Canndescent Archives - Green Market Report

Debra BorchardtAugust 19, 2021

As the cannabis industry matures, companies are demonstrating the will to fight for patents and trademarks. Since the industry was born of one that operated mostly illegally, many companies operated with the idea that “rules are made for breaking.” That idea is being tested as entrepreneurs are losing patience with broken deals and copycat issues. Apparently imitation is not the highest form of flattery.

Capna

The tobacco giant ITG Brands, which is owned by Imperial Brands (OTC: IMBBY) is the maker of Kool menthol cigarettes. The 88-year old brand is known for its interlocking “O’s”. ITG is claiming trademark infringement against Los Angeles-based Capna Intellectual, which does business as Bloom Brands, for violating federal and state laws by stealing Kool’s logo to profit from the well-known brand. Bloom was also interlocking the O’s.

ITG said that since it is a cigarette company and Bloom makes vape products, consumers could potentially confuse the two. Although it wasn’t able to cite any real evidence of confusion. A comparison between the two logos does show similar interlocking O’s, but beyond that, the logos have little in common.

Unfortunately for Capna, it seems the judge agreed with ITG. Earlier in August, the judge in the case granted ITG’s motion for preliminary junction, which will limit Capna’s ability to use the allegedly infringing mark. Jihee Ahn of the law firm Harris Bricken wrote, “ Judge Wright had already signaled he agreed with ITG’s claims when denying Capna’s motion to dismiss.” She went on to add, “ Capna is prohibited from expanding the promotion or sale of any products bearing the interlocking circles and provide a monthly accounting to ITG. Preliminary injunctions are quite difficult to obtain and have a higher standard than most court remedies, but this case demonstrates that if granted, they can really hurt (and be effective tools in litigation).”

Law 360 said that Capna was told it must destroy any products or materials that have the disputed logo by Dec. 31. “If products at a retailer are later found to have the logo, Capna must “use its best efforts” to remove the materials. Capna must also provide inventory levels and forecasted product demand to ITG through November.” It seems the lawsuit has had its intended effect. The website for Bloom said it was working on a new look.

Pollen Gear/Canndescent

Law360 reported that childproof pot packaging company Pollen Gear has settled its lawsuit with luxury cannabis company Canndescent. The two had begun working together when Canndescent chose Pollen for the jars and boxes for its flower and pre-rolls. Pollen filed a lawsuit in February and claimed that Canndescent had stopped placing orders in 2019 and then not long after their products appeared in very similar packaging. Pollen reportedly told a California federal judge it had reached a conditional settlement in a patent infringement suit with Canndescent over the claim that the company copied the packaging design.

“Good cause exists for the granting of this extension because the parties believe that this extension will allow the parties to reach dismissal of this action sans judicial intervention, thereby promoting judicial economy,” Pollen Gear said in the Monday notice.

According to the lawsuit, Law 360 said that Pollen Gear told Canndescent that the new packaging infringed on its patents, but then nothing changed. It would seem that the two companies would have a bad relationship following the lawsuit, but at the end of last year, Canndescent reportedly asked Pollen Gear to provide lids for the cannabis jars as its international supplier was having a shortage. Despite the back forth over the packaging, it seems the two sides were able to work things out.

The story has a happy ending because Pollen and Canndescent are back to working together.

Half-Baked

Earlier this summer ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s complained about New Jersey-based MJ Munchies Inc.’s requests to register “Half-Baked” as a trademark. Ben & Jerry’s makes Half-Baked ice cream — which is a combination of unbaked cookie dough and baked fudge brownie. They believe customers may think that the MJ Edibles products were made by Ben & Jerry’s.

“As the applicant’s alleged Half-Baked marks are confusingly similar in appearance and commercial impression to opposer’s Half Baked marks, this creates an association between the parties’ respective marks where one does not legitimately exist,” Ben & Jerry’s wrote.

NightFood Holdings, Inc. (OTC: NGTF), operates both NightFood, Inc. and MJ Munchies, Inc. Earlier in 2018, Brian Edwards launched the Half-Baked edibles line in the state of California. Edwards played an instrumental role in MJ Munchies successfully securing the Half-Baked trademark in California, coordinating a pilot launch which brought Half-Baked cookies from inception to shelf in under eight weeks.

