growth, particularly considering that there are over one hundred known cannabinoids, including rare ones that are quickly taking over and will soon dominate the cannabis market (https://ibn.fm/2NLFN). The potency of rare cannabinoids has given them powerful health benefits, hence their demand within the cosmetics, food and beverage, health, and wellness sectors. However, one that stands above the rest is the pharmaceuticals sector. It is growing at a rapid pace and is projected to be valued at $50 billion by 2029. An enterprise that is helping to define rare cannabinoids in the pharmaceutical sector is InMed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: INM). This enterprise is laying down the foundation in the manufacturing and clinical development of rare cannabinoids. It is a trailblazer, a pioneer defining the value of rare cannabinoids in this sector and just how integral they are in pushing the pharmaceutical industry forward. InMed’s most advanced compound, INB-755, has already proven helpful in treating epidermolysis bullosa, a severe genetic disorder. The compound has undergone Phase 1 clinical trials with impressive results, and global Phase 2 clinical trials are underway. InMed is also working on its INM-008 compound for the treatment of glaucoma and is currently evaluating different formulations to deliver ocular cannabinoids into the eye. InMed studies were also just recently published in an internal peer-review journal providing credibility to the data. InMed is not just focusing on rare cannabinoid research but also investing time and resources into its manufacturing process. So far, this process allows for cannabinoid synthesis to create compounds in the laboratory that are bioidentical to those derived from the cannabis plant. In addition, this move recognizes the limited availability of rare cannabinoids, making it economically impractical to extract directly from the plants for pharmaceutical use. Rare cannabinoids are already being recognized for their versatility in application and how effective they are at what they do. Rare cannabinoids have the ability to deliver differentiated products, including augmenting existing CBD-based products, to consumers in the health and wellness marketplace. With companies such as InMed at the forefront of rare cannabinoid research, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry, they are shedding light on the potential of such products. They are also laying the groundwork for tapping into a sector that is expected to grow in value significantly over the next few years. Most importantly, these companies, InMed specifically, are positioning themselves to reap big from the inevitable boom that will define the sector. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.InMedPharma.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to INM are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/INM

• Bitcoin is becoming increasingly popular, having already been adopted as legal tender by El Salvador in 2021, and being bartered for incentives in other areas, such as Rio offering a 10% discount when taxes are paid in Bitcoin
• Instead of spending, some crypto owners (HODLers) are holding crypto in high-yield savings accounts, collecting up to 12% APY interest – benefiting despite the volatility of the coin
• LQwD has seen exponential growth since its completed acquisition in June 2021, with a current Bitcoin holding of almost 150 tokens
• Lightning Network has also grown significantly over the past year in terms of number of nodes, Bitcoin capacity and payment channels

Since the beginning of 2020, Bitcoin has appreciated in value by over 700%, helping hedge against inflation. While fiat currencies are printing more and more money to keep up with spending, Bitcoin is limited to 21 million BTC. Even with Bitcoin having a high value, it is possible to purchase partial amounts of the coin, as it is divisible by 1 million. Although considered rather volatile, Bitcoin is one currency that (in the long-term) could stand up against the inflation rates created by the mass production of other fiat currencies, like euros and the U.S. dollar (https://ibn.fm/yhrTb). With the volatility of Bitcoin in question, some people who have purchased the coin have decided to do nothing with it except hold it. These people have been given the name HODLers, meaning they hold crypto, often choosing to use a high-yield savings account. These accounts have almost a negligible bank deposit interest rate (0.5%), but the high-yield crypto savings accounts produce interest rates of up to 12% annual percentage yield (“APY”). Even so, Bitcoin is growing in popularity, with more countries worldwide considering the use of cryptocurrency as legal tender. In 2021, El Salvador was the first to implement Bitcoin as legal tender across the country. Even the U.S. administration made it clear that it would not ban cryptocurrency. Some states or townships have openly embraced Bitcoin, such as the city of Rio that is offering taxpayers a 10% discount when paying their taxes with the cryptocurrency. Uniquely positioned to further drive Bitcoin adoption is LQwD FinTech (TSX.V: LQWD) (OTCQB: LQWDF), a fintech company that has focused on creating enterprise-grade infrastructure for Bitcoin adoption, making it easier to complete transactions with the crypto coin on the Lightning Network. The Lightning Network is a second-layer protocol that sits above the bitcoin blockchain. LQwD’s proprietary platform as a service (“PaaS”), which leverages Lighting Network technology, was introduced to the public on November 17, 2021, and offers users lower transaction fees and faster transaction settlement times. Formerly known as Interlapse Technologies Corp., LQwD’s acquisition was completed in June 2021 and since then, the company has seen exceptional growth – a trend expected to continue into 2022. The company grew alongside the Lightning Network, which also achieved several major milestones since January 2021: node growth of 105% for node establishment from 770 to over 15,000, increased Bitcoin capacity from 1,125 BTC to almost 3,000 BTC – up 160% to September 30, 2021, and a 92% increase in the number of payment channels, totaling more than 73,000 up from the initial 38,000. “The remarkable growth of the Lightning Network has validated LQwD’s reason to be hyper-focused on Lightning, and I look forward to continuing to expand our business on this rapidly growing global payment network,” LQwD CEO Shone Anstey said (https://ibn.fm/bC3NA). The company’s highlights for the last six months of 2021 include:

• A non-brokered private placement with proceeds of CAN $5 million in June 2021
• An offering of 23 million units which produced proceeds of C$8,050,000 (US$6.4 million) at the end of October 2021
• The cumulative acquisition of 150 Bitcoin as an operating asset for the company

LQwD plans to continue leveraging its position as a public company, enhancing trust in its products and services, and leveraging its shares to attract and retain top industry talent – bringing vast opportunities and marketing segments for digital payments and financial services at a global scale. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LQwDFinTech.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LQWDF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LQWDF