• Kontrol Energy Corp. is entering a joint venture with a Toyota Tsusho subsidiary to build technological efficiency solutions for automotive industry production
• The joint venture with Toyota Tsusho Canada Inc. expects to launch pilot operations in April
• Kontrol recently announced its entry into the asset and facilities management industry thanks largely to its acquisition of the SmartSite SAAS platform
• The company also recently announced its seventh smart industry acquisition, noting that it expects its first such acquisition in the United States by the end of the year
• The smart factory market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.76 percent to $244.8 billion in revenues by 2024

Smart energy efficiency platform developer Kontrol Energy Corp. (CSE: KNR) (OTCQB: KNRLF) (FSE: 1K8) is building a presence in the U.S. market with a burst of activity that befits its core fundamentals for directing energy where it can be best used to greater gain. The Ontario, Canada-based disruptive digital tech company is attuning the power of its IoT product base to the automotive industry through a planned joint venture with Toyota Tsusho Canada Inc. (“TTCI”) that is expected to scale across North America on the heels of Kontrol’s announced entry into the global asset and facilities management industry and expansion of its acquisition targets into the U.S. market.

“We are pleased to enter a significant new vertical market opportunity with a strong global partner in TTCI,” Kontrol CEO Paul Ghezzi stated in announcing the joint venture company on March 25 (http://ibn.fm/gxNBz). “Working in partnership with a global industrial leader such as Toyota Tsusho also provides us with an opportunity to scale our technology solutions across a large potential global customer base.”

The agreement is to create a company that provides technological solutions and services to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clients in the automotive sector to help them get the most efficiency from their production and to manage energy use in real-time, integrating digitization, real-time data analysis and machine learning.

Under the agreement, which is expected to launch pilots in April, Kontrol will design and provide monitoring software, quality assurance and technical support to Toyota Tsusho and its customers. Kontrol will also design and install building automation systems and heating and ventilation equipment. TTCI, for its part, will obtain customers, conduct engineering and installation and provide after-sales services to customers.

TTCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho America Inc. and operates with about $1 billion in annual revenues. The company’s ultimate parent entity is Toyota Tsusho Corp., which was founded in 1948 as the trading company for the Toyota Group of automobiles.

Analysts at markets research firm Markets and Markets predict that the smart factory market, which focuses on the technologies and methods being developed to improve end-user industry production, will grow at a CAGR of 9.76 percent from $153.7 billion this year to $244.8 billion by 2024 (http://ibn.fm/JjcZ5), highlighting the profit potential of the joint venture.

On March 18, Kontrol announced its entry into the asset and facilities management industry, stating that the company has been actively developing smart-learning and predictive intelligence enhancements since acquiring the SmartSite software as a service platform last year (http://ibn.fm/rvHXT).

“Through thousands of connected devices spread across an entire facility with each device reporting in real-time our Customers gain immediate visibility over the work environment to improve decision making and address operational efficiencies,” Ghezzi stated in a news release. “Predictive maintenance and real-time management of equipment, energy assets and facilities is a rapidly growing global market which will be part of our organic growth in 2019 and beyond… We are pleased to start working with organizations that manage millions of square feet of commercial and industrial facilities.”

Kontrol is targeting companies with operations relating to building automation systems, the internet of things and the HVAC technology sector for acquisition, and it announced an LOI for its seventh such acquisition on March 14 while also stating that it will now turn its focus to acquiring similar companies in the United States (http://ibn.fm/ge7dn).

“Through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Kontrol already has a presence in the U.S. along with a growing customer base,” Ghezzi stated (http://ibn.fm/xu0Gl). “Accelerating our U.S. sales and market presence is part of our strategic plan for 2019 and will undoubtedly provide us the opportunity to grow exponentially.”

Ghezzi said that the company expects to make its first U.S. acquisitions by the end of this year. The company states that it has been able to use a combination of debt and equity to complete accretive acquisitions while minimizing common shareholder dilution. Target acquisitions must have at least half of their annual revenues as recurring income and have an established large cap customer base that will have “cross revenue synergies,” as Ghezzi noted.

