Valued Farming Clients – Pre-Order your FIBC Totes/Super Sacks @ $6.88/bag by May 10th
Valued Farming clients,
It’s spring, you’re busy, we get it…so to the point.
What: FIBC Totes/Super Sack Pre-Order
When: May 10th is deadline to place your order and secure a price of $6.88, with 30% down
Why: Save $$$ (~50%) AND Secure supply chain
Details:
As your strategic/trusted supply chain partner, we’ve secured a quality source for FIBC Totes/Super Sack and are offering you the opportunity to lock down a price of $6.88/bag for this necessary/important harvest supply. Due to the logistics involved, this is a limited time offer. Your order must be received by May 10th, and your 30% deposit made by May 31st. Lead time is ~14 weeks, which would result in delivery to your facility during the last 2 weeks of August. SDS sheets along with other relevant compliance docs are available for review. Please reach out if you have any questions.
InstantGMP, Inc. Releases California Cannabis Annual License SOP Set
InstantGMP, Inc., the developer of the affordable all-in-one California track and trace software, InstantGMP TNT™ recently released a unique set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for applicants of the California cannabis annual licenses.
Not only has this set assisted companies with successful applications but also laid the foundation for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) – a fantastic, leverageable differentiating factor in a competitive market.
• Familiarized with GMPs
• Empowered through tailoring the templates to their specific needs
• Avoid the cost of a pricey consultant The CDPH SOP set comes comprised of documentation that covers the core requirements of an Annual License Application:
• Inventory Control Plan
• Quality Control Plan
• Transportation Plan
• Security Plan
• Waste Management Plan
Beyond the minimum SOPs essential to a license application, the set features 34 broader CDPH-sourced documents.
Additionally, InstantGMP, Inc.’ s California Cannabis set contains more encompassing, and GMP reinforced SOPs. For those looking to take their business to the next level and avoid navigating the complexes of the track and trace requirements, the California set comes included with the purchase of an InstantGMP™ TNT software license.
About InstantGMP, Inc.
InstantGMP, Inc. is the creator behind the affordable all-in-one batch and quality management software, [InstantGMP™, available across several different industry verticals; including biopharmaceuticals, biotech, cannabis, CBD & hemp, dietary supplements, e-liquids, and medical devices. The software is the brain-child of Dr. Richard Soltero, pharmaceutical veteran, and quality extraordinaire. InstantGMP, Inc.’s focus is developing software for products that are regulated by the FDA.
Cova is the Vital Tech Company Behind Ontario Cannabis Stores Opening April 1st
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts
Cova | Faai Steuer | Faai@covasoftware.com Spiritleaf | Heidi Gammuac | media@spiritleaf.ca The Hunny Pot | Laura Fracassi | Pr@thehunnypot.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 28th, 2019. Cova is the point-of-sale (POS) solution of choice for nearly every major cannabis retailer entering the coveted Ontario market. The key province has proven a serious challenge for private cannabis retail, with elusive licenses, strict regulations, and high expectations. With no room for error, 20 of the 25 retail license winners, including The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co., Ganjika, Ameri, Superette, Hobo Recreational Cannabis Store, Fire & Flower, and Spiritleaf are putting their trust in Cova software to ensure smooth sailing when they open their doors.
“Cannabis retail is far more complex than other retail environments, and compliance is a big factor,” said Gary Cohen, CEO of Cova. “We wanted to help our customers protect their hard-earned license and investment, that’s why we carefully designed our product to align with the nuances of cannabis laws and regulations. Our POS is equipped with automated compliance features like age verification, sales limit alerts and batch tracking to help prevent human error.”
Cova’s experience in technology and retail spans 20 years. Rooted in a successful enterprise environment, the passionate retail technology company brings robust resources and infrastructure, while remaining agile enough to incorporate customer feedback and keep pace with the evolving cannabis retail industry.
Cova’s advanced platform has earned industry favour largely because the easy-to-learn software is backed by comprehensive support. The company’s premier launch team and ongoing help with processes and best practices was vital to retailers like The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co. and Spiritleaf.
“We are very pleased to be opening our flagship Ontario Spiritleaf store in Kingston,” said Darren Bondar, President and CEO of Inner Spirit Holdings, the company behind the growing Spiritleaf franchise. “We trust Cova as our POS partner to support this milestone and power all our store operations. Having been in retail for 20 years, we know that an easy-to-use and reliable POS system is crucial for the success of a retail business. After spending over a year evaluating various POS systems, we chose Cova and have not looked back.”
The Kingston store marks the 6th location for Spiritleaf, Canada’s largest cannabis retail franchise concept. The Calgary-based company is rapidly expanding, with 50 approved permits in Alberta alone, over 20 franchise agreements in Ontario with more than 100 potential stores in development across the nation. Cova will continue to serve as a close partner to ensure that successful expansion.
In Toronto, The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co. – one of the first companies to be granted a license in the province – will open a 3500 square-foot store in the heart of downtown.
“As we approach the finish line, we couldn’t be more excited for April 1st and to welcome our first customers. As the first legal retailer to open its doors in the city of Toronto, we have a duty to set an example for current and future retailers, which means paying close attention to all of our vendors, from designers to POS software. We are confident in Cova’s overall approach, service offerings and their dedication to compliance, which is incredibly valuable to us at The Hunny Pot,” said Hunny Gawri, Owner of The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co.
“Cova is very excited to work with such dedicated entrepreneurs who share our values and commitment to propel the cannabis industry forward,” Cohen said. “These retailers worked hard to make an incredibly challenging deadline and meet all the government requirements. We’re committed to working hard and to continue earning their trust while we help them succeed in this incredibly exciting journey.”
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About Cova
Cova is the leading POS solution in the cannabis industry. The Cova team’s relentless pursuit of creating the industry’s first lovable POS has led to solutions that help retailers simplify compliance, reduce operational costs, and increase revenue through automated compliance, inventory management, mobile reporting dashboards, and Cova’s Express Checkout app. With a growing network of cannabis industry partners including Leafly, Baker, I Heart Jane, greenRush, springbig, Enlighten, GeekTek, and Budvue, Cova’s seamless tech ecosystem gives retailers access to the best tools available to run their business. Cova’s offices are located in Denver, CO, Vancouver, BC, Winnipeg, MB and Regina, SK. Learn more atwww.covasoftware.com.
About Inner Spirit Holdings
Inner Spirit Holdings is establishing a chain of recreational cannabis stores under its Spiritleaf brand. Supporting local entrepreneurs by applying its award-winning franchise and retail models, Inner Spirit has more than 100 franchise agreements in place for potential Spiritleaf locations and also plans to operate corporate outlets in certain jurisdictions. Developing a diverse portfolio of quality and curated lifestyle cannabis products – including Spiritleaf’s own locally sourced lines – Spiritleaf is positioned to be an iconic Canadian brand and the most trusted source for recreational cannabis. More information can be found on Inner Spirit’s website at www.innerspiritholdings.com.
About The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co.
The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co. will be one of the first 25 legal retail cannabis stores set to open its doors in Ontario. The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co. is owned and operated by Hunny Gawri and is located at 202 Queen St West, Toronto. The doors are set to open on April 1, 2019. You can find more information about the store at thehunnypot.com and you can follow the store on Instagram at @thehunnypotcannabisco.
VRX Labs Grand Opening
VRX Labs is excited to announce their Grand Opening Event on Friday, April 26th.
For more information contact marketing@vrxlabs.com.
RoseRyan creates Kukuza Associates to focus on Cannabis market
Building off its wave of success in the cannabis industry, RoseRyan has launched a new company, Kukuza Associates LLC, that concentrates solely on the cannabis market. The new company is a finance and accounting consulting firm that closely mirrors its parent, RoseRyan, and packs the full strength, depth and capabilities of it.
Kukuza Associates works with startups and established companies in every segment of the cannabis market at every stage of the lifecycle. Its clients benefit from RoseRyan’s large team of finance experts as well as the firm’s best practices. Says Dave Roberson, CEO of Kukuza, “Kukuza’s finance and cannabis accounting solutions are vital for businesses that are growing, vertically integrating and eyeing deals. Our experienced team steps in, brings order to the chaos and navigates cannabis companies ahead by putting a solid finance foundation in place.” He notes that Kukuza’s cannabis solutions address strategic finance as well as day-to-day accounting, emphasizing that both are prerequisites for sustainable success.
Kukuza’s Cannabis Solutions: Based off of RoseRyan’s original offering for the cannabis industry, Kukuza sports a newly refined and expanded set of cannabis solutions. Kukuza flexibly delivers these six solutions:
Assessment – Quickly diagnoses gaps in a company’s finance and accounting and uncovers underlying issues in other key operational areas.
