The Greenrose Holding Company Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

The Greenrose Holding Company Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

 
  • Continued Focus on Ramping Cultivation Capacity in Connecticut and Arizona
  •  
  • Progressing Into Second Half of 2022 with Strengthened Leadership Team
  •  
  • Provides Update on Full Year 2022 Guidance
  •  

The Greenrose Holding Company Inc. (OTC: GNRS, GNRSW) ("Greenrose" or the "Company"), a multi-state grower and producer of cannabis brands and products, is reporting financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 .

 

  Second Quarter 2022 Financial Summary (Non-GAAP)  

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
      For the three months ended          For the six months ended     
      June 30,          June 30,     
      Successor          Predecessor          Successor          Predecessor     
  (in thousands)       2022          2021          2022          2021     
  Net Income (Loss)    $ (10,336 )   $ 3,268    $ (24,904 )   $ 6,060  
Provision for income taxes    753     299     1,234     550  
Interest expense, net    6,910     44     13,529     77  
Depreciation & amortization    4,671     206     9,197     408  
  EBITDA     1,998     3,817     (944 )    7,095  
Transaction related fees (a)    588     294     588     294  
Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (b)    (694 )    -     (1,164 )    -  
Fair Value Step-up of Inventory (c)    2,211     -     4,345     -  
Infrequent events (d)    (1,046 )    87     (235 )    87  
Management fees (e)    -     400     -     400  
Stock compensation expense (f)    -     -     662     -  
  Adjusted EBITDA    $ 3,057    $ 4,598    $ 3,252    $ 7,876  
 

 

 
            
(a) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, transaction fees relate to the consulting legal and accounting fees related to the acquisitions of Theraplant and True Harvest and their corresponding contractual filing requirements of an S-1 to register shares. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, transaction fees relate to consulting, legal, and accounting fees in preparation for the Theraplant Business Combination.
(b) Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments represent the (gain)/loss related to private warrants and other derivative instruments. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company recognized a gain of $694 thousand and $1,164 on its financial instruments which resulted primarily from fluctuations in the Company's stock price.
(c) Represents the impact to the cost of goods sold due to the fair value step up of inventory from purchase accounting.
(d) For the three months ended June 30, 2022, infrequent events relates to $1,046 thousand gain on contingent consideration. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, infrequent events relates to the $1,046 thousand gain on contingent consideration, offset by the $811 thousand loss on note settlement. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the $87 thousand is consisted of $29 thousand related to costs related to a fire in a grow room causing repair expenses that had not yet been recovered by insurance, as well as $58 thousand related to lobbyist fees related to Connecticut cannabis regulation proposals.
(e) Represents management fees associated with management consulting services that were not required to be paid after the closing of the Theraplant Business Combination.
(f) Represents share based compensation incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as part of the Company's equity incentive plan.
 

 

 
                                                                         
   Successor      Predecessor  
  (in thousands)    June 30, 2022      June 30, 2021  
Revenues $ 9,191     $ 6,570  
Cost of Goods Sold*
  6,297      2,127  
Gross Profit*   2,894      4,443  
Gross Margin*   31.5 %     67.6 %
Adjusted EBITDA   3,057      4,598  
Net Income $ (10,336 )    $ 3,268  
Basic Earnings per Share   (0.63 )     **  
 

* Cost of Goods Sold includes $2,211 of additional expense due to the fair value step up of inventory from purchase accounting, which negatively impacts gross profit by $2,211 and gross margin by 24%.
**Predecessor earnings per shares attributable to Angel Founder Units, Series A units, and Series R units were $15.77 per share, respectively; however, presentation of predecessor results not deemed comparable to results of successor given changes in capitalization and holding company results of operation.

 

  Management Commentary  

 

"During the second quarter, we continued to strengthen our operational foundation in both Connecticut and Arizona," said Mickey Harley, CEO of Greenrose. "Our revenues increased 40% year-over-year due to incremental contributions from True Harvest, where we substantially reduced our inventory backlog and generated sequential month-over-month sales improvements. At Theraplant, we continued to navigate demand headwinds within the state's current medical market, but worked to further activate our increased cultivation capacity and build inventory ahead of Connecticut's expected commencement of recreational cannabis sales. While we continued to incur higher costs associated with ramping our expanded cultivation capacity at both True Harvest and Theraplant, we believe this work improves our positioning for improving our operations in Arizona and preparing for Connecticut's forthcoming recreational market, respectively. As we progress into the second half of 2022, we remain focused on leveraging our existing production efficiencies to deepen and expand our presence in our existing state markets.