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

• Youngevity International named among ‘Top 100 Global Direct Selling Companies’
• Khrysos Industries, one of Youngevity’s subsidiaries, recently acquired 45 acres of land geared for research and development, as well as hemp plant genetic research
• CLR Roasters, another of Youngevity’s subsidiaries, has experienced burgeoning success within the coffee and espresso market

Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI), a leading omni-direct lifestyle company, expects to see continued growth in 2019 as a result of its powerhouse subsidiaries, which are increasing their industry presence through retail expansion and land acquisition.

The company, which has been named among the ‘Top 100 Global Direct Selling Companies’, holds a diversified portfolio of goods and services in a variety of markets. Specifically, Youngevity offers products in the top eight most profitable retail categories of health and nutrition, home and family, food and beverage (including coffee), spa and beauty, fashion, essential oils, photo and innovative services. Additionally, the company is seeking inroads to the newly profitable cannabis market. Through all of its endeavors, Youngevity assists individuals in embracing a healthy and empowered lifestyle.

One of Youngevity’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Khrysos Industries, is looking to substantially expand through its acquisition of a 45-acre tract of land. Plans for this tract include a research and development facility focused on hemp plant genetic research, a five-acre greenhouse and 20 acres of farmable land. These investments are intended to increase specific yields of certain cannabinoids, which will foster the production of tissue culturing and quality hemp seed production. In a news release, Dwayne Dundore, president of Khyrsos Industries, described (http://ibn.fm/tFlmq) the increasing industry demand for producing “non-THC oil into isolate and distillate.” He noted that Khyrsos’ land acquisition will “begin to address the growing shortage of quality tissue culturing and seed availability within the hemp industry.”

Another of Youngevity’s wholly owned subsidiaries, CLR Roasters, has seen rising success within the coffee and espresso market through several of its key brands. One such recently acquired brand, Cafe Cachita espresso, is now being distributed in multiple Southeastern grocers, including all Winn Dixie, Bi-Lo, Fresco Y Mas and Harvey stores. Spreading its retail footprint across the southern United States, Cafe Cachita will now be available in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and North and South Carolina.

Another one of CLR Roaster’s prominent brands, Cafe La Rica, has begun occupying 209 Save Mart locations on the West Coast. The company’s flagship brand was named the “Official Cafecito” of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins in 2017, and, since then, it has enjoyed continued retail popularity.

Company leaders are excited to see YGYI’s multi-brand strategy paying off in increased revenues and industry presence. In a news release (http://ibn.fm/qEszY), Ernesto Aguila, president of CLR and founder of the Cafe La Rica brand, noted, “We are quite enthusiastic to see the growth of our company owned brands early success this year. The expansion of Cafe La Rica, Cafe Cachita, and Josie’s Java House is a major focus for our company this year.” Youngevity’s president and CFO, Dave Briskie, added (http://ibn.fm/p4HzN), “Our strategy of adding Cafe Cachita to our brand portfolio is designed to command more shelf space in the espresso category at retail. We appreciate the early success.”

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

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

• Company’s product distribution is expected to reach a wider customer base in the United States
• ETST is working to expand its distribution footprint in Latin America
• Company reports successes for all four wholly owned subsidiaries

Biotech company Earth Science Tech Inc. (OTCQB: ETST), focused on the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields, is taking strategic steps in anticipation of a projected $16 billion market in the United States by the year 2025 (http://ibn.fm/kkkaT).

The company is increasing the size of its sales team and expanding its full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) product distribution. ETST continues to offer the highest purity and quality high-grade, full-spectrum CBD oil on the market, which has led to inquiries from other brands. This presents a great deal of opportunity on the horizon for the company, including a Latin American distribution partnership and High Grade Full Spectrum Iq2 CBD shots.

ETST is working with its manufacturing partner to launch a white labeling initiative. This move will allow marketers to rebrand the ETST High Grade Full Spectrum CBD line. ETST has already received a large number of white labeling inquiries, thus allowing the company to capture additional market share.

