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High Park Farms Ltd Voluntary Cannabis Recall April 25, 2019

April 25, 2019 in Business, Today In Weed, Weed

High Park Farms Ltd Has Voluntarily Recalled Products April 25, 2019

High Park Farms Canaca Blend 19 pre-rolls (SKU number CNB-02000170, Lot number E0000405) cannabis is on recall by the AGLC due to incorrect labeling. The levels of THC and CBD on the product packaging are inaccurate, and it is recommended you rerun the product to the dispensary of purchase.  This recall applies to cannabis users who purchased:
  • SKU: CNB-02000170
  • LOT: E0000405

Cannabis Recall Label Error

Label With Error Correct Value
 Total THC per unit  20.5mg  102.5mg
THC per unit  0.3mg  1.4mg
Total CBD per unit  <0.1mg  0.3mg
CBD per unit  <0.1mg <0.1mg

Why is there a product recall?

One product (pre-rolled joints) is on recall from High Park Farms Ltd. (SKU CNB-02000170, Lot number E0000405) due to labelling errors. In some cases, the mg of THC detailed on packaging shows up to 5 times less THC than the consumer will be exposed to.

Retailers carrying these products, here’s what you need to do:

The AGLC will issue a return shipping authorization for retailers who are stocking lots E0000405. It is requested that you remove the products from the shelf and mark them clearly as merchandise that is not for sale.  Contact the AGLC for instructions.
Product Details Lot/SKU Number Recall End Date
High Park Farms Ltd Canaca Blend 19 Prerolls (3 x 0.5g pre-rolls) SKU number CNB-02000170 Lot number E0000405 June 23, 2019

Consumers who have bought these products, here’s what you need to do:

If you have purchased products from lot E0000405 the AGLC recommends you return the purchased product in it’s original packaging to the retailer of purchase.   If purchased from Alberta Cannabis online, please call the Alberta Cannabis Call Centre: 1-855-436-5677. View the original AGLC release.

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Shoppers Drug Mart Brings Medical Cannabis to Alberta

April 23, 2019 in Business, Today In Weed, Weed

Shoppers Drug Mart, a Loblaws company with over 1300 locations across Canada has opened it’s second online cannabis distribution outlet, this time focused on Western Canadians, specifically Albertans.

Alberta is known to be one of Canada’s open areas for medical cannabis consumption as reported by Health Canada:

Canada17,33419,98321,54122,99424,41825,447
Alberta2,0082,3692,5712,7772,9793,099
British Columbia4,3874,8915,0885,3415,5685,700
Manitoba501634725809877902
New Brunswick619708723781820826
Newfoundland and Labrador7588101117122133
Northwest Territories566000
Nova Scotia8269399991,0451,1041,156
Nunavut000555
Ontario6,0917,0247,5418,0258,5408,882
Prince Edward Island364347475355
Quebec2,4172,8903,3443,6363,9404,257
Saskatchewan362385387400397419
Yukon769111313

Noted in the above table of active medical cannabis licences issued each month, Alberta ranks 3rd behind Ontario and Quebec, without taking into account population.

Contrasting population density with active licences issued, it makes sense that Shoppers Drug Mart is seeking to capitalize on Albertan patients.

Medical Cannabis by Shoppers Drug Mart currently caters to the Ontario and Alberta market, boasting a large selection of Canada’s top medical licensed cannabis producers.

Shoppers employs a staff of medical professionals that help patients with problems as locating the cannabis strains and products that might be best for each condition, application methods and in-depth information about each type of cannabis.

The Shoppers Cannabis Care team can provide information about many strains and classes of cannabis to help you choose your medical cannabis products.

Cannabis by Shoppers Drug Mart

The availability of credible cannabis information is an issue plaguing the cannabis industry in Canada.

Alberta SellSafe is an AGLC program is designed to educate and test recreational dispensary staff how to handle cannabis consumers, what type of conversation are okay and social responsibility behind dishing out cannabis to consumers. Recreational dispensary staff are under strict guidelines prohibiting them from recommending cannabis for any conditions or suggesting any health benefits what so ever.

In a similar notion, legal cannabis is a new experience to not only Canadians, but Canadian medical professionals. This not only means uncertainty of medical professionals willing to prescribe cannabis for conditions, but overall a lack of past research deemed credible in the medical community.

Medical Cannabis by Shoppers is a pioneer in Canadian cannabis as the first online marketplace to offer multiple licensed producers’ products to Canadians under one roof online. Previously, medical cannabis patients were subject to signing up with 2 licensed producers in which patients would shop on the companies website to order.

As trusted medication experts, pharmacists have an important role to play in the safe and informed use of medical cannabis. This launch in Alberta is a leap forward for those looking for professional oversight and trusted support in this area

Jeff Leger

Shoppers bridges the gap by offering an objective approach to product lines from third party medical professionals employed by Shoppers Drug Mart. With one online application, cannabis patients are subject to browse products from a handful of medical cannabis producers, side by side, easily on one page.

The Loblaws owned brand Shoppers Drug Mart is currently licensed to sell cannabis flower, plants, seeds and oils via their eCommerce website Medical Cannabis by Shoppers.

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CloudLIMS’ New Document Management Module Enables Testing Laboratories to Gain ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation

April 18, 2019 in Business

Wilmington, Delaware – April 18, 2019, CloudLIMS, a leading laboratory data management informatics provider, announces the release of the Document Management Module for its Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), CloudLIMS. The Document Module is for food and beverage, cannabis, water, and soil testing laboratories, enabling them to meet ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation requirements. The module helps laboratories manage, and track documented processes as part of ISO 17025, and provide access to these documents to laboratory personnel.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the international standard for accreditation of testing laboratories to assure quality. It requires all the laboratories to support the internal and external documents, and make them available to designated personnel. Additionally, it enables the laboratory to exercise version control over all documents, in order to avoid using invalid or obsolete documents. With CloudLIMS’ document module, a laboratory can track, store, and share all the documents from a central location. Version control of documents provides a full audit trail enabling the laboratories to manage and track the history of revised documents for internal and external auditing and reporting. Key benefits of the document module include:

  • Manage and track documents in any format (PDF, MS Word, images)
  • Version control for full audit trail and historical record for traceability
  • Track version history of revised documents for internal and external auditing and reporting
  • Associate documents with tests for technicians to refer the standard test processes while conducting tests

Please visit the upgrades page for release notes.

“To ensure that testing laboratories maintain a quality management system that provides a framework for laboratory operations, such as assessing data integrity, managing all test methods, and documents pertaining to quality assurance, the LIMS’s document module is critical,” said Arun Apte, Chief Executive Officer at CloudLIMS. “Through its Document module, CloudLIMS provides laboratories an efficient tool to manage and control quality management documents – regulations, normative reference documents, drawings, specifications, instructions, SOPs, manuals, etc.,” he continued.

About CloudLIMS

Established in 2013, CloudLIMS is an energetic team of professionals producing cutting edge laboratory software solutions, such as sample management software and LIMS system. For more information, please visit: www.cloudlims.com.

About Cloudlims

Established in 2013, CloudLIMS is an energetic team of professionals producing cutting edge laboratory software solutions, such as sample management software and LIMS. For more information, please visit: www.cloudlims.com.

Contact info

Ankita Acharya
CloudLIMS.com
302-789-0447
support@cloudlims.com

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Hempcrete Brings Sustainable Building Alternatives To Alberta Housing

April 13, 2019 in Business, Products

Hempcrete brings Alberta’s housing industry one of the most versatile uses for industrial hemp. 

With ground broken on nearly 400 homes monthly in Calgary, the housing industry is just one that hempcrete aims to bring sustainability, affordability, and durability.

Hempcrete suppliers are beginning to pop up worldwide, giving an indication that there is a real demand for these products.

What is hempcrete?

The sustainable building alternative hempcrete is derived from a unique mix of hemp herds (the wood core of mature hemp plants), and a commonly used binder lime and water.

It’s an organic mixture provides an opportunity to reduce rising monthly energy bills in households across Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Improved insulating properties give home builders an “easy to work with”, spray or mold on alternative to traditional insulation.

Hempcrete puts much of the hemp plant to good use, achieving efficiency by utilizing 30 % of the plant to collect the fibers. These fibers are taken from the stems and branches. Within the stem, we extract the woody core, after this process, we are left with the leaves to be discarded.

Although not load bearing, hempcrete applied to load-bearing frames provides :

  • Better insulation
  • A zero-waste building material for building sites
  • Increased fire protection
  • An option that’s naturally grown and readily available with quick regeneration crops.

Canadian owned Hempcrete Ltd. stands by hempcrete as a building material feasible for our future:

We replace petro-chemicals with natural materials, and fiber reinforced lightweight concrete, for a dynamic and energy efficient sanctuary, free of concerns like pests, water and fire

Hempcrete Ltd.

Hempcrete as an insulator

Hempcrete brings cost savings to homeowners in the long run acting as an insulator.

Hempcrete R-value

The R-value is a method of measuring insulator properties, a metric of heat flow through a specific material at a measured thickness. 

Higher R values represent greater insulators, and hempcrete has proven time again to possess far higher R-values than competing concrete with traditional insulation.

Previous hempcrete projects have seen materials poured or sprayed on to load bearing walls, replacing traditional insulation application. This works both to keep heat in or out especially on those sporadic heatwave days.

To put it into perspective, a concrete masonry unity at 12” thickness provides an R-Value of roughly 1.28. 

Hempcrete tests show levels up to 4.35 for a wall the same thickness, over three and a half times the resistance of traditional concrete. It is also important to spray an exterior coating that will allow humidity to escape and ultimately preventing mold build up.

Hempcrete waste

One of the beautiful things about hempcrete is the fact that it’s made from biodegrable materials. 

Hempcrete waste is 100% sustainable and offers home builders a waste-free solution, saving big bucks on dump fees and waste removal over the duration of a homebuild, although these costs tend to offset with a generally higher cost of production.

Now, hemp can even work to replenish oxgygen, and per acre hemp will actually convert more co2 into oxygen than a pine tree forest of that size.

Since the properties of hempcrete make it a natural insulator, we aren’t seeing excess fiberglass reaching landfills, or using them in housing. 

This saves us on waste from cutting fiberglass, but also removes toxic materials from landfills in the event of building tear downs.  This is not only better for the environment but safer for industry workers.

The strength of hempcrete

While hempcrete offers an alternative, the particle and fiber composition has weaker bonds between them, giving it malleability and toughness when comparing to concrete. 

Typically the compressive strength of hempcrete is 20 times less than traditional concrete. This is a good reason why hempcrete still requires structural supports and beams that will bear the load, otherwise, this would be restricted in its load bearing properties.

Today, companies have begun using fiber reinforced hempcrete to give it that initial strength. Surprisingly these products do not only keep their strength but the lime mixture begins to harden over time and can last for 1000’s of years.

 

Using lime water binder has been proven to be a more effective building block than using bricks.

Using hempcrete dates back to the Roman times, with structure constructed from this material still holding strong today.

When compared with other forms of poured building materials, hempcrete is found to be more malleable than standard concrete, and a little easier to work with overall.

