• Smaller companies achieve higher R&D productivity
• Collaboration with academia key to R&D success
• Diverse projects increase chance of success

Big Pharma is losing the game in drug development. A decade ago, McKinsey & Company sounded the alarm, warning that the biopharma industry was afflicted by “diminishing R&D productivity.” Despite a doubling of investment in research and development, approvals of “new molecular entities” had fallen precipitously (http://ibn.fm/jUNpt). Nothing appears to have changed since then. A recent report by Deloitte laments the continued decline of returns on R&D investment. While R&D costs have generally remained the same, product revenues are falling, in part because many products never make it to “blockbuster” status (i.e. sales of a billion dollars or more). With narrower margins squeezing profits in the industry, these consultants suggest increasing “the number of drug programs to which a pharmaceutical company has access, without increasing, to the same degree, the capital or resource investment required to access them.”

PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) has taken this advice to heart. The health sciences company has three distinct research programs underway. Top of the line is a non-opioid pain treatment based on cannabinoids to be administered through a proprietary nose-to-brain, soluble gel (Sol-gel) drug delivery system. The research team is also out to identify peptides and proteins derived from the venom of the Caribbean blue scorpion that may have therapeutic use. The company is also working on a smart RNA dual gene therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Expected returns on investment in research and development (R&D) for the top 12 pharma companies fell from 10.1 percent in 2010 to just 3.7 percent in 2016, according to a study by Deloitte’s Centre for Health Solutions (http://ibn.fm/ZWD9Y). From 2010-2016, the R&D divisions of the top 12 pharmaceutical companies were able to advance 376 products to late-stage development. With total forecast sales of $1.7 trillion, each drug was projected to be a blockbuster; average sales for the 376 candidates were $4.5 billion.

It is unlikely that more than just a handful have lived up to expectations. Of 667 new biopharmaceuticals launched in the U.S. over the past 20 years, only 19 drugs, less than three percent, have reached the $1 billion mark (http://ibn.fm/o7QWT). However, averages, like most generalizations can mislead. Deloitte found “a negative correlation between company size and both predicted returns and cost per product.” Big Pharma may be getting it wrong, but smaller biopharmas like PreveCeutical appear to be using models that achieve higher R&D productivity.

Perhaps increased collaboration with academia may be an aspect of PreveCeutical’s innovative approach. The company is working with the University of Queensland in Australia on two major research projects. The cooperation, which is being undertaken through UniQuest Pty. Ltd., the development arm of the university, is centered on PreveCeutical’s Sol-gel system and its Smart RNA Dual Gene Therapy.

The Sol-gel system is an innovative nose-to-brain drug delivery platform that holds the promise of making medication regimens more effective. When therapeutic compounds are taken orally (as many are), they travel through the stomach and intestines and are metabolized, reducing their effectiveness. However, the Sol-gel system works via nasal administration and delivers the therapeutic agent to the mucosal tissue, where it forms a gel and is time released to the brain, increasing bioavailability. It will be used initially for a cannabidiol-based agent designed to provide relief across a range of indications such as pain, inflammation, seizures and neurological disorders. Additionally, the gel stays in the nasal passages, slowly releasing the CBD while keeping it active for up to seven days. This ease of application and its long-lasting effects may be attractive for patients when compared to other delivery systems.

Another project in the development pipeline involves the identification of peptides and proteins in the venom of Caribbean blue scorpion, with the object of engineering ‘Nature Identical™’ compounds. Synthesizing compounds that are identical to the natural venom is expected to facilitate more commercially viable formulations. PreveCeutical already has an over-the-counter (OTC), commercially available oral solution of scorpion venom, CELLB9, on the market. CELLB9 has been used to treat inflammation, bacterial infections, pain and tumors.

PreveCeutical is also working on a Smart RNA Dual Gene Therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Gene therapy involves the substitution of defective genes in a cell with genetically altered genes. The team has already put five genes implicated in diabetes and obesity on a target short-list.

In June 2018, the company raised C$6.5 million ($4.9 million) to continue its ambitious research focused on preventative compounds using organic and nature-identical compounds, according to a Crystal Equity update (http://ibn.fm/ykwy1).