Strategic Finance – Provides CFO and controller expertise to ready the company for investors, fundraise, plan and budget for intelligent growth. Forms the basis of the company’s strategic and operational plans and helps propel its value creation.
Outsourced Cannabis Accounting – Creates the overall framework for systems and processes for all of the company’s accounting and provides outsourced accounting professionals on an ongoing basis. Can also provide cost accounting, audit prep, and other resources and interim experts on a “plug and play” basis, to help the company manage its hypergrowth. Financial
Reporting and Analysis – Digs into the numbers to truly understand the business. Focuses on trends and insights within the business for informed decision-making and scenario planning based on various assumptions.
Internal Controls – Helps protect assets, mitigate fraud and other business risks by designing internal controls that matter and are based on the company’s size and situation. Can be leveraged to scale as the company ramps up with growth or strategic plans.
Transaction Support – Prepares the company and guides it through transformational moves like M&As, RTOs, IPOs, vertical integration, and expansion into new products and geographical locations.
About Kukuza Associates: Kukuza Associates LLC is a Silicon Valley-based consulting firm dedicated to helping cannabis businesses go further, faster with great finance that’s steeped in sound operations. As a RoseRyan company, we deliver strategic finance, outsourced accounting, financial reporting and analysis, internal controls and business transaction support. Grow like a weed with the right financial foundations in place with Kukuza.
About RoseRyan: RoseRyan takes dynamic companies further, faster, by delivering specialized finance and accounting solutions at every stage of your company’s growth. Versed in Silicon Valley’s rapid pace and unique business environment, our firm has helped more than 850 companies since 1993. Our focus is on tech, life sciences and private equity yet our experience and expertise allow us to consult in other industries as well. No matter what stage of the business lifecycle you’re at, the size of your business or the scale of your next endeavor, RoseRyan has tailored finance solutions just when you need them. Learn more at www.roseryan.com.
InstantGMP, Inc. announces the release of an all-in-one affordable quality management system, InstantGMP™ QMS
Designed by quality and regulatory experts, InstantGMP™ QMS is a quality management system (QMS) software that satisfies a renewed commitment to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) compliance through a complete QMS platform that stands-out from other systems by streamlining, enhancing, and automating workflows for quality-related actions. Coupling specially developed logs with the electronic batch records and inventory controls of InstantGMP™ creates a fully connected manufacturing environment.
Through integrating several aspects of the software, companies benefit by ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, maximizing batch production, reducing human errors and improving their manufacturing processes. This all-encompassing system is appealing to both experts of GMPs and those within emerging industries looking to implement these process improvement workflows.
Some of the pre-structured built-in logs include:
• Deviation management
• Customer Complaint tracking
• CAPA
• Change control
• Room and equipment monitoring
• Personnel training
Striving to encourage efficiency, process improvements, and integration with InstantGMP™’s electronic batch records and inventory management; InstantGMP™ QMS shines by organizing data, unifying investigative processes, and expediting resolutions. By leveraging the connection to other software modules, redundant data input is eliminated, and users can appreciate centralized record creation within InstantGMP™ QMS.
Delving deeper into components of the software, users can capture root causes, dispositions, launch investigations, monitor statuses, email notifications about personnel assignments, link related documents via the document management system (DMS), and track incidents with pre-configured workflows.
The Quality Management module is available for separate purchase for companies looking to make a partial transition.
About InstantGMP, Inc.
InstantGMP, Inc. https://www.instantgmp.com is the creator behind the InstantGMP™ software that organizes and manages manufacturing processes with the goal of improving batch quality and consistency across several different industry verticals; including biopharmaceuticals, biotech, cannabis, CBD & hemp, dietary supplements, e-liquids, and medical devices. The software is the brain-child of Dr. Richard Soltero, pharmaceutical veteran, and quality extraordinaire. InstantGMP, Inc.’s focus is developing software for products that are regulated by the FDA.
WEBINAR: Going Public in Canada – Is Your Cannabis Company Ready?
Join our panel of experts from MNP, Aird & Berlis, the Canadian Securities Exchange, MGO | Ello Cannabis Alliance and Haywood Securities Inc. as we take you through the steps needed to go public in Canada.
Listing in Canada provides greater access to capital and liquidity for shareholders, and provides a currency with which to grow your business. Trading in Canada also provides access to investment bankers and analysts, executive talent and independent directors, and legal and accounting professionals who have accumulated vast expertise working in the sector over several years.
What lessons have we already learned from the Canadian market and how can these lessons be applied to emerging markets around the world? How can global companies get listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange as the industry moves into its next phase?
Our speakers will identify best practices and advantages for cannabis businesses listing in Canada and what considerations may arise when doing so.
Topics include:
· How to go public in Canada · Access to capital · Professional services and other resources · Lessons learned and what may come next
Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET (8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PT)
Cost: FREE
ANTIGO SIGN & DISPLAY AND ZEON CORPORATION ANNOUNCE MERGER Combined company will bring more value to customers
LOUISVILLE, CO AND ANTIGO, WI—Antigo Sign & Display and Zeon Corporation, leading designers and manufacturers of retail point of purchase visual marketing solutions, today announce the merger of the two companies.
Effective January 21, 2019, the new company, Antigo Zeon, will have sales, marketing, design and customer service located in Colorado, and all operations will be run out of Antigo, WI. Antigo President/CEO Steve Friend will maintain his role as President/CEO of Antigo Zeon, and Zeon President/CEO Alan Bloom will stay on with the new company in a business development role.
“The two companies have such similar values and complement each other perfectly,” says Friend. “What Zeon delivers on most is their creativity and innovation which, combined with our streamlined processes and domestic production capabilities, will make the new Antigo Zeon an unbeatable solution for today’s retail brands.”
Both Antigo and Zeon have established themselves as leaders in the beer industry, and most recently for Zeon, the marijuana market. “We saw similarities in the challenges being faced by cannabis brands as there are for today’s beer brands, and have been very successful helping these companies establish brand dominance in an already crowded and volatile retail market,” says Bloom.
Over the past three decades, Antigo and Zeon have made the success of their customers the focus of their efforts over simply selling signs, and they are excited to combine efforts towards this same goal moving forward, together.
About Antigo Sign & Display: Located in Antigo, WI, Antigo Sign & Display has over 30 years of experience designing, engineering and producing quality point of sale items. They provide innovative solutions via a diverse portfolio of products including neon and LED signs, displays, product glorifiers, non-illuminated signs, tackers, and chalkboards. With roots stretching back to the “neon renaissance” of the 1980’s and ’90s, Antigo has a long history and takes pride in manufacturing the majority of their products in their factories in the USA.
About Zeon Corporation: Since 1980, Zeon’s mission has been to help brands STAND OUT by developing innovative and imaginative signs and displays that truly communicate brand essence, foster brand experience, and drive sales. They’re a team of adventurous creatives in Colorado; passionate about branding, design, production, and “hangin’ with our four-legged friends.”
Chantal M. Roberts will be part of an expert panel discussing claims trends among the cannabis market at Insurance Business’ 2019 Cannabis Coverage Masterclass in Denver
CMR Consulting Corporation’s president, Chantal M. Roberts, CPCU, AIC, RPA, will take part in an expert panel discussing cannabis claim trends and their potential hazards. Ms. Roberts has previously spoken on this issue at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Western Zone meeting and published an article about cannabis coverage and adjusting in the CPCU trade journal, Insights.
Ms. Roberts states, “The cannabis medical- and recreational-use growth has created a myriad of new risks for the business owner and lay person. Often times neither the insurer nor the insured are aware of the issues until a claim is presented. This is why discussing coverages not only with the insured’s agent or broker is important, but also the claims department because that is where the rubber meets the road.”
The one day seminar is perfect for agents, brokers, risk managers, and carriers.
CANNABIS PREP WORKSHOPS COMING TO ST. LOUIS, SPRINGFIELD, AND KANSAS CITY IN FEBRUARY
Industry-leading cannabis consultants Canna Advisors and Cannabis Trainers team up to prepare Missouri entrepreneurs for success in the upcoming medical cannabis market roll-out Industry-leading cannabis consultancy Canna Advisors will be holding in-depth workshops for cannabis business hopefuls in three Missouri cities next month.