In the long-term, this will take emphasis off your cutting tools and various other machining operations.

Hemp regeneration period

Seed to seed regeneration is roughly 4-5 months with hemp, depending upon the climate and region.  Here is some more stats about hemp generation and some cool hemp shoes you’re going to love.

Hemp’s sustainability is furthered by its rejuvenating effect on the soil, during decomposition over half of the nutrients are returned into the soil.

In turn, this will lower the costs and resources that will be required to sustain another growth cycle. Dense fields of hemp will leave little growing room for other plants that may be considered harmful ultimately allowing for a chemical free operation

Fire Resistant

Hempcrete.ca provides valuable insight regarding the fire resistance of hempcrete used as a building material.

The added effect of higher R-values bodes well for fire protection, creating a barrier between rooms. During a fire, this can help contain a fire giving the victims precious time to make for an escape.

Let’s consider ourselves lucky to have accommodated for this crop to grow here in Alberta because according to Statistics Canada there are 480 licensed hemp cultivators, accounting for 22.6%  of Canada’s total production and safely putting us into 2nd place(480/1830). This potentially billion dollar market could create sustainable employment above all other.

Hempcrete Used in Alberta Construction

The hempcrete discussion in Alberta is one of conflicting interests.

Hemp as an alternative to traditional building materials is the best decision for our environment. Moving into quick generation crops with zero waste from building materials leaving hazardous waste is only a positive.

Although using hempcrete requires a need to build load bearing walls prior to application, hempcrete’s shelf life, increased efficiency, fire resistance, lack of labor and ease of use make it a viable alternative for home builders focused on developing premium, energy efficient properties where cost is less of an issue.

We see an opportunity to remove traditional building materials that are harmful for the environment, but is this an opportunity that Canadian home builders will capitalize on? Probably not.

Decreasing house prices in Calgary, increased costs of labor and streamlined operations focused on increasing margins for builders means we probably won’t see hempcrete hit the market with the bigger construction brands anytime soon.

We see the opportunities presenting themselves to fresh building companies focused on streamlining hempcrete production and application, and sustainability and durability first.

Since the Cannabis Act of 2018, Alberta has seen a flurry of hemp-based developments surfacing including educational courses in post secondary facilities, even a 40,000 square-foot facility for hemp textiles outside of Edmonton in Bruderheim.

by extract

Shatterizer Black Vaporizer Review #PerfectClouds

April 12, 2019 in Dabs, Products

What’s In the Shatterizer Black box?

  • 1 Shatterizer Atomizer: resin cover mouthpiece, silver or black aluminum globe, Quartz Dual Coil (QDC) coil and coil cap
  • 1 additional bonus back up QDC coil
  • 1 Shatterizer Lithium-Ion battery with 3 Stage Variable Voltage
  • 1 Magnetic Silicone Lined Wax Storage Container
  • 1 Micro USB Cord with Pass Thru technology
  • 1 Dab tool

 

Grab your Shatterizer here.

 

The Shatterizer Review

The Shatterizer is a vaporizer pen that really focuses on quality of your concentrate hoot, and you will understand what we mean by the end of this segment.

So what is it exactly?  Shatterizer is the name of the brand and their proprietary cannabis concentrate vape pen, which comes in 3 different variations, Shatterizer Black, Shatterizer Silver and Shatterizer regular.

This shatter pen shares similarities to the Yocan XL line in regards to the battery supply and the magnetic carrying case.   For those familiar with these 11 mAh batteries, this is a durable battery with a long life and it can definitely handle a few falls to the pavement as I tend to do when I miss my pocket.

All 3 Shatterizer pens offer the same set of features with variable outside colors.  A dependable battery base with 3 power settings.

Simply click 3 times to change to a stronger setting.  If you’re only on to once type of extract the variable temperatures might not have that sparkle, but for those swapping between waxes, shatter, oils, budder and others.

The main difference between the Shatterizer and other competing brands is the proprietary “globe”  that fits on top of the coil.  The glass “globe” works to peculate the air flow, and you will understand the importance of this addition when you try this unit out.

Traditional vape pens offer a straight shot to your lungs, drying them out and sacrificing the flavor of your hoots with harshnesss.

Shatterizer focused this pen on hoot quality, and it shows from pull one.  The globe difuses the hoot, cools the vapor and allows your lungs to enjoy the experience far greater than competing vape pens. Expect a vaporizer that preserves your lungs and brings the terpene flavor profile you’ve been hoping for.

 

A Quality Vape Pen Battery With Variable Heat Settings

The Shatterizer boasts a 1100 mAh lithium ion battery that with a full charge will last about 70 hoots over 3 hours.   Not only does this battery pump out the power, it also stays functioning for up to 15 seconds on each hoot for those who have well trained lungs.

The battery has an on and off setting to preserve juice in the downtime.  With 3 simple clicks you can adjust between the settings below:

  • RED = 3.5 V = 16 Watt
  • BLUE = 3.8 V = 19 Watt
  • White = 4.2 V = 23.5 Watt

5 clicks turns the device on and off.  I really enjoy the variable colors for each setting, these actually came in handy quite often, especially at night outdoors or watching a movie.

 

The Shatterizers Portability & Durability

The Shatterizer vaporizer sacrifices a little bit of size for hoot quality, but this isn’t a bad thing.  The trade off is about a CM of extra width in exchange for arguably the best hooting pen on the market.

Shatterizer vaporizers work best for those who are seasoned veterans and put emphasis on the quality of their smoke.   The globe means it’s going to be easier to toss the pen in your car, a purse or a carrying case, but it’s still small enough to fit your pocket.

What’s awesome is the fact that the Shatterizer breaks down into pieces really easy.  The rubber seal gives the globe an easy connection to pop and and off when it’s time to clean, reload or dismantle.[/penci_text_block][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Perks:

  • Cooler, full flavor profile hoots due to the globe
  • Long lasting 1100 mAh battery good for 3 hours or 70 pulls
  • Long hoots lasting 15 seconds
  • 3 settings for different types of extracts
  • 3 setting colors makes it easy to know what heat you’re on

Limitations:

  • Fragile bulb to carry around
  • Heavy and a little larger than competitors

Shatterizer Makes #PerfectClouds.  This vape is perfect for

Shatterizer’s hashtag #PerfectClouds is no joke.

This is the best vape pen with variable settings for multiple extracts.  In combination with a powerful battery,  the Shatterizer is a great option for those who are going to be out and about for an extended period of time while maintaining the need to swap between product consistencies.

This is one of my top vape pens for hanging around the house,  or going to a local festival (when I have something to carry it in).  Make sure you have a purse to carry your Shatterizer, the top globe is a little bulky and could be a little fragile in the pocket.  If you have a bag, murse, purse or car to keep your pen close by while you venture around, the Shatterizer is ideal to take out with you!

Grab your Shatterizer here.

 

by extract

What is a Cannagar With Experts Hamilton Cannagar (Giveaway Inside)

April 3, 2019 in Products, Spotlights, Weed

Tell us a little about Hamilton Cannagar.

Hamilton Cannagar was founded by Joshua Hamilton in November of 2016.

We began recreational sales in Oregon partnered with Bull Run Craft Cannabis June of 2018. We are a small team of skilled rollers who take pride in crafting the highest quality cannabis cigars and shells.

What is a cannagar?

How do you define a cannagar?

Believe it or not, even among cannagar rollers there is some debate as to what constitutes a cannagar versus a “gar” or “hempgar”.

In my opinion a cannagar is a 100% cannabis pre-roll – that is wrapped in cannabis leaves – NOT hemp papers.

I don’t think you have to use oil, I personally prefer them without because they burn cooler and are more manageable as a personal smoke in terms of total THC content.

Terpene enhanced cannagar alternatives to THC

We also carry hemp filled cannagars that contain less than 0.3% THC – infused with terpenes, these cannagars are meant to be used more as traditional cigars, not passed around and while still moderately intoxicating anyone could go about their day after consuming.

How does a cannagar differ from a traditional cigar in overall experience?  

Weighing up to ten grams some cannabis cigars are exclusively consumed by high-volume smokers or at events/parties.

A cigar smoker could certainly enjoy the flavors and quality of smoke a THC free hemp cannagar has to offer, but anyone who doesn’t consume cannabis regularly would be at odds with a large cannagar!

How are Hamilton Cannagars unique in regards to rolling techniques and product inside?

We do not use a skewer in any of our cannagars, instead we make a cannabis leaf shell and then load it with ground product. In Oregon we use organically grown Bull Run Craft Cannabis.

We picked BRCC because they have the best tasting weed on the block haha.

Loading a shell ensures the flower is fresh and avoids the chance of growing mold when in contact with wet leaves (as performed in the traditional thai-stick skewer method).

How long does it take to burn the typical cannagar, and how much product is in each?

2 gram cannagars can be smoked in as little as 15 minutes if everyone puts in their best effort.

Larger cannagars with oil can easily burn for 2 hours with a massive crowd. Similar to cigars it is all about the style and intent!

How is a cannagar supposed to be smoked, and do we use the same lighting and cutting techniques as a cigar?

Even though we included clippers with your kit you won’t need them!

Unlike a cigar – after you pack you shells lighting them is super easy. Just rotate it while lighting from a distance and puffing – repeat – and it’ll be lit in no time.

What if we need to take a break half way?  Can we relight our cannagar?

You can cut it or let it go out – Do not “snuff” if out that causes a loss in flavor.

What is the proper cannagar storage  in regards to humidity and temperature etc?

Great question! I believe it to be 65% at 62 F.

What does Hamilton Cannagar do differently than other cannagar companies on the market?

The absence of the skewer improves flavor and eliminates the hot spot associated with traditional cannagars.

While in the R&D phase I once shared a competitors cannagar and one of mine on a smoking tour bus to get feed back. The number one thing people brought up was the chance of burning your lips. This is why a lot of cannagar companies elect to using a wooden mouthpiece – but while that may prevent the smoke from burning you – it DOES NOT undo the terpene destruction that took place by super heating the smoke.

Cannagars really are perfect for any occasion – whether you are kicking it and want to get 5 people blitzed or you want to enjoy a flavorful THC free cannagar while golfing.

Can you go into detail why curing is important and how the process changes an unsavory taste into the desirable end product Hamilton Cannagar offers?

Curing cannabis is similar to curing any other product. Most industries don’t call it curing – but instead.. storage. Decomposition is a game of time, similar to leaching harsh ammonia from tobacco.

Without removing Ammonia from tobacco your leaf is unsmokeable – chlorophyll is cannabis’s ammonia, it is a hash smoking dark green molecule.

By removing the vast majority of chlorophyll you make the leaves more yellow/ brown instead of bright or dark green.

How important is the quality of the product we use inside our personally rolled cannagar and can I use any type of extract additions I want?  Is there any type of extracts that we should stay away from adding to our personally rolled cannagar?

There is nothing else that matters besides the quality of the flower! The shell will guarantee and even burn and incredible aroma – but flavor comes from flower – or oil! We also have a terpene infused shell but are working that one out!

Cannagar shells bring the rolling experience to the homes of Calgarians. Can you expand on exactly what cannagar shells are, how they are used and what they are made out of?