 

"In Connecticut, we are focused on ramping our harvests to build additional inventory as we prepare to supply the expected recreational market, and we are closely monitoring regulatory progress on this front. After populating all grow rooms at our expanded Theraplant cultivation operations in the first quarter of this year, we successfully completed our first harvest out of our two newest Theraplant grow rooms in June. Subsequent to the second quarter, Greenrose, together with partners, applied for four retail licenses and two hybrid retail licenses as part of the state's equity joint venture (EJV) program, but the four Greenrose-related retail licenses were among the 14 retail applications that were recently denied by Connecticut's Social Equity Council. We are working to address deficiencies in the applications.

 

"In Arizona, we continue activating our expanded cultivation capacity. While True Harvest's second quarter revenue continues to reflect the impacts of production interruptions stemming from construction on our additional grow rooms, these impacts have gradually eased relative to the first quarter of this year. We have opened our seventh and eighth grow rooms at True Harvest and have overcome some of the post-harvest bottlenecks we experienced in the first quarter. As we bring more of our capacity online, we look forward to further improving our operational efficiencies and implementing them on an even greater scale."

 

Paul "Otto" Wimer, Chief Business Officer of Greenrose, added: "Subsequent to the second quarter, we announced two new key leadership additions. We appointed Benjamin Rose to our board of directors, effective August 1, 2022, and named Bernard Wang as our new chief financial officer, effective August 8, 2022. Mr. Rose and Mr. Wang bring over 25 years of experience in finance and investments, and public accounting and management, respectively, including strong public company and cannabis industry experience. We believe their deep expertise will help us advance our strategic progress as an early-stage multi-state operator. With our strengthened leadership team and our growing production operations, we aim to continue enhancing our positions in Connecticut and Arizona to capitalize on market expansion opportunities as they arise."

 

  Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results  

 

For the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, the Company's revenue, net of discounts increased 40% to $9.2 million compared to $6.6 million in the prior year quarter. The increase primarily reflects incremental revenue contributions from True Harvest compared to the prior year period, which only included contributions from Theraplant. Theraplant's second quarter revenues decreased year-over year as a result of sustained demand headwinds in Connecticut's medical market, as well as increased competition and impacts from the state's illicit market. True Harvest's second quarter revenue performance continues to reflect the impacts of production disruptions resulting from the facility's recent expansion.

 

Cost of goods sold, net for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 was $6.3 million compared to $2.1 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was due to purchase accounting considerations in the fair value step up of inventory, which amounted to a $1.2 million cost increase for Theraplant. Cost of goods sold during the second quarter also reflects a $2.9 million cost contribution from True Harvest, including True Harvest's fair value step up of inventory. The Company also continued to incur start-up costs related to initial planting and production processes at Theraplant's new production facility, as well as ramping its expanded capacity at both Theraplant and True Harvest.

 

Gross profit for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, was $2.9 million compared to $4.4 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the aforementioned purchase accounting considerations in the fair value step up of inventory, partially offset by $1.3 million in incremental gross profit contribution from True Harvest.

 

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 were $3.3 million compared to $0.6 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily driven by incremental cost contributions from True Harvest relative to the prior year period—which only included expenses from Theraplant—as well as additional public company expenses.

 

Net income (loss) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 was $(10.3) million compared to $3.3 million in the prior year quarter. This was primarily attributable to the aforementioned revenue impacts of the production interruptions at True Harvest and ongoing demand headwinds in the Connecticut market, as well as increased interest expense of $6.9 million, purchase accounting fair value inventory step-up of $2.2 million, and intangible amortization expense of $4.0 million.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 was $3.1 million compared to $4.6 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily driven by the aforementioned lower level of gross profit generated during the quarter, higher corporate general and administrative expenses, and costs related to ramping the Company's production capacity at Theraplant and True Harvest.

 

Cash and cash equivalents combined with restricted cash was $2.7 million at June 30, 2022 compared to $9.1 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease was driven by acquisition-related expenses and debt obligations.

 

  2022 Financial Outlook Update  
Due to regulatory delays surrounding the expected timing of Connecticut's recreational cannabis market, Greenrose is suspending its previously stated full year 2022 guidance. The Company expects to re-evaluate and provide further updates on its 2022 outlook as regulatory visibility improves.

 

  Conference Call  

 

Greenrose will conduct a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.

 

Greenrose management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer session.

 

Conference Call Date: August 22, 2022
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Registration Link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI9da0da5236ce42a5832d1a111ccf77c5  

 

Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Group at (949) 574-3860.