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

• Mainstream social media channels wary of promoting marijuana, close down user accounts for cannabis endorsement
• NUGL’s platform provides B2B and B2C marketing tools for companies
• Platform has capabilities of Yelp, LinkedIn and Google Business

Although the cannabis industry is gradually gaining social acceptability, many mainstream social media channels, such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, are still wary about promoting marijuana, according to a Digiday report. Cannabis ads are prohibited on a number of social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Google and Snapchat, although the latter does allow ads for cannabidiol-based products on a case-by-case basis, the report says. Additionally, many content creators and influencers have reportedly had their YouTube and Instagram accounts shut down for mentioning marijuana products (http://ibn.fm/J4tsO).

As a result, businesses in the cannabis industry finding these highly-effective marketing channels closed to them need to look elsewhere for promotion opportunities. Technology company NUGL Inc. (OTC: NUGL) hopes to address this concern by providing a platform with the capabilities of Yelp, LinkedIn and Google Business that’s specifically tailored for the needs of the marijuana industry.

NUGL’s networking platform, with both business-to-business and business-to-consumer applications, provides tools that can enable businesses across the industry to raise their profile, reach their customers and link up to businesses providing complementary services and products.

As the marijuana industry grows and matures, similarly to any other product such as beer, chocolate or footwear, specific brands will carve out identities and niches, and consumers will be looking out for their favorites. NUGL is positioning itself to allow producers to make their products visible on the right sales platforms and accessible to the consumers they want to reach. In addition, NUGL allows customers to provide unbiased reviews of products and services, such as dispensaries, shops and brands. The platform does not sell listing space or fake interviews, meaning that customer reviews are more transparent, credible and reliable.

The platform’s B2B app allows companies in the space to create a profile, through which they can post information about themselves and the goods and services they provide. Companies using the platform will be able to connect with other businesses and provide B2B services, such as growers connecting with dispensaries, for instance. The platform and app, available for Android and iOS devices, can also connect marijuana businesses with ancillary services, such as accounting, real estate, growing equipment providers and others.

Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics predict that the marijuana market in the U.S. will continue to grow exponentially, as the country is moving closer to ending cannabis prohibition. According to the sixth edition of “The State of Legal Marijuana Markets,” released by the two research companies, the U.S. legal cannabis market is on pace to reach $11 billion in consumer spending in 2018 and $23.4 billion by 2022 (http://ibn.fm/BPKhU).

NUGL is set to capitalize on this trend, as its platform has no geographic limitations and can connect cannabis companies and clients all across the United States. Additionally, the company plans to expand its reach across the globe as the cannabis industry continues to grow in international markets.

For more information, visit the company’s website at http://ibn.fm/NUGL

• Acquired controlling interest in The Asher House Pet CBD brand, produced with full-spectrum, whole-plant hemp, free of THC and pesticides
• An estimated $72.13 billion will be spent on pets by Americans during 2018, with over $33 billion spent on veterinary care, supplies and OTC medicines
• Percentage of U.S. households with a pet increased from 56 percent in 1988 to 68 percent in 2018
• Sales of CBD products to U.S. consumers estimated to reach $2.1 billion by 2020, with $450 million coming from hemp-based sources
• The U.S. cannabis market is growing at an accelerated rate; industry analysts projecting a $50 billion marketplace by 2026

When it comes to taking care of household pets, Americans are spending billions to get the job done right, according to the American Pet Products Association. In 2018 alone, U.S. consumers will spend an estimated $72 billion on pets, and that includes $33 billion on veterinary care, supplies and over-the-counter medicine (http://ibn.fm/p3kRj). Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTC: NUGS) is expanding its diverse portfolio by moving into the pet care arena through its acquisition of The Asher House Pet CBD brand from The Asher House LLC, as detailed in a recent news release (http://ibn.fm/56Lm1).