Product distribution is expected to reach a larger customer base in the U.S. thanks to recent agreements with CannaBiz and Dessert Sun Distribution (http://ibn.fm/MQAcd). These companies will provide pharmacies, chiropractors, dispensaries, athletic clubs and clinics throughout the States with access to ETST’s CBD products. However, according to ETST Chief Sales Officer David Burbash, these distribution agreements, while important, only represent a fraction of the opportunities that lay ahead.

In January, ETST announced that it had partnered with Forzagen, a premium dietary supplement provider, to distribute CBD products throughout Mexico and South America (http://ibn.fm/xggiC). This partnership gives Forzagen exclusivity for Latin American distribution. ETST anticipates additional revenue and increased exposure, as Forzagen’s distribution network includes placement in large retailers such as Sam’s Club and Petco.

ETST is establishing itself as a world leader in the CBD space through four wholly owned subsidiaries:

• Earth Science Pharmaceutical Inc. (http://ibn.fm/ib1So) works to create low-cost, noninvasive diagnostic tools, medical devices, testing processes and vaccines for sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Hygee is the company’s first medical device, first launched in Vietnam, and is providing women with a discreet home testing solution for chlamydia.
• Cannabis Therapeutics Inc. (http://ibn.fm/agycG) is committed to the discovery and development of leading-edge, cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Currently, the company is developing treatments for breast and ovarian cancers. This focus is part of a larger commitment by ETST to improve the health of women around the world.
• KannaBidioiD Inc. (http://ibn.fm/d8S7v) focuses on developing recreational CBD products, such as infused vapes and e-liquids, as well as assisting with nicotine reduction therapy.
• Earth Science Foundation Inc. (http://ibn.fm/lDowX) is currently working toward nonprofit status. The purpose of the foundation is to provide ETST CBD products to people in need who are dealing with cancer, epilepsy, autism, chronic pain and depression.

ETST is fully compliant with the federal farm bill and is able to legally ship products to all 50 states.

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

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

• Redfund converts loan into equity position in Mary’s Wellness Ltd.
• Company’s equity stake totals 5.55 percent of the cannabis-infused tea manufacturer
• First year global sales for Mary’s Wellness Ltd. forecast to hit $12 million

The recent announcement by Redfund Capital Corp. (CSE: LOAN) (OTC: PNNRF) (Frankfurt: O3X4) of an equity-for-debt swap is a good indication of the merchant bank’s innovative approach to providing capital. It also sets up a win-win scenario for both the client, which benefits from reduced leverage and interest payments, and Redfund, which gets a shot at any upside. Arrangements like these demonstrate Redfund’s willingness to work with client companies and its adaptability to changing market conditions. The Canadian merchant bank provides debt and equity solutions to companies in the mid to late stages of development. Currently, Redfund is focused on providing financing solutions to companies in the medical cannabis, hemp, cannabidiol (CBD) and health care-related sectors.

The equity-for-debt swap converts C$100,000, extended to Mary’s Wellness Ltd. (“MWL”) as the first tranche of a convertible secured promissory note, into equity (http://ibn.fm/YIZtJ). Late in 2018, Redfund agreed to provide C$1 million of debt financing to Mary’s Wellness Ltd, under a promissory note, with the option to convert in part or its entirety at Redfund’s discretion at any time during the term. The remaining C$900,000 remains covered by the promissory note, which is secured by a general security agreement on the assets of MWL. In addition, Redfund was granted the right of first refusal in providing financing to MWL under the same business terms previously offered. Conversion of the first tranche will give Redfund an ownership stake of 5.55 percent of Mary’s Wellness Ltd.

Assuming that licenses will soon become available for edibles, MWL projects its revenues in the Canadian market at $5.5 million in the first year, climbing to $8.5 million in the second year, with EBITA in year two reaching $5 million. Moreover, MWL estimates that international sales could hit $12 million in just the first year. Redfund’s management team thinks that the brand could become as widely recognized as Starbucks, and it expects to guide MWL to an IPO at the appropriate time.