Cannabis leaves with a corn husk filter! They are made with ODA hemp so they are legal for international trade and can be filled at their destination meaning anyone can make their own cannagar line – or just enjoy one for them selves.

Your team just launched cannagarshells.com, a website completely unique to the community as I haven’t seen any other companies targeting cannagar accessories, can you touch on this and your future plans with the site?

We intend on making cannagars easier for everyone to have access to. By the end of the month we will be wholesaling the packaging we use for our cannagars & some more accessories.

We aim to make it easier for wholesalers in rec. states to brand their own cannagar but also are currently drop shipping directly to consumers either hemp cannagars or shells so they can load their own.

How to roll a cannagar

What are the cannagar rolling basics?

All you gotta do is grind your weed and use the “tap and pack” method to get an even fill!

Any last words for our readers?

Thank you for reading! If you are storing cannabis, consistency in temperature and humidity is the absolute best way to guarantee an effective storage life/cure.

 

Here’s Where You Can Buy Hamilton Cannagars & Hemp Cannagar Shells

Win a Hamilton Cannagar Travel Case Humidor & Cannagar Shells

What’s up for grabs:

Hamilton Cannagar Travel Case Humidor

  • Hamilton Cannagar Lighter
  • Hamilton Cannagar Cigar Cutter
  • 5 Misc Size Hemp Wraps
  • 1 Tulip Wrap
  • Hamilton Cannagar Humidor Case
  • Directions & Tools

How To Win Your Hamilton Cannagar Humidor

Rules:

  1. Residence of Calgary.
  2. 18+.
  3. Contest open through 12:00 PM, Wednesday April 10, 2019.
  4. Winner announced at 4:20 PM, Wednesday April 10, 2019 on here, Facebook and IG.

How To Enter:

  1. Likes us on Facebook and IG.
  2. Tag a friend you want to share your cannagars with and like & share the pinned contest post on Facebook.
  3. Tag a friend you want to share your cannagars with & like the Hamilton Cannagar post on IG.
  4. You get an entry for each friend you tag, and time you share, so feel free to keep tagging and sharing.
  5. Entries will be added to a spread sheet and the winner will be drawn at random. More entries = more of a chance to win.

by extract

Class Action Lawsuit Against Natural Health Services After Data Breach

March 27, 2019 in Business, Tech

Natural Health Services LTD (and parent Sunniva Inc an American and Canadian Company) is in hot water after the filing of a class action lawsuit announced by Diamond and Diamond LLP.

This response comes after a breach of the Natural Health Services database as an unknown user accessed records between the dates of Dec. 4, 2018 and Jan. 7, 2019.

Natural Health Services is a pioneer in the cannabis industry helping Canadians gain access to medical cannabis and education to make informed decisions.  NHS has multiple locations across Canada and a footprint in Alberta including Calgary, Lethbridge and Edmonton.

NHS Database Breach

The Natural Health Services Breach taking place late 2018, early 2019 compromised multiple files and personal identifiable records and other sensitive outlined below.

  • Personal diagnostic results
  • Personal health care numbers
  • Medical information including medical conditions, allergy history, clinic and doctor notes, referrals, forms and completed questionnaires
  • Identifiable information connecting above points

According to the representative plaintiff, the leak of sensitive information such as personal health records can result in impacted ability to travel, a negative impact on insurance rates and potential of exposure to fraudulent actives.

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Lack of Community Warning

Customers of Natural Health Services experienced a lag in understanding the scope of the NHS breach as the announcement was publicly delayed until early March.

According to Diamond and Diamond “all individuals that filled out these online forms could be affected by this egregious breach”.

Find the full release here.

 

 

by extract

THC Excise Duty Tax Breakdown

March 22, 2019 in Business

Here’s a table breakdown of the THC Excise Duty Tax that will be introduced to Canadians May 1, 2019. Learn more about the excise duty and new classes of cannabis products.

ProvinceFederal Rate ($/mg of total THC)Additional Rate ($/mg of total THC)Sales Tax Adjustment (%)
Alberta0.00250.007516.8%
British Columbia0.00250.0075
Manitoba0.0025N/A
New Brunswick0.00250.0075
Newfoundland and Labrador0.00250.0075
Northwest Territories0.00250.0075
Nova Scotia0.00250.0075
Nunavut0.00250.007519.3%
Ontario0.00250.00753.9%
PEI0.00250.0075
Quebec0.00250.0075
Saskatchewan0.00250.00756.45%
Yukon0.00250.0075

by extract

The All Inclusive Resort for Cannabis Professionals – Cannabis Haven International

March 21, 2019 in Business

Alberta’s abundance of agricultural space could host large greenhouses and various cannabis related operations.  This may not be the case for many companies involved with cannabis; this is a journey with strict zoning laws, difficult permits and dozens of costs. Extract has been working along side Cannabis Haven International, a company that aims to solve many of the problems small local producers are facing.

Here in Alberta, we have seen Old’s College, Mount Royal University, Red Deer College and other educational institutions offering courses aimed at the cannabis industry. Working to bring a new skill set to market and helping companies find talented workers that can help create quality and precedence within their operations. 

Today we see companies thinking even bigger, utilizing their newly acquired cannabis zoned location so that they can accommodate the cannabis industry in a big way. 

Local to Calgary, Cannabis Haven International aims to bring innovation close to home. 

Our team got to meet some of the directors behind the company Cannabis Haven, started by a handful of construction and design processionals.

We visited their upcoming road map and learned about the cannabis brand’s vision; To create a space aimed at bringing bright minds together, while maintaining quality and providing an optimal product.

Cannabis Haven International is currently drawing up plans to construct a 80 Acre highly secured facility outside of Red Deer, and with groundbreaking expected as early as Summer 2019, there is plenty of excitement.

This massive undertaking with 1.5 million sqft. of facilities will become a workplace for innovation, combining many specialists into a manageable area. This is a revolutionary concept that has been adopted by many modern corporations due to its ability to manifest a collaborative environment and provide entrepreneurs with a wide spectrum of studies and fields.

We are an all inclusive resort for cannabis professionals

We are pleased that Cannabis Haven International has chosen Alberta as its home base, this could in turn help in keeping Alberta ahead of the curve when it comes to this industry.

This GMP & GPP certified complex will host packaging, labeling, amenities, presentation space, and lab facilities alongside purpose built canopy space.  The idea is to allow micro growers to come and begin carrying out their research.

These “ganjapreneurs” will be able to create their own products covering all the stages from research and growing all the way to packaging and shipping, allowing them to strictly focus on their product while Cannabis Haven International can help with obtaining permits and conveying information set out by Health Canada. 

To better serve the community they have set out to work with regulatory bodies and law enforcement as well as maintaining energy efficient plans to maintain sustainability and reduce the environmental impact. 

We picked up hints of possible expansion, but we will have to wait and look forward to seeing what the future has instore.

by extract

Cannabis Edibles, Extracts and Topicals & THC Excise Tax Coming To Canadians May 1, 2019

March 19, 2019 in Today In Weed

The Canadian Government has released their 2019 budget plan and it encompasses an abundance of changes to the Cannabis Act of October 17, 2018.

New Classes of Cannabis Products

Canada budget 2019 details 3 new classes of cannabis products that will be available later this year:

  1. Edible Cannabis
  2. Cannabis Extracts
  3. Cannabis Topicals

Applying Excise Duty Taxes To Cannabis Products

With the new proposed cannabis products and taxation, the Budget 2019 suggests excise duty will be applied to the 3 new classes (cannabis edibles, cannabis oils, cannabis topicals) as well as cannabis oils, a product line already available to Canadians through licensed dispensaries.

Excise duty is defined in the business dictionary as:

A percentage levied on manufacture, sale, or use of locally produced goods (such as alcoholic drinks or tobacco products)

Business Dictionary

The new excise duties will be applied to the quantity of THC contained in the final product. Higher levels of THC equate to higher levels of tax and visa versa. Note: CBD levels have been left out of the excise tax on cannabis.  Need a new dab rig?  Check out the best electric dab rig here.

No Additional Taxes To Cannabis Seeds and Flowers

Among the additional excise duty comes no changes to the taxation on cannabis seeds and flower products.

Find out where to buy cannabis seeds in Canada from a number of legal and grey area dispensaries.

Proposed Changes Take Effect May 1, 2019

The proposed taxation changes take effect on May 1, 2019.

Detailed in the same Budget 2019 document is the introduction of the 3 new cannabis product classes, cannabis edibles, cannabis extracts and cannabis topics.

We have contacted those associated with Budget 2019 to find out if the May 1, 2019 deadline applies to solely the new taxation, or the launch of new policy for cannabis edibles, topicals and extracts as well.

 

Changes to Taxation on Canadian Cannabis By Province

In accordance with the Coordinated Cannabis Taxation Agreements (CCTAs)

  • 75% of duties to Provincial Governments
  • 25% of duties to Federal Governments
  • Capped at $100 million annually for the first 2 years
Province Federal Rate ($/mg of total THC) Additional Rate ($/mg of total THC) Sales Tax Adjustment (%)
Alberta 0.0025 0.0075 16.8%
British Columbia 0.0025 0.0075
Manitoba 0.0025 N/A
New Brunswick 0.0025 0.0075
Newfoundland and Labrador 0.0025 0.0075
Northwest Territories 0.0025 0.0075
Nova Scotia 0.0025 0.0075
Nunavut 0.0025 0.0075 19.3%
Ontario 0.0025 0.0075 3.9%
PEI 0.0025 0.0075
Quebec 0.0025 0.0075
Saskatchewan 0.0025 0.0075 6.45%
Yukon 0.0025 0.0075

by extract

Natural Health Services Hacked, Leaks Canadian Medical Patient Data

March 19, 2019 in Business, Tech

With cannabis legalization comes greater responsibility on cannabis users, but also the businesses catering to the cannabis community. Topics trending in 2019 focus on end user responsibilities, but what about the clinics, dispensaries and services who hold and store personalized information on you and me?

It’s too late for the referrals of one Canadian cannabis clinic, Natural Health Services. The cross Canada leader in medical cannabis suffered a rather large database breach late 2018 and early 2019 patients discovered as NHS began notifying owners of compromised data.

The exact times are unknown, but the data was accessed by an “unauthorized individual” from NHS between the dates of Dec. 4, 2018 and Jan. 7, 2019.

According to the Calgary Herald, compromised information from the breach includes data ranging from basic personal information to medical diagnoses, referrals, encounter notes and allergies.

Fortunately the hackers didn’t gain access to prescriptions, payment details, social insurance numbers or other financial information.

Although emails have been sent to the affected customers, Natural Health Services is keeping tight lips in regards to just how many accounts and exactly what information was leaked.

Natural Health Services identified that a number of records containing personal health information in the electronic medical record system we use were accessed without the authorization of Natural Health Services physicians for purposes that may be unrelated to providing medical care

https://calgaryherald.com/cannabis/cannabis-news/electronic-data-breach-sees-medical-cannabis-users-personal-information-compromised

As of Tuesday March 19th, 2019 a public statement from Natural Health Services still remains unpublished, and affected accounts are actively being contacted.