Under the terms of the brand acquisition agreement, Cannabis Strategic Ventures will acquire controlling interest in the Asher House Pet CBD line, a brand of U.S. hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) supplements for pets that continues to gain national attention and is expanding internationally. Lee Asher and Luke Barton, founders of The Asher House, are currently on a whirlwind cross-country tour, working with animal shelters, pet rescues and humane societies to help erase the homeless pet population and increase awareness of pet health.

“Through the Asher House acquisition, Cannabis Strategic continues to expand its already diverse portfolio of Cannabis focus brands and service offerings,” Simon Yu, CEO of Cannabis Strategic, stated in a news release.  “At Cannabis Strategic, we believe that investing in people is as important as investing in industry-leading products and technologies. Lee and Luke’s passion for pet adoption and pet wellness is one of the key ingredients to Asher House’s national recognition. We welcome Lee Asher and Luke Barton, the founders of Asher House, to the NUGS family.”

Research into the potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) on dogs is underway at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, supported by a $356,000 grant from The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (http://ibn.fm/cPki1). Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a veterinary neurologist, received the grant to document the therapeutic potential of cannabis in dogs.

CBD is big business for human consumers as well, with sales expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2020 and $450 million of those sales coming from hemp-based sources, a Forbes article states (http://ibn.fm/cXdrg). CBD products are typically used for health reasons instead of recreational purposes, since they are derived from industrial hemp or cannabis plants with extremely low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

Cannabis Strategic’s portfolio includes the recently acquired Fitamins CBD brand, which offers vitamin- and hemp-derived CBD formulations through a network of more than 600 wholesalers serving the Asian-American market (http://ibn.fm/zPFkV). The company is also focused on supporting entrepreneurial growth in the legal cannabis sector through its personnel solutions, which are tailor-made to match the growth dynamics of this booming industry.

Cannabis Strategic pursues investment opportunities in the areas of real estate, cultivation, extraction, distribution, packaging, dispensary operations and branded products within the cannabis space. Carving out and controlling specific industry niches, in addition to creating and marketing unique cannabis consumer branded products for humans and pets alike, is a win-win for Cannabis Strategic and its stakeholders.

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

• Ability to cross blood brain barrier – now confirmed – is significant for possible treatment of central nervous system diseases
• LXRP may also be able to deliver micro nicotine doses, as per developing FDA policies
• LXRP completes formation of wholly owned subsidiary, Lexaria Nicotine Corp., to better commercialize opportunities
• The company is a technology disrupter and has applied for new U.S. patent on its delivery process; it plans to out-license and develop future products

Lexaria Bioscience Corp.’s (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) patented DehydraTECH™ drug delivery platform has been confirmed in analysis of a second generation lab study on 40 rats to transport 195 percent more nicotine, reaching peak levels at a four times faster rate to brain tissue than controls (http://ibn.fm/7RvnA). Originally, the tests were focused on developing products for nicotine delivery or smoking alternatives (http://ibn.fm/my45m). Now, it appears that the technology could also potentially apply to treatment of nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

The blood brain barrier is formed by microvascular endothelial cells, which form a layer or lining inside blood vessels and exist to block circulating toxins or other unwanted substances from entering the brain.  It has frustrated medical researchers for years as they’ve attempted to discover effective methods of transporting beneficial drugs into the brain.

The new report confirmed first generation results of in vivo tests on live animals showing that DehydraTECH™ was able to deliver more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) across the brain’s protective blood brain barrier, as reported in an article published by the CFN Media Group (http://ibn.fm/rqa7h). Because of certain similarities in physical structure between the nicotine molecule and several of the drugs used to treat diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia and depression, it is now theorized that DehydraTECH could offer similar delivery advantages.

Conceptually, its rapid and efficient delivery to the brain tissue may allow for smaller micro doses, conforming to newly developing FDA policies, the company said. Smaller doses could satiate cravings for nicotine while simultaneously being less addictive, in harmony with FDA goals of reducing nicotine consumption.

In a news release, Chris Bunka, CEO of LXRP, said, “Lexaria’s DehydraTECH delivery technology continues to demonstrate its superior effectiveness in delivering nicotine without the need for combustion or the need for inhalation whatsoever. Crossing the blood brain barrier is a significant achievement all on its own and this data confirms the outcome of our earlier first-generation test.”