 

The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay here .

 

  About The Greenrose Holding Company Inc.  
The Greenrose Holding Company Inc. is a multi-state cultivator and producer of cannabis brands and products. Greenrose is driven by cultivation. It is understood that being a leader in the cannabis industry starts with outstanding flower derived from sophisticated genetics and scalable grow methods. Greenrose aims to be a vertically integrated company that looks for scale and horizontal consolidation. For more information, please visit greenroseholdings.com .

 

  Non-GAAP Financial Measures  

 

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measures that represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciations, and amortization, or EBITDA, and further adjustments to EBITDA to exclude certain non-cash items and other non-recurring items that management believes are not indicative of ongoing operations. We disclose EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because these non-GAAP measures are key measures used by our management to evaluate our business, measure its operating performance, and make strategic decisions. We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may be useful for investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operations results in the same manner as its management. However, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for net income, income before income taxes, or any other operating performance measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Using these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze our business would have material limitations because the calculations are based on the subjective determination of management regarding the nature and classification of events and circumstances that investors may find significant. In addition, although other companies in our industry may report measures titled EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA or similar measures, such non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from how we calculate non-GAAP financial measures, which reduces their overall usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, you should consider EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including net income and our other financial results presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

  Forward-Looking Statements  
Certain statements made in this release are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "estimates," "projected," "expects," "anticipates," "forecasts," "plans," "intends," "believes," "seeks," "may," "will," "should," "future," "propose" and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Greenrose's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include:

 
  • liquidity of Greenrose's stock;
  •  
  • Greenrose's ability to manage growth; Greenrose's ability to identify and integrate other future acquisitions;
  •  
  • servicing Greenrose debt will require a significant amount of cash;
  •  
  • lacking sufficient capital or the inability to raise additional capital, whether equity or debt;
  •  
  • rising costs adversely affecting Greenrose's profitability;
  •  
  • competition in the legal cannabis industry;
  •  
  • adverse changes to the legal environment for the cannabis industry; and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for Greenrose's products and services;
  •  
  • failure to realize the anticipated benefits of recently completed and future acquisitions, including delays in consummating any future acquisitions or difficulty in, or costs associated with, integrating the businesses of Greenrose, Theraplant and True Harvest;
  •  
  • prevailing prices for cannabis products in the markets in which Greenrose operates;
  •  
  • new regulations or pending changes (and the timing of any such changes) in the current regulations in the states of Connecticut and Arizona where the businesses of Theraplant and True Harvest operate, respectively;
  •  
  • the effects of competition on Greenrose's business;
  •  
  • costs related to potential acquisitions; and
  •  
  • those factors discussed in Greenrose's Form 10-K filed April 15, 2022 under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents of Greenrose filed, or to be filed, with the SEC.
  •  

If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Greenrose does not presently know or that Greenrose currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

 

In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Greenrose's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date hereof. Greenrose anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while Greenrose may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Greenrose specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Greenrose's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. Accordingly, readers should not unduly rely on any projections or other forward-looking statements or data contained herein.

 

  Investor Relations Contact:  
Gateway Group, Inc.
Cody Slach or Jackie Keshner
(949) 574-3860
  GNRS@gatewayir.com  

 

  Greenrose Contact:  
Daniel Harley
Executive Vice President, Investor Relations
(516) 307-0383
ir@greenroseholdings.com  

 

  
 

 

  
 

 

  The Greenrose Holding Company Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021  
  (in thousands, except share amounts)   

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
    June 30,      December 31,   
    2022      2021   
   (Unaudited)     
  Assets        
Current assets:       
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 981    $ 7,240  
Restricted Cash    1,743     1,817  
Marketable Security    633     1,694  
Accounts Receivable, net    2,604     1,197  
Inventories    11,121     12,513  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    1,289     3,031  
Total current assets    18,371     27,492  
Intangible assets, net    105,784     113,684  
Property and equipment, net    25,215     25,209  
Goodwill    65,791     71,658  
Other assets    1,199     1,050  
Total assets   $ 216,360    $ 239,093  
  Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 11,633    $ 18,916  
Current Tax Payable    1,210     38  
Current Portion of Note Payable    110,083     106,015  
Convertible Promissory Note - Related Parties    -     2,000  
Promissory Notes - Related Parties    -     641  
Due to Related Parties    870     846  
Due to Prior Members    599     1,130  
Other Current Liabilities    168     1,340  
Total current liabilities    124,563     130,926  
Contingent Consideration    14,215     20,880  
Note Payable, Net of Current Portion    9,723     -  
Private Warrants Liabilities    556     436  
Warrant Liabilities    16,958     16,601  
Derivative Liability    -     1,167  
Total liabilities    166,015     170,010  
Commitments and contingencies         
         