MJ Munchies filed for a trademark for the name Half-Baked in 2018, but in April a request for an extension was entered to file an opposition. Ben & Jerry’s actually filed for a trademark for Half-Baked in 1999 and it’s still active.

It isn’t like the term half-baked hasn’t been used before. There’s a Dave Chapelle movie of the same name and there didn’t seem to be a problem with the name at that time. Merriam Webster defines the term half-baked as “poorly developed or carried out.” The slang definition is “ under the influence of a drug and especially marijuana.”

NightFood, Inc, “The Nighttime Snack Company” is a snack food company dedicated to providing consumers delicious, better-for-you, sleep-friendly choices for evening snacking. The initial Half-Baked line consisted of THC-infused cookies in four flavors; Chocolate Chip, Double Dark Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, and Peanut Butter Oatmeal. Each cookie would contain the maximum legal amount of THC along with a proprietary Half-Baked ingredient and will be retail-priced in the competitive range of $16-$20.

Debra BorchardtFebruary 4, 2021

Power REIT (NYSE: PW) has acquired a 37,000 square foot state-of-the-art greenhouse cannabis cultivation facility located in Riverside County, California through a wholly-owned subsidiary for $7.685 million. Power REIT funded the transaction using $2.685 million of cash on hand and the issuance of 192,308 shares of Power REIT’s Series A Preferred Stock, which had a closing price of $26.00 per share on February 2, 2021.

The property is leased to luxury cannabis brand Canndescent, which has over 50% store penetration in California. Canndescent offers ultra-premium products grown through a proprietary cultivation process.

Adrian Sedlin, Founder and CEO of Canndescent, commented, “We are excited to partner with Power REIT and are already exploring additional pipeline and business opportunities that could be mutually beneficial to us and Power REIT as we both continue to expand our respective businesses.”

The lease provides straight-line annual rent of approximately $1,074,000 which represents an unleveraged CORE FFO yield to the Common Shares of Power REIT of greater than 26%. The transaction increases Power REIT’s CORE FFO on a run-rate basis by approximately $0.21 per share relative to the prior run rate guidance. This increase in CORE FFO is based on using proceeds from the pending Rights Offering that Power REIT is conducting in order to fund the acquisition. Accordingly, such calculation is based on adding approximately 101,000 common shares in order to provide an indication of the pro-forma impact of the acquisition.

David Lesser, Power REIT’s Chairman, and CEO, commented, “This transaction demonstrates Power REIT’s ability to source and close accretive real estate acquisitions that we believe should result in the creation of significant shareholder value. This acquisition expands our national footprint into the California market, which is the largest cannabis market in the United States. The acquisition provides attractive valuation metrics including a discount to replacement cost and a lower price than recent comparable property sales in the market. We are also pleased to establish a relationship with Canndescent which is a sophisticated cannabis operator with premier brands and significant customer loyalty.”

Justice Joints

In October, Canndescent announced the launch of JUSTICE JOINTS, where 100% of profits will be donated to social justice causes. Specifically, JUSTICE JOINTS will donate all profits to fostering the participation and ownership of BIPOC communities within the cannabis industry and to prisoner release, expungement, and reentry programs for those convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses.

“JUSTICE JOINTS provides an opportunity for the entire cannabis community to rally and to change the world we have into the one we want,” said Sedlin. He continued, “As industry participants, we feel a massive imperative to help the thousands of people still jailed for selling the same plant we do and to increasing participation opportunities for those communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.”

At launch, JUSTICE JOINTS has partnered with the Last Prisoner Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of social justice leaders and drug policy reform experts to direct its profits in support of criminal record expungement, release, and reentry programs. Over the coming months, JUSTICE JOINTS will establish a grant program geared toward increasing participation and ownership of BIPOC communities within the cannabis industry.

“Last Prisoner Project is proud to partner with Canndescent at the launch of JUSTICE JOINTS so we can raise awareness around the need for criminal justice reform”, said Erik Murray, Last Prisoner Project Board Member. Last Prisoner Project can’t express enough gratitude to the consumers who purchase this great product and for their contributions to our collective efforts to bring these cannabis prisoners home.”

StaffJuly 30, 2020

Editors Note: This story was written by Jackie Bryant.