The enhanced delivery of nicotine is also significant because LXRP, through wholly owned subsidiary Lexaria Nicotine Corp., seeks to encourage cigarette smokers to use nicotine sources that do not contribute to lung disease. After its original test, LXRP applied to the USPTO for a new patent. Its IP portfolio already includes patents for oral delivery of vitamins, NSAIDs and all cannabinoids.

Lexaria has roughly 50 patents pending or awarded and will license in any of the 40 countries worldwide where its technology already has a patent or is patent-pending. DehydraTECH™ is its proprietary absorption technology platform. Based in British Columbia, Canada, LXRP is a biotechnology company that out-licenses its disruptive delivery technology, which has shown faster and more effective delivery of cannabinoids and now nicotine.

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

• Sugarmade announces $1 million investment in hemp company growing ultra-high CBD industrial hemp
• Sugarmade CEO becomes Hempistry advisor, shareholder
• ‘Lucrative’ supply agreement offers tremendous opportunity in fast-growing sector

One of the largest publicly traded hydroponics supply companies, Sugarmade, Inc. (OTC: SGMD) is joining the ranks of savvy businesses that have chosen to enter the burgeoning hemp market. Last year, the U.S. hemp industry topped out at an impressive $820 million in revenue, and that total is expected to reach more than $1 billion by the end of 2018, with a 14 percent compound annual growth rate forecast through 2022.

Sugarmade is positioning itself to be a power player in the industry with the announcement this month that it will be investing an estimated $1 million in capital in Hempistry, Inc., a Nevada-based company that has already begun planting an ultra-high cannabidiol (CBD) industrial hemp strain in Kentucky (http://ibn.fm/x0ek9). Hempistry has planted more than 100 acres and has signed an exclusive agreement that guarantees the company rights to 23,000 acres of prime farmland to grow the valuable crop.

One of the primary reasons that the Hempistry project is such an attractive entry point for Sugarmade is the hemp grown by the company, which contains high levels of CBD while containing low levels (less than 0.3 percent) of THC. Both are natural compounds found in cannabis, but they create vastly different effects when consumed. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that doesn’t produce the problematic ‘high’ associated with THC.

The Sugarmade/Hempistry deal doesn’t end there. Sugarmade CEO Jimmy Chan will become an advisor to and shareholder in Hempistry, and Sugarmade has announced plans to sign an agreement with Hempistry for hemp cultivation supplies, as well.

“Demand for industrial hemp and products derived from hemp is soaring with no letup in sight,” Chan noted in a news release. “We expect our direct investment into Hempistry to be accretive to common shareholders and our supply agreement to be lucrative. All of us at Sugarmade see a tremendous opportunity to become a supplier to this fast-growing sector.”

The deal with Hempistry is not Sugarmade’s only recent headline news. Last week, the company also announced its filing of an application to uplist its common shares to the OTCQB Venture Market (http://ibn.fm/xWfMZ). This move is expected to allow the innovative company to build its visibility and expand liquidity for shareholders without the rigid procedures and requirements that go along with an exchange listing.

In only a few short years, Sugarmade has made its mark in the business world by investing in products and brands with disruptive potential. The company has established business operations in diverse marketplaces, including packaging and paper goods for various industries, as well as agricultural supplies. Sugarmade’s brands include ZenHydro.com, CarryOutSupplies.com, and BudLife.

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

• Enters the $7.7B cannabis market with new product line HempFX™
• Introduced three new proprietary blends of hemp-derived cannabinoid products
• Official launch will take place in October 2018

Over 20 years ago, Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) was founded around one central question: How can we live younger, longer? Since then, YGYI has prided itself on developing the highest quality and most well-researched nutritional products. Now a leading omni-direct lifestyle company, YGYI is putting people on a holistic path to better health.

Already offering products in the eight top selling retail categories (health/nutrition, home/family, food/beverage (including coffee), spa/beauty, fashion, essential oils, photo and a range of innovative services), YGYI recently announced its entry into the $7.7 billion cannabis market with new product line HempFX™ (http://ibn.fm/MFWfQ).