  Stockholders' Equity          
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 17,649,561 and 16,061,190 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021, respectively.    2     2  
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding    -     -  
Additional paid-in capital    77,025     70,859  
Accumulated deficit    (26,682 )    (1,778 )
Total Stockholders' Equity    50,345     69,083  
  Total liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    $ 216,360    $ 239,093  
 

  
 

 

  
 

 

  The Greenrose Holding Company Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)  
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021  
  (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)   

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
      For the Three Months Ended          For the Six Months Ended     
      Successor          Predecessor          Successor          Predecessor     
      June 30,          June 30,          June 30,          June 30,     
      2022          2021          2022          2021     
  Revenue    $ 9,191    $ 6,570    $ 17,380    $ 13,720  
  Cost of Goods Sold     6,297     2,127     12,650     4,825  
  Gross Profit     2,894     4,443     4,730     8,895  
  Expenses from Operations                  
Selling and Marketing    27     183     53     187  
General, and Administrative    3,296     634     8,272     1,995  
Depreciation and Amortization    3,984     15     7,945     26  
  Total Expenses from Operations     7,307     832     16,270     2,208  
  Income From Operation     (4,413 )    3,611     (11,540 )    6,687  
  Other income (expense):                  
Other income (expense), net    1,046     -     235     -  
Interest Expense, net    (6,910 )    (44 )    (13,529 )    (77 )
Change in Fair Value in Financial Instruments    694     -     1,164     -  
Total other income (expense), net    (5,170 )    (44 )    (12,130 )    (77 )
                 
  Income Before Provision for Income Taxes     (9,583 )    3,567     (23,670 )    6,610  
                   
  Provision for Income Taxes     (753 )    (299 )    (1,234 )    (550 )
  Net Income    $ (10,336 )   $ 3,268    $ (24,904 )   $ 6,060  
                 
  Successor earnings per share                  
  Earnings per common share                  
Basic and diluted   $ (0.63 )       $ (1.54 )     
                 
  Weighted average shares outstanding                  
Basic and diluted    16,523,208         16,210,535      
                 
  Predecessor earnings per share                  
Net Income per share – basic and diluted – attributable to:                 
Angel Founder Units       $ 15.77        $ 29.31  
Series A Units       $ 15.77        $ 29.31  
Series R Units       $ 15.77        $ 29.31  
                 
Weighted average shares – basic and diluted – attributable to:                 
Angel Founder Units        110,000         110,000  
Series A Units        42,761         42,761  
Series R Units        54,000         54,000  
 

 

 

 

 

  The Greenrose Holding Company Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity/Members' Equity (Unaudited)  
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021  

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
      Successor     
  (in thousands except share amounts)       Common  
Stock  
        Amount          Additional  
Paid In  
Capital  
        Accumulated  
(Deficit)  
        Total  
Stockholder's  
Equity  
   
  Balance at December 31, 2021     16,061,190    $ 2    $ 70,859    $ (1,778 )   $ 69,083  
Issuance of stock options    -     -     225     -     225  
Settlement of Investor Shares released from lockup    -     -     1,390     -     1,390  
Issuance of shares in settlement of promissory note    685,289     -     2,864     -     2,864  
Issuance of shares to board members    73,700     -     387     -     387  
Issuance of shares to Investor    753,165     -     1,000     -     1,000  
Issuance of shares to vender    11,905     -     50     -     50  
Net Loss    -     -     -     (14,568 )    (14,568 )
  Balance at March 31, 2022     17,585,249    $ 2    $ 76,775    $ (16,346 )   $ 60,431  
Share repayment of Imperial Note    64,312     -     250     -     250  
Net Loss    -     -     -     (10,336 )    (10,336 )
  Balance at June 30, 2022     17,649,561    $ 2    $ 77,025    $ (26,682 )   $ 50,345  
 

 

 
                                           
      Predecessor     
  (in thousands)       Total  
Members'  
Equity  
   
  Balance, December 31, 2020    $ 12,245  
Distributions to Members    -  
Net Income    2,792  
  Balance at March 31, 2021       $    15,037     
Distributions to Members    (4,000 )
Net Income    3,268  
  Balance at June 30, 2021       $    14,305     
 