Like everything else touched by COVID-19, unexpected trends and shifts have occurred in the cannabis industry. One such shift is towards consumers seeking value products, which are rising in popularity due to a reduction in work and income across many different industries as the COVID-19 crisis wears on. In particular, low price/high THC combinations seem to be the magic bullet for anyone shopping for cannabis on a budget.

Canndescent, a brand that initially entered the market with a luxury-focus, recently launched the company’s third brand, Baker’s Cannabis Co. The brand offers lower-cost but still decent quality products, like $6 one-gram pre-rolled joints and $55 half-gram pre-ground pouches, which come equipped with rolling papers and crutches.

Old Pal

The style echoes one of the original legal value cannabis brands, Old Pal, which began selling its pre-ground cannabis flower in similar packaging and has gained popularity for its surprisingly high-quality product despite being priced comparatively lower than others in the space.

“Quality weed at fair prices has always been in high demand,” says Rusty Wilenkin, CEO of Old Pal, noting that this isn’t exactly a specific-to-COVID trend. “Value at Old Pal means more than just perceived value of low cost, to us value is the best quality at fair prices. During COVID, we’ve seen steady demand from consumers for our products. The industry overall has felt disruption with changing and varying regulations for retail shopping state to state. And while this is not unique to the cannabis industry, with the industry being as young as it is, these changes have been even more demanding.”

Canndescent

“Consumers aren’t visiting dispensaries as often as before,” explains Canndescent’s CMO Sam Arellano regarding a specific buying trend that can be directly attributed to COVID. “When they do, they’re opting for cannabis in larger weight/sizes with strong value equations to carry them between visits. We’re experiencing this increase in demand with Baker’s Cannabis Co. Despite COVID-19, demand has been consistently strong and steadily growing as consumers come to trust Baker’s quality, price, and availability.”

Arellano continues, speaking to a very specific type of customer–people who genuinely use cannabis as part of their daily routine. So much of the cannabis industry revolves around the highest potency possible, which is expensive to cultivate and produce. Add in state and local taxes on top of dispensary mark-up, and suddenly, someone who was used to paying legacy market prices faces an incredible new sticker shock for something that is part of their everyday life.

“Beyond price, they care about efficacy, availability, and trust,” Arellano says of frequent users. “Trust that the cannabis they choose is free from pesticides and other harmful containments, grown responsibly by a cultivator they respect. Availability as in, always there when they want it. And efficacy as in quality product and consistent experience.”

Harborside

CEO Peter Bilodeau from Harborside (OTC: HSDEF) in Oakland also sees the low price/high THC correlation, but suggests there are other value trends afoot, too, and that rather than hunting for potency regardless of any other factors, buyers are instead settling on personal ratios of price to THC relative other factors.

“For some, low price and high THC correlates to value,” he says, “but we still have a varied customer base that is looking for high quality, small-batch items, flavor, consistency, and a wide selection of strains/options. We think this is why people tend to shop for the sales items for the best deal versus only shopping for items that are consistently priced lower.”

Overall, Bilodeau says, Harborside has seen an increase in customers shopping for their sales products as well as increased basket sizes.

In any industry, the value market has always been, well, invaluable to the success of most brands that don’t market themselves to be exclusively luxurious. In an age where inequality is rising and in an industry where inequality is always at the forefront of political issues, like cannabis is, it makes even more sense that value-marketing would become an increased priority for cannabis brands looking to corner the market.

Now that cannabis has been deemed essential in many states, sweeping federal legalization is again being discussed and it appears that economic upheaval is here to stay, at least for a while, the market for value cannabis brands has never been brighter.

William SumnerSeptember 10, 2019

It’s time for your Daily Hit of cannabis financial news for September 10, 2019.

On the Site

Canndescent

Private premium cannabis company Canndescent announced that it closes on a $27.5 million in Series C Preferred Funding. Leading the investment round, Green Acre Capital, a cannabis-specific venture fund from Canada, was joined by Carnegie Arch Capital, Senterra, LLC., Altitude Investment Management, JW Asset Management and a multinational beer company from Asia. The money will be used for the company’s expansion into vapes and ingestibles as well as supporting efforts in Massachusetts, Nevada, Canada and beyond.

Dissect the Economics of Cannabis Branding at the Green Market Summit

On September 11th, 2019, investors, entrepreneurs, and branding experts will gather to dissect the economics of cannabis business brands at The Green Market Summit in Los Angeles, California. Following a sold-out event in Chicago, The Green Market Summit will bring its business acumen to the world of cannabis branding and provide exclusive industry information on topics such as the celebrity effect on cannabis, how to manage brand perception for public companies, and the world of luxury cannabis.