Direct Selling News recently reported, “According to recent data published by Forbes, citing Brightfield Group, the global cannabis market is projected to reach $31.4 billion by 2021. By end of 2017, the global market value was estimated at $7.7 billion.” In a rapidly growing cannabis market in which industry analysts continue to forecast sustained growth, the Hemp FX™ products hold promise.

Hemp FX™ has three new proprietary blends of organically grown hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Each product utilizes YGYI’s exclusive hemp-derived cannabinoid oil and combines it with natural herbs and minerals to achieve the desired results.

Soothe™ combines YGYI’s cannabidiol oil with herbs, minerals and a powerful antioxidant to support a healthy immune system and soothe sore, tired and achy muscles and joints.

Relax™ combines the cannabidiol oil with chamomile, lavender, valerian and melatonin for sleep-supporting benefits.

Uplift™ combines the cannabidiol oil with St. John’s Wort and a specialized set of natural terpenes (cannabinoid enhancers).

Soothe™, Relax™ and Uplift™ were introduced at the 2018 Youngevity Convention in San Diego, California. A limited quantity that was available for pre-sale purchases to attendees quickly sold out. This new product line has the potential to transform both the nutritional industry and Youngevity’s consumer base.

In a news release, Steve Wallach, Youngevity’s CEO, stated, “Hemp-derived cannabidiol aligns with what we do very well. We’ve taken what we know about essential nutrients along with decades of knowledge specializing in natural, plant-based nutrition and their most beneficial nutrients and put that knowledge to work to develop high-end cannabidiol products.”

The official launch of Hemp FX™ is set to take place in October 2018.

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

• Scaling up to become the largest organic cannabis brand in the world
• Grow facilities in Canada, Denmark and Jamaica to produce 195,000 kg of cannabis annually
• Announced $25.8 million acquisition of HemPoland adds gateway to huge European market
• Ecommerce giant Shopify to build online sales platform

With the release of its Q2 2018 results, a sterling performance by The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) is on display (http://ibn.fm/RU5Nj). The string of achievements announced in the report shows that the company, a producer of organic, pesticide-free medical cannabis, is well on its way to realizing management’s vision of becoming the largest organic cannabis brand in the world. By the end of 2019, TGOD expects to have all of its production facilities up and running. Together, they will have the capacity to churn out 195,000 kilograms of cannabis annually.

Presently, the company is on track to achieve its ambitious goals, with four cultivation units under its aegis. The largest is the facility under construction at Valleyfield, Quebec. Work at the 72.4-acre property began soon after initial construction permits were granted in December 2017. The planned 820,000 square feet high-technology hybrid facility will have an output capacity of 142,000 kg of high-quality organic cannabis. Since it is eligible for Hydro Quebec’s economic development rate, which will lower its power cost, this facility will put TGOD in a good position to be a low cost producer. The plant is expected to be ready in the first half of 2019.

TGOD’s European operations won’t be quite as big as the Valleyfield complex, but, with a planned annual output capacity of 25,000 kg, the endeavor, focused on oil extraction, won’t be anything to sneeze at. Consisting of two facilities situated in 1.3 million sq. ft. of state-of-the-art automated greenhouses, the enterprise, currently the subject of a Letter of Intent (LOI), will be a 50/50 joint venture with Knud Jepsen, based in Hinnerup, Denmark. The expected completion date is in the second half of 2019.

However, in a recently announced acquisition that dramatically accelerates its strategic entry into Europe’s lucrative organic cannabis market, TGOD entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HemPoland, a European manufacturer and marketer of premium organic CBD oils (http://ibn.fm/qoOPs). The $25.8 million deal, which includes an immediate accretive cash and share transaction in addition to an infusion of funding for research and development, gives the cannabis-focused research and development company an enviable foothold in Europe’s multibillion dollar cannabis market, as noted by Brian Athaide, CEO of TGOD. In a news release, he stated “Gaining market share with CBD products now, in the EU, with over 700 locations, allows TGOD to establish immediate brand awareness across all verticals including infused beverages. This is an accretive acquisition and gateway to Europe’s 750 million people accelerating our plan of becoming the world’s largest organic cannabis brand.”