The “Getting Ready for New Markets” workshops, designed to prepare attendees for success in licensing and establishing cannabis businesses as the Missouri market opens up, are scheduled for:
St. Louis – Feb. 18, 5:30-9pm University of Missouri- St. Louis, J.C. Penney Conference Center, 1 University Drive
Springfield – Feb. 19, 5:30-9pm University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 333 S John Q. Hammons Parkway
Kansas City – Feb. 20, 5:30-9pm The Guild, 1621 Locust Street
The workshops will feature industry pioneers and Canna Advisors co-founders Jay and Diane Czarkowski, sharing insights and lessons learned over more than a decade of work in regulated cannabis markets. In 2009 the Czarkowskis opened one of the first licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Colorado, and since founding Canna Advisors six years ago, have guided cannabis business clients in 29 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Canada. “We know there is a huge amount of excitement – and just as much uncertainty – about how the medical cannabis market will unfold in Missouri,” said Diane Czarkowski, a native of Kansas City. “We’re passionate supporters of medical cannabis, and we want to help make the roll-out as successful as it can possibly be for Missouri’s cannabis entrepreneurs and the patients they’ll be serving.”
Workshop attendees will also learn from other expert members of the Canna Advisors team, covering topics including: preparing a successful license application, launching and funding a cannabis business, and building a cannabis brand that resonates with patients. The Canna Advisors team will be joined by Maureen McNamara of Cannabis Trainers, a leading provider of education and training programs for cannabis industry employees. McNamara has more than 20 years of experience in food safety and compliance education and developed some of the industry’s first cannabis-specific food safety and responsible vendor curricula.
A limited number of press passes for the workshops are available to credentialed members of the media. For information about eligibility and to apply for a press pass, please email lisa@thinkcanna.com.
About Canna Advisors
Led by founders Diane and Jay Czarkowski, Canna Advisors has been a trusted partner to cannabis business clients in 29 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Canada. Named the #1 consulting firm in the industry by Cannabis Business Executive, the Canna Advisors team delivers more than 100 years of combined industry experience in license procurement, facility design and optimization, operational management support, business development, branding, and marketing. Founded in 2013, Canna Advisors is celebrating six years of building the industry as entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates, and was honored with the 2018 Industry Award of Excellence by the National Cannabis Industry Association. For more information, visit ThinkCanna.com.
David Roberson Joins RoseRyan as Vice President to Lead Cannabis and Private Equity Initiatives
Former Hitachi Data Systems CEO to expand firm’s presence in new markets
Newark, Calif., January 16, 2019—RoseRyan, the San Francisco Bay Area finance and accounting consulting firm that takes companies further, faster, with proven finance solutions, today announced that David “Dave” Roberson has joined as vice president.
As a member of RoseRyan’s leadership team, he will lead the firm’s cannabis business, deepen client engagements, head up large-scale client engagements across all of its solutions, and expand the firm’s presence in the private equity space.
Says Kathy Ryan, CEO of RoseRyan, “Dave’s leadership skills, business acumen and C-suite experience will help propel our growth, especially in the two markets he’ll be leading.”
A seasoned executive who led Hitachi Data Systems as CEO, Roberson is no stranger to RoseRyan, having recently led the firm’s largest engagement ever, as measured by dollars and team members: 13 of the firm’s finance pros spent 11 months ramping up the finance operations of DigiCert following the company’s purchase of Symantec’s web security business. The complex project ended in May of last year and successfully executed and streamlined the deal’s Transition Services Agreement (TSA).
Comments Roberson about his new position, “RoseRyan appeals to me because I’m a business-person who loves to create success and get things done. This consulting firm has a can-do culture. Our flexible and operationally experienced teams expertly dive in to our customers’ business to eliminate barriers and set them up to meet future challenges. It’s rare and a beautiful thing.”
He adds, “I’m excited to be a part of growing a firm—especially one that values excellence. I can’t wait to help move the needle on the cannabis and PE fronts.”
RoseRyan’s Cannabis Business Poised for Growth
RoseRyan’s cannabis business is taking off, with companies in the burgeoning sector tapping it to manage their finance operations through hyper growth, lead them through merger and acquisition deals and prepare them for investors.
RoseRyan’s first cannabis engagement was a reverse merger in 2014. It joined the National Cannabis Industry Association in 2016. Last spring, the firm rolled out its Cannabis Solution, a multi-layered solution that attacks the common finance pain points of cannabis companies. In October, the NCIA wrote up a Q&A with RoseRyan for its monthly spotlight on members, and last week RoseRyan was featured in Accounting Today’s look at the cannabis field and the firms that are leading the way in the surging, dynamic sector.
More About David Roberson
Prior to joining RoseRyan, Roberson spent six years as an advisor to tech companies, leading major projects in the areas of finance, strategy, due diligence, capital structure, corporate governance, sales and human resources. He also served as a senior vice president for Hewlett-Packard before that.
Before HP, he was president and CEO at Hitachi Data Systems, where he held the titles of COO, CFO, CIO and general counsel, and worked for 26 years. He has served as a director of 12 companies including Brocade, Quantum, IGT, Spansion and IDT.
Roberson received a BA from the University of California at Irvine and a JD from Golden Gate University School of Law. He studied financial management at Harvard Business School. In his spare time, he mentors a diverse group of leaders, from recent college grads to CEOs, in various disciplines.
About RoseRyan
RoseRyan takes dynamic companies further, faster, by delivering specialized finance and accounting solutions at every stage of your company’s growth. Versed in Silicon Valley’s rapid pace and unique business environment, our consulting firm has helped more than 850 companies since 1993. Our focus is on tech, life sciences, cannabis, and private equity yet our experience and expertise allow us to consult in other industries; ecommerce, mobile, internet and social media among them. No matter what stage of the business lifecycle you’re at, the size of your business or the scale of your next endeavor, RoseRyan has the tailored finance solutions just when you need them to accelerate growth. Learn more at www.roseryan.com.
Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. Launches Blockchain
Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. (OTC:LBUY) announced today it launched Phase One of its multiphase blockchain initiative on December 20, 2018. This first phase integrates with the Company’s loyalty platform, Leafbuyer Loyalty. This launch creates the bridge for cannabis consumers to eventually complete monetary transactions electronically with dispensaries and product companies. Now, within the Leafbuyer Loyalty application, consumers can choose to create their own blockchain wallet, called the Leafbuyer Wallet. Immediately, when a consumer creates a Leafbuyer Wallet account at a participating dispensary, a link is sent through SMS to their mobile device. Through this link, the consumer can view their account, track all transaction history, and see their loyalty points. Leafbuyer Wallet consumers can visit their account at any time through their smartphone without needing to be onsite at a participating dispensary.
“This first step in our blockchain initiative lays the groundwork for Leafbuyer to utilize blockchain and cryptocurrencies in our business plans,” said Leafbuyer CTO Michael Goerner. Blockchain allows for a digitized, decentralized, secure environment in which transactions are made and information is stored in a verifiable, permanent way. This leading, anti-fraud technology supports Leafbuyer’s initiative to provide transparency with its customers and consumers. “The sky is the limit with blockchain,” said Leafbuyer CEO Kurt Rossner. “The technology will help shape the cannabis industry and open doors to new revenue possibilities for Leafbuyer. We want to offer the highest level of transparency with customers, and blockchain will help us accomplish this goal.”
About Leafbuyer Leafbuyer.com is one of the most comprehensive online sources for cannabis deals and information. Leafbuyer works alongside cannabis businesses to showcase their unique products and build a network of loyal patrons. The Company’s online network reaches millions of marijuana consumers every month. Leafbuyer is the official cannabis deals platform of LA Weekly, Voice Media Group, Dope Media, Grasscity, and The Stranger. Learn more at Leafbuyer.com
Cresco Labs Co-Founder And CEO Charles Bachtell Appointed To Cannabis Legalization Subcommittee Of Illinois Governor-Electt JB Pritzker’s Transition Team
Cannabis LegalizationOne of Four Subcommittees Under the Restorative Justice and Safe Communities Transition Committee
CHICAGO–December 12, 2018–Cresco Labs (CSE: CL) (“Cresco” or “the Company”), one of the largest verticallyintegrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, today announced that Charles Bachtell, Co-founder and CEO of Cresco Labs, has been appointed to the Cannabis Legalization Subcommittee of Illinois Governor-elect JB Pritzker’s transition team. Cannabis Legalization is one of four subcommittees under the Governor-elect’sRestorative Justice and Safe Communities Transition Committee. Bachtell will collaborate other civic, judicial and social justice leaders named to the committee. Within the group, he is the only cannabis industry operator appointed to provide input that will shape the possibility of legal adult-use cannabis in Illinois.
The primary goals of the Cannabis Legalization Subcommittee are to evaluate and develop implementation recommendations for the Governor-elects platform on legalizing cannabis. As outlined during the campaign, these priorities include safely legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis, reviewing and commuting the sentences of people incarcerated for cannabis offenses in Illinois, intentionally including black and brown entrepreneurs in the planning and licensing of new cannabis dispensaries and reinvesting in communities hit hardest by the war on drugs and the legacy of mass incarceration.
