VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 16, 2015) - THC BioMed Intl Ltd. (CSE:THC)(FRANKFURT:TFHC)(OTC PINK:THCBF) ("THC enters LOI to purchase Health Canada Licensed Cannabis Testing Laboratory"). ("Applies for supplementary license to Produce and sell fresh marijuana and cannabis oil")

As the industry expands into the supply of derivatives, the demand for Analytical testing services and contract research will increase substantially. We forecast exponential growth in this sector, with greater potential, should legalization and regulation of the recreational Cannabis market come into effect.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has identified 250 pesticides that marijuana producers may use to combat pests, mold and other problems common in the industry.

The pesticides on Oregon's list pose minimal risk to human health, according to the federal government, which sets pesticide policy nationally. Most pesticides approved for use in organic agriculture, for instance, would be allowed. Pesticides must list broad agricultural uses on their labels to be included on the state's list.

The term ‘big marijuana’ is thrown around a lot these days. Kevin Sabet uses that term to try to scare voters. Longtime marijuana veterans often use the term to describe what they don’t want the growing marijuana industry to become because it will push out the little guy. People often offer up the tobacco industry and Wal-Mart, and other large industries and companies, as reasons why big marijuana should be avoided at all costs.

The co-founders of the Phytosciences Institute, Willy Cats-Baril, Dr. Kalev Freeman, Monique McHenry, Tom Grace and Robin Grace, from left, are hoping to make Vermont a leader in medical marijuana research.

In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Eleven years ago, Vermont followed suit. But doctors still know surprisingly little about the pharmacology of cannabis. And a Vermont-based think-tank is hoping to transform the industry by applying new scientific rigor to an old drug.

When you feel a headache coming on, or that sore back starts to act up, choosing a medical intervention is a pretty straightforward affair.

David Schacter is the inventor of CannabiScope, an interactive cannabinoid mapping system that revolutionizes the way consumers choose the perfect cannabis strain. He has lived in Tel Aviv, giving him a unique viewpoint on one of the world’s most progressive medical cannabis programs.

There are some major differences between the way medical marijuana systems works in California compared to Israel.

Dixie Brands, a US company that produces health and beauty products containing cannabinoid extracts, is on track to enter the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2016 as and when legislation permits.

Alongside food, drinks and tinctures, Dixie Brands also produces its own range of cosmetics products including Bath Soak, Muscle Relief Lotion and Relief Balm.

SAN DIEGO — Alicia Tucker’s hand rested on her oxygen tank as she listened to a representative from Altai – a company that produces marijuana edibles – talk up a gourmet display of pot-infused bon bons at PotLuck, a medical cannabis expo.

Five years ago, Tucker, a 43-year-old Temecula resident, would have scoffed at the idea of using medical marijuana. But that was before her genetic lung condition progressed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which makes her breathing difficult. 

Her treatment originally included steroids, steroids and more steroids, she said. At one point, she was on 19 medications. Then a friend suggested she explore marijuana as an option. 

By Russ Belville

Ever since the popularization of marijuana in America, there has always been a concern from cannabis consumers that Big Tobacco would swoop in and create the “Marlboro of Marijuana”, full of additives. For the opponents of legalization of marijuana, “Big Marijuana” is the corporate bogeyman that adulterates cannabis to make it more addictive and markets it to kids.

So far, however, “Big Marijuana” looks like three pot-smoking musicians cashing in on their celebrity, and one private equity firm cashing in on another pot-smoking musician.

With less than eight months before Washington medical-marijuana businesses must join the state-sanctioned market or shut down, retailers are jumping on the bandwagon, while manufacturers worry about being left behind.

The state Liquor and Cannabis Board said 962 applicants are seeking a retail license.

The question is how many licenses to hand out. That will depend on a soon-to-arrive report from consultants researching market demand for marijuana.

That leaves applicants like Tacoma Holistic Collective on Sixth Avenue waiting to learn if they will shut down or survive with tight requirements for security, packaging and tracing of their products. “I don’t mind jumping through some more hoops on the back end,” THC general manager Kevin Heiderich said. 

Though it won’t be selling medical marijuana until December, an Andersonville medical marijuana dispensary opened Monday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the public to come check out their operation, which likely will be the first in Chicago to dispense weed.

Zachary Zises, a co-owner of Dispensary 33, 5001 N. Clark St., expects to receive state licensing by Thursday and to begin selling medical marijuana to patients by the first week of December.

Kristie Zises, Zachary’s sister-in-law and CFO, said Dispensary 33 would be the first in Chicago to actually dispense marijuana.