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Classified in: Health
Subject: MISCELLANEOUS

Blockchain Technology Offers a Solution to Cannabis Quality Control -- CFN Media


SEATTLE, Dec. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- CFN Media Group ("CFN Media"), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, announces publication of an article discussing BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. (TSX-V: DNAX) (OTC: BKKSF). The company offers a solution to the problem of cannabis quality control by harnessing the power of blockchain technology. With a pilot program already in place with a licensed producer, the company's platform is poised to provide genome-to-sale reassurances to breeders, cultivators, stores, and consumers that they're receiving what they ordered.

The Canadian cannabis industry is projected to reach C$22.6 billion over the coming years, according to Deloitte, following the legalization of adult-use cannabis earlier this year. While early sales have been brisk, the industry faces key challenges with safety and quality control. Many consumers still receive the wrong strains, while companies continue to struggle to meet regulatory standards and complete the associated paperwork.

Quality Control Issues Persist

The cannabis industry has long struggled with quality control issues. Since Canada's MMPR was introduced in 2013, there have been a number of recalls and sanctions on licensed producers for tainted and/or mislabeled products. Mandatory testing standards have been implemented across the country, but many medical cannabis patients still complain about receiving the wrong strain and experiencing unexpected effects.

Many medical and recreational consumers seek out specific cannabis strains, but it can be hard to differentiate a pure-bred from a mutt. In fact, some research shows that upwards of one-third of cannabis strains don't match their advertised genetics. Many hybrid strains sold under the same name by multiple growers are also different from a genetic standpoint, which can make it nearly impossible for consumers to know what they consume.

In the United States, the lack of federal regulations means that safety and labeling concerns are even greater. Many private growers use chemicals, like rodenticide, to protect their crops, which ends up killing nearby wildlife and could make its way into consumers. Some states have introduced their own regulations, but critics point out that the higher tax rates in these areas encourage consumers to go back to the black market.

As with the Canadian market, the U.S. FDA has consistently warned CBD makers and their consumers of inaccurate labeling. Several products labeled as CBD supplements didn't contain any CBD at all, while others did not contain the levels that they claimed to contain. These problems are likely carrying over into the wider cannabis market, especially in states where there is little in the way of testing regulations.

BLOCKStrain Offers a Solution

Bitcoin's dramatic rise and fall popularized the concept of a blockchain, but there's much more to the technology than cryptocurrencies. Using its immutable ledger, BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. empowers breeders to genetically test and register their strains in a DNA database and license those strains to cultivators. Cultivators can turn around and prove the authenticity of the strain and the lack of contaminants to consumers.

On October 24, BLOCKStrain and WeedMD Inc., a licensed producer and distributor of medical cannabis, announced the launch of BLOCKStrain's blockchain-powered proprietary genome tracking software following the collection and registration of an initial batch of 40 proprietary cannabis DNA samples. The move makes WeedMD the first LP that can stand behind its products in a way that's transparent and verifiable.

"There are so many reasons why you want to identify the precise nature of the plant you're dealing with, such as ensuring consistency for medical reasons, but also because in recreational cannabis a lot of people know what they like, and they want to make sure they're getting that same experience every time," said Dr. Gina Conte, a PHD in plant genetics and co-founder of testing and research lab Lighthouse Genomics in British Columbia.

She says a combination of a genetic record and the blockchain verification technology developed by BLOCKStrain is critical to the future of the cannabis industry. "It's like going to the wine store and buying a high-end Pinot Noir, and then you find out later it's a cheap Merlot. I think by adopting BLOCKStrain and genetic testing, WeedMD is setting the stage for a level of Quality Assurance that the cannabis industry needs to have. They are an industry leading example that the rest of the industry will both need and want to follow."

The launch could yield a valuable proof-of-concept and model for other similar arrangements with licensed producers or other cultivators around the world. In addition, the WeedMD program launch marks the start of tangible revenue and an initial look at the compelling economics of its business model. Investors could see additional LP agreements come online in the near future as the pilot program gains steam.

Looking Ahead

BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. (TSX-V: DNAX) (OTC: BKKSF) represents a compelling investment opportunity that leverages the power of blockchain technology to solve a key problem facing the cannabis industry. With a pilot program launched earlier this month with a leading licensed producer, investors may want to keep an eye on the stock for additional agreements down the road as the company proves out its business model.

For more information, visit the company's website or download their investor presentation.

Please follow the link to read the full article:

http://www.cannabisfn.com/blockchain-technology-offers-a-solution-to-cannabis-quality-control/

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

About CFN Media

CFN Media (CannabisFN) is the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the global cannabis industry, helps companies operating in the space attract investors, capital, and publicity. Since 2013, private and public cannabis companies in the US and Canada have relied on CFN Media to grow and succeed.

Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/featuredcompany

Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8

Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com

Disclaimer

CannabisFN.com is not an independent financial investment advisor or broker-dealer. You should always consult with your own independent legal, tax, and/or investment professionals before making any investment decisions. The information provided on http://www.cannabisfn.com (the ?Site') is either original financial news or paid advertisements drafted by our in-house team or provided by an affiliate. CannabisFN.com, a financial news media and marketing firm enters into media buys or service agreements with the companies that are the subject of the articles posted on the Site or other editorials for advertising such companies.  We are not an independent news media provider. We make no warranty or representation about the information including its completeness, accuracy, truthfulness or reliability and we disclaim, expressly and implicitly, all warranties of any kind, including whether the Information is complete, accurate, truthful, or reliable. As such, your use of the information is at your own risk. Nor do we undertake any obligation to update the items posted. CannabisFN.com received compensation for producing and presenting high quality and sophisticated content on CannabisFN.com along with financial and corporate news.  

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

Frank Lane
206-369-7050
[email protected]


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