News roundup: November 2019
A monthly summary of the key events taking place in the Colombian medicinal cannabis industry
Operations
One World Pharma announce their association with the Co-operative Wala Popayan
OneWorldPharma(OTC:OWPC),Colombian licensed cannabis and hemp producer, has announced an exclusive agreement to collaborate with the Wala Popayan Co- Operative in the Colombian Andes. The idea is to blend ancestral techniques of the Nasa people with modern technology, registered plant genetics and international standard operating procedures. This partnership will allow hemp cultivation on the lands owned by the indigenous community the company says it plans to partner with those communities and small farmers to produce high quality hemp ingredients for international sale.
Ikänik Farms signs Colombian scientific research R&D deal
Pideka SAS, the Colombian medical division of Ikänik Farms, has signed a two year collaborative R&D agreement with the non-profit Colombian scientific research corporation center Corporation for Biological Research. The purpose of the agreement is to research and develop cannabis-based products to help prevent and slow-down the growth of colon cancer cells through cannabinoids treatment through nanotechnology.
New health partnerships give Blueberries access to patient network of 12,000
Two new partnerships for Blueberries Medical (CSE:BMM) (OTC:BBRRF) (FRA: 1OA) will facilitate product distribution to over 12,000 patients and enable it to educate physicians on the applications and benefits of medicinal cannabis treatments. Blueberries will partner with Van Uden International Center for Alternative Medicine and Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, two renowned Colombian health and academic organizations. This agreement will also give the company access to scientists, educators, and clinicians to continue with research and development efforts.
Sannabis initiates manufacturing of cannabis cosmetic products
Sannabis SAS cannabis subsidiary of View Systems, is one of the first in Colombia to receive an INVIMA sanitary registry for cannabis derived products. The company has initiated production of a cannabis cosmetics line using Colombian cannabis, and is setting up a new office training center in Cali to begin mass distribution.
One World Pharma announces cannabis futures program
One World Pharma (OTC:OWPC) announced it plans to launch of the cannabis industry’s first ‘Cannabis Futures’ program. The program would allow manufacturers to fix prices for cannabis and hemp derived ingredients in advance, offering a commoditized approach to sourcing. CEO Craig Ellins said, “Cannabis is now a commodity just like coffee or soybeans. We’re not interested in competing with the big players getting into branded cannabis products. Instead, we want to supply and enable them.”
Khiron Life Sciences gets commercial high THC cannabis approval
Khiron Life Sciences have received commercial quotas from the Colombian Technical Quotas Group which permit the Company to cultivate and commercialize up to 560kg of psychoactive, high-THC cannabis in 2019. This makes it the first and to date, only cannabis company in Colombia authorized to commercialize psychoactive, high-THC cannabis for both domestic and export purposes.
Pideka completes heavy metal flower analysis
Ikänik subsidiary, Pideka SAS, has successfully completed initial heavy metals analysis of flower samples grown it’s cannabis camp in Tocancipá, Colombia. Ikänik president Borja Sanz de Madrid said that this takes the company “one step closer to a commercially viable, pharmaceutical grade product.”
Canopy Growth makes Latin American layoffs
Canopy Growth is restructuring its operations by laying off 15% of its Latin American workforce. Canopy Growth told Marijuana Business Daily it had completed “limited adjustments to our Latin American structure to streamline operations and prioritize key markets.” Argentina will be worst-hit by the layoffs, and the company says that production in Colombia remains a focus.
Khiron presents dermatological drug research
Khiron Life Sciences used the TeraCILAD dermatological conference in Colombia to present their clinical research into the validation of cannabis as a potential skin condition therapy. It aims to identify the effectiveness of CBD in modulating inflammatory responses in certain melanoma cells and in keratinocytes. The research will begin next year and represents the first of its kind in Latin America.
Initial sales of Khiron’s Aceso hemp brand to begin in Q4
Sales of Khiron’s Aceso hemp products will begin in Colombia and expand to Chile and Uruguay in 2020. Aceso is the first brand to enter the Latin American market under Khiron’s joint venture with Dixie Brands. The company have got INVIMA approval for two initial Aceso products, Alfa Balm (heat) and Sigma Balm (cool).
Clever Leaves to use blockchain technologies
TruTrace Technologies are teaming up with Colombian producer Clever Leaves. Clever Leaves will use TruTrace’s blockchain platform to register and track data for its cannabis plant DNA and strains and keep track on its shipments across the Canadian market. Earlier this year, Clever Leaves became the first company permitted by Health Canada to import cannabis from Colombia into Canada.
Finance and acquisitions
Clever Leaves and Northern Swan to merge
Northern Swan Holdings and the Colombian licensed producer of medical cannabis and hemp extracts, Clever Leaves agreed to integrate their operations. The new company will operate as Clever Leaves, with the current CEO of Northern Swan taking the position of CEO. Andres Fajardo, current CEO of Clever Leaves, will act as President. The company’s combined footprint will encompass brands, extraction facilities, cultivation operations, and other investments with subsidiaries in Colombia, Portugal, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.