Natural Health Services stresses the correct law enforcement and privacy integrity agencies have been notified and are currently working with their clinics to figure out how the hackers gained access to their data.

This comes as a surprise to many as NHS has always been on the front lines of data integrity and privacy. A statement from Natural Health Services privacy policy reads:

In the event that a patient’s health information has been stolen, lost or subject to unauthorized use, access, disclosure, copying or modification, our first priority will be to identify and contain the breach, and then to take steps to correct it. We will notify any patient whose health information may have been disclosed, lost or shared in an unauthorized manner, at the first reasonable opportunity. We will also work with the Privacy Commissioner’s office who will assist NHS in mitigating the risks associated with a breach.

NHS Privacy Policy

Other documents on their website suggest the hackers got through multiple steps of security to gain access to the data, or circumvented a number of security measures the company has in place which are published on the NHS website.

Here’s a list of the security measures NHS has in place for times like this:

  • restricting office access to authorized individuals
  • maintaining all records in our office which has a secure access
  • password controls and search controls
  • firewalls and anti-virus software
  • logging, auditing and monitoring of all access to electronic records of personal health information
  • privacy notice
  • encryption of all electronic communication and of all information transmitted electronically.

You can read NHS’s complete privacy policy here.

The breach at NHS raises serious concerns for Canadians with cannabis prescriptions who actively or wish to travel to the United States of America. In recent months the US border patrol has been vocal in letting Canadians understand they are travelling across borders to a country in which Cannabis remains federally illegal.

Regardless of status as a medical cannabis patient, or involvement in cannabis investments, border patrol can and will complicate tour travels if they become aware of Canadian cannabis involvement.

National Health Services is offering a hotline to customers affected by the data breach. Please call 1-888-297-0573.

by extract

Shatterizer’s Favorite Events in 2018 – A Year In Review

March 12, 2019 in Business

We’re predicting a year of #PerfectClouds for all of 2019! We’ve got so much to look forward to, especially as we look back at all the revolutionary events, gatherings, conferences, tradeshows and parties that occurred in 2018.

It was a year of incredible events, literally! In show sequence from January 2018 to present time, click the bold title to read the Shatterizer story. In fact You, our beloved friends and clients may be in some of the pictures:

Sincerely, we feel really lucky to make so many awesome friends in the cannabis community…

Love,

TeamShatterizer

by extract

420 Science 420 Scope Review

March 11, 2019 in Growing, Products

What’s In the 420 Scope Box?

  • 60-75x magnification scope
  • Bright, ultra-white LED light
  • Batteries included
  • Instructions

The 60-75x 420 Scope by 420 Science

Perks:

  • Super tiny and convenient to carry around
  • Weighs next to nothing
  • Included light makes it easier to see through the scope
  • Zoom & focus help to steady the magnified image
  • Does it’s job well

Limitations:

  • Can’t take pictures with this scope
  • Hand held,  after trying to focus for a while arms can get tired
  • Limited to 75x magnification

This is the Perfect Scope for:

  • The 420 Science 60-75x 420 Scope is the perfect magnification device for any grow room.  Many use cases of this scope talk about the buds, and viewing harvested cannabis.  In my opinion the 420 Scope is even better for entry level grow rooms.  Harvest time is touchy, and this scope is ideal for monitoring your pistils journey into the curly light amber stage which is the perfect time to harvest.

The 420 Scope Breakdown

The 60 – 75x 420 scope is a lightweight, handheld microscope designed to help you get a little closer to your plants.   This is the ultimate tool for those trying their green thumb since the legalization of cannabis in Canada.

Come harvesting, it’s crucial to understand pistils and timing.  Harvest to early, we have premature plants in which the buds and cannabinoids haven’t fully matured.  The 60 – 75x hand held, portable vaporizer will help you do just that; get a closer look at the pistils shape and color in order to dial in the timing of your harvest.

How To Use the 420 Scope

The 420 Scope is easy to use.

Simply remove the battery protection and flip on the LED light.

Put your eye up to the hole and rest the scope on the actual flower or bud.  This is the confusing part, and why so many have trouble with the focus on this device.  Make sure the plastic guide on the bottom of the scope is actually resting on the plant matter you are looking at.

Now, adjust the dials beginning with zoom and ending with focus.  The far left on the zoom will be 60x and the far right will be 75x, and of course everything in between.  Once you have the desired zoom, use the focus dial to adjust the clarity of your view.

Overall, the 420 Scope (60-75x) Is A Cost effective Portable Microscope for Anyone!

Overall, the 420 Scope is ideal for anyone growing cannabis in my opinion.  Priced at around $20, you can’t rally get much cheaper for a lightweight scope that does it’s job perfectly.

The unit is small in size, weighs nearly nothing and fits in your pocket easily.  I’ve had a 420 Scope since early 2015 and the batteries are still working fine.

Win one of three 420 Scopes from Extract & 420 Science!

Contest open through March 17, 2019!

  1. Like us on Facebook and IG
  2. Tag a friend (in the pinned Facebook post) who would enjoy a 420 Scope, and why they deserve it
  3. Share the pinned post
  4. We will choose three winners Monday 18, 2019 (next Monday) at 6:00 PM

But there’s more! Win a pair of 420 Science sunglasses. Here’s how one of you can win:

  1. Share this url on your profile – https://websiteseo.website/420-scope-review/
  2. Tag @Extractmag
  3. That’s it. We will pick one of the profiles that shares this post, Monday 18, 2019 and announce the winner at 6:00 PM

by extract

HONEYstick BeeBox Portable Vaporizer Review

March 6, 2019 in Dabs, Products

What’s In the BeeBox Box?

  • HONEYstick BeeBox hardware
  • 1x 380mah battery
  • 1x magnetic 510 threaded adapter
  • 1x single quartz coil
  • 1x mini USB charger
  • 1x user manual

HONEYstick BeeBox Dimensions

  • Height: 2.23″ (56.8mm)
  • Width: 1.1″ (28mm)
  • Depth: 0.53″ (13.5mm)
  • Weight: 35.2g

HONEYstick BeeBox Portable Oil Pen Vaporizer Review

Perks:

  • It’s tiny size and light weight makes it one of the most convenient portable vapes on the market
  • 510 thread pattern works with most preloaded cartridge brands
  • Autodraw means no wasted battery and no on off controls
  • 380mah battery works well in combination with a single coil and auto draw system for preserving battery life.  We made it through 3/4 of a gram cartridge with 1 full charge
  • Oil window built into the case design so you can see how much oil is left in the cartridge without removing it

Limitations:

  • Cartridge fitting inside the case means only regular one gram cartridges will work, nothing bigger
  • Limited to one temperature which isn’t really a big deal as these little guys are focusing on being compact
  • Battery is built in, so there’s not to many available mods, but once again that’s not really an issue
  • I really don’t have anything bad to say about this vape.  It’s tiny and does it’s job perfectly.  There’s no clunk additions, it’s slim and sleek and tiny enough for any pocket. It’s so tiny in fact, I’ve left it everywhere I brought it so far

The Best Oil Vaporizer For:

  • This is the best oil vaporizer pen for people who are going to be out of the house all day without a bag, vehicle or anything to keep you device in.  The HONEYstick BeeBox is smaller than a packet of ketchup and fits in your pockets easily, even with skinny jeans.
  • At work
  • The ski hill or skate park
  • Out at the club, music festival, or any event really

The BeeBox Vaporizer Is Small, Very Small

I want to start this review off by saying that after testing out this compact vaporizer, the HONEYstick BeeBox is currently my favorite portable oil vape pen on the market.  I’m a stickler for portability, design and a compact unit.  This is a market that offers a lot of mods and vape pens that aren’t that convenient to carry, and the BeeBox brings a serious competitor as it’s the smallest oil vaporizer I have ever used personally.

For comparison, the whole unit is smaller than packet of McDonalds ketchup, and it’s slim case adds little weight or bulk.  HONEYstick migrates to designs that put the battery in line with the cartridge, so knobs or parts are sticking out.  I have to say, for the portable vapes, I love this design, it’s far easier more comfortable to carry then the traditional “pen” designs.

Building the cartridge into the case means it’s also protected from the elements. I am sure a few of us out there have dropped our units only to see broken tank.  This is going to be rare with the BeeBox as it’s cartridge fits snug inside the outside case, so there isn’t an abundance area exposed to the elements.

Autodraw Saves The 380mah Battery For Hoots

HONEYstick absolutely nailed it with the battery and case size on the BeeBox.  When we got started testing this unit I didn’t think 380mah battery would keep us busy for very long.   Thankfully, the BeeBox uses an auto-draw battery, saving power when it’s not used, leaving plenty of power for a full day out with this vape.

The Extract Research Team is a group of 6 heavy cannabis smokers.  We gathered and over a 45 minute period, we enjoyed 55 full vape pulls before slightly losing battery strength.  I’m talking full lung hoots, no halfies here.  That’s nearly 10 each, even with 2 of our team members tapping out halfway through.

We unboxed all the contents, gave the battery a full charge, and loaded a “club canna” distillate cartridge on to the magnetic 510 thread adapter.

Magnetic 510 Thread

Without getting to technical, the 510 thread adapter is badass, because it not only allows you to fill the out of the box tank, it provides a tiny gold screw on piece that changes any preloaded cartridge with a 510 thread into a magnetic attachment for the BeeBox.

HONEYstick likes this thread type and we agree, most of the mail order marijuana companies catering to Southern Alberta come with preloaded cartridges that are using the 510 thread.  The BeeBox comes with an empty cartridge, so you don’t have to buy cartridges, just fill up your own and you’re set.

As mentioned above, simply screw the little gold cap on to the empty cartridge provided, or on to another brands preloaded cartridges and you’re ready to go.

Overall, The HONEYstick Beebox Is A Great Portable Vape

Overall, the HONEYstick BeeBox is my favorite portable vaporizer on the market, thus far.   I love the compactness, and my biggest worry was the battery. Fortunately, the autodraw battery ensures no wasted power when combined with a single coil.

The draws work well, and we polished about three quarters of a one gram cartridge off one fully charged battery, impressive.

The magnetic 510 thread system means you only screw the cartridge in once, then it slips in by itself.  A slim and convenient case design allows you to take a look at your oil levels at any time without taking the cartridge out.

I am super pumped on this vape.

Win a HONEYstick BeeBox Vaporizer

We’re giving away the HONEYstick BeeBox vaporizer that was used for this review.  The winner will be announced on Sunday March 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM. 18+ Alberta residence only!

Here’s how you can win:

  1. Like Extract Magazine on Facebook.
  2. Share this review on Facebook: tag your favorite local bong shop that carries HONEYstick products, or that you want to see HONEYstick vapes in, and tag @extractmag in the post (make sure you are a public profile or we can’t see you).
  3. Comment DONE on the pinned HONEYstick post on Extract Mag Facebook here.
  4. That’s all.  Max 1 entry, winner will be drawn at random.  We will announce the winner on Sunday March 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM.

by extract

Recall: Canopy Growth LBS Sunset Cannabis Flower Recall

March 5, 2019 in Business, Growing, Today In Weed

Canopy Growth LBS Sunset Cannabis Flower Recall

Canopy Growth’s LBS Sunset cannabis is on recall by the AGLC due to incorrect labeling.  This recall applies to cannabis users who purchased lot numbers:

  • SUN8213TSB
  • CNB006003620

Both products were packaged on January 10, 2019.  Consumers are permitted to return the cannabis flower to the recreational dispensary in which it was originally purchased.