In Other News

MedMen

MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) announced that the waiting period stipulated by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended has expired in relation to the company’s proposes acquisition of PharmaCann LLC. The waiting period was one of several conditions needs to close the acquisition, and the deal is expected to close by the end of 2019. “Today marks a monumental day for the cannabis industry,” said Adam Bierman, MedMen co-founder and CEO. “We hope this will pave the way for other companies in what has become a highly acquisitive and dynamic industry.”

Sunniva

Sunniva Inc. (CSE: SNN) announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its subsidiary Natural Health Services, Ltd. (NHS) to The Clinic Network Canada, Inc. (TCNC) for C$9 million. Half of the purchase price will be paid in cash, while the other half will be paid through the issuance of 4.5 million shares of TCNC. The closing of the sale could not have come at a better time for Sunniva, as yesterday, NHS was named in a class action lawsuit in connection with a previously reported privacy breach of the Electronic Medical Record system used by NHS.

Debra BorchardtSeptember 10, 2019

The money will be used for the company’s expansion into vapes and ingestibles as well as supporting efforts in Massachusetts, Nevada, Canada and beyond. The California-based cannabis-centric CPG company said it will also deepen its investments in both of its brands – Canndescent in the ultra-premium segment, and goodbrands in the middle market.

“The institutional investment community recognizes our attractive risk-reward profile and continues to validate our strategy of driving growth through more brands, products and geographic markets,” said Adrian Sedlin, Canndescent’s CEO. Sedlin continued, “Executing to plan, we just broke our previous revenue record last month by 38% and will drive to profitability in 2020.”

Given its proven management team, brands and growth record in California, we’ve made Canndescent an anchor investment for our second fund,” said Tyler Stuart, Managing Director of Green Acre Capital. “Canndescent’s exceptional products, execution and forward-thinking leadership will definitely earn it a significant stake in the future of the cannabis industry.”

William SumnerJune 18, 2019

The world of cannabis is becoming more refined. When California first legalized medical cannabis in 1996, the only way one could purchase cannabis legally was through darkly-lit dispensaries with bars on the windows that were squirreled away in industrial parks. More than two decades later, the cannabis industry has evolved to a point where its consumers are more sophisticated and discerning, giving rise to a new sub-market within the industry: Luxury Cannabis.

With a growing number of cannabis consumers willing to pay top dollar for the ultimate cannabis experience, brands are more than happy to provide it for them. Just last month, the cannabis brand A GOLDEN STATE launched what may be the most expensive cannabis flower on the market.

Grown in the Cascade Mountains of Northern California and watered with the snowmelt from Mount Shasta, A GOLDEN STATE aims to provide a luxury experience that is distinctly inspired by Californian heritage; sporting names like Shasta Bloom, Sierra Lemon, and Mountain Shadows.

Even in the most expensive cannabis states, like Nevada, cannabis flower will sell on average for between $11 and $14 per gram. A GOLDEN STATE’s cannabis flower, on the other hand, sells for around $22 per gram. While paying $22 per gram is enough to make most cost-conscious cannabis consumers twitch, there is decidedly a market for such products.

To put this in perspective, dispensaries tend to sell an eighth of an ounce which is about 3.5 grams. So instead of paying $38.50 plus tax for the smallest portion, the consumer is spending $77 plus tax. As of March 2019, Headset Analytics data said that the average dispensary basket sizes by state were: CA $68.70, NV $62.11, CO $59.45, WA $31.16. These baskets tend to have 2 to 2.4 products in them. That means that the luxury consumer is spending twice as much to get less product both of which will have ultiately the same effect.

Earlier this year, the luxury specialty retailer Barneys New York partnered with the high-end cannabis brand Beboe to launch a luxury cannabis lifestyle and wellness concept shop called The High End.

“Many of our customers have made cannabis a part of their lifestyle, and The High End caters to their needs with extraordinary products and service they experience in every facet of Barneys New York,” proclaimed Daniella Vitale, the President and CEO of Barneys New York.