TGOD has already established a footprint in Jamaica. The company signed a binding agreement to acquire 49.18 percent of Epican Medicinals, a vertically integrated Jamaican cannabis company with cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and retail licenses. Epican is something of a pioneer. It was the first to be granted a cultivation license in Jamaica. Its grow facility currently has a capacity of 1,300 kg, which will be expanded to 14,000 kg by the end of 2018. Epican plans to launch a total of five dispensaries in Jamaica. The first had a successful opening in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday, July 14 (http://ibn.fm/ALwwO). This partnership with Epican provides TGOD with a low-cost platform to export premium Jamaican-grown cannabis to select international jurisdictions.

At its Hamilton facility, the target output capacity is also 14,000 kg. Construction is proceeding in phases. Phase 1, meant to be used as a test before scaling up, is an indoor facility covering 7,000 sq. ft., and producing 1,000 kg of cannabis. Phase 2 will add 20,000 sq. ft. in an indoor facility with a production capacity of 2,000 kg; it will focus on specialty grows and formulations. Phase 3 is a planned hybrid facility that will cover 123,000 sq. ft. and have an annual output capacity of 11,000 kg. At completion, scheduled for the first half of 2019, the Hamilton complex will extend over 150,000 sq. ft. and produce 14,000 kg of high quality organic cannabis annually.

All four facilities – Denmark, Hamilton, Jamaica and Valleyfield – are fully funded, and, on their completion, total TGOD facilities will cover 1,607,245 sq. ft. and produce 195,000 kg per annum.

To complement its brick-and-mortar operations, TGOD has engaged Shopify Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) (TSX: SHOP) to build an innovative ecommerce platform to promote and deliver medical and adult-use organic cannabis worldwide (http://ibn.fm/Dear3). Presently, Shopify is the leading cloud-based multichannel ecommerce platform. The company was involved in the partnership between TGOD and Epican in Jamaica, where it supplied the retail point-of-sale system for Epican’s retail outlets. Shopify is also developing the pre-registration system for medical patients throughout Jamaica.

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

• Over half the world’s cobalt is currently mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where political instability and ethically-challenging labor conditions cause major concern for investors and international consumers
• Marifil holds mining claims to 15,250 hectares (37,700 acres) of land in South America’s famed ‘Lithium Triangle’, with other properties in central and southwest Argentina focusing mainly on cobalt, lithium and gold
• Lithium-ion battery market set to reach $68 billion, while EV industry is expected to be worth almost $128 billion by 2022

As Marifil Mines Ltd. (TSX.V: MFM) (OTCQB: MFMLF) moves into position to take its role in the global supply chain, a key mining industry publication has reported that electric vehicle manufacturers remain anxious to secure supplies of cobalt and lithium (http://ibn.fm/j5aTK). Mining Technology says that China is maneuvering to secure a tighter grip on cobalt supplies, which, along with lithium, are crucial to the production of electric vehicle power supplies.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently voiced concern about cobalt in particular, since well over half of the world’s cobalt is currently mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition to the country’s political instability, its cobalt mining industry presents serious ethical issues, with Amnesty International uncovering widespread use of child labor and hazardous working conditions (http://ibn.fm/orewK). This has led many investors in the auto industry and elsewhere to seek “clean” sources of cobalt closer to home.

Companies such as Vancouver-based Marifil Mines are set to profit as the global demand for lithium and cobalt continues to grow alongside the booming electric vehicle industry. According to BCC Research, global electric vehicle sales are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 11 percent between 2017 and 2022, when the industry could be worth almost $128 billion (http://ibn.fm/Gy3Kj). Statistics compiled by Statista also indicate that the lithium-ion battery market could reach $68 billion in value by 2022 (http://ibn.fm/tmTZp).

