The TechMediaWire Podcast

The TechMediaWire Podcast’s latest episode features Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF), a clean technology company engaged in developing high-value, high-performance power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems. To begin the interview, Currie provided an introduction to Hillcrest’s business model and operating markets. “We're a power conversion company specializing in high-value, high-power applications such as our EV traction inverter. Power conversion devices are critical in nearly every electrical system. For example, an inverter is a power conversion device used to convert a battery’s direct current into the alternating current needed to drive an electric motor in an EV,” Currie explained.

CannabisNewsAudio's latest podcast features Luis Merchan, President and CEO of Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC), an internationally focused cannabis brand builder that leverages natural, cost-effective cultivation practices to supply cannabis derivatives to its diverse business divisions. Throughout the interview, Merchan discussed Flora Growth’s business model. “Flora Growth was founded three years ago under the idea of learning from early adopters in the cannabis industry. We wanted to grow cannabis in an outdoor way at the lowest production cost in the world,” Merchan said. “To do so, we selected Colombia, one of the most beautiful geographies located alongside the equator in the world. Of course, we built a world-class team of agronomists who are helping us grow cannabis in an organic way at a cost that cannot be competed with anywhere, worldwide.”

CannabisNewsAudio's latest podcast features Luis Merchan, President and CEO of Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC), an internationally focused cannabis brand builder that leverages natural, cost-effective cultivation practices to supply cannabis derivatives to its diverse business divisions. Throughout the interview, Merchan discussed Flora Growth’s business model. “Flora Growth was founded three years ago under the idea of learning from early adopters in the cannabis industry. We wanted to grow cannabis in an outdoor way at the lowest production cost in the world,” Merchan said. “To do so, we selected Colombia, one of the most beautiful geographies located alongside the equator in the world. Of course, we built a world-class team of agronomists who are helping us grow cannabis in an organic way at a cost that cannot be competed with anywhere, worldwide.”

Even as the cannabis market continues expanding, pricing for wholesale cannabis has been under protracted pressure from oversupply and price cuts. Make no mistake — the cannabis market is still robust with large upside, and survivors of this supply side shake-out should secure ever-greater market share. The pressures may be most prevalent in California, the world’s biggest cannabis market, as light-deprivation crops reach market in 2021 and the potential for Type 5 cultivation licenses allowing for massive outdoor-growing facilities could be issued in California by 2023. To survive and thrive, companies will need to be nimble, diversify assets across the value chain and generate revenues from multiple venues. That’s preaching to the choir for Los-Angeles-based Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS) (Profile). One of California’s publicly traded cannabis cultivators, NUGS has been actively diversifying into integrated operations complete with high-profile retail locations and new indoor grow facilities. NUGS views the shake-out as opportunity and fully expects to capture increased market share as the company continues to diversify. Throughout the last decade, as the “green rush” has swept across the globe, the wheat has been separated from the chaff, leaving strong companies — such as Canopy Growth (NASDAQ: CGC), Curaleaf Holdings (OTCQX: CURLF), Green Thumb Industries (OTCQX: GTBIF) and Trulieve Cannabis (OTCQX: TCNNF) — still standing as they take necessary steps to secure market share going forward.

Even as the cannabis market continues expanding, pricing for wholesale cannabis has been under protracted pressure from oversupply and price cuts. Make no mistake — the cannabis market is still robust with large upside, and survivors of this supply side shake-out should secure ever-greater market share. The pressures may be most prevalent in California, the world’s biggest cannabis market, as light-deprivation crops reach market in 2021 and the potential for Type 5 cultivation licenses allowing for massive outdoor-growing facilities could be issued in California by 2023. To survive and thrive, companies will need to be nimble, diversify assets across the value chain and generate revenues from multiple venues. That’s preaching to the choir for Los-Angeles-based Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS) (Profile). One of California’s publicly traded cannabis cultivators, NUGS has been actively diversifying into integrated operations complete with high-profile retail locations and new indoor grow facilities. NUGS views the shake-out as opportunity and fully expects to capture increased market share as the company continues to diversify. Throughout the last decade, as the “green rush” has swept across the globe, the wheat has been separated from the chaff, leaving strong companies — such as Canopy Growth (NASDAQ: CGC), Curaleaf Holdings (OTCQX: CURLF), Green Thumb Industries (OTCQX: GTBIF) and Trulieve Cannabis (OTCQX: TCNNF) — still standing as they take necessary steps to secure market share going forward.