“It is a great honor to be appointed by Governor-elect JB Pritzker to work with an esteemed group of leaders to advance legalization of cannabis in Illinois, a state that has been historically been one of the most highly regulated markets in the country,” said Bachtell. “At Cresco, we were one of the first cannabis companies to successfully win licenses and scale our business in this highly competitive market. We understand the Illinois market – our home state – very well and have been active in endorsing legislation that will protect and support the well-being of our citizens.”
Named one of the “Top 100 Cannabis Leaders of 2018” by Entrepreneur, Bachtell co-founded Cresco Labs in 2016 with the vision of normalizing and professionalizing the cannabis industry. Bachtell is an attorney with deep legal expertise in regulatory compliance and is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on regulatory affairs in some of the nation’s most heavily regulated industries. He serves as an adjunct professor at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law teaching classes on legal and regulatory matters concerning the emerging cannabis industry and has leadership positions in numerous cannabis trade associations across the country.
About Cresco Labs, LLC:
Cresco Labs, based in Chicago, is a leading U.S. cannabis company with experienced management, access to capital and a demonstrated growth strategy. As a differentiated grower, processor and retailer of premium cannabis operating in seven states, the company focuses on entering highly regulated markets with outsized demand potential and high barriers to entry. Its impressive speed-to-market gives Cresco a distinct competitive advantage as it replicates its model to expand its national footprint. Cresco’s proven ability to execute is complemented by a cutting-edge brand strategy spearheaded by several of the brightest minds in consumer marketing in the nation. Cresco’s products are tailored to all major consumer segments: everyday cannabis, medicinally focused, connoisseur grade, and chef inspired edibles by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal. Learn more about Cresco Labs at crescolabs.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘should,’ ‘could,’ ‘would,’ ‘expects,’ ‘plans,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘predicts,’ ‘potential’ or ‘continue’ or the negative of those forms or other comparable terms. The Company’s forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the illegality of the Company’s business at the U.S. federal level and the risk of prosecution; the U.S. State level regulatory uncertainty; clearing of the securities; risks to Canadian investors being barred from entering the U.S.; restricted access to banking; the availability of additional financing; the lack of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; constraints on marketing products; limited trademark protection; unfavorable tax treatment; the tax classification of the Company in the U.S.; lack of access to U.S. bankruptcy protections; proceeds of crime statutes; liability and enforcement; risks inherent in the agricultural business; environmental risks and regulations; access to third-party service providers; product liability; personal information breaches; liability for fraudulent or illegal activity by employees, contractors and consultants; the Company’s limited operating history; the difficulty quantifying the target market; planned expansion; the limited market for securities; security risks; public and consumer perceptions; contracts may not be legally enforceable; restricted transfer of securities; voting control; reliance on management; risks related to the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program; reliance on management; the risks discussed under “Risk Factors” in the company’s CSE Listing Statement filed with SEDAR; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. No assurances are given as to the future trading price or trading volumes of Cresco’s shares. The Company does not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Company’s forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, any future event or otherwise. Except as otherwise indicated, this press release speaks as of the date hereof. The distribution of this press release does not imply that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company after the date hereof or create any duty to update or supplement any information provided in this press release or otherwise.
The perfect opportunity has arrived to remodel your facilities, retrofit old rooms, or simply expand out for the new year! Duramax Building Products is giving away $5,000 worth of walling material to one lucky winner that is willing to share their project. Duramax vinyl panels provide a Complete walling solution that includes a built-in backer and interlocking panels. This means you save on half the material costs and install twice as fast. Specifically designed for wet environments or high sanitary standards, Duramax vinyl panels are anti-mold, anti-bacteria, and easy to clean. No more unsightly stains, yellowing, or water absorption with vinyl panels.
“I chose Duramax Trusscore for the built-in, anti-mold inhibitors and the FDA approval ratings. The inch spacing between PVC panels provides some added insulation from the cold and heat from the exterior elements. The product also allows for effortless installation that saves time, money, and labor which is crucial in my business, and the quality of Duramax Trusscore product shows in my customers comments to us. My competitors use green board for the interior. This material doesn’t last as long as PVC, and with the humidity in a grow/dry room, the green board WILL start to mold and rot in a very short period of time and that is bad news for the crop inside… We take pride in the high standard of workmanship,and the durability of our mobile units, one reason for that high quality and durability is the use of Duramax Trusscore PVC panels, which can be washed and sanitize after each session, and will last for many years for our clients” – Greg at Elite Builders Construction LLC
Duramax Building Products is a manufacturer of vinyl building materials located in Los Angeles, California.
InstantGMP, Inc.’s Groundbreaking Greenfield Grant Winner to be Announced at MJ Biz Con Vegas
Helping Cannabis, CBD, Hemp, and Medical Marijuana Startups Hit the Ground Running
Cary, NC September 30th, 2018 – InstantGMP, Inc., along with a partnership with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA), and National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) created the Greenfield Grant to provide startups with an encompassing quality management system to help a new brand to gain a competitive edge.
In recent years, cannabis legalization ignited a green rush across the world to help consumers gain access to alternatives to pharmaceuticals and recreational products. Though federally prohibited, some degree of legalization is recognized nationwide.
Despite its popularity and level of regulation, the cannabis industry is still evolving and experiencing industry growing pains. To ensure companies are producing high-quality, consistent, and compliant products, InstantGMP, Inc. created the Greenfield Grant.
One startup will receive a license of InstantGMP™ MES software, a set of over 110 Standard Operating Procedures, and an Implementation Packageconsisting of 200 hours of hands on consulting, training, and assistance in getting started with daily software use.
The Greenfield Grant aims to elevate a brand to a new level through operations management, scalability, traceability, and risk reduction for investors. Cannabis processors and extractors, CBD and Hemp companies, and Investors/investment management companies can still apply for the Greenfield Grant ahead of an October 26th application deadline.
For the inaugural Greenfield Grant, InstantGMP, Inc. will be announcing a grand prize winner at the Marijuana Crash Course at the Marijuana Business Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018.
About InstantGMP, Inc.
InstantGMP, Inc. is the creator behind the InstantGMP™ software that organizes and manages manufacturing processes with the goal of improving batch quality and consistency across several different industry verticals; including biopharmaceuticals, biotech, cannabis, CBD & hemp, cosmetics, dietary supplements, e-liquids, and medical devices. The software is the brain-child of Dr. Richard Soltero, pharmaceutical veteran, and quality extraordinaire. InstantGMP, Inc.’s focus is developing software for products that are regulated by the FDA.
The Hemp Biz Conference™ Announces “Call for Speakers” for its inaugural conference May 1st and 2nd 2019.
The Hemp Biz Conference 2019 Will Connect Hemp Business Leaders, Policymakers and Investors to Discuss Key Issues Facing the Hemp Industry Today.
Denver, Colorado – October 1st, 2018– The Hemp Biz Conference today announced its “Call for Speakers” for The Hemp Biz Conference 2019, the first-ever B2B conference designed to develop the hemp industry by bringing together hemp business and investment savvy newcomers. The conference will be May 1st and 2nd, 2019, at the Crown Plaza Airport Conference Center in Denver, Colorado.
Speaker proposals will be accepted through 5 PM EST November 15, 2018. Detailed information including the speaker submission form, are available online. Please contact The Hemp Biz Conference with any questions. The Hemp Biz Conference program will feature industry speakers addressing the latest trends, strategies and upcoming business opportunities through cutting-edge sessions. Our B2B program will empower attendees with the knowledge to stay at the forefront of the hemp advances.
“While Wall Street looks at marijuana as a great disruptor, hemp has far more potential to disrupt every facet of daily life but deeply impact international markets as well.” Stated Christie Lunsford, chief executive officer, The Hemp Biz Conference, “We are creating the go to place to take the pulse of the industry, learn about the latest trends and hear from top hemp thought leaders. We encourage industry leaders to submit speaker proposals and look forward to hearing about what’s on the horizon for the transformative hemp industry.”
More than 900 industry professionals from the hemp agricultural, extraction, processing and hemp manufacturing of food, oil, seed, CBD wellness products, textiles, bio-fuel and plastics will attend The Hemp Biz Conference. Corporate buyer and retailers, media and investors will also be in attendance. The Hemp Biz Conference will feature a select group of exhibitors unveiling the latest hemp products, services and innovations to fill the current gaps in the hemp industry ecosystem.
ABOUT THE HEMP BIZ CONFERENCE™
The Hemp Biz Conference supports the growth of the hemp industry by bringing together industry professionals, policy makers and investors to develop a sustainable commodity supply chain. Our focus is an exploration of new hemp technologies that will reframe our understanding of the world in agriculture, processing, manufacturing, extraction, food, medicine, textiles, plastics and bio-fuel.
For more information and to explore sponsorship and booth opportunities for the conference please visit https://thehempbizconference.com/.