Retailers and brands are not the only ones noticing the market for luxury cannabis; investors are too. This week the luxury cannabis chocolate brand Coda Signature California closed on a $24.4 million Series A funding. Offering a variety of branded premium cannabis-infused edibles, topicals and concentrates, Coda will use the funds to accelerate its expansion into North American markets.

Another luxury cannabis brand eyeing aggressive expansions is Canndescent. The company recently announced that it is spending $25.8 million to acquire buildings and operating licenses in Nevada, Michigan, and Massachusetts; making it one of the first California brands to expand eastward into outside markets.

At one point in time, cannabis had been a substance that was eschewed by high society and wealth, but that is no longer the case. Despite the disconnect between state and federal law, cannabis has gone mainstream, and with it comes the allure of luxury and the desire to have the very best cannabis has to offer. As the industry marches towards the inevitability of federal legalization, luxury brands like A GOLDEN STATE will become less of an exception and more the norm.

William SumnerJune 13, 2019

It’s time for your Daily Hit of cannabis financial news for June 13, 2019.

On the Site

Cannabis’ Black Market Continues to Thrive Amidst Continued Legalization

Despite legalization continuing to spread, and efforts advocating towards federal legalization of cannabis, the black market in the U.S. for cannabis continues to thrive across the nation.Simply put, despite access and legal product being available, people are still as or more likely to purchase their cannabis from black market sources, with this trend not showing any signs of stopping.

HEXO Corp.

HEXO Corp (TSX:HEXO) ( NYSE-A:HEXO) reported its financial results for the third quarter of the 2019 fiscal year with $15.9 million in gross revenues and a net loss of $7.7 million. The company claims it is on track to reach $400 million in net revenue in 2020 and says it will double net revenue in the fourth fiscal quarter.

Executive Spotlight: Amanda Ostrowitz, Founder & CEO of RegsTechnology

Amanda Ostrowitz is a regulatory attorney and entrepreneur who’s identified a need for a user- friendly, scalable platform to research regulations and laws in the cannabis industry. Amanda founded RegsTechnology and its current product, CannaRegs, as a tool to aid attorneys, business people, and governments with localized tracking of regulatory issues.

MJMicro Conference

Although adult-use cannabis is legal in nine U.S. states, problems persist with companies trying to gain access to capital and essential financial services. Consequently, the industry has devised a series of methods and institutions to circumvent these difficulties; from credit unions to keeping their funds in a giant safe. Another unique way that the cannabis industry has adapted to the issue has been connecting companies with private capital investment through investor forums. A perfect example of this is the MJMicro Conference planned for June 25, 2019, in New York City.

In Other News

Tilray

Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) today announced the appointment of Kristina Adamski as Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs. Adamski will help coordinate the company’s corporate affairs team and help oversee the company’s public relations, corporate social responsibility and government affairs functions. Adamski previously served as Nissan North America’s Vice President of Corporate Communications for more than three years. “We’re thrilled to welcome Kristina to our growing senior leadership team. We’re confident that her vast experience in corporate affairs and global communications will support Tilray’s long term global growth strategy as we expand around the world,” says Brendan Kennedy, CEO, Tilray.

Treehouse REIT

Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. announced that it has closed on nearly a $16 million debt commitment with a large, federally insured and regulated commercial bank. As the company continues to acquire cannabis-use properties, the note commitment will carry a 5.6% interest rate and provides for a revolving facility for future notes. “Treehouse is excited to announce that we have successfully procured federally insured commercial bank financing,” said Brian Kabot, Stable Road Capital Chief Investment Officer and Treehouse Board Member. “The capital relationship allows us to continue executing cannabis-related real estate acquisitions in a scaled, non-dilutive manner that is most accretive to our investors. We are witnessing federally regulated lenders enter the cannabis space and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of those efforts.”

Canndescent

The luxury cannabis brand Canndescent announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire buildings and operating licenses in Nevada, Michigan and Massachusetts for $28.5 million. The acquired building will be retrofitted to support the company’s proprietary cultivation and extraction methods. “Our expansion is a huge win for cannabis consumers as the best of California cannabis will finally be available in other markets,” said Canndescent CEO Adrian Sedlin. “We’re sort of the ‘anti-MSO’ or as I like to call it, we’re an MSBO, Multi-State Brand Operator, having nailed brand and execution first and now rolling up assets with intentionality and understanding.”