 

  Label Containing Error Correct Values
CBD Total <0.07% 0.08%
THC <0.07% 0.40%
CBD 0.40% <0.07%


Why is there a product recall?

Two product lot numbers, SUN9213TSB and CNB006003620, both containing LBS Sunset Indica Whole Flower Cannabis (3.5g) are on recall as they have been issued with incorrect labeling.



Retailers carrying these products, here’s what you need to do:

The AGLC will issue a return shipping authorization for retailers who are stocking lots SUN9213TSB and CNB006003620. It is requested that you remove the products from the shelf and mark them clearly as merchandise that is not for sale.  Contact the AGLC for instructions.



Consumers who have bought these products, here’s what you need to do:

If you have purchased products from lots SUN9213TSB and CNB006003620 the AGLC recommends you return the purchased product in it’s original packaging to the retailer of purchase.   If purchased from Alberta Cannabis online, please call the Alberta Cannabis Call Centre: 1-855-436-5677.

Here’s the original AGLC release.

by extract

City of Edmonton Votes YES To Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries In Malls

February 26, 2019 in Business, Today In Weed

The City of Edmonton voted to adjust the current municipal zoning laws early Monday February 26, 2019.

Under regulations drafted by the Government of Alberta, recreational cannabis facilities must abide by specific guidelines ensuring cannabis establishments are a set distance from specific organizations, recreational facilities, educational institutions and more.

Below you can listen to the Feb. 22, 2018 Town Hall presentation for cannabis retailers in Alberta. This recording goes through everything from personal disclosure within the application process through cafes, retailer locations, fees, employees, mobile businesses and a variety of topics.

The Big Issue With Zoning

These regulations also applied to commercial properties that are home to multiple businesses and cover large areas.

Case in point, cannabis retailers, specifically “Aurora Cannabis” seeking to open the doors within West Edmonton Mall have run into road blocks as malls are viewed as one location.

The mall’s proximity to a hospital restricted businesses from capitalizing on it’s location, even with the physical store location nearly 5 times the distance imposed by regulations. The move has pushed for the zoning distances to apply to each shop, not the property itself.

Concerns have also been raised as the mall is a family outing which children frequent.

The Change to Alberta’s Zoning Restrictions

The amendment to the zone restrictions would ensure each shop is looked upon on an individual basis, opposed to a commercial mall property as one unit. Malls take up large areas, so it makes sense to break the commercial propriety down and look at the area as individual shops.

Within each location, the cannabis retailer must be zoned specifically out of the general play areas of children, and uphold the existing retailer standards set by the Government of Alberta.

Each city has provided it’s own guide to business owners looking to open up a recreational dispensary:

by extract

Badass 8 Room ACMPR West Coast Cannabis Facility

February 25, 2019 in Growing

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weekend the Extract team was enjoying a trip BC when we met a group of ACMPR cultivators with a private operation producing 12 strains in 8 micro cultivation environments.

Our visit was unexpected and short but here’s a few pictures of their scrogging setups, Gavita light configurations, a few colas, a handful of different rooms in both vegetative and flowing stages.[/vc_column_text][penci_image_gallery images=”26001,26002,26003,26004,26005,26006,26007,26008,26009″ auto_time=”4000″ speed=”800″ block_title_align=”style-title-left”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

by extract

Meet PotLeaf News, A Weekly Canadian Cannabis Print Publication

February 19, 2019 in Business, Spotlights

A few months back we came across a print publication that is written, printed and distributed across Canada, helping educate Canadians about cannabis with easily accessible information.

The PotLeaf News is a weekly periodical that you will find in restaurants, retailers, offices and events aimed at helping Canadians learn a little bit about cannabis in a print flyer to read while you’re out and about, as well as take home and enjoy.

Extract sat down with PLN to learn a little more about the motivation behind the brand.

Tell us a little about the creative new venture PotLeaf News.

PotLeaf News™ is a free weekly cannabis educational publication, each weeks edition will offer a variety of content including educational and legal facts about cannabis, horoscopes, games, as well as editorial contributions from  notable cannabis advocates.

We are based in Victoria but are selling regional franchise territories nationwide and soon, internationally.

We saw the need for some actual cannabis education in this emerging market and PotLeaf News was born. People still say ‘print is dead’ but that is so far from the truth, we are offering people an interesting and exciting reason to put down their cell phone for 25 minutes and actually learn something.

Who makes up the PotLeaf News team?

  • James Whitehead is the visionary mind behind PotLeaf News, James Whitehead is a trailblazing entrepreneur gifted with a proven ability to identify emerging market opportunities and the business savvy to manifest them into successful businesses. 
  • Our Creative Director, Dean Coleman is responsible for a myriad assortment of duties at PotLeaf News such as design, operations, webmastering, office management, and more. 
  • Our Director of Sales, Russell Dee is PotLeaf News’ sales & franchise manager. 
  • Our Queen of Content is Krista Larsen. In addition to being responsible for PotLeaf News’ day-to-day bookkeeping, she is also in charge of aggregating and generation of our original content, including horoscopes and hand drawn illustrations. If content is king, then Krista is the queen. 
  • Lana Tong is responsible for the research and writing of most of our educational content. She is a Copywriter, Junior Marketer, and aspiring Endocannabinoid Psychopharmacologist based in Victoria, British Columbia.
  • Aaron Wilson heads up PotLeaf News’ Social Media presence and online marketing department and has also purchased the Downtown Victoria franchise.

Where is the PotLeaf News published?

PLN is currently Canada wide and we are selling regional franchises in cities and towns nationwide.

We have TradeMark applications in for the US and many other countries. We plan to use Canada as a springboard to launch our publication globally.

How has the reception been thus far in regards to advertisers and distributors?

We have been extremely well received, most people immediately see the need for some cannabis education and the fact there are no strings attached or costs incurred by the host business makes it very easy to obtain distribution sites.

Because of this, every retail business is a candidate to distribute PotLeaf News and so far 90% of the businesses in Calgary and Airdrie that we have asked, have eagerly agreed to become a host distribution site.

As soon as other business operators started to see our paper being displayed throughout the territory, we started getting calls for advertising, so that was a nice surprise.

Your brand has a unique method of connecting with local businesses for advertising, can you touch on how the business side of PotLeaf News offers opportunities to Calgarians to connect local businesses with your services?

Since legalization, cannabis has been THE topic of conversation from the locker room to the water cooler to the coffee shop gathering. We knew our publication would appeal to cannabis users which make up 90-91% of the population but how do we reach the other 9%? We decided to make it educational as well as fun and interesting for readers.

Having a publication that can truly appeal to everyone means advertisers can rest assured that their message is being seen by the masses.

What type of businesses can I pick up PotLeaf News in, solely head shops, or other types of stores as well?

So far, we are in over one hundred stores between Calgary and Airdrie and adding more each day.

We are finding that every type of retail business operator seems interested in carrying the paper – barber shops, salons, pizza places, coffee shops, tattoo parlours, CorFit gym in Bridgeland, Peloton Cycling, several restaurants and many many more great stores.

We also have franchisees starting to become active in Downtown Vancouver, WestSide Vancouver, Downtown Victoria and many more.

What are the restrictions on advertising cannabis companies in areas with children or youth under 18 and how has your team worked around these?

Our easy work around is we are not reliant or even targeting Cannabis Related business as advertisers but all ads are welcomed as long as they abide by Federal and regional guidelines.

If someone under 18 happens to pick it up not realizing it is meant for adults, they will become educated not corrupted.

In regards to regulation instilled by the federal and provincial governments, does your team feel restricted in the ability to conduct business, or do you think the advertising restrictions are fair?  How so?

No issues.

What kind of content can we expect in each issue of PotLeaf News, and how many issues are release each year?

You will find educational facts about the plant, its medicinal and healing properties, all the different cannabinoids will be explained as well as many other interesting and little known facts about this marvelous plant.

Where can we pickup PotLeaf News?

It is proudly being distributed at over 100 stores throughout Airdrie and Calgary. Weekly printing officially begins February 18th 2019!

As an advertiser what do I need to know?

Advertisers will sign a 13 week ad contract and host sites have no obligations or fees at all. You should contact: sales@potleafnews.com.

If I would like to help out the growth of PotLeaf News as an area rep, how do I get started?

We are always looking for great people, send a resume to: sales@potleafnews.com

I always like to ask what everyone’s thoughts are on the Cannabis Act we were introduced to late last year, what are your thoughts on the Federal, Provincial and Municipal cannabis regulations that come with legalization, what did they get right, and how could they improve?

Right: It’s not a criminal offence by itself to use Cannabis.

Wrong: All the red tape and the way it supports other interests in the cannabis space rather than it’s traditional supporters.

by extract

Seedo Corp and SYS Technologies Enter MOU to Cooperate in Development of Next-Generation Clean Growing Systems for Commercial Use

February 13, 2019 in Business

TEL AVIV, IsraelFeb. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Seedo Corp., “Seedo” (OTCQB: SEDO), a high-tech company providing the world’s first fully automated and controlled indoor growing machines for the cannabis and agriculture markets, has signed a memorandum of understanding for mutual research and development with SYS Technologies Ltd., a company specializing in the development and manufacture of innovative indoor and portable clean environment technologies, to deploy next-generation containerized clean growing solutions for commercial use. The systems will be applied to technology used in hospitals and research laboratories, resulting in high-quality yield of both medical cannabis and vegetables.

SYS Technologies will provide Seedo’s commercial indoor growing machines with positive air pressure clean environment technologies, resulting in pressurized growing containers that have more filtered air then the surrounding space outside the containers. The protected containers will be bacteria-free with zero environmental influence, allowing commercial operators to cost-effectively generate high yields of lab-grade, pesticide-free product. Even in the harshest environments or with limited space, cultivators can use Seedo’s intelligent systems and cloud-enabled app for secure remote monitoring and controlling to harvest the leading-edge of precision agriculture.

“We’re honored to be working in alignment with Seedo to design the future of commercial indoor growing technologies,” said Mr. Yossi Zur, CEO of SYS Technologies. “With quality standards and environmental stressors rising in cannabis and agricultural markets, our mission to provide the cleanest and highest yield of product for commercial growers is well on track in our partnership with Seedo.”

SYS Technologies offers a variety of innovative solutions and breakthrough technology in the field of indoor clean environment systems as well as portable solutions. Its clean air environment systems allow the creation of a defined space that is free of contaminants such as particles, bacteria, microbes, and more. These systems have broad applications, both in the medical field such as operating rooms and isolation facilities, and in the high-tech industry such as cleanrooms that have a variety of purposes.