Leafbuyer Technologies Announces Letter of Intent to Acquire Leading Mobile Ordering App
Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. (“Leafbuyer”) (OTCQB:LBUY) announced today a non-binding letter of intent to acquire California-based Greenlight Technologies (“Greenlight”).
Greenlight provides cannabis consumers real-time mobile ordering and loyalty rewards through a native application that integrates with the local dispensary’s point of sale system. Once the acquisition is complete, Leafbuyer’s customer base in California will more than double. The company expects higher sales in the California market due to the opportunity for cross-selling of the complementary platforms. The company projects that the acquisition will be accretive to earnings within six months. Greenlight’s technology will support Leafbuyer’s customers and allow consumers to pre-order cannabis products via mobile app and pick the orders up in their local store.
“We believe Greenlight’s technology and team will be a tremendous addition to Leafbuyer. Their presence in California will allow us to serve that rapidly growing market and tap into a significant new revenue stream. Offering mobile app pre-ordering will allow consumers to skip long lines and enjoy a better overall experience. We believe this service will offer dispensaries a powerful new tool and will allow us to cross-sell the Leafbuyer suite of solutions to a much larger sector of the market,” said Kurt Rossner, Chairman and CEO of Leafbuyer. “The acquisition brings together two leading brands, that combined, will deliver unparalleled world-class technology and solutions for the cannabis space.” said Michael Gabriel, Co-Founder of Greenlight Technologies.
About Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc.
Leafbuyer.com is one of the most comprehensive online sources for cannabis deals and information. Leafbuyer works alongside businesses to showcase their unique products and build a network of loyal patrons. Leafbuyer’s national network of cannabis deals and information reaches millions of consumers every month. Leafbuyer is the official cannabis deals platform of Dope Media, LA Weekly, and Voice Media Group. About Greenlight Technologies Greenlight is the leading loyalty rewards and order ahead software in the cannabis industry, designed to give businesses a competitive edge and to better retain their customers. Greenlight’s mission is to help businesses serve more customers, grow their revenue, and increase patient retention. Learn more at Leafbuyer.com.
Cova Software Announces Plan to Retain Retail Cannabis Data in Canada
Cova to host all Canadian CustomerPersonally Identifiable Information in Microsoft Azure Canada-Central
Vancouver BC and DENVER, Sept. 26, 2018 – Retail cannabis point of sale software company and part of the iQmetrix group, Cova Software today announced plans to help retailers in Canada improve protection of retail data and Canadian consumer information by migrating all Canadian cannabis retail data to Azure Canada-Central located in Toronto. The move is set to begin September 27.
Currently, Cova hosts its data in the United States, which is in compliance with PIPEDA and relevant provincial legislation. However, ahead of legalization on October 17, Cova is creating a footprint in Canada to host all customer Personally Identifiable Information (PII). After the move, all Canadian customer data will remain in Canada.
“Cova understands how important data privacy and cannabis retail data protection are to our retailers and their customers, especially given the recent media attention on cross-border travel,” said Cova CEO, Gary Cohen. “That’s why we are going the extra mile to secure PII in Canada, over and above the current legal requirements. Moreover, as a Canadian company, we believe a proactive approach to data protection is critical, and by hosting data in Canada we are not only adding an extra layer of security, but we are giving retailers and their customers peace of mind.”
With a move to Canada, cannabis retailers operating throughout the country can trust that Cova Software’s integrated point of sale system is secured safely and in turn can assure customers that their information will remain in Canada, where cannabis is legal.
“We want retailers to understand how critical it is to find a cannabis retail technology partner that can protect sensitive cannabis retail data,” added Cohen. “Because Cova is in the iQmetrix family — a leading provider of retail management in the cellular industry — we have the most robust data protection solution in the cannabis industry. By sharing organizational infrastructure, we leverage this system at a much lower cost, truly taking advantage of the economies of scale that iQmetrix brings.”
The infrastructure that powers Cova Software securely handles more than $16 billion across 200 million transactions every year from Canadian and American companies. Cova is part of an organization that is SSAE18 and PCI-DSS level one complaint and undergoes third-party audits on internal process, change management, physical security, personnel backgrounds, and data infrastructure security.
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About Cova
Cova is the leading POS solution in the cannabis industry. Cova helps retailers simplify compliance, reduce operational cost, and increase revenue through automated compliance, inventory management, mobile reporting dashboard, and express checkout app. The Cova team is relentlessly pursuing the goal of creating the industry’s first lovable POS. With a growing network of cannabis industry partners including Baker, I Heart Jane, greenRush, Springbig, Enlighten, and Budvue, a seamless tech ecosystem gives retailers access to the best tools available to run their business. Cova’s main offices are in Vancouver BC and Denver.
For more information about the Cova POS suite, Touchscreen Menu, and Express check-out, visit www.covasoftware.com.
InstantGMP, Inc. Announces Standard Operating Procedures for California Cannabis Regulations
Promoting Quality & Compliance in California’s Recreational Market
Cary, NC September 5th, 2018 – InstantGMP, Inc., the developer behind the InstantGMP™ suite of software, created a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specifically for the recreational cannabis industry in California. When used together with InstantGMP™ Track & Trace software, companies can elevate their brand’s quality while adhering to current regulations. The SOPs are also ideal for companies in the Series A and Series B investment stages to demonstrate risk management to potential investors.
Working directly from the Bureau of Cannabis Control’s regulations, the more than 100 policies and procedures cover topics from leadership policies to transportation manifests and everything required in-between.
The cannabis SOPs provide licensees and potential licensees with affordable documentation in lieu of investing extensive resources into consultants and other experts. With the high entrance cost into the cannabis industry, companies can focus on growing their operations without breaking the bank. The cannabis SOPs are best utilized by taking advantage of a document management system called InstantGMP™ DMS.
InstantGMP, Inc. started in pharmaceuticals as an innovator of electronic batch records and seeing the regulatory confusion in other industries, sought to take the guesswork out of compliance while optimizing the production process.
In addition to cannabis SOPs, InstantGMP, Inc. offers sets for cannaceuticals; holders; distributors; packagers; and e-cigarette companies wishing to lay a quality foundation. For a full breakdown of InstantGMP, Inc.’s entire catalog, be sure to check out all available software and services.
About InstantGMP, Inc.
InstantGMP, Inc. is the creator behind the InstantGMP™ software that organizes and manages manufacturing processes with the goal of improving batch quality and consistency across several different industry verticals; including biopharmaceuticals, biotech, cannabis, CBD & hemp, cosmetics, dietary supplements, e-liquids, and medical devices. The software is the brain-child of Dr. Richard Soltero, pharmaceutical veteran, and quality extraordinaire. InstantGMP, Inc.’s focus is developing software for products that are regulated by the FDA.
“Who’s Who in the Cannabis Industry” to Showcase Leading Individuals and Companies
Initially incubated by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) and now powered by Brainsy, the Who’s Who in the Cannabis Industry (http://www.whoswhoincannabis.com) was opened to the industry today to provide an interactive, knowledge-sharing, and promotional platform to showcase leading individuals and companies in the legal cannabis industry.
By all accounts, the cannabis industry is growing rapidly with some analysts estimating the global legal marijuana market will reach as much as USD 146.4 billion by the end of 2025. “As a highly regulated industry coming out of the shadows of prohibition in many U.S. states, one of the biggest challenges for legal cannabis operators and entrepreneurs is ensuring an open and free flow of knowledge that brings transparency to all aspects of the business,” stated Brian Christie, CEO of Brainsy. “We expect the Who’s Who in Cannabis will allow leading personalities and companies in the industry to share knowledge and become more accessible to government policymakers, entrepreneurs, cultivators, small businesses, researchers, dispensary owners, and others. We also hope the platform might become a forum to discuss social justice issues because the poor and communities of color are disproportionately arrested and incarcerated for marijuana possession.”
Qualified individuals featured in the Who’s Who will have access to cutting edge interactive tools to promote themselves and to generate business leads. The Who’s Who includes an “InCall” feature so that featured individuals can get paid for private one-on-one phone calls. “We are excited to have so many members of NCIA as part of the Who’s Who in Cannabis, offering their unique advice, experience and insight to help educate others about our industry,” stated Aaron Smith, Executive Director of NCIA. “We’re pleased to continue to work with Brainsy on this initiative and to know that our members will get discounts for services or sponsorships on the Who’s Who platform.” NCIA members will receive 10% off any premium listings or advertising sponsorships on the Who’s Who in Cannabis.