Mary’s Wellness Ltd. of Ontario, Canada, was founded by Virginia Vidal in 2016. Vidal began experimenting with infused hot beverages to help manage her pain after the birth of triplets in 2007. Now, MWL produces a line of cannabis-infused teas in over a dozen formulations and flavors, including Bella Coola, Berry Berry, Chai, Chamomile, Earl Grey, Echinacea, Green Tea, Green Tea with Ginger, Green Tea with Ginseng, Lemon, Orange Pekoe and Peppermint. There’s also Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate, English Toffee Cappuccino, French Vanilla Cappuccino and Java Coffee. The teas, sold in boxes of 12 packets, will generally deliver 60 mg of THC and 6 mg of CBD per packet.

The Tea Association of the USA reports that, globally, tea is the second-most consumed beverage after water, and the Zion Market report published in August 2018 estimates that the global tea market was valued at around $49.5 billion in 2017. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5 percent between 2018 and 2024, reaching $73.1 billion by 2024.

Founded by bankers and entrepreneurs with years of experience in business, consulting, capital markets, corporate finance and health care services, Redfund Capital provides debt and equity financing solutions to help companies build their valuations and get to the next level in their financing cycles without giving away equity prematurely. Diversification is an essential portfolio strategy. The company has interests in Canada, Europe and the U.S. The merchant bank is currently focused on the cannabis and hemp wellness sectors.

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

• Wholly owned subsidiary Aptito offers innovative business management and point of sale solutions
• Multiple options are available for small restaurants, startups and other businesses operating on limited budgets
• Company’s main focus is to improve customer satisfaction in an industry characterized by rapid growth and intense competition

Net Element Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE), a provider of innovative payment solutions, has developed a range of products that address the needs of the restaurant industry. Restaurant point of sale (POS) solutions are available to help industry representatives overcome various common issues and ensure the sustainable growth of their businesses.

Under wholly owned subsidiary Aptito, Net Element provides complete business management solutions and cloud-based POS for the restaurant industry.

A quality POS system ensures quality service, whether it’s used in a gourmet restaurant or a quick service restaurant (http://ibn.fm/kVM5c). In the second case, customers are looking for quick services and convenience, and having to wait for a payment to be processed takes away from that experience.

Innovative POS solutions like those provided by Aptito are also a good choice for small restaurants, startups and businesses trying to establish their market positions with limited budgets.

Effective payment processing increases customer satisfaction. Even if an owner is trying to open a restaurant on a limited budget (http://ibn.fm/WgGvd), he or she will still need to invest in the tools necessary to help the concept grow and develop into a successful endeavor.

Aptito has a range of solutions for such restaurant owners. Aptito POS, Aptito mPOS, digital menus and kiosks create a suite of integrated products that is favored over other solutions due to its cost-efficiency, ease of use, effective inventory management functionalities, cloud-enabled features, scheduling and payroll integration.

The Aptito restaurant POS systems ensure seamless integration, an array of essential features and top-notch security characteristics that adhere to the strictest of industry standards.

The restaurant industry is insanely competitive. As of 2018, there were more than one million restaurants in the U.S. (http://ibn.fm/3l3AF). According to the National Restaurant Association, 10,000 new businesses open each year. In other words, there are 189.8 restaurants for every 100,000 Americans. In 2001, the ratio was 165.1 restaurants per 100,000 people.

Over the years, restaurant profitability has improved (http://ibn.fm/MVp1d). Full-service restaurants noticed a net profit margin increase of 6.1 percent, as data from the most recent 12-month industry analysis suggests. According to the National Restaurant Association, 2018 was the ninth consecutive year of growth in the industry.

Currently, the restaurant industry generates four percent of the U.S. GDP and employs 15 million people. Industry expansion keeps restaurant owners focused on maintaining competitiveness, and the adoption of an innovative payment solution is one of the ways to accomplish this goal.