  
 

 

  
 

 

  The Greenrose Holding Company Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)  
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021  
  (in thousands)   

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
    Successor      Predecessor   
    June 30,      June 30,   
    2022      2021   
  Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income (loss)   $ (24,904 )   $ 6,060  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:         
Depreciation and amortization    9,197     408  
Change in fair value in financial instruments    1,454     -  
Gain on contingent consideration    (1,045 )    -  
Share based compensation    662     -  
Amortization of debt discount & issuance fees    2,935     -  
Interest Expense - PIK    4,541     -  
         
Change in operating assets and liabilities:         
Accounts receivable    (1,407 )    (40 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets    1,593     (108 )
Inventories    1,392     (46 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities    3,222     607  
Deferred tax liabilities    1,172     1  
  Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities     (1,188 )    6,882  
         
  Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchases of property and equipment    (1,287 )    (3,276 )
Net cash used in investing activities    (1,287 )    (3,276 )
         
  Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from notes payable    -     1,780  
Principal repayments of notes payable    (3,858 )    (34 )
Distributions to members    -     (3,856 )
  Net Cash Used in Financing Activities     (3,858 )    (2,110 )
         
  Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (6,333 )    1,496  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period    9,057     2,263  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period    2,724     3,759  
         
  Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash          
Cash and cash equivalents    981     3,759  
Restricted cash    1,743     -  
  Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period    $ 2,724    $ 3,759  
         
  Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information          
Cash paid for interest (net of interest capitalized) $   2,870      
Cash paid for income taxes $   62      
         
  Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities          
Investor shares released from lockup $   1,390      
Investor share settled liabilities $   1,250      
Settlement of Sponsor Notes $   2,641      
Reclass of accrued liability to note payable $   10,423      
Goodwill measurement period adjustment $   5,867      
Capital expenditures payable $   16      
 

 

 

  Primary Logo 

 

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

GNRS
The Conversation (0)
Sona Nanotech's THT Cancer Therapy Preclinical Efficacy Studies Published In Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal

Sona Nanotech's THT Cancer Therapy Preclinical Efficacy Studies Published In Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal

Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company", "Sona") is pleased to announce that the now complete findings from our previously announced pre-clinical breast cancer and melanoma efficacy studies have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Frontiers in Immunology. This research article includes new follow-up data which provides a comprehensive analysis of the immunity activated by Sona's Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy ("THT"). The published manuscript titled, "Targeted Intra-tumoral Hyperthermia with Uniquely Biocompatible Gold Nanorods Induces a Strong Immunogenic Cell Death in Two Immunogenically 'Cold' Tumors" is available online in electronic form (here) and will be in print in its upcoming issue of Frontiers in Immunology - Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy. Frontiers in Immunology is a leading journal in its field, publishing rigorously peer-reviewed research across basic, translational and clinical immunology.

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Sona Nanotech's THT Cancer Studies Demonstrates Strong Efficacy in Third Preclinical Study and Plans for First-in-human Early Feasibility Study

Sona Nanotech's THT Cancer Studies Demonstrates Strong Efficacy in Third Preclinical Study and Plans for First-in-human Early Feasibility Study

Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company", "Sona") announces results from its most recent preclinical study of its Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy ("THT") which uses the Company's patented, biocompatible gold nanorods ("GNRs") to treat certain solid cancer tumors, shrinking them and acting as an immune stimulator. Building on its success in melanoma and breast cancer studies, the Company's third preclinical efficacy study was conducted in an immunologically 'cold' colorectal cancer model ("CT26"), a model that represents the majority of human colon cancers, which do not typically respond to current standard of care immunotherapies.

In this preliminary study, whereas no mice that were given standard immunotherapy alone showed any response, 100% of mice in the THT treatment group responded to the same immunotherapy with 50% (4 out of 8) of those tumors eliminated within 12 days of treatment, as shown by the green line in Figure 1, below.