The categories of expertise in which companies or individuals will be invited to participate in the Who’s Who in the Cannabis Industry include: Accounting, Advertising / PR / Marketing, Advocacy or Non-Profit, Banking & Payment Processing, Branding Services, Accessories, Dispensaries, CBD Products, Compliance & Policy, Construction & Contracting, Consulting Credit & Collection Services, Cultivation Data, Services Delivery, Service Education & Training, Energy & Sustainability, Events & Conferences, Extraction, Greenhouses, Health Care Professionals, Hemp Products, HR / Recruiting / Staffing, Infused Products & Edibles, Insurance, Investment / VC / PE Financing, Labs & Testing, Services, Lawyers & Legal Services, Lighting, Nutrients, Packaging & Labeling, Publications & Media, Real Estate, Security, Software & Point Of Sale, Water & Irrigation
About Brainsy, Inc.:
Brainsy offers Software as a Service (SaaS) to power online knowledge-sharing and bounty networks including patented Expert Calling Network (ECN), Expert Communities Online (ECO), Who’s Who and Digital Buyers Guides. Brainsy offers these services to associations, professional societies, franchisors, membership organizations, and crypto or token sponsors. Brainsy is a portfolio company of TomorrowVentures, an investment firm co-founded by former Google Chairman, Eric Schmidt.
More information is at:http://www.brainsy.com
Newest Member Duramax Building Products joins NCIA and supports the Cannabis Industry
Many entrepreneurs and venture capitalists have joined the cannabis industry in the cultivation, processing, and distributing of cannabis products in California, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, and many more states. The huge growth in the cannabis industry goes all the way up the supply chain and has affected many businesses in different industries as well. The booming commercialization of Cannabis has gained a lot of speculation in the states, but many rules and regulations have followed since.
The Cannabis Industry was deeply unregulated in the start of legalization with several incidents involving fires, explosions, and contaminations occurring as new startups formed. As a result, building codes and regulations have been implemented that involve certain criteria in fire grade for walls and standards for hygiene and sanitation. Although a hurdle for businesses in the Cannabis Industry, the standards generate new demand for specialized products and services in existing industries.
Currently a PVC panel supplier has found new demand in the emerging cannabis facility development. Duramax Building Products have been a distributor in Polyvinyl products since 1983. Duramax Trusscore, their PVC wall panel, has been used in many industries such as indoor farming, food processing, refrigerated warehouses, and more. By catering to several other industries, their product has evolved and adapted to follow several of the same regulations like the fire grade standard, FDA hygiene standard, and Building and Safety codes.
The convenience of installation and maintenance has given PVC panels a reputable name in the cultivation field. Startups and investors are looking at the long-term effects of all their initial decisions, but they are also trying to begin as soon as possible. In the long-term side, waterproof, light-reflective, and smooth-surfaced walls can make a huge difference in monthly to daily maintenance. In the short-term, installation and labor of a material that can be finished in 1 day versus several days can be the deciding factor of meeting the rest of the months deadlines.
Overall the current Cannabis Industry has provided a positive emergence of demand for existing businesses all over the state. It has given new opportunity to entrepreneurs and investors that are passionate about the industry. And it has also provided safer and regulated access for the consumer. With the invigoration of the economy, the future looks promising.
This webinar is designed to introduce attorneys, law students, and curious minds to the fundamentals and opportunities of this emerging industry. Think of it as Cannabis Law 101 that didn’t quite make it into your law school curriculum.
Join for the live webinar on Tuesday, August 7th at 1:00PM MT (3pm ET).
For $75, you’ll receive:
Brief history of the legal status of marijuana in the U.S. It’s a long and tumultuous history, so I’ll be sharing the important highlights from the initial prohibition of marijuana use and sales, and the legal implications for cannabis law.
Snapshot of the current legalization status while cannabis is still federally outlawed, the changes in legalization vary from state to state.
We’ll walk through the differences between medicinal and recreational legalizations, and touch on which states are currently being affected (spoiler: they are all, just in different ways – more on this in the course).
Overview of legal services you can offer with the growth in the cannabis industry, more businesses and entrepreneurs are looking for legal counsel in setting up a business that is compliant with state and local regulations and policies.
Additionally, the budding cannabis industry effects various aspects of life and law.
You do not have to be a business attorney to work with the cannabis industry! Cannabis legalization involves taxes, real estate, family law, criminal defense, estate planning, health law, dispute resolution, bankruptcy, and more. I’ll discuss the different services you can offer, how they benefit your clients, and how they’ll benefit you! Recommendations on next steps to grow your legal offerings with this introductory content under your belt, I’ll explain how you can expand your firm or pivot the focus to incorporate cannabis law – just like I did. I’ll share my insights, lessons learned, and recommendations on how to do so successfully. Answers to all of your burning questions live during this webinar, I’ll be sharing my experience in a Q&A format. Bring your questions about the cannabis industry, legal challenges, and business opportunities!
This is for you if:
You’ve watched the cannabis industry grow and want to get in before your competition does
You’re a law student or graduate interested in embarking on an unique niche
You have an established practice, but want to expand your offerings
You’re looking to grow your client list, and need to tap into a growing market
You’re interested in pivoting your law firm’s focus, but aren’t sure what’s right for you
You’re hesitant to add a seemingly complex and controversial industry to your offerings
You’re a curious mind interested in learning about the fundamentals of cannabis law
ResponsiTech Offers Special Discount to All NCIA Members: Save $$$ and Gain Access to State-of-the-Art Youth Safety Technology
ResponsiTech Offers Special Discount to All NCIA Members: Save $$$ and Gain Access to State-of-the-Art Youth Safety Technology
July 23, 2018
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – Celebrating the launch of its technology and policy-focused youth safety services, ResponsiTech is offering all National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) members a special 10 percent discount on its membership and sponsorship programs.
ResponsiTech provides technological solutions to pressing needs around youth safety – an issue of growing interest to lawmakers and regulators. It offers the cannabis industry shelter from regulatory threats by offering tried-and-tested solutions for online youth safety including state-of-the-art age verification technology, age-restricted ad buying services, industry-specific parental filtering label, member and affiliate website monitoring, a youth safety plan for applications, and more.
The discount will be available on the first day of the NCIA’s annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo for sponsorship and covers ResponsiTech’s membership program, to be launched later this year.
ResponsiTech Co-Founder and CEO Joan Irvine said of the agreement: “The NCIA does an amazing job of keeping track of policy developments as well as advocating for the cannabis industry. We see ourselves as a natural partner, taking that work forward by offering real solutions to real issues for youth safety as we have done for other industries since 2002. Our solutions allow owners to focus on their core business.”
NCIA Executive Director Aaron Smith said: “We are pleased to launch this strategic partnership with ResponsiTech in order to provide greater value to our members and to further the industry’s efforts to keep cannabis out of the hands of minors. ResponsiTech is building a strong alliance of cannabis business leaders committed to youth safety and the development of a responsible adult cannabis industry from coast to coast. Through this partnership with NCIA, they are helping to drive the federal policy changes needed for the nation to finally reach the day when criminal marijuana markets are completely replaced by a thriving and regulated small business sector.”
As a member of NCIA and sponsor of the Cannabis Business Summit, ResponsiTech would like to encourage anyone interested in hearing more about its services to visit its booth (#1420), attend our ‘Protecting Your License by Protecting Youth’ discussion on Thursday at 12:30 – 2:00 PM at the Dispensary & Retail Lounge, or contact its staff through the ResponsiTech website.
About ResponsiTech
Responsible Internet Technology Company (ResponsiTech) provides a broad range of youth safety technology and services including state-of-the art age verification technology and age-restricted ad buying services. ResponsiTech assists companies in restricting illicit youth access and demonstrates the industry’s ability to self-regulate and comply with government restrictions with regards to youth safety. It helps shelter its members from regulatory threats by providing best practices for the industry.
About NCIA
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization broadly representing cannabis-related businesses at the national level. NCIA promotes the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and works toward a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for that industry in the United States.
BDS Analytics Expands GreenEdge™ Retail Cannabis Sales Tracking Platform to Include Arizona Medical Dispensaries
Cannabis Data and Market Intelligence Leader, BDS Analytics, Expands GreenEdge™ Retail Sales Tracking Platform to Include Arizona Medical Dispensaries
BOULDER, Colo. — July 16, 2018 —BDS Analytics, the leader in comprehensive, actionable and accurate cannabis market intelligence and consumer research, today announced that the company has added the Arizona market to their state-of-the-art GreenEdge™ Retail Sales Tracking Platform. In addition to existing data from Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington, GreenEdge will now feature Arizona medical dispensary point-of-sales data dating back to January 2017.
GreenEdge provides clients access to the most accurate and actionable data available on what is selling, when, where and for how much on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Companies can leverage real data to make strategic decisions that will advance the financial goals of their business and gain an understanding of the cannabis markets – from what is selling in different states to pricing strategies, brand concentration, market segmentation, how trends flourish over time and more.