In a niche characterized by rapid growth and intense competition, the quality of customer service is of paramount importance. Increasing customer satisfaction (http://ibn.fm/3VmGv) depends on several essentials – knowing what clients really want, delivering something extra to loyal customers (bonuses and loyalty programs) and choosing the right POS. Loyalty programs are based on the acquisition and maintenance of meticulous customer records. A modern digital POS system makes it easy to organize such data and retrieve it upon necessity.

Both small businesses (http://ibn.fm/zhCVP) and large restaurant chains need reliable POS solutions to ensure a satisfactory ROI within a reasonable timeframe. Companies like Aptito make such solutions readily available.

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

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

• As the acreage of cultivated hemp spikes this year, shortages in cultivation supplies are accelerating
• Companies across the hemp cultivation supply chain are feeling the pinch; while most supply provider are privately-held, publicly traded Sugarmade Inc. stands to benefit via recently announced acquisitions
• In addition, Sugarmade offers various other brands that add value to additional areas of the hydroponic cultivation arena; as a result, SGMD is poised to become one of the largest publicly traded suppliers

While behemoths such as Tilray (NASDAQ: TLRY), with it pending acquisition of hemp food company Manatoba Harvest; Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ACB), with its plans to cultivate hemp in New York; and Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC), via its new partnership with Martha Stewart, continue to grab the main hemp-related headlines across North America, there is another set of industry events that perhaps most investor are failing to notice.

The 2018 hemp cultivation season was significant, with tens of thousands of acres planted, but it is likely to pale in comparison to the acres being planned by the farming and investment communities for 2019. The hemp acreage forecast for 2019 is staggering. Wisconsin recently received more than 2,100 applications to grow or process industrial hemp. Tennessee has had to delay issuing licenses because the number of applications overwhelmed the staff. North and South Dakota, Wyoming, North Carolina and many other states are also swamped with applications. Hemp cultivation conferences have seen standing room only crowds. It’s all but assured that the 2019 hemp crop will be huge.

With this spike in planned planting, hemp cultivation supplies are in high demand, driving up prices and creating a huge opportunity for those offering the pick and shovel supplies of the hemp cultivation sector.

One company, which is also a major supplier to the hydroponic cultivation business, is now seeing rising demand for hemp-related cultivation supplies. Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD), via it recently announced acquisition of Sky Unlimited LLC, which operates the highly successful online supply business at www.AthenaUnited.com, is seeing strong demand for many hemp-related cultivation supplies.

Recently, Sugarmade announced the acquisition of Sky Unlimited LLC, a major supplier to large commercial agricultural cultivation operations. The acquisition is anticipated to generate new revenue streams from wholesale and commercial clients in both the traditional hydroponic markets and industrial hemp.

In a news release, Jimmy Chan, CEO of Sugarmade, noted that Sky Unlimited recently received new shipments of many critical grow supplies for the booming hemp cultivation sector; nonetheless, farmers are advised to order as soon as possible. Many items are experiencing long lead times, and backorders are growing. It’s possible that many cultivators will not be able to meeting their planting goals due to lack of materials to support cultivation.

Sugarmade recently announced its planned acquisition of Sky Unlimited, and it is working to close the transaction. Combined with other announced acquisitions, Sugarmade is predicting very strong revenue growth of up to $70 million in annualized revenues, which would make SGMD one of the largest suppliers to the cannabis Industry.

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/SUGAR

• Sproutly Canada combining advanced cannabis cultivation and transformational technologies to foster innovation in the cannabis industry
• The company has acquired biotech company Infusion Biosciences
• Sproutly owns the exclusive rights to Infusion’s APP technology in various jurisdictions

Sproutly Canada Inc. (OTCQB: SRUTF) (CSE: SPR) (FRA: 38G) is developing and marketing cannabis consumer products with an emphasis on beverages. The company acquired Infusion Biosciences to bring to market its patent-pending aqueous phytorecovery process (“APP”) technology. This scientific, pioneering discovery of naturally water-soluble cannabinoids is transforming the cannabis beverage market. A Canadian licensed producer, Sproutly Canada has its corporate headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The acquired Infusion Biosciences (a biotechnology enterprise) is focused on discovering and commercializing unique, science-based cannabis technologies. Sproutly owns the exclusive rights to Infusion Biosciences’ APP technology in Canada, Australia, Israel, Jamaica and the European Union. Furthermore, the company is considering important worldwide expansion opportunities.