Marifil Mines is engaged in acquiring resource-rich properties in Argentina, which it explores for lithium, cobalt and gold. It currently holds mining claims to 15,250 hectares (37,700 acres) of land in the Argentine Puna within the famed ‘Lithium Triangle’, where it plans to revive its lithium exploration program that was halted in 2009. Earlier this year, the company signed a five-year exploration agreement with Argentina-based Minera Esperanza S.A., targeting two lithium-bearing properties in the Catamarca province. Under the agreement, Marifil has the option to purchase these properties, which would significantly expand its lithium portfolio in the country.

The company also owns the Las Aguilas property in central Argentina, which is currently the country’s largest known nickel/cobalt property and is located in a region with good infrastructure. Exploration has revealed two significant deposits, located 300 meters apart. Marifil is exploring the possibility of expanding the property’s resources by drilling. A previous drill hole 3.5 kilometers north of Las Aguilas on Marifil’s Virorco patented mining claim encountered a 90-meter intersection of disseminated sulfides containing attention-grabbing nickel and cobalt grades. Step-out drilling off of this hole this could be the making of a new deposit, perhaps even larger than Las Aguilas, according to the company.

In addition to lithium and cobalt, Marifil Mines also has a focus on gold. The World Gold Council states that, although mining accounts for 75 percent of the world’s annual gold production, there is never enough to meet demand (http://ibn.fm/taZjm). Because of the long mining lifecycle and lead time to find new deposits, the gold mining industry is not immediately responsive to price fluctuations. These impact more heavily the 25 percent of gold which is recovered from recycling.

At its San Roque property in southwest Argentina, Marifil has reached an advanced stage of gold exploration. Gold and zinc mineralization have been discovered spread over some four square kilometers by 112 drill holes totaling 16,684 meters of drill length. Other information on the property comprises 1,800 meters of mechanized trenching, approximately 2,000 surface rock and soil samples and geophysical surveys for 42 km of ground magnetics and 90 km of induced potential-resistivity.

Examples of just a couple important drill hole results include: Hole DDHMSR-033, with 81 meters of 0.85 g/t Au, 9.2 g/t Ag, 2.67 g/t In, 0.3 percent lead and 0.6 percent zinc, and Hole DDHMSR-0034, which intercepted 34 meters of 2.27 g/t Au and 42.6 g/t Ag starting at one meter below the surface.

With a 51 percent stake, Marifil is a joint owner of the property, along with NovaGold Argentina Inc. NovaGold Argentina, which owns the remaining 49 percent, is a subsidiary of NovaGold Resources Inc. (TSX: NG). Marifil is the project operator.

Marifil has expressed optimism about the expected results of its recent San Roque drilling program. It is awaiting assay results from several hundred core samples that have been sent to labs in Mendoza, Argentina.

San Roque is located in Argentina’s Rio Negro province, which is supportive of mining. The area has no indigenous population who might be adversely affected by mining activities. In addition, there are no known endangered or protected plants or animals, and there are no private royalty claims attached to the San Roque property. The location is well-served with highway and rail infrastructure, and is 65 kilometers away from the Atlantic Ocean port of San Antonio. There is good access to hydro-electric electricity and a ready supply of labor and water.

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

• Strategically positioned to be a global leader in the CBD space
• Expands CBD chocolate product line and provides accessibility to consumers in convenience stores across the U.S.
• Joint ventures globally in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and medical device products

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) is a Florida-based biotechnology company focused on cannabis (industrial hemp) and cannabinoid research and development, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The company operates through three wholly owned subsidiaries – Earth Science Pharmaceutical Inc., Cannabis Therapeutics Inc. and KannaBidioiD, Inc. – each of which are equally invested in developing the company’s role as a global leader in the CBD space. Last year, the company acquired Canna Inno Laboratories, Inc. as part of its strategic plan to expand into Canada and gain access to government grants.