“We are thrilled to expand our data tracking efforts into Arizona, a state that saw the first three months of 2018 bring in $160 million in sales,” said Liz Stahura, president and co-founder of BDS Analytics. “With 130 medical dispensary licenses and 115 currently operational locations, we’re confident Arizona’s medical market will continue to grow and that our clients should be paying attention to the state’s cannabis industry.”
In 2010, Arizona legalized medical marijuana after previously failed attempts. In 2017 alone, Arizona’s cannabis industry directly created 6,779 full-time positions and 9,435 employment opportunities. According to The State of Legal Marijuana Markets, Sixth Edition report recently published by Arcview Market Research in partnership with BDS Analytics, by 2022, the estimated number of legal Arizona consumers is on track to reach 508,378, driving $1.19 billion in state revenue.
“In an industry where so much is still unknown due to prohibition, access to accurate market data is an absolute must for the cannabis industry to move forward effectively,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. “NCIA members are investing in work that will ultimately end the failed policies of prohibition and allow our industry to reach its full potential. We are proud to work with BDS Analytics to provide our membership with this invaluable tool to help them gain a competitive advantage in Arizona and beyond.”
As part of an ongoing strategic partnership, all registered NCIA members will receive access to the newly released Arizona data along with their existing access to GreenEdge™ sales data from Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington.
About BDS Analytics: Headquartered in Boulder, Colo., BDS Analytics provides businesses with comprehensive, actionable, and accurate cannabis market intelligence and consumer research. The company provides a holistic understanding of the cannabis market by producing insights from dispensary point-of-sale systems through its market-leading GreenEdgeTM platform, driving consumer research with its Cannabis Insights Group, and generating market-wide cannabis industry financial projections. To learn more about how you can utilize BDS Analytics’ superior market research, please visitwww.bdsanalytics.com.
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Media Contact:
Carrie Booze
North 6th Agency (for BDS Analytics)
212-334-9753 ext.142 bdsanalytics@n6a.com
IndicaOnline Point-of-Sale Software Integrates with Metrc Reporting System
IndicaOnline Point-of-Sale Software Integrates with Metrc Reporting System
IndicaOnline is excited to announce that we have successfully completed full integration with California’s track-and-trace service provider, Franwell’s Metrc. This will allow California cannabis retailers with an annual license to automate compliance reporting. Sales and inventory reports will be sent in real-time without logging in to Metrc so retail staff can focus on making sales and running their cannabis business.
As a validated software provider, IndicaOnline has completed the required Metrc training and offers annual licensees an efficient way to manage compliance. IndicaOnline’s Metrc Integration simplifies inventory seed-to-sale tracking by allowing cannabis retailers to scan the unique identifier barcode. Once scanned, all product information is automatically added to the product profile so that it is ready for sale. No manual data entry is required and dispensary staff can view the Metrc status of every batch.
In addition to automated compliance reports, IndicaOnline notifies sales associates of purchase limits for both medical patients and recreational customers. IndicaOnline is also capable of verifying medical recommendations and validating the age of every customer before transactions are completed. We handle every aspect of cannabis compliance and continue to work directly with retailers to evolve our software with regulations that are constantly changing.
About Us IndicaOnline is the most trusted Point-of-Sale software in the Medical Marijuana Industry across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2011, IndicaOnline combines an intuitive iPad POS software, a user-friendly interface, and an all-in-one hardware unit to accommodate every aspect of cannabis retail sales. IndicaOnline’s ground breaking technology streamlines daily operations and customer retention.
Announcing the InstantGMP, Inc. Greenfield Grant, a Ground-Breaking Grant for the Cannabis Industry
InstantGMP, Inc. and their partners are excited to announce the annual Greenfield Grant designed to take Cannabis processors, CBD and Hemp manufacturers from zero to production superstars and for brands within investor portfolios. The Grand Prize winner will receive a comprehensive system that will instantly establish their Good Manufacturing Practices. Information about the Greenfield Grant is available here: https://www.instantgmp.com/2018-greenfield-grant
Fulfilling a Brand’s Vision
Starting a processing or manufacturing operation from square one is a tremendous undertaking especially in an up and coming industry filled with fierce competition under the watchful eye of regulators. It’s critical to hit the ground running with a solid quality system and batch management software. Now more than ever, companies must work past the risks and tasks associated with building their brand empire, to focus on product differentiation; operations expansion; and building consumer trust through high quality offerings.
Looking Ahead
Creating and implementing a quality and production system takes time, expertise, multiple resources, and plenty of planning for the future. Many entrepreneurs and startups do not fully understand the process nuances involved in reinforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) that is a well-known, proven path to producing high quality products. InstantGMP, Inc. will award one Grand Prize Winner a fully encompassing manufacturing and quality system in the form of InstantGMP™ software, a full set of Standard Operating Procedures, extensive training, and a complete roll-out with skilled consultants. All together, these components provide the foundation for success in manufacturing. Greenfield Grant Partners InstantGMP, Inc. has partnered with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA), and the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) to publicize this incredible opportunity for startups, investors, and investment management companies. About InstantGMP, Inc.
InstantGMP, Inc. is the creator behind the InstantGMP™ software that organizes and manages manufacturing processes with the goal of improving batch quality and consistency across several different industry verticals; including biopharmaceuticals, biotech, cannabis, CBD & hemp, cosmetics, dietary supplements, e-liquids, and medical devices. The software is the brain-child of Dr. Richard Soltero, pharmaceutical veteran, and quality extraordinaire. InstantGMP, Inc.’s focus is developing software for products that are regulated by the FDA.
About our Partners
American Herbal Products Association Founded in 1982, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is the national trade association and voice of the herbal products industry. AHPA is comprised of more than 350-member companies, consisting primarily of domestic and foreign companies doing business as growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers of herbs and herbal products as foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and non-prescription drugs, and but also includes companies that provide expert services to the herbal trade. AHPA’s mission is to promote the responsible commerce of herbal products to ensure that consumers continue to enjoy informed access to a wide variety of herbal goods.
Cova Launches New Campaign to Update the Cannabis Industry Lexicon
The “Call it Cannabis” campaign urges industry professionals to help further legitimize cannabis by adopting new industry language.
NEW YORK, May 31, 2018 – Cannabis retail point of sale software company, Cova launched a new campaign at the Cannabis World Congress Business & Expo (CWCBE) today. The social media initiative, entitled “Call it Cannabis” urges industry professionals to revise its language as the industry advances. The industry is moving into the mainstream at a rapid pace, and there’s no sign of slowing down. With an estimated 1,000 words for cannabis, Cova believes the time to discuss the power of language is now.
The goal of the “Call it Cannabis” campaign is to spark a dialogue about terminology and how it can further break the negative stigma. “As a cannabis retail technology company, our primary goal has been to legitimize the industry by addressing compliance on the retail level,” said Cova CEO Gary Cohen. “We are committed to continuing the work that will help us transform from the gray market to the legal market, and this new campaign is just another step in the right direction.”
The “Call it Cannabis” campaign launched at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. One week after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio instructed NYPD officers to stop making arrests for public cannabis consumption. The recent advances in the Empire State prove cannabis has come a long way. However, roadblocks remain. “The negative cannabis stigma, reinforced by terms like: reefer, pot, weed and grass – is still around, and has impeded the growth of the industry,” continued Cohen. “We think further breaking the stigma by revising the way we talk about this plant is crucial as new opportunities become available to our clients, and the industry as a whole.”
CWCBE attendees who stop by Cova’s booth will receive a free t-shirt splashed with the simple call-to-action, and are encouraged to share why they choose to call it cannabis on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the official campaign hashtag #callitcannabis.
To bolster campaign reach and spark a broader dialogue, Cova partnered with seven prominent cannabis businesses. For more information about the “Call it Cannabis” campaign, visit https://www.covasoftware.com/call-it-cannabis.
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About Cova
Cova is the leading POS solution for the cannabis industry and helps retailers simplify compliance, reduce operational cost, and increase revenue through inventory management, loyalty programs, and a mobile reporting dashboard. The Cova team is relentlessly pursuing the goal of creating the industry’s first lovable POS. With a growing network of cannabis industry partners, a seamless tech ecosystem gives retailers access to the best tools available to run their business. Today, over 20,000 retailers run on the Cova platform in California, Washington, Colorado, and Canada. Cova’s headquarters are in Denver and Vancouver BC.
For more information about the Cova POS suite, menu boards, and digital solutions, visit www.covasoftware.com.
