{"id":2871,"date":"2016-12-27T06:42:42","date_gmt":"2016-12-27T06:42:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=19130"},"modified":"2016-12-27T06:42:42","modified_gmt":"2016-12-27T06:42:42","slug":"medical-marijuana-inc-2016-year-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2016\/12\/27\/medical-marijuana-inc-2016-year-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Marijuana, Inc. 2016 Year in Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Medical Marijuana, Inc. and our portfolio of investments and subsidiaries had an enormous year in 2016. We began exporting our products to a number of new countries, created a market-first completely THC-free hemp-derived product, and started clinical trials on disruptive new cannabinoid-based drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n It was a year of intense growth in our industry, and as a <\/span>Company of Firsts\u2122<\/span><\/a>, we proudly led the way through our innovation. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was the <\/span>first company to be traded publicly<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>first to deliver CBD hemp oil products nationally and internationally<\/span><\/a>, and the <\/span>first to establish a rigorous Triple Lab Tested\u00ae standard<\/span><\/a>. \u00a0As the year comes to a close, we would like to look back on the events of the past year and reflect on the successes we\u2019ve had. <\/span><\/p>\n Medical Marijuana, Inc.\u2019s retail and wholesale company, HempMeds\u00ae continued their expansion in the CBD oil space to retain their position as the industry leader in CBD supplements. <\/span><\/p>\n To help accomplish this, HempMeds\u00ae was able to launch a new website and user experience for their customers, offering an enhanced shopping experience, expanded educational information, and smoother user interface. This new website was designed to work in conjunction with the team of knowledgeable HempMeds\u00ae specialists to fulfill the company\u2019s goal of being <\/span>Your Trusted CBD Source\u2122<\/span><\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae also introduced its new RSHO-X\u2122<\/a>, the first zero-THC CBD hemp oil product available, to their store this year. Initially created to meet the strict guidelines for cannabinoid based products accepted in Mexico, RSHO\u2013X\u2122 was launched to all HempMeds\u00ae customers this year. Immediately, RSHO\u2013X\u2122 became popular with our customers looking to avoid even trace levels of THC in their CBD supplements. This created a new market of CBD oil customers, \u00a0including first responders, like police, firefighters, and EMTs. <\/span><\/p>\n As part of HempMeds\u00ae\u2019 push this year to further establish itself as a leader in the CBD hemp oil industry, the company exhibited at nearly a dozen trade shows this past year, with Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus speaking at several events as well to share his knowledge and expertise on a range of industry specific topics.<\/span><\/p>\n This past year, HempMeds\u00ae has increased its wholesale business by 50 percent, in large part because of the company\u2019s involvement at national and international events. These events include several cannabis industry conferences, like the Southwest Cannabis Conference and Business Expo<\/a>, the Southern California Cannabis Conference and Expo<\/a>, and the New West Summit<\/a>. The company was also on hand at Supplyside West<\/a>, a premier wholesale and business to business expo. Finally, the company attended two American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine World Congresses<\/a>, in Mexico City and Las Vegas. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae also continued to work hand-in-hand with CBD advocates like <\/span>Hope4Harper<\/span><\/a>, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of and fund research into difficult to treat neurological diseases, founded by the Howard family. The family\u2019s daughter, Harper, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood epilepsy at a very young age. <\/span><\/p>\n Sadly, Harper passed away earlier this year to complications not directly tied to her condition. Her parents acted