StaffFebruary 12, 2019

The First Cannabis Focused Tech Company to Move Beyond The Industry

Denver, CO – February 12, 2019 – Cannaregs, Inc. the leading web-based data technology platform providing up-to-date access to comprehensive cannabis-related legal data including rules and regulations from municipal, county, state and federal sources, has just announced the completion of a $2 million capital raise to expand services and features nationally as well as beyond cannabis under the umbrella of Regs Technology (RegsTech).

RegsTechplans to deploy the capital strategically expanding its CannaRegs platform to enable the Company to scale nationally and expand its data platform beyond cannabis into other highly regulated hyper-local industries like shared transportation, electric and autonomous vehicles and emerging mobile telecom technologies.

“We’ve built a terrific set of advanced data services for our CannaRegs subscribers and are proud to be working with the best companies in the cannabis industry.” explained Founder and CEO Amanda Ostrowitz. “With this infusion of capital we’re confident that we will take RegsTech to the next level.”

Lead investors include Phyto Partnersand Panther Opportunity Fundalong with other high profile tech and cannabis VC investment. “By simplifying local legal search, Cannaregs helps all industry participants understand and comply with the laws saving time money and potential regulatory scrutiny.” said Larry Schnurmacher managing partner of Phyto. “As the cannabis economy continues to expand to more states, the need for this type of legal resource grows and we think cannaregs will capture that market.” said Larry Schnurmacher, Managing Partner of Phyto Partners.

“We are excited to be investing in RegsTech after following Amanda Ostrowitz over the last two years and seeing her grow her team and company to be the leading provider of local compliance and regulatory tracking software, stated Jordan Tritt, Principal at Panther Opportunity Fund. “Amanda and her team are very well respected among cannabis operators, consultants and government entities, and this capital raise will allow RegsTech to expand its reach within the cannabis industry as well as other highly regulated and localized industries.”

CannaRegs is regarded as the most trusted resource for cannabis regulatory and policy information. With over 500 users comprised of cannabis companies (e.g. Cresco, Kiva Confections, Caliva, Canndescent), law firms (Akerman, Thompson Coburn, Buchalter), governments (San Francisco, Sacramento, Mendocino County), consultants (3C Consulting, Green Wise Consulting, Muniservices), Real Estate Professionals (Kidder Matthews) and various other ancillary providers (Eaze, Hawthorne Gardening), its reach is far broader than the typical law firm audience of most legal tech platforms.

This capital raise ensures that CannaRegs is now able to offer even more information, new features, and enhanced user experience, while expanding nationally and with an eventual launch of additional Regs Techportals.

The next portal on the horizon for RegsTech is TransitRegs which will cover autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles and charge stations, app-based ride share, scooters, dockles bicycles and robotic deliveries.

About Regs Technology:

Regs Technology is a legal technology platform for highly regulated industries that are hyper-localized in nature. Its first product offering, CannaRegs, is a subscription platform that enables cannabis operators, law firms, investors, real estate professionals, consultants, and Governments to track cannabis regulation and policy, in real-time, providing users with critical information they need to make strategic business decisions, identify new opportunities and maintain compliance in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. CannaRegs currently provides comprehensive cannabis laws for the states of California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Nevada, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Missouri, and Pennsylvania to be followed by all other states that permit medical and/or recreational marijuana. For more information visit www.cannaregs.com.

StaffFebruary 5, 2019

Americans are expected to spend a record amount on Valentine’s Day this year despite a years-long decrease in the percentage of people celebrating the holiday, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

“The vast majority of Valentine’s Day dollars are still spent on significant others, but there’s a big increase this year in consumers spreading the love to children, parents, friends, and coworkers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Those who are participating are spending more than ever and that could be the result of the strong economy. With employment and income growing, consumers appear to be expanding the scope of who qualifies for a card or a box of candy.”

Another study from St. Louis University in Missouri, found that cannabis could improve your love life. 133 women were surveyed and said that they consumed cannabis shortly before engaging in sexual activity. 68% of those women said that it made sex more pleasurable. From that same study, 62% of participants said that cannabis helps them achieve a more satisfying orgasm.

A different study from Stanford found that women who abstained from cannabis in the past year, had sex on average 6.0 times during the previous four weeks, whereas that number was 7.1 for daily cannabis users. Among men, the corresponding figure was 5.6 for nonusers and 6.9 for daily users. That means regular cannabis users are having 20% more sex than abstainers.