“Markle Sparkle” Royal Wedding Cannabis Strain Unveiled Exclusively on Leafbuyer.com
Megan Markle’s Nephew Partners with Leafbuyer.com to Showcase New Cannabis Strain in Honor of His Soon-To-Be Royal Aunt
DENVER—Leafbuyer.com, a website that connects cannabis consumers to dispensaries has unveiled exclusive photos and video of “Markle Sparkle,” a new cannabis strain developed by Meghan Markle’s nephew. Tyler Dooley, 25, is the son of Meghan’s half-brother Thomas Markle Junior. Dooley is currently in London providing commentary for the royal wedding on the UK morning show Good Morning Britain. Dooley partnered with Denver-based Leafbuyer.com to release the first photos, video and information about his new hybrid strain.
“We’re thrilled Tyler chose Leafbuyer to help launch his new ‘royal’ strain,” stated Kurt Rossner, CEO of Leafbuyer Technologies Inc. “Our job, as the premier cannabis deals, news, education and product website in the country, is to help consumers find Markle Sparkle once it’s available for purchase at local dispensaries.” Dooley is a licensed medical marijuana grower in Grants Pass, Oregon who is legally growing the special strain of marijuana in honor of his aunt, Meghan Markle, and her upcoming marriage to Prince Harry.
The product, in flower and concentrate form, will be officially unveiled on June 2 at the High Times Cannabis Cup event in Santa Rosa, California. Dooley, along with representatives from Leafbuyer.com, will be showcasing samples of Markle Sparkle, which will ultimately sell at dispensaries for approximately $280/oz. Markle Sparkle is a potent sativa-dominant hybrid that helps relieve pain, anxiety and insomnia. Dooley says it’s a high-yielding plant that grows best outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. “I can’t reveal too much at this point,” states Dooley, “but what I can say is it smells like blueberries and it’s made up of three different strains – Blue City Diesel, Blueberry Northern Lights and a third secret strain, which you’ll find out on June 2!”
To learn more about the new Markle Sparkle marijuana strain, go to Leafbuyer’s strains and blog page at Leafbuyer.com.
About Leafbuyer: Leafbuyer.com is one of the most comprehensive online sources for cannabis deals and specials. It connects consumers with dispensaries and works alongside cannabis businesses to showcase their unique products. The company’s national network reaches millions of marijuana consumers monthly. The company also operates one of the larges cannabis-based employment boards in the industry.
RoseRyan’s New Cannabis Solution Helps Companies Level Up Their Finance and Accounting So They Can Scale and Grow
RoseRyan, the San Francisco Bay Area finance and accounting consulting firm that takes companies further, faster with proven finance solutions, today unveils its Cannabis Solution.
“Today, we’re formally introducing RoseRyan’s Cannabis Solution, which tackles cannabis companies’ most pressing finance and accounting needs so they can accelerate growth, be investor-ready and tap into our strong partner network to help them build their own,” explains RoseRyan Vice President Maureen Ryan. “We’re taking best practices from our experience and bringing it forth, tailored, for the canna industry.”
The solution offers:
• A rapid diagnostic review of key finance and business processes to swiftly expose gaps.
• An outsourced finance team to establish a solid finance framework, bringing both strategic-level expertise plus day-to-day accounting support. The framework includes best practices, systems and processes for reliable and accurate financial reporting, business planning and forecasting, cash management, inventory tracking and more.
• Guidance on optimal fundraising levels, capital uses and growth plan strategies from CFO experts.
• Strategic-level game planning on exit strategies, M&A and partnership scenarios for perpetual readiness for opportunities.
• Access to an ecosystem of expert firms including tax, legal, valuation, payroll and marketing, to help companies build up, or round out, their own ecosystem.
The Cannabis Solution uses best practices at every stage of growth, from startup to enterprise. “I’m impressed with what RoseRyan has brought to the table in terms of a flexible combination of CFO-level thinking and everyday accounting as our outsourced finance team,” says Dr. Paul Lessard, president and chief scientist of Delta 9 Laboratories, a medical and recreational cannabis company based out of Santa Cruz, Calif. “They helped us get our books in order at a critical time with just the right finance expertise for what we needed. I’m confident they will be a valuable resource to those seeking financial compliance and accountability in a newly regulated market.”
RoseRyan has added its finance and accounting expertise to the field with a number of published articles, a webinar and its own blog series. In June 2017, the National Cannabis Industry Association published the firm’s look at how to build a company’s financial backbone. In October, RoseRyan produced a webinar, The Pot Thickens: Building a Successful Cannabis Business in California, that was covered by Cannabis Business Times. Available as a replay, the one-hour panel covers legal considerations, business structures, and several industry issues and opportunities. The consulting firm plans another webinar this year.
Chris Vane, a RoseRyan director adds “Despite some unique challenges to this industry, most business issues facing cannabis companies are common to what others in explosive growth markets experience. They need to get their financial house in order.” He adds, “Our solution professionalizes their finance operations, brings CFO-level insights and preps them for whatever lies ahead. In a highly volatile market, establishing a stable financial framework and a partner ecosystem is critical for success.”
Contact Chris Vane at cvane@roseryan.com to learn how RoseRyan can boost and transform your cannabis company. Learn more at www.roseryan.com
Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. to Revolutionize the Cannabis Industry by Unleashing the Power of Blockchain
Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. (“Leafbuyer or the “Company”) (OTCQB: LBUY), a leading cannabis technology company, announced today, it has launched development of a large-scale platform based on blockchain technology. This development is aimed at increasing the value of the Leafbuyer network for both its dispensary partners and consumers who use Leafbuyer.com.
Blockchain is a secure environment used to decentralize and distribute a public ledger, which is inherently resistant to tampering with transaction records and minimizing fraud. The technology will enable Leafbuyer to capitalize on its rapidly expanding web traffic. A feature of the new technology will allow users to register and participate in “Special Deals” only offered to them through the New Program.
“Delivering analytics to our dispensary customers is an integral component of our long-term business plan,” said Leafbuyer CEO Kurt Rossner. “Blockchain technology will enable the company to track online-to-offline (O2O) traffic and subsequently increase revenue for our clients. We have conducted initial market research and believe that legal cannabis dispensaries will see significantly enhanced value from this new technology. Blockchain will also help us leverage our web traffic as we build one of the largest consumer databases in the industry. Blockchain will help further distinguish Leafbuyer as the technological leader in the legal cannabis industry,” Rossner said.
Leafbuyer CTO, Michael Goerner, stated, “As we continue to evolve our platform and products, we have been watching blockchain technologies evolve and believe this is the right time to utilize this cutting-edge technology to better serve our clients and grow revenues. Blockchain is going to be a key tool in our overall growth strategy and will become an integral part of the security and quality of transaction data on our network. Adding the ability to apply big data concepts to blockchain transaction data will allow us to provide a level of analytics to our customers, and even our consumers, that we have not been able to provide until now.”
Leafbuyer chose Wunderkind Technologies to develop its proprietary Blockchain platform. Alec Harrison, Principal Consultant at Wunderkind, said, “We are pleased to work with Leafbuyer and build out the Company’s blockchain offerings. Wunderkind employs some of the best minds in blockchain and artificial intelligence. Blockchain is the future of distributed secure ledgers. We are thrilled to see Leafbuyer become early adopters of this cutting-edge technology.”
About Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc.:
Leafbuyer.com is one of the most comprehensive online sources for cannabis deals and information. Leafbuyer works alongside cannabis businesses to showcase their unique products and build a network of loyal patrons. The company’s online network reaches millions of marijuana consumers monthly.
Leafbuyer is the official cannabis deals platform of TheCannabist.co (owned by The Denver Post), Voice Media Group and Grasscity.
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“This first step in our blockchain initiative lays the groundwork for Leafbuyer to utilize blockchain and cryptocurrencies in our business plans,” said Leafbuyer CTO Michael Goerner. Blockchain allows for a digitized, decentralized, secure environment in which transactions are made and information is stored in a verifiable, permanent way. This leading, anti-fraud technology supports Leafbuyer’s initiative to provide transparency with its customers and consumers. “The sky is the limit with blockchain,” said Leafbuyer CEO Kurt Rossner. “The technology will help shape the cannabis industry and open doors to new revenue possibilities for Leafbuyer. We want to offer the highest level of transparency with customers, and blockchain will help us accomplish this goal.”
Initially incubated by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) and now powered by Brainsy, the Who’s Who in the Cannabis Industry (
Information about the Greenfield Grant is available here: 
About InstantGMP, Inc.
DENVER—Leafbuyer.com, a website that connects cannabis consumers to dispensaries has unveiled exclusive photos and video of “Markle Sparkle,” a new cannabis strain developed by Meghan Markle’s nephew. Tyler Dooley, 25, is the son of Meghan’s half-brother Thomas Markle Junior. Dooley is currently in London providing commentary for the royal wedding on the UK morning show Good Morning Britain. Dooley partnered with Denver-based Leafbuyer.com to release the first photos, video and information about his new hybrid strain.
The product, in flower and concentrate form, will be officially unveiled on 