As recently as 2015, the retail sales for alkaline waters, those with a pH between 7.0 and 10.0, were less than $95 million. With consumers taking a more proactive approach towards health, alkaline sales are booming. Industry authority Beverage Marketing Corp. forecasts retail sales in the category to balloon to $1.3 billion by 2023, representing 20% of the entire value-added water category. Drivers abound to support the 42.6% compound annual growth rate for the forecast period, which are undergirding exponential growth for The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile), the largest independent alkaline water company in the United States. Major grocers, including Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BJ), Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) and the Kroger Company (NYSE: KR), have benefited from and are following the category trend, many bottling their own alkaline brands while stocking their shelves and distribution centers to increase options and meet consumer demand.

As recently as 2015, the retail sales for alkaline waters, those with a pH between 7.0 and 10.0, were less than $95 million. With consumers taking a more proactive approach towards health, alkaline sales are booming. Industry authority Beverage Marketing Corp. forecasts retail sales in the category to balloon to $1.3 billion by 2023, representing 20% of the entire value-added water category. Drivers abound to support the 42.6% compound annual growth rate for the forecast period, which are undergirding exponential growth for The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile), the largest independent alkaline water company in the United States. Major grocers, including Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BJ), Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) and the Kroger Company (NYSE: KR), have benefited from and are following the category trend, many bottling their own alkaline brands while stocking their shelves and distribution centers to increase options and meet consumer demand.

As consumers continue to insist on more healthy options in choices in their lives, the global health drinks market is projected to see consistent, continued growth, with a CAGR of 7.88% during the next five years. That growth will come from all sectors, including convenience store sales, e-commerce orders and the hospitality sector, which is recovering from COVID-19 slowdowns. Bottled water continues to be America’s favorite drink, outselling soda for the first time in 2016 and continuing that feat every year since. Leading the healthy beverage charge are companies, such as The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile), that are eager to innovate as they meet consumers calls for both taste and quality. In the most recent of a string of innovations that have earned WTER the title of largest independent alkaline company in the country, The Alkaline Water Company launched a brand new line of six natural functional waters. Earlier this year, Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Hall of Famer and Papa John’s International (NASDAQ: PZZA) board member, endorsed the company and was named an advisory board member. Other companies looking to innovate and grow in the space include Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), Nestle SA ADR (OTC: NSRGY) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP).

As consumers continue to insist on more healthy options in choices in their lives, the global health drinks market is projected to see consistent, continued growth, with a CAGR of 7.88% during the next five years. That growth will come from all sectors, including convenience store sales, e-commerce orders and the hospitality sector, which is recovering from COVID-19 slowdowns. Bottled water continues to be America’s favorite drink, outselling soda for the first time in 2016 and continuing that feat every year since. Leading the healthy beverage charge are companies, such as The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile), that are eager to innovate as they meet consumers calls for both taste and quality. In the most recent of a string of innovations that have earned WTER the title of largest independent alkaline company in the country, The Alkaline Water Company launched a brand new line of six natural functional waters. Earlier this year, Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Hall of Famer and Papa John’s International (NASDAQ: PZZA) board member, endorsed the company and was named an advisory board member. Other companies looking to innovate and grow in the space include Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), Nestle SA ADR (OTC: NSRGY) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP).

As part of the reopening economy, investors should be monitoring several trends in the healthcare space, including several that fall in the “natural wellness” or “natural alternatives” categories. The COVID-19 pandemic shone a bright light on lifestyle and self-care as people were encouraged, and often mandated, to stay at home. The trend further points to the next phase of cannabis market maturation, dubbed cannabis 3.0, against the backdrop of legislators discussing the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act that would create a national market for marijuana. Looking to address this opportunity, BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (CSE: BEV) (OTCQB: BVNNF) (FSE: 7BC) (Profile) has been expanding and diversifying its business in 2021 from its core business as a high-capacity cannabis beverage company into a diversified health and wellness company through a number of accretive acquisitions. BevCanna is emerging as a leader among a group of companies, including the Valens Company (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF), Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT), NewAge Inc. (NASDAQ: NBEV) and AYR Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A) (OTCQX: AYRWF), that are innovating and taking aggressive approaches to capitalize on the growing cannabis consumer trend moving toward a more wholistic wellness lifestyle business.