Foria

Foria makes a sun-grown cannabis CBD arousal lube and the company is offering two bottles of its product Awaken for the price of one as a Valentine’s Day special. The company says if you order by February 7, you’ll receive it in time for the holiday.

Canndescent

California’s leader in ultra-premium flower Canndescent has a product called Connect, which seems perfect for Valentine’s Day. Their Connect strains are formulated specifically to kindle socialization and deep connections with other people – perfect for your romantic evening plans. Sadly, it’s only available in California. Gorgeous gift boxes with ⅛ of flower are available at licensed California dispensaries, as are the newly-launched and extremely classy Stylus rechargeable and Ready-To-Use vaporizer pens.

Papa & Barkley

Interested in a massage? Papa & Barkley’s cannabis-infused Releaf Body Oil is the right choice.

Papa & Barkley’s full line is available in California, but everyone else can enjoy their Essentials line, which offers a hemp-based CBD oil, which can be put in any drink, food, or a nice, relaxing bubble bath.

MOOD33

Want to set the mood… without relying on alcohol? mood33 has crafted a delicious PASSION tonic that is infused with THC, CBD and uplifting natural terpenes – all under 33 calories per beautiful bottle. Inspire yourself and your partner with the sensuous flavors of sparkling green tea, sweet passionfruit and tart lime.

Bhang

Guilt-free chocolate is the way to your love’s heart. Bhang makes a delicious 73.5% cacao CBD dark chocolate that is not to be believed. The company also makes a new nicotine-free tobacco-free all hemp Pre-Roll Straights. The Bhang team brings together its love of chocolate and cannabis in the most awarded line of cannabis chocolate bars available in the world. Developed by a Master Chocolatier with 25+ years of chocolate-making experience, these artisan bars pair the best in Venezuelan Criollo cacao with adventurous flavors and high-quality, lab-tested, CO2-extracted cannabis oil.

Ardent Cannabis

More of a DIY person? Try Goat’s Milk Sweet Quartet Caramel Infusion Kit that retails for $35. You can make delicious, dispensary-grade edibles from the comfort of your own home— elevate any treat by simply drizzling over a dessert and/or dipping your favorite fruit!. Lactose-free flavors include: Original Caramel, Spicy Dark Chocolate, Salted Bourbon and Vanilla Bean

Fog & Tree

Still not satisfied? Oil, chocolates, beverages still aren’t the perfect gift? How about

Fog & Tree Eau de Parfum, an all natural fragrance that is blended with real cannabis terpenes, could be exactly what your loved one is looking for. The fragrance will take your senses on a journey through the Redwoods of Northern California with the woodsy and herbaceous scent with fresh coastal fog.

The terpenes used in Fog & Tree are all harvested from Humboldt Seed Company’s proprietary strains. Not only are they blending their fragrance with terpenes from award-winning genetics, but they are also reaping the benefits of Humboldt’s unique terroir.

StaffSeptember 11, 2018

Ten New Investments Since Initial March 2018 Fund Close

New York – September 11, 2018 /AxisWire/ Altitude Investment Management, LLC updated the market today on its fund Altitude Investment Partners, LP’s recent cannabis industry investments. During the period of March through August 2018, Altitude invested in ten companies: six of which were add-on investments to existing portfolio companies and four were investments in companies new to the Altitude portfolio.

The Altitude portfolio now consists of investments in 15 companies. The following is a summary of a selection of notable recent investments:

BDS ANALYTICS

Altitude made an add-on investment as co-lead in BDS Analytics’ Series B Preferred Stock $3.5 million capital raise. BDS is the leader in cannabis business intelligence. This funding places BDS in a very strong position to execute the national expansion of its GreenEdgeTM software and to roll out its Consumer Insights & Industry Intelligence services to a much broader client base. Using the GreenEdgeTM sales tracking software, BDS Analytics is able to generate actionable insights pulled from hundreds of dispensary partners’ point-of-sale systems and closely study the behaviors and psychographics of cannabis users through its Consumer Insights Group. Its Industry Intelligence Services enables the company to make accurate market-wide financial projections and help the cannabis industry make better informed decisions. “We are very impressed with the management team,” says Jon Trauben, partner at Altitude. “Based on extensive experience in other industries, BDS Analytics has developed proprietary software and services that provide its clients with really useful data and insights. Its value is reflected in the rapid growth and diversification of the BDS Analytics client base.”