By making its products more available to consumers through its association with AATAC, an advisory board that focuses on convenience stores, ETST is setting itself apart as a major provider of premium CBD products. Through a joint venture with Karmavore Superfoods, the company is expanding its unique full spectrum cannabinoid CBD raw dark chocolate line from two to five products. With the anticipated launch of three new CBD-based patent formulas – chocolate-covered mangoes, chocolate coconut peppermint cups and chocolate caramelized quinoa crunch – ETST and AATAC anticipate a high volume of preorders from approximately 90,000 retail outlets throughout the United States. These chocolates are scheduled to hit the market in the coming weeks. The move to provide this product in convenience stores provides ETST with the means to increase its consumer base across every sector of the population. In a news release  (http://ibn.fm/3NhlP), Jill Buzan, chief sales officer of ETST, stated, “This could lead to huge exponential growth for ETST’s sales in the next few months.”

The expanded reach throughout the United States is not the company’s only focus. Its goal is to become a global leader in the CBD space, and ETST is taking promising steps in that direction.

In March, ETST announced that it had received a grant from the Government of Quebec to pursue the development of three CBD-based nutraceutical provisional patent products. These products include a neuron protector, a breast protector and a product designed to improve antioxidant ingestion.

Through a joint venture with Bionatus Laboratrio Botnico of Brazil and its Canadian division, Bionatus Botanical Laboratories, Inc., ETST has three products in various stages. Propovit’s purpose is to alleviate throat irritation, colds and bad breath, and it is enriched with ETST hemp oil. Bionatus is being reformulated with the addition of CBD to potentially enhance its anti-inflammatory and bronchial-dilation properties. A third product is in the planning stages, and details will be shared soon.

A pre-launch clinical study of ‘Hygee’ with Clinique Santé Amitié in Quebec, Canada, is currently being conducted. ‘Hygee’ is the name of ETST’s MSN-2 home testing medical kit designed for the detection of sexually transmitted infections (STI), such as chlamydia. This kit will be marketed worldwide, and the company anticipates approval of the trademark within the next nine to 10 months.

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

• Payment Club operates cashless processing services on subscription-based model
• Payment Club co-founders raise $7 million for expansion plans

Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) subsidiary Unified Payments is launching subscription-based payment processing services through a partnership with Payment Club, Inc. that raised $7 million to finance the latter’s expansion plans (http://ibn.fm/X6PF9). Net Element develops multi-channel electronic payment solutions, among which is Unified Payments, a flexible mobile point-of-sale system that enables small and mid-sized businesses to accept cashless payments.

Payment Club provides payment processing services on a subscription-based model. Its co-founders recently announced completion of a $7 million financing deal. With the financial boost, Payment Club intends to expand its operations across the United States, hire key staff and open up facilities in which business owners and operators can learn more about the company’s transparent payment processing solution.

“Utilizing a transparent subscription-based pricing model combined with the latest technology solutions, Payment Club can provide positive options to frustrated merchants and streamline their payment processes,” Anthony Kutscher, president and co-founder of Payment Club, stated in a news release.

Kutscher started Payment Club with co-founder and company vice president Alex Ilinski in response to the needs of small and mid-sized business owners who were facing high and complicated fee structures for services which often did not meet their needs or allow them to leverage the benefits of new payment technologies. Ilinski and Kutscher have been in the payments industry for over 20 years.

“Having witnessed our model deliver exceptional outcomes and drive demand, we knew we needed to partner with the reliable technology provider and raise capital to reach more clients faster,” added Ilinski.

The subscription-based model has seen tremendous growth across a number of industries, with research showing that the subscription economy is growing nine times faster than the S&P 500 (http://ibn.fm/ahpEk). Customers are becoming more comfortable with paying subscriptions for access to goods and services, rather than owning them outright.

Vlad Sadovskiy, president of integrated payments for Net Element, said, “Payment Club is an exceptional company that is revolutionizing the way merchants pay for accepting cashless transactions, and we look forward to a long-term partnership with the Payment Club team as they grow the business.”

Unified Payments earlier this month partnered with Payment Club to create a payment processing service that will allow businesses to pay by monthly subscription (http://ibn.fm/2usDV). At the time, Sadovskiy said that the newly introduced subscription-based processing model will solve one of the biggest problems facing small businesses by allowing easy and affordable cashless payments.

Unified Payments is a flexible and mobile tool that that can be used by a wide variety of vendors, such as kiosk-type shops, limousine drivers and tow truck and delivery drivers.

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