Infusion Biosciences has created and produced two new cannabis ingredients derived from its patent-pending APP technology. One is Infuz2O, a water-soluble cannabis solution for formulation into beverages. The other is bio-natural oil, cannabinoid oils infused into natural edibles or transdermal delivery mechanisms that maintain strain-specific characteristics (http://ibn.fm/FscDS).

Fundamentally, Sproutly Canada is uniting advanced cannabis cultivation and transformational technologies to redefine the cannabis industry. It is replacing traditional water-compatible solutions with true natural water solubility. This improves the body’s ability to use cannabinoids and makes the effect of cannabis almost instantaneous.

The APP technology maintains stability without altering cannabis compounds. Additionally, the technology provides offset and onset times that mirror the effects as inhaled marijuana (http://ibn.fm/gelcO). The technology permits quick onset of bio-availability and effects within five minutes, versus the 45-120 minutes typically found with oil-based delivery methods. The output/removal of effects results in fast offset of between 60 and 90 minutes (http://ibn.fm/fOlsD). These factors meet the demands of consumers who are increasingly choosing beverages and oils over smoking (inhalational dosing).

In a news release, Keith Dolo, chief executive officer and director of Sproutly Canada, noted, “We have been successful in acquiring the exclusive rights to Infusion Biosciences’ APP technology, in certain jurisdictions, which is able to produce naturally water-soluble cannabinoids that deliver the full experience of cannabis paralleling the onset and offset profiles of smoking. From there, we have made steps to bring in the people and the resources to build a global cannabis branded company focused on beverage and infused products.”

Sproutly Canada has its cultivation facility in Toronto, Ontario. The focus of this facility is the cultivation of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis to produce and formulate water-soluble cannabis solutions. The Toronto facility has a processing capacity of up to 10,000 kg per year, or 100 million 10 mg doses of Infuz2O (http://ibn.fm/F675n).

Sproutly Canada has accomplished the initial two successful harvests of its premium quality, small-batch cannabis at its state-of-the-art production facility. The company has also migrated its Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) license to Canada’s Cannabis Act. As a result, Sproutly is permitted to sell cannabis to other licensed producers (http://ibn.fm/dXHxO).

With its mission of becoming the foremost supplier to the cannabis beverage and edibles market, Sproutly Canada represents a compelling investment opportunity. Its water-soluble ingredients and bio-natural oils for delivering groundbreaking brands to global markets have Sproutly positioned for future growth.

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

• Booming cannabis industry still in early stages and fragmented
• Industry consolidation inevitable
• Prospective opportunities likely with consolidators

From the shadows, cannabis has surged into the spotlight, establishing medical credence and economic clout along the way. The nascent industry has shaken off early trepidations and has now become a serious and respected sector in the financial arena. Consensus is that both the cannabis markets and the industry itself are just in their early stages and are expected to grow exponentially from here.

Much like the early days of the internet gold rush, a multiplicity of business enterprises are sweeping over the cannabis industry, and, just like the internet, some of these enterprises will win and some will fail. Akin to early cyberspace companies, budding cannabis stocks have been on a tear over the last few years. Reflecting the internet antecedent, there’s certain to be consolidation in what’s now a fragmented cornucopia of cannabis companies. Historical precedents suggest that future opportunities in the sector may very well reside in the consolidators.

With a blueprint for success, C21 Investments Inc. (CSE: CXXI) is rapidly building a vertically integrated cannabis conglomerate through a series of strategic and accretive acquisitions. The company targets select opportunities in licensed, operating, revenue producing cannabis businesses spanning from seed to sale – including cultivation, processing, production and retail operations. C21 purchases 100 percent of these targeted businesses and increases intrinsic value through supply chain optimization, operational efficiencies, quality manufacturing and brand extension, as well as through maximizing retail channels and distribution. In the last nine months, the company has completed four significant acquisitions – three in just the last 90 days (http://ibn.fm/hahhU) – and has a signed definitive agreement for another acquisition in place.