CANNDESCENT

Altitude made an add-on investment in Canndescent’s Series C Convertible Note $13 million capital raise. Canndescent closed 2017 as the #1-selling brand of cannabis flower in California with its market-leading effects—Calm, Cruise, Create, Connect and Charge and is taking that success to the vape and ingestible categories. Canndescent is a leading modern cannabis company by combining world class management with best practices from consumer-packaged goods, advanced agriculture, and luxury lifestyle marketing. The company is commencing a multi western-state expansion strategy. John Brecker, partner at Altitude added, “We took a small position in Canndescent’s Series B Preferred Stock raise and have increased our investment significantly based on the milestones the company has achieved in such a short period of time.”

GRASSROOTS CANNABIS (AES Compassionate Care PA and Grassroots Compass Ventures IL)

Altitude made separate investments in both AES Compassionate Care Pennsylvania and Grassroots Compass Ventures Illinois. Each are fully-licensed, vertically-integrated cannabis companies that are active in cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and retailing. Both companies are managed by the same management team. Altitude partner Michael Goldberg stated, “Our investments in multistate vertically-integrated operators will allow us to participate in the growth and value creation as the medicinal markets grow, new patients are added, and new approvals for qualifying conditions increase the patient base. Additionally, large upside exists when a planned rollup takes place and as these states legalize adult use.”

FLOWHUB

Altitude made an add-on investment in Flowhub’s Convertible Note $3.3 million capital raise. Setting a new standard for the highly regulated industry, Flowhub offers dispensary and cultivation license holders a metrc™ integrated platform built specifically to simplify compliance, with data automatically sent to state regulators via an API. Flowhub’s award-winning software serves more than 300 of the largest retailers and cultivators in the United States. Flowhub processes over $1B in cannabis sales annually and is the top cannabis compliance technology recommended by state agencies. Rod Stephan, partner at Altitude added, “Flowhub has successfully created software which meets the regulatory and compliance requirements of each state and also creates a sticky customer with recurring monthly revenues. We are excited by the accelerating growth of this company.”

C4 DISTRO (Golden Systems)

Altitude made a lead investment in Golden Systems’ Class B Preferred Units $5 million capital raise. Golden Systems owns C4 Distribution Co. (a.k.a C4 Distro), a California-licensed distribution operating company. C4 is poised to become a leader in the California cannabis distribution market. California needs companies to provide quality distribution services due to the extremely fragmented market of suppliers and retail dispensary buyers. C4 has most recently added four new brands for distribution to its growing list of products. Rod Stephan stated, “With service to over 160 dispensaries in southern California, C4 is experiencing accelerating month-over-month growth by leveraging its high touch business model to build close relationships with its customers. The distributor plays a material role in the supply chain as well as in creating and growing brands. We believe C4 has the right management team to capitalize on this opportunity.”

PATHOGEN DX

Altitude was the co-lead investor in PathogenDx’s Convertible Note $3.4 million capital raise. PathogenDx provides DNA-based disruptive testing technology and solutions to the cannabis, botanical, food, and agriculture markets at an adaptable scale for both large and small testing facilities. The company offers growers, processors, producers, consumers, and ancillary services real-time data and information pertaining to the quality of their product, ensuring a safer commodity and preventing millions of dollars in losses from contaminated or spoiled crops. PathogenDx’s testing kits identifies bacterial and fungal contaminants and reduces testing time down to hours from the traditional petri-dish method which takes days. Jon Trauben commented, “The company is in an enviable position as it fulfills a central regulatory need with cutting edge science, while alleviating existing bottlenecks.”

ABOUT ALTITUDE INVESTMENT PARTNERS

Altitude Investment Partners, LP is a US-based, global venture capital fund that invests in a range of early-stage to growth companies supporting the fast-growing legal global cannabis industry. The fund is managed by Altitude Investment Management, LLC, (the “Manager”), whose members have been actively investing in the cannabis industry and have successfully invested in the alternative investment space for years. The Manager provides institutional quality investment management experience to its investors. The fund continues to accept new investments and plans to close the fund to investors later this year. For more information about Altitude Investment Management please contact info@altitudein.com or visit www.altitudein.com.

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