When Democrats took control of Capitol Hill during the elections in November 2020, there was growing optimism that federal legalization of cannabis was in the cards for Americans. Nine months into the new administration, progress has been slow in the United States. Latin American (“LATAM”) countries, on the other hand, have moved forward with new laws ending cannabis prohibition and supporting the industry, moves to generate government revenue, cut into illicit sales and bring novel therapeutic options to people in need. Colombia, Mexico and Panama are emerging as global pioneers promoting responsible cannabis commerce, which bodes well for Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC) (Profile), a company with robust operations in Colombia. These countries are following the example set forth by Canada, which has given rise to some of the legal cannabis’ juggernauts, such as Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC), Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) and Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as other companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) lend additional support to the growing market.

When Democrats took control of Capitol Hill during the elections in November 2020, there was growing optimism that federal legalization of cannabis was in the cards for Americans. Nine months into the new administration, progress has been slow in the United States. Latin American (“LATAM”) countries, on the other hand, have moved forward with new laws ending cannabis prohibition and supporting the industry, moves to generate government revenue, cut into illicit sales and bring novel therapeutic options to people in need. Colombia, Mexico and Panama are emerging as global pioneers promoting responsible cannabis commerce, which bodes well for Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC) (Profile), a company with robust operations in Colombia. These countries are following the example set forth by Canada, which has given rise to some of the legal cannabis’ juggernauts, such as Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC), Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) and Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as other companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) lend additional support to the growing market.

As part of the reopening economy, investors should be monitoring several trends in the healthcare space, including several that fall in the “natural wellness” or “natural alternatives” categories. The COVID-19 pandemic shone a bright light on lifestyle and self-care as people were encouraged, and often mandated, to stay at home. The trend further points to the next phase of cannabis market maturation, dubbed cannabis 3.0, against the backdrop of legislators discussing the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act that would create a national market for marijuana. Looking to address this opportunity, BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (CSE: BEV) (OTCQB: BVNNF) (FSE: 7BC) (Profile) has been expanding and diversifying its business in 2021 from its core business as a high-capacity cannabis beverage company into a diversified health and wellness company through a number of accretive acquisitions. BevCanna is emerging as a leader among a group of companies, including the Valens Company (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF), Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT), NewAge Inc. (NASDAQ: NBEV) and AYR Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A) (OTCQX: AYRWF), that are innovating and taking aggressive approaches to capitalize on the growing cannabis consumer trend moving toward a more wholistic wellness lifestyle business.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is rampant in America. An estimated 45% of adults in the United States, or 108 million people, have hypertension, yet only about one out of every four have their condition under control. That’s a big problem considering hypertension increases risks for heart disease and stroke, which are, respectively, the no. 1 and no. 5 leading causes of death in the nation each year. To that point, the CDC names hypertension as a primary or contributing cause in nearly half a million deaths annually in the U.S. Hypertension treatment options vary tremendously from meditation to conventional drugs, with what looks to be a promising new innovation on the horizon from Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) (Profile). Lexaria is proving that its proprietary DehydraTECH(TM) technology repeatedly delivers strong therapeutic responses, without the side effects of today’s drugs. Lexaria is looking to throw its hat into the ring with majors in the market today that are making billions of dollars by treating high blood pressure and other leading causes of death, including Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Merck & Company Inc. (NYSE: MRK), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) and Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA).

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is rampant in America. An estimated 45% of adults in the United States, or 108 million people, have hypertension, yet only about one out of every four have their condition under control. That’s a big problem considering hypertension increases risks for heart disease and stroke, which are, respectively, the no. 1 and no. 5 leading causes of death in the nation each year. To that point, the CDC names hypertension as a primary or contributing cause in nearly half a million deaths annually in the U.S. Hypertension treatment options vary tremendously from meditation to conventional drugs, with what looks to be a promising new innovation on the horizon from Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) (Profile). Lexaria is proving that its proprietary DehydraTECH(TM) technology repeatedly delivers strong therapeutic responses, without the side effects of today’s drugs. Lexaria is looking to throw its hat into the ring with majors in the market today that are making billions of dollars by treating high blood pressure and other leading causes of death, including Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Merck & Company Inc. (NYSE: MRK), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) and Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA).