The acquisition spree and trajectory of C21 Investments caught the attention of Kaspar Equity Research (http://ibn.fm/LmiVx), which is asserting that C21 is well positioned for future growth opportunities in the cannabis sector. Based on the recent and prospective acquisitions, skilled and experienced management, access to capital and market growth, Kaspar Equity Research just issued a ‘Buy’ recommendation (http://ibn.fm/7pVpx) on C21 Investments. The report states in part, “C21’s relative valuation in comparison to competitors is also a lucrative piece of this investment thesis as the analysis indicates that C21 is potentially undervalued based exclusively on the market capitalization-to-sales ratio.”

The pace and quality of C21’s acquisitions can be attributed to the caliber of its management team. C21 Investments is led by Robert Cheney, CEO, president and director, a corporate securities lawyer and entrepreneur with a background in media, film, internet technology and telecommunications. He has surrounded himself with a team of seasoned professionals from finance, horticulture, operations, marketing and sales. Cheney’s experience and skill-set in the execution of M&A transactions drives C21’s corporate strategy: creating value through the disciplined consolidation of a fragmented fledgling industry while building scale and life-style brands as a consumer-driven products company.

Well financed, C21 closed the final tranche (http://ibn.fm/2L979) of a syndicated private placement early this year with total gross proceeds of C$14,888,000. The company already owns Silver State Relief in Nevada as well as Phantom Farms, Eco Firma Farms and Pure Green in Oregon. The company also has a definitive agreement in place to acquire Swell Companies in Oregon. These brands produce and distribute a broad range of THC and CBD products from cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, cannabis oil and vaporizer cartridges. In addition, the company is in active discussions to acquire even more operations which are expected to not only increase revenue and EBITDA, but also add to C21’s proven ability to aggressively compete in the explosive growth of the cannabis industry.

Reacting to all the recent attention, C21 CEO Robert Cheney told Insider Financial (http://ibn.fm/JLe14), “Investors continue to show confidence in the company and its strategy. With the closing of several acquisitions and others due shortly, we are providing investors with the opportunity to invest in a vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, processes, and distributes quality cannabis and hemp-derived consumer products in the United States.”

If history is any indicator consolidation in the fast-growing cannabis market is likely to be very rewarding.

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

• The Supreme Cannabis Company focuses on high-quality cannabis products via its 7ACRES subsidiary
• The company also has a strategic equity investment in Medigrow Lesotho
• Supreme has signed a letter of intent with Malta Enterprises
• BMO recently initiated coverage of Supreme

The Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF) (FRA: 53S1) concentrates on growing the world’s best cannabis and becoming a leader in the global industry. The company’s flagship brand is 7ACRES, which is its licensed producer subsidiary that operates a 440,000-square-foot facility in Kincardine, Ontario. The 7ACRES subsidiary received ‘Brand of the Year’ recognition at the 2018 Canadian Cannabis Awards presented by Lift & Co. (TSX.V: LIFT) (http://ibn.fm/BGZSW). Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Supreme Cannabis focuses on serving its customers with premium product quality and advancing its mass cultivation capability.

Supreme Cannabis announced in 2018 its investment in Medigrow Lesotho Ltd. and also its establishment of an international cannabis oil distribution partnership. Supreme entered into a definitive agreement to complete a $10 million strategic equity investment in Medigrow Lesotho, a federally licensed producer of cannabis in the Kingdom of Lesotho in Africa. The Lesotho Ministry of Health licensed Medigrow Lesotho to cultivate and manufacture medical cannabis and cannabis oil products (http://ibn.fm/9nKPm). Medigrow Lesotho is part of Medigrow Africa, a network of African cannabis growers.