“We are looking forward to the successful development and deployment of our future containerized clean growing solutions for commercial use,” said Zohar Levy, CEO of Seedo. “By adopting cutting edge technology that is already in use by governments, non-profits, hospitals and research institutes all over the world, we will meet the highest quality standards and comply with international health regulations.”

About Seedo  
Seedo is a market leading high-tech company providing the cannabis and agriculture industries with the world’s first fully automated and controlled indoor growing machine and Commercial Containers products. Seedo provides growers with the freedom to cut costs while generating high yields of lab-grade, pesticide-free herbs and vegetables. Seedo’s AI-powered, turnkey systems enable anyone from average consumers to large-scale producers the ability to grow without prior experience or ample space. Seedo is a publicly traded company backed by a group of international investors including Cannabics Pharmaceuticals and is headquartered in Israel. For more information, visit http://www.seedolab.com

Disclaimer: 
Certain statements contained in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements include, but are not limited to statements identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “projects” and similar expressions.  The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials and/or other studies, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, the effect of any competitive products, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and/or regulation, potential litigation by or against us, any governmental review of our products or practices, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our latest Form 10-K Report filed on January 15th, 2019.  We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.

Contacts: 
Seedo Corp.  
+972-546-642-228 
General Information: info@seedolab.com   
Media inquiries: seedo@antennagroup.com 
http://www.seedolab.com

by extract

Sundial Growers Inc. Increases Cannabis Production With Additional 140,000 sq ft Micro Cultivation Facility in Olds

February 8, 2019 in Business, Growing, Today In Weed

The discussion as of late, quality cannabis reaching medical patients from the licensed producers, and quality cannabis reaching recreational consumers from the dispensaries. Or lack of.

If you’re new to the legal cannabis discussion in Alberta, you’ve probably heard about a lack of cannabis reaching patients and dispensaries as regulatory agencies suggest that licensed producers have been the bottle neck in fulfilling inventory requests.

When the cannabis does arrive, the discussion turns from lack of product, to quality and price. Both of which could use a little TLC, and it looks as though Sundial Growers Inc. is making a positive effort to change the current landscape.

In a market that restricts the sale of cannabis derived products such as edibles and most extracts, the pressure has never been so great for the licensed producers to offer a product at black market prices with the same high quality of craft growers.

Friday February 9, 2019, Sundial Growers Inc. announced an amendment to their current licences, adding an additional 140,000 square feet of “small-batch” individual grow rooms to their flag ship facility in Olds.

The additional space will host 40 Solaria Modules, breaking the new square footage into individual environments, allowing Sundial to focus on plant specific ecosystems.

The facility growth will be a positive for the surrounding economy in Olds and surrounding areas as the licensed producer plans to employ more than 500 people by the end of 2019.

Sundial is better known for their unique approach to branding cannabis in a restrictive market, and their premium quality genetics available to the recreational and medical markets.

by extract

Licensed Laboratories for Testing Cannabis in Alberta

February 7, 2019 in Growing, Tech

Health Canada has approved a number of laboratories across the country to test and research cannabis both from the private and commercial sectors.

This provides insights into all aspects of the plants genetic makeup, cannabinoid levels, fertilizer and chemical levels, terpenes, flavonoids, overall toxicology, potency, moisture levels and more depending upon the laboratory.

How can I test my home grown cannabis

In a list of over 60 licensed cannabis testing labs across Canada, Alberta is home to 5 organizations that made the cut. The companies below are who you’re going to want to contact to get your home grown cannabis tested.

The cost of testing is dependent upon the company; each lab operates as a separate entity, so testing procedures and requirements for submission will significantly vary.

Make sure to consult the lab prior to sending in samples.

Labs approved to test cannabis in Alberta

Licensed LabLocationContact
Dr. Raimar Loebenberg
Katz Group – Rexall Centre for Pharmacy & Health Research
University of Alberta
AB1-780-492-1255
InnoTech Alberta Inc.AB1-780-632-8229
Keystone Labs Inc.AB1-587-458-8411
Labs-Mart Inc.AB1-780-469-9009
PBR Laboratories Inc.AB1-780-450-3957

Labs approved to test cannabis across Canada

Licensed LabLocationContact
A&L Canada Laboratories Inc.ON1-519-457-2575 ext. 223
Abide Inc.ON1-416-822-7873
AGAT Laboratories Ltd.QC1-514-337-1032
Anandia Laboratories Inc.BC1-778-945-8590
ARA-Avanti Rx Analytics Inc.ON1-416-548-5998
AXXONLAB Inc.QC1-888-675-5226 ext. 226
Cannevert Therapeutics Ltd. – University of British ColumbiaBC1-604-827-5520
Caro Analytical Services Ltd.BC1-604-279-1499
Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics – University of OttawaON1-613-562-5800 ext. 6601
Ccrest Laboratories (A Division of Europharm International Canada Inc.)QC1-514-324-1073 ext. 238
Chemi Pharmaceutical Inc.ON1-905-670-7600 ext. 102
Dosecann LD Inc.PEI1-902-330-4334
Dr. Raimar LoebenbergAB1-780-492-1255
Katz Group – Rexall Centre for Pharmacy & Health Research
University of Alberta
Eurofins Experchem Laboratories, Inc.ON1-416-665-2134
Green Sky Laboratories Corp.BC1-778-430-5177
InnoTech Alberta Inc.AB1-780-632-8229
KABS Laboratories Inc.QC1-450-656-4404
Keystone Labs Inc.AB1-587-458-8411
Laboratoire PhytoChemia Inc.QC1-581-306-1230
Labs-Mart Inc.AB1-780-469-9009
Labstat International ULCON1-519-748-5409
Loyalist College of Applied Arts and TechnologyON613-969-1913 x 2297
Lupos (Canada) Biotechnology Inc.ON1-647-686-3986
M.B. Laboratories Ltd.BC1-250-656-1334
Medipure Pharmaceuticals Inc.BC1-604-202-3601
Molecular Science Labs Corp.ON1-416-296-8860
MS Pharma Inc.QC1-450-681-1132
NDI ADRL Inc.ON1-905-625-7995 ext. 119
Neopharm Labs Inc.QC1-450-435-8864
Northern Vine Canada Inc.BC1-604-371-3371
PBR Laboratories Inc.AB1-780-450-3957
Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc.NS1-902-890-4052
Pharma Medica Research Inc.ON1-905-624-9115
Pharmascience Inc.QC1-800-340-9735
ProgenyBio Agricultural Services Inc.BC1-250-487-8229
RPC (Research and Productivity Council)NB1-506-452-1270
SafeMed Canada Corp.MB1-204-258-1500
Saskatchewan Research Council,SK1-306-933-6932
Analytical Laboratory
SGS Canada Inc.BC1-604-638-2349 ext. 13900
SGS Canada Inc.ON1-905-305-0998
SGS Canada Inc.ON1-905-364-3757
Supra THC Services Inc.BC1-888-470-2469
Synfine Research LimitedON1-905-737-2702 ext. 261
The Vimy Ridge Group Ltd.ON1-416-438-6727
Toronto Research Chemicals Inc.ON1-416-665-9696
Transpharm Canada Inc.ON1-416-296-8860
Tweed Inc.ON1-855-558-9333 ext. 107
University Health NetworkON1-416-581-7601
Valens Agritech Ltd.BC1-778-755-0052
Whistler Medical Marijuana CorporationBC1-604-962-3440
Zenalytics LaboratoriesBC1-236-420-4022
0904649 BC Ltd. (Salvation Botanicals)BC1-250-591-4372

Here’s a complete list of laboratories across Canada permitted to work with cannabis.

by extract

February 2019 Cannabis Horoscopes

February 5, 2019 in Today In Weed, Weed

Capricorn

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Do you remember that person that you claimed to be ‘Just Friends’ with? Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate that relationship. It’s time that you put yourself first, don’t fear rejection. Shatter your expectations, bring some of the stuff to your first date too!

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Justin Timberlake!

Aquarius

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

The beginning of the month you will be encouraged to take some risks, you have nothing to lose! Try everything twice could be your motto, as you are usually inclined to giving second chances.. and taking second hoots.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Bill Maher!

Pisces

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

This is the month for you if you’ve been contemplating a career change. You’re passionate and it shows through, let your drive take hold. Follow your intuition and set some goals; your career is in your hands. If your passion is Marijuana, we know a few openings that could be right up your alley. Good thing you live in Canada!

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Drew Barrymore!

Aries

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You may notice that your patience is thinning this month, try to set aside a bit of time for yourself. Maybe try meditation? If that doesn’t work, roll a J and try to relax. As the month continues you will find that your emotional health is at its prime, your physical health will shortly follow suit.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Seth Rogen!

Taurus

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You are who you surround yourself with. Take a closer look at your stoner crew, are they pushing you to your full potential? Sometimes you need to expand your circle to ensure that you are continually learning, be sure that you are never the smartest person in the group. This is a good time to try a new hobby or test out a new strain.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Megan Fox!

Gemini

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

Make some buds with buds this month, giving back will be rewarding. Education is big in the marijuana industry, take this opportunity to teach those around you about the benefits of Mary Jane. There is a wealth of misinformation and you can play a hand in developing the industry image. You may have dropped out of college, but this is your time to shine – ganja subject matter expert!

You share a birthday with former stoner Johnny Depp!

Cancer

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Don’t forget to make friends with your local budtender. These individuals have valuable information about what you’re consuming. Let them know what you need, they can send you down the rabbit hole responsibly. Don’t forget to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, good thing they sell 3-pound candy bags at Walmart now.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Patrick Stewart!

Leo

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Travel is taking precedence for you this month! Remember to be knowledgeable about the Canadian laws. Especially when it comes to bringing your cannabis across boarders, wouldn’t want to upset our southern neighbors. Although there are a few of them that could benefit from a little relaxation.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Charlize Theron!

Virgo

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

This is a fun month for you Virgo, throwing parties and get-togethers are making you the life of the party. You are in high demand, everyone wants a piece of what you got. They also wouldn’t mind a slice of that wicked space cake, your specialty.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Dave Chappelle!

Libra

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Hangovers are getting real for you this month, Libra. You may feel like you’re mentally drained and just can’t keep up. Add a little pep to your step with the art of micro dosing. Play around and see what dose works best for you. You should be able to stay energized and keep your mind sharp, unless your mind isn’t too sharp; in that case you’re outta luck.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner lil Wayne!

Scorpio

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Spice up your living situation with some vegetation that is not of the smoking variety. Balance your chi with some succulents, they will assist in making your own personal sanctuary. After all, some of the best friends a person can have is a good ole’ plant, or maybe four.

You share a birthday with fellow semi- stoner Drake!


Sagittarius

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Making money moves this month, bank some of that extra cash and buy yourself something special. You may find that you’re inclined to penny pinch, try not to forget that you only live once – splurge on something neat. You always wanted that tattoo around your bellybutton, right? This is your sign, its time.

You share a birthday with fellow stoner Brad Pitt!

by extract

Recall: Aurora Cannabis Enterprise Inc THC and CBD Cap Recall

February 4, 2019 in Business, Today In Weed

Aurora THC and CBD cap recall

Aurora Cannabis Enterprise Inc has recalled multiple products last week as they were issued with the incorrect labelling.