As the cannabis industry matures and is again heating up — a recent eye-popping report by Data Bridge Market Research projects that the global legal marijuana market will explode to more than $90 billion by 2027. Companies operating in the sector are looking to capitalize on opportunities the multibillion-dollar space offers. Recognizing the often submarginal quality of available product as well as high cost of development and land acquisition, Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) utilizes state-of-the-art genetics to ensure premium-quality products. Using science and key strategic partnerships, Pac Roots intends to eliminate the quality and cost barriers to success and carve what could be profitable niche in a booming market. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) continues expansion of its Canadian operations while Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has officially entered the Israeli medical cannabis market with the sale of its dried flower products. Aphria Inc. (NASDAQ: APHA) has also entered the Israeli market with its recently announced supply agreement with Canndoc, and Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) has launched Trailblazer Snax, the largest cannabis-infused chocolate bar in Canada.

As the cannabis industry matures and is again heating up — a recent eye-popping report by Data Bridge Market Research projects that the global legal marijuana market will explode to more than $90 billion by 2027. Companies operating in the sector are looking to capitalize on opportunities the multibillion-dollar space offers. Recognizing the often submarginal quality of available product as well as high cost of development and land acquisition, Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) utilizes state-of-the-art genetics to ensure premium-quality products. Using science and key strategic partnerships, Pac Roots intends to eliminate the quality and cost barriers to success and carve what could be profitable niche in a booming market. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) continues expansion of its Canadian operations while Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has officially entered the Israeli medical cannabis market with the sale of its dried flower products. Aphria Inc. (NASDAQ: APHA) has also entered the Israeli market with its recently announced supply agreement with Canndoc, and Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) has launched Trailblazer Snax, the largest cannabis-infused chocolate bar in Canada.

COVID-19 has devastated most businesses but created a surge in cannabis sales—a trend that’s likely to continue. Strange bedfellows, COVID-19 and cannabis. As the pandemic wreaked havoc on the U.S. and global economies, cannabis sales rocketed higher across multiple markets in North America. California cannabis sales soared nearly 160% compared to the same day in March 2019, while sales in Washington rocketed 100% and Colorado saw a 46% increase on the same day. This surge doesn’t appear to be a flash in the pan either. An emerging leader in the U.S. cannabis marketplace, Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTCQB: NUGS) (NUGS Profile), is now on pace for over $2.7 million in quarterly sales and approximately $11 million in annualized sales, based on its strong performance in April and May. Simultaneously, the company increased its harvest size by as much as 2.5x and is now selling product at an 11% premium to industry standard. Like any industry, the real winners in the cannabis markets are tied to sales and earnings growth. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) has continued to release new products for a variety of markets while attracting significant investment from the beverage sector. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has continued to work on expanding its international reach. With a similar focus on growth, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) has acquired another company to expand its reach from Canada into markets in the United States. Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI), whose business was initially disrupted by COVID-19, has begun a phased return to work and almost immediately announced the release of new products, making the most of continuing consumer demand.

COVID-19 has devastated most businesses but created a surge in cannabis sales—a trend that’s likely to continue. Strange bedfellows, COVID-19 and cannabis. As the pandemic wreaked havoc on the U.S. and global economies, cannabis sales rocketed higher across multiple markets in North America. California cannabis sales soared nearly 160% compared to the same day in March 2019, while sales in Washington rocketed 100% and Colorado saw a 46% increase on the same day. This surge doesn’t appear to be a flash in the pan either. An emerging leader in the U.S. cannabis marketplace, Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTCQB: NUGS) (NUGS Profile), is now on pace for over $2.7 million in quarterly sales and approximately $11 million in annualized sales, based on its strong performance in April and May. Simultaneously, the company increased its harvest size by as much as 2.5x and is now selling product at an 11% premium to industry standard. Like any industry, the real winners in the cannabis markets are tied to sales and earnings growth. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) has continued to release new products for a variety of markets while attracting significant investment from the beverage sector. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has continued to work on expanding its international reach. With a similar focus on growth, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) has acquired another company to expand its reach from Canada into markets in the United States. Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI), whose business was initially disrupted by COVID-19, has begun a phased return to work and almost immediately announced the release of new products, making the most of continuing consumer demand.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTCQB: NUGS) is among the growing number of California cannabis companies boasting multiple cultivation, manufacturing and distribution licenses. Its wholly owned and operated flagship farm, NUGS FARM, recently completed its first harvest. Like Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Acreage Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: ACRGF) is invested up and down the supply chain, with new brands targeting markets in California and elsewhere. Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) recently announced expansion in Pennsylvania, catering to the state’s 180,000 registered cannabis users. Halo Labs Inc. (OTCQX: AGEEF) provides vital support services to the California market, using cutting-edge technology to extract active ingredients from cannabis. Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) has financed a fresh wave of expansion through a sale-and-leaseback agreement on its existing cultivation properties.