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Sona Nanotech to Showcase Its THT Cancer Therapy at NCL 20th Anniversary Symposium and Provides Corporate Update

Sona Nanotech to Showcase Its THT Cancer Therapy at NCL 20th Anniversary Symposium and Provides Corporate Update

Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company", "Sona") is pleased to announce that its Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Len Pagliaro, has been invited to showcase Sona's developing Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy ("THT") cancer treatment today at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory ("NCL"). Sona will be one of six commercial and academic collaborators to present its research at the NCL's 20th anniversary "Advancing Medical Applications of Cancer Nanotechnology" symposium. Sona's subsidiary was previously selected for the NCL Assay Cascade Program, the premier program in the World for bringing nanomaterials through critical preclinical stages and facilitating regulatory review, in which Sona's materials were assessed for biocompatibility. The NCL was established by the National Cancer Institute ("NCI") to accelerate the progress of nanomedicine by providing preclinical characterization and safety testing of nanoparticles. The NCL is a collaborative effort between NCI, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Sona Provides Corporate Update on Operating Activities

Sona Provides Corporate Update on Operating Activities

Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company" or "Sona"), a nanotechnology life sciences company with proprietary manufacturing technology for biocompatible gold nanorods ("GNRs"), is pleased to provide an update on the status of its current operating activities, notably the development of its Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy ("THT") therapy and its rapid bovine tuberculosis prototype test.

Sona CEO, David Regan, commented, "Earlier this year, Sona developed a plan to secure the FDA Investigational Device Exemption necessary to permit human trials for our THT therapy, which is the strategic priority for the Company. Thanks to our purpose-built, strengthened team, Sona has made significant advancements towards this goal and has reduced the number of 'unknowns' in our development program by working with leading, experienced advisors and partners. With these accomplishments, including the completion of a prototype of our next generation THT light device by Minnetronix Medical and the securing of a THT efficacy study in murine breast, melanoma and colorectal models, we now look forward to reporting back in the coming months on study results, preclinical and manufacturing partner selections, and regulatory updates. All of these deliverables will advance our mission to develop a treatment therapy for colorectal cancer sufferers with less collateral damage than happens under the current standard of care."

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Closeup of lush green cannabis leaves.

Thailand Reverses Course on Cannabis, Moves to Recriminalize Amid Political Fallout

Thailand’s groundbreaking experiment with cannabis decriminalization is rapidly unraveling, with the government formally moving to reclassify the plant as a narcotic and ban recreational sales.

The decision has sent shockwaves through an industry once projected to be worth over US$1 billion.

The country’s Ministry of Public Health issued an order this week stating that cannabis only be sold with a medical prescription, effectively ending a short-lived era of liberal recreational access.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaf over map of Australia.

A State-by-State Guide to Cannabis in Australia

Australia federally legalised medicinal cannabis in 2016, and Australia's cannabis market has seen major growth since then.

Medical cannabis approvals were up by 120 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Statista forecasts that Australian cannabis revenue will reach AU$3.73 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.22 percent, culminating in market volume worth AU$4.53 billion by 2029.

However, Australia’s cannabis industry is still young. Despite there being a strong case for a regulated market, which was outlined in a July 2024 report by the Penington Institute, recreational use is not legal and medical access remains limited and regulated.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaf on road marked with "2025," with sunlight in the background.

New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.


The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

The burgeoning hemp industry is another segment of the expanding cannabis market.

The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Person touching a cannabis plant; Australia map in flag colours.

ASX Cannabis Stocks: 10 Biggest Companies

While Australia has yet to legalise all forms of cannabis, the country is a growing medical cannabis and hemp market, with many companies manufacturing, researching and exporting the plant-based product.

Medical cannabis was federally legalised in 2016, and the export of cannabis from Australia was legalised in 2018. As for recreational use, the only state to legalise recreational use and possession so far is the Australian Capital Territory, which did so in 2020, but it did not establish a regulated recreational cannabis market.

The country's medical cannabis market has been steadily expanding in size and scope. A Penington Institute report shows that Australians spent approximately AU$400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024, 72 percent higher than the AU$234 million they spent over the entirety of 2022.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaves, gavel.

Cannabis Round-Up: Rescheduling Faces New Roadblocks, SAFER Banking Act Gets Another Look

February 2025 was characterized by an evolving legislative landscape and important financial updates from major players.

These developments underscore the complex and dynamic nature of the sector as it continues to navigate legal, financial, and regulatory challenges while experiencing ongoing growth and evolution.

Discussions around cannabis rescheduling, changes in federal agency leadership, state-level legalization efforts, and financial reports from key companies all contributed to a month of notable activity in the cannabis space.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaves, US flag.

Cannabis Round-Up: Banking Reform and Rescheduling De-Prioritized as Trump Takes Office

As a new year began, the cannabis industry saw a range of impactful events in January.

Legal obstacles continued to impede progress on a once-promising attempt to reschedule cannabis in the US, and President Donald Trump's leadership choices for key agencies are diminishing hopes it can be accomplished.

Meanwhile, cannabis banking reform won't be discussed at Wednesday's (February 5) meeting of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, and Congress seems in no rush to address it.

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×