Aurora’s THC and CBD caps have been recalled as of Feb. 1, 2019.

Product Lot CNB
Aurora THC-Sativa Caps (case packs) 1102019000071 CNB-00400548
Aurora CBD Caps (bottle cartons) 1102019000072 CNB-00400440

 

Why is there a product recall?

Early February 1, 2019, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc. and Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis issued a voluntary product recall on THC-Sativa caps (case packs) and CBD caps (bottle cartons) as the secondary packaging doesn’t represent the product inside.  

 

Retailers carrying these products, here’s what you need to do:

The AGLC will issue a return shipping authorization for retailers who are stocking lots 1102019000071 and 1102019000072. It is requested that you remove the products from the shelf and mark them clearly as merchandise that is not for sale.  Contact the AGLC for instructions.

 

Consumers who have bought these products, here’s what you need to do:

If you have purchased products from lots 1102019000071 or 1102019000072 the AGLC recommends you “check the bottle against the original box to ensure the product is what they intended to purchase“.

Customers  are permitted to return the purchased product in it’s original packaging to the retailer of purchase.   If purchased from Alberta Cannabis online, please call the Alberta Cannabis Call Centre: 1-855-436-5677.

Here’s the original AGLC release.

by extract

Jendayi Frazer, Former Head of U.S. Bureau of African Affairs, Named Board Member at Seedo

January 30, 2019 in Business

TEL AVIV, IsraelJan. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Jendayi Frazer, the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and one of the nation’s leading voices for international policy, has joined the board of directors at Seedo Corp., “Seedo” (OTCQB: SEDO), a high-tech company providing the world’s first fully automated and controlled indoor growing machine for pesticide-free agriculture markets. Dr. Frazer is the President and CEO of 50 Ventures, LLC and Managing Partner of Africa Exchange Holdings Company. She was previously the Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Center for International Policy and Innovation with a particular focus on utilizing technology and applying innovative solutions to core issues of development and governance in Africa.

Dr. Frazer was sworn in as the first woman U.S. Ambassador to South Africa in 2004. During Dr. Frazer’s government service, U.S. assistance to Africa quadrupled reaching an historic high of $6.7 billion by 2008. She was presented the Distinguished Service Award in 2009 from Secretary Condoleezza Rice. She was instrumental in establishing the Bush Administration’s signature initiatives, including the $15 billion President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Millennium Challenge Account that committed $3.2 billion to well-governed African countries by 2008. At her current position at 50 Ventures, Dr. Frazer employs her extensive network of key relationships throughout the African continent to provide innovative ideas on governance, stability and security, enterprise, and risk management in the region.

“Seedo’s technology offers a fresh opportunity for Africa, where agricultural regions are suffering from the negative effects of rising temperatures and urban population growth,” said Dr. Jendayi Frazer. “I’m honored to be a part of Seedo’s mission to bring communities a convenient, low-cost way to grow pesticide-free herbs and vegetables regardless of local climate conditions and arable land constraints. The technology will support the continent’s agricultural productivity, food safety and food security.”

Seedo’s airtight system minimizes cultivation costs by delivering maximum daylight illumination, built-in carbon filters, automated air conditioning, and a smart post-harvest drying system to users. As the world’s first fully automated and controlled indoor growing machine, food producers can cost-effectively generate high yields of lab-grade, pesticide-free product. Even in the harshest environments or with limited space, cultivators can use Seedo’s intelligent technology to harvest the next generation of precision agriculture.

“Drawing on her extensive understanding of issues facing Sub-Saharan Africa, Jendayi is uniquely qualified to help support our leadership team,” said Seedo CEO Zohar Levy. “We’re thrilled to welcome her as a board member and partner towards providing consistent and uniform agricultural products with improved shelf-life for communities in need of healthy and reliable food supplies.”

Jendayi’s appointment comes during a period of significant growth. The company recently delivered its first pre-sale home-grow units to customers in California in addition to qualifying for the OTCQB® Venture Market to streamline the stock procurement process for investors. Seedo also launched a cloud-enabled mobile and desktop application, enabling remote monitoring and control of the growing process and technical support for customers.

About Seedo 
Seedo is a market leading high-tech company providing the cannabis and agriculture industries with the world’s first fully automated and controlled indoor growing machine. Seedo provides growers with the freedom to cut costs while generating high yields of lab-grade, pesticide-free herbs and vegetables. Seedo’s AI-powered, turnkey systems enable anyone from average consumers to large-scale producers the ability to grow without prior experience or ample space. Seedo is a publicly traded company backed by a group of international investors including Cannabics Pharmaceuticals and is headquartered in Israel. For more information, visit http://www.seedolab.com.

Disclaimer: 
Certain statements contained in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements include, but are not limited to statements identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “projects” and similar expressions.  The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials and/or other studies, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, the effect of any competitive products, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and/or regulation, potential litigation by or against us, any governmental review of our products or practices, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our latest Form 10-K Report filed on January 15th, 2019.  We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.

Contacts: 
Seedo Corp.  
+972-546-642-228 
General Information: info@seedolab.com

Media inquiries: seedo@antennagroup.com
http://www.seedolab.com

SOURCE Seedo Corp.

Related Links

http://www.seedolab.com

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Growing Cannabis In Canada – Tips With Remo Nutrients, Sundial Cannabis and Eco Lighting Solutions at Golden Acres

January 29, 2019 in Growing

The legalization of cannabis has sprouted community information sessions, and they’ve been awesome.

A few months back, Golden Acres off McKnight Boulevard in Calgary hosted a seminar for us cannabis enthusiasts.

Extract magazine attended, and we received valuable growing tips from experienced industry leaders providing the community with their insights.

The event was 18 and over and completely free running from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm, with 3 speakers followed with a question period.

The crowd was excited, many prizes were won, and complimentary snacks and beverages made this a wonderful experience.

The seminar proved to provide extensive knowledge for cannabis growers, kicking off with a few big names:

  • Chris Jagielko – an expert grower under ACMPR licensing, has perfected his techniques for growing healthy plants and is currently the team lead at Sundial Cannabis Inc.
  • Tracy Grills – a lighting distributor (Eco Lighting Solutions) based here in Calgary, bringing us the best lighting technology from across the world. Tracy transitioned into the Cannabis industry upon legalization as the new industry paved way for new clients.
  • Finally, Cannabis Legend and founder of Remo Nutrients, Remo Colasantis privileged us with his experience in nutrients, giving us what’s important to help your plants thrive.

Chris Jagielko

Importance of pH when growing cannabis

Starting out with the importance of pH Chris stressed to add nutrients first than pH your water, keeping in mind that nutrient absorption is directly related to pH levels.

Some effective ways to alter pH is by using lemon juice or phosphoric acid but be warned phosphoric acid can be dangerous.

Chris informed us the pH of tap water will be different across the city from North to South, and it’s a factor that you need to keep a close eye one.  pH is controlled through feeding your plant and is easier to maintain in a hydro setup than soil.

Mixing the proper nutrient ratios can determine and even influence change your plant between female and male.  If you do end up with a hermaphroditic plant, you will notice that it will affect the terpene profile of your end product.

Lighting and growing cannabis

Next there’s lighting, it offers your plants photons, and these photons can come in a wide spectrum of waves. Our ACMPR growing specialist went on to say, “red and blue light is for photosynthesis, while other spectrums carry benefits for different stages of growth”,

A key component of a lights output, and a direct measurement is par lumens, which we were told is “photosynthetic radiation”.

To give us an example Chris mentioned that an incandescent bulb has 38 par lumens with only partial absorption.  Another spectrum of light is UV, good with helping the plant produce more trichomes.

The 3 types of trichomes

  • Capitate
  • Sessile
  • Bulbus.

The Capitate are the THC producing trichomes. The capitate trichome colour is used to judge the harvest time, at 10% amber is usually the prime time, going longer will eventually produce greater amounts of CBN, the cannabinoid known for it’s sedative properties.

Types of cannabis in the cannabis family

  • Cannabis Ruderalis – these are typically shorter, with a maximum growth of 3’ these will take 5 ½ weeks to begin flowering
  • Cannabis Indica – These can come in at 16’ will take 7-8 weeks to begin flowering
  • Cannabis Sativa – The tallest of the cannabis family with some reaching as high as 20’ Sativa can take as long as 16 weeks to begin flowering

Tracy Grills and Optimal Lighting for Growing Cannabis

This lightening specialist serving Calgary and area guided through the great lighting emporium, commenting that “Vegetation is vegetation and there’s tweaks for different types”.

Introducing lumens to the crowd, Tracy gave us a breakdown on lighting giving us a range of production based on watts used.

For lighting you usually want 40-50 watt’s/ sq. ft of tent, but with supplemental light you will require less of course due to natural lighting. With each Watt of power, the plant can yield 1-2.2 grams usually.

Lighting Terms for Growing Cannabis

  • LED – LED lights tend to release up to 160 lumens. Sand blaster LED lights are a great addition to enhance the quality of crop. LED lights can work well through all phases of growth.
  • Fluorescent lighting – is good for starter stages, specifically the cloning phase.
  • HPS – create a yellowish light used for flowering efficiently, this light will offer greatest photosynthesis production, most suitable for flowering phase. HPS lights release decent amounts of heat.
  • Metal Halides – which are usually identified with having a bluish look, and dim as time passes.

Light is a necessity for the plants to conduct photosynthesis and draw nutrients from the soil.

Each time your lights change every other aspect of growing needs to be reconfigured, that includes temperature, humidity, and nutrients.

A good example of this, is as HPS lights run they produce more heat and this change needs to be accounted for your tent to stay at optimal temperatures.

The useable number of photons for a growing plant are 200 -400 micro moles, this will begin growing and 800 micro moles for high vegetation.

There is a limit and hitting Micro Moles of 1500 can put your plants at risk of getting burned, however positioning the plant 3’ from the light will adjust for the higher output.

So, what’s the most important thing when purchasing lights. Tracy told us it comes down to the electronic chip inside. Top quality is primary “Pay for quality once or pay quality over and over” and a proper lighting setup along with electrical is extremely important, insurance companies have become strict and usually will “deny your insurance when they can”.

Remo Colasantis

Remo finished off the show, this man is an nutrient expert based out of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, focusing on helping customers keep their crops healthy.

Remo has a unique vision, keeping a healthy sustainable grow while keeping recycling a priority.  He has been in the nutrient business for many years and we got the opportunity to learn more about our pants and a breakdown on nutrition and soil.

Humidity levels were the topic of discussion.  Seedlings require higher levels of humidity (6) while moving into vegetative stage this should be lowered in small increments  Approaching flowering, we can lower the humidity to in and around 4.5 – 5.

Remo touched on new products hitting the cannabis grow tech market.

“A new era brings new methods of feeding your plants, the autopod system uses a float valve which allows the plant to decide its nutrient intake”.

This is a great setup because we’re not switching the atmosphere in any context, reducing the chance of stressing our plant and allowing it to adsorb what it naturally requires.

In addition to new technologies such as the autopod system, Remo stressed that a good control of amino acids is key as this also helps with mineral uptake.  