Lesotho is an independent constitutional monarchy and the home of more than two million people, and it is known as an innovator in the implementation of processes for the growing of medical cannabis. Working with Medigrow Lesotho, The Supreme Cannabis Company is committed to lifting many out of poverty via the creation of new jobs and other programs (http://ibn.fm/bREfH). The whole process of cannabis production and processing there takes place at a state-of-the-art production facility.

Supreme is now developing a legal and logistical link to allow the use of the island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean as a legal gateway for imports to the European Union (EU). This link is important for the eventual importing of the forthcoming EU GMP-certified cannabis oil from Lesotho. Supreme recently announced its entry into a letter of intent (LOI) with Malta Enterprises, the economic development agency of Malta. This LOI is the initial step in Supreme’s application for a cannabis production license in Malta.

This license would permit Supreme Cannabis to produce and process cannabis for medical use within Malta and to export cannabis for medical use to specified global markets. Malta is a strategic European hub. Moreover, it is home to healthy, existing pharmaceutical-and- nutraceutical manufacturing industries with wide-ranging expertise. If the license is approved, Supreme’s plan is to produce products containing EU GMP-quality cannabis oil, as well as to go after regulated medical cannabis distribution opportunities in the EU.

In a news release (http://ibn.fm/FPlzY), Navdeep Dhaliwal, The Supreme Cannabis Company’s chief executive officer, said, “Using the intellectual property and expertise we’ve gained in Canada, we intend to deliver high-quality cannabis products to medical patients in multiple international markets.”

The Supreme Cannabis Company is diligently moving ahead with its worldwide medical cannabis strategy and its focus on establishing real, revenue-generating business operations in profitable EU markets. The company continues to innovate in the cannabis sector through its design of growing facilities and the development of operational excellence metrics. Supreme offers investors a global opportunity with its Malta and Lesotho initiatives.

In addition, BMO Capital analyst Tamy Chen has recently initiated coverage on Supreme, indicating the company’s growing recognition.

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

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

• Lexaria Bioscience Corp. is the only company worldwide with patents issued for oral delivery of all cannabinoids
• Its proprietary technology bests traditional methods such as inhalation in several key ways
• The company continues to enhance its intellectual property portfolio as it pursues patents around the world

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), a food biosciences company, has developed a proprietary technology that has revolutionized the way cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids are delivered into the bloodstream.

Lexaria, the only company worldwide with patents issued for oral delivery of all cannabinoids, has greatly improved the delivery of bioactive compounds. While cannabinoids typically enter the bloodstream in three main ways, each has its limitations. Inhalation is harmful to the lungs; sub-lingual (under the tongue) consumption carries a bitter taste unless copiously sweetened; and oral consumption is typically is very slow to act, often between one and three hours.

As a disruptor in the cannabis industry, Lexaria’s DehydraTECH drug delivery platform is changing the way cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. Its proprietary technology promises multiple advantages in cannabinoid edibles. First, it masks the undesirable taste typically found in cannabinoid edibles, eliminating the need to add sweetening agents and enabling sugar-free options. Second, it increases the product’s absorption rate, with absorption occurring at two- to five-times higher rates than other edibles. Finally, it reduces the time of onset; effects of the product are felt within 15-20 minutes of consumption rather than the typical 60-120 minutes. In a March 2016 focus study, subjects ranked Lexaria’s formulation as the best tasting and most palatable option. They also found it to deliver the highest-quality THC experience overall.

Some of Lexaria’s featured products have included protein energy bars; CBD tablets; exotic teas delivering CBD in multiple flavors; coffee; and TurboCBD capsules, which are described as “high absorption, full spectrum hemp oil capsules aimed to increase focus and memory while also reducing stress and fatigue.”

While Lexaria’s groundbreaking technology has set a new quality standard for other companies to aspire to, the company also takes pride in its pursuance of a strong intellectual property portfolio. By the end of 2018, the company’s portfolio included 53 patent applications pending in over 40 countries worldwide, as well as 10 patents already granted. Anticipating new patent awards in 2019 both in the United States and across the world, Lexaria continues to make inroads into various industries through its research and development and key business relationships.

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

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