Blackstrap Molasses As a Super Nutrient

Blackstrap molasses is a fantastic way to enhance control of your cannabis plants amino acid levels during flowing phases, although it might require attention when cleaning a hydroponic system.

Adding blackstrap molasses to your cannabis grow will not only help control amino acids, but also enhance the terpene profile adding a nice taste and aroma to the end product.

by extract

10 New Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries Coming To Alberta

January 25, 2019 in Today In Weed

Early Friday, January 25, 2019, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) announced they will be opening the market to 10 new recreational dispensary applicants.

This comes 2 months after the November 21 announcement that the AGLC suspended issuing cannabis licences to recreational dispensaries to combat the lack of recreational cannabis supply available from liscenced producers.

The AGLC has been working hard to improve their processes’ and infrastructure after a rocky start to the new year with cannabis shortages across Alberta, although experienced across most of Canada.


“After seeing a modest improvement in supply over the last few weeks, we are confident the inventory can accommodate an additional 10 retail locations. AGLC continues to work with our licensed producers and current retailers towards solutions that will support a sustainable marketplace.”

Alain Maisonneuve, President & CEO, AGLC


The AGLC notes that the first ten applicants post November suspension will be first in line for this round.

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Yocan Torch eNail Review

January 25, 2019 in Dabs, Products

Attachment Dimensions

  • Fits 14mm bong
  • Fits 18mm bong

What’s in the Yocan Torch box

  • 1x Yocan Torch Portable Enail
  • 1x Quartz Dual Coil
  • 1x Dab Tool
  • 1x USB Charger
  • 1x Glass Chamber

Yocan Torch eNail Review

I want to start off by saying that using the Yocan Torch bong attachment was an awesome experience, and I will probably always have one on hand after writing this review.  This is a clean attachment for nearly any bong that turns your combustion bong into a vape bong, with one simple attachment.

The Yocan Torch is basically a vape cartridge, connected to a battery with an air release valve that works kind of like a carb cap.  For those that require the real thing, Yocan has included a glass chamber that helps you achieve just that.

Buy a Yocan Torch online here.

Setting the unit up is pretty straight forward.  Similar to Yocan’s pen vape lines, charge the battery, remove the cap, pack your concentrate into the chamber and it’s time to shine.

The Yocan Torch eNail fit’s easily into any 14mm and 18mm bong stems.   A thick silicone cover on the male attachment piece ensures an air tight fit that won’t chip your glass when it’s inserted.

Once you’ve packed your concentrates on top of the coil, simply click the button on top of the battery start hooting.  The pull lasts 15 seconds, but pressing the button again allows you to control the length of your hoot.  This is a convenient feature and it was rare I needed the full 15 seconds.

The included quartz dual coil vaporizes at a temperature of 482° F – 563°F, and the batter will last for roughly 45 pulls as mentioned on the Yocan Canada website.

A “spring-loaded” airflow button works as a carb cap and helps clear the chamber.  It works like a shotgun on most pipes and is a nice added touch making this feel like a classic dab rig you would  hit at home.  The added glass chamber acts works a little more effectively and completes the carb cap contraption on the Yocan Torch.

The Yocan Torch is the Best Vaporizer For

You really can’t get too much easier than the Yocan Torch eNail.  It’s the perfect vaporizer for anyone new to the extract game.  Unfortunately you don’t have any movement when it comes when it comes to temperature.  This is important for those burning different types of extracts.  For those with shatter, looking for a nice, consistent, low temp hoot, eNail is ideal.

Since the Yocan Torch eNail is battery powered, it’s perfect for those who bring a little rig on holidays,  to the ski hill, or to a friends party.  We use ours around the house, but the portability is a big benefit to this unit.  The convenience and ease of refill makes the Yocan Torch a perfect gift for anyone new to concentrates or looking for a simple bong attachment to vape with.

If you are looking for our favorite dab rig of 2024 check out our Yocan Phaser review here.

by extract

Yocan Loaded Vaporizer Review

January 23, 2019 in Products

Dimensions

  • Length: 5.077″(129mm)
  • Width: 0.86″(22mm)

What’s in the box

  • 1x Yocan Loaded
  • 1x quad quartz coil
  • 1x dual quartz coil
  • 1x micro USB charger
  • 1x user manual
  • 1x Yocan dab tool

Yocan Loaded Review

The Yocan Loaded is an upgrade from the past pen vaporizers offered by Yocan.  What I love about this company is the continual progress.  It seems like every vaporizer release comes ready with all the updates you were wishing they would add to the last model.  Yocan frequently updates their product line, so there’s always plenty of affordable options to choose from.

The Yocan Loaded follows the Evolve Plus, Evolve Plus XL and Magneto with a new unit built for convenient loading, and big hoots.

Starting off, this pen has an extendable mouth piece.  This is a huge benefit for those carrying their vapes in a pocket or purse.  These things tend to get nasty on the mouth piece, but the Yocan Loaded prevents a little bit of gunk with a quick twist, exposing the extendable mouth piece.

For those of you that are tired of trying to load your vaporizer on the go, the Loaded solves a lot of your issues.  No longer do you have to juggle 4 or 5 parts.  Simply pop open the side door and the coil is exposed, eliminating the chamber cap that gets lost so easily.

Buy a Yocan Loaded Vaporizer online here.

As with previous Yocan Vaporizers, the bottom has a screw off container for your extract storage.  This has always been a nice feature of these pens as sometimes concentrate packaging isn’t the most convenient to carry. My experience with the Yocan Loaded was a good one, this is an amazing vaporizer pen, especially for the price point in this vape review.

I would put it along Yocan’s premium models as the casing is a little more heavy duty than the lower models and it comes with a nice gloss finish.

As per Yocan style, there’s a wide variety of colors available to match any personality.  The box is fitted with a spare dual quartz coil in case that’s your preference.

This is a portable vape unit that I would recommend to anyone who’s tired of vape pens that are hard to refill on the fly.  The Yocan Loaded is one of the easiest products on the market to refill, even with one hand.  No more juggling and losing parts in the snow.

So who’s the Yocan loaded for?  This is the perfect portable vaporizer for around the house or to bring and pass with others at the club or an event.

 

Yocan Loaded Review (Updates)

After using the Yocan Loaded vaporizer pen for a few months, we’re back to give you an update.

The weight of the Yocan Loaded really emphasizes the strength of it’s case.  The exterior and battery are very durable, but we’ve found other areas of the pen to need improvement.

The retractable mouthpiece could use upgrades.  Weeks of use led to the retractable mouthpiece gumming up a little.  Unfortunately, with the mouthpiece thread system, when you try to retract and extend the mouthpiece sometimes the unit begins unscrewing and it’s a little bit of a hassle.

The cartridge widow gets sticky. With regular use, the window becomes harder to open, as the vaporizer residue ends up sticking.  This isn’t a huge issue, but noticeable.

The rubber rings are offset. Rubber bands connect the cartridge to the unit and mouth piece. These have become offset after a while, although it doesn’t seem to damper the quality of your hoot.

by extract

HONEYstick Squeezebox Phantom Vaporizer Review

January 22, 2019 in Dabs, Products

Honeystick Squeezebox Phantom Dimensions

  • Length: 2.67″ (68mm)
  • Width: 1.5″ (38.1mm)
  • Depth: 0.64″ (16.2mm)

What’s in the Honeystick Squeezebox Phantom box

  • Vaporizer hardware
  • 1x dual quartz coil
  • 1x empty preloaded cartridge (510 thread)
  • 1x USB charger
  • 1x user manual

Honeystick Squeezebox Phantom 2 in 1 Vaporizer Review

We picked up our Squeezebox Phantom from The Next Level, Forest Lawn location.  We recommend visiting them in store or online for super competitive pricing on these units.

What I really like about the Honeystick Squeezebox Phantom vape is a few of the smaller details.

Firstly, their cartridge parts are all magnetic.  As simple as that sounds, it’s a huge benefit when you’re not in the comfort of your home.  Parts get lost easily and this system prevents that.

Second, Honeystick added a side window, so you can easily gauge how much oil or concentrate is left in your cartridge.

The Honeystick Squeezebox Phantom’s body has a small insertion hole limiting reach to the battery.  This prevents you from attaching most bigger tanks to the unit.  This is an ideal entry level vaporizer, perfect for anyone looking for a unit that is lightweight and conveniently portable.

Buy a Honeystick Squeezebox Vaporizer online

It’s tiny size stands up on flat surfaces and is virtually hidden in your pocket if that’s how you like to pack it. What’s better, the cartridge tanks seal better than most competitors, so when you flip the vaporizer unit upside down it doesn’t spill and still hoots for the most part.

Honeystick hits the mark with using the 510 thread system.

This is the same pattern you’re going to find on Yocan batteries and other popular vaporizer units. The major up side – most Mail Order and cannabis extraction companies use the same 510 thread system for their preloaded extract cartridges.

The compatibility of 1000 MAH ultra high capacity battery allows you to use cartridges and vaporizer addons from lots of other companies on the market.

 

Overall, the size of the unit is a great choice, they stripped it of excess weight, so it’s not a hassle when you’re out and about.  The variable volt settings, decent sized battery, and interchangeable bolt pattern makes the Squeezebox one of the best competitors on the market for oil and concentrate vaporizers.

We tried the Squeezebox Phantom with two concentrates, shatter and distillate and it’s a clear winner for the distillate.  This is the perfect vaporizer for those who like to swap between extracts, and those tired of lugging around a huge vape pen.

Buy a Honeystick Squeezestick online, or visit The Next Level Forest Lawn

 

by extract

Edibles Are Legal In Canada, And Have Been For A While

January 15, 2019 in Munchies, Opinion, Today In Weed

Contrary to popular media outlets, cannabis edibles are now legal in Canada, as of October 17, 2018.

A popular the GrowthOp Article published earlier this year suggests cannabis infused edibles in Canada are illegal, and that’s a little off. We wanted to share a little bit of Canadian regulation that might have gone overlooked in recent months.

Cannabis edibles are legal in Canada.

You read that correct, cannabis edibles are in-fact legal in Canada. That is, cannabis infused cooking, containing THC, and or CBD.

In Canada, cannabis edibles are legal to make (absent of organic solvents) and consume. Although the Canadian Government has been a little behind in releasing regulations, Health Canada has asked for your input on the edibles frame work.

You can add your input here through February 20, 2019.

Until the new regulations are released, we are left with the outlines published on the Government of Canada’s website. Cannabis users in Canada are permitted to:

“Make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products”


Source:https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/

Edibles As An Alternative To Smoking In Rental Properties

The City of Calgary website outlines Calgary’s local cannabis policy’s and on site consumption alternatives for cannabis users within rental properties.


Source: http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Bylaws-by-topic/public-consumption-of-cannabis.aspx

According to the City of Calgary’s website:

“Although edibles such as brownies and cookies cannot be legally sold until federal and provincial regulations allow it, edible cannabis products can be made at home. If you live in a rental unit or condo that prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis, you might consider discussing with your landlord or condo board whether rules would allow for edibles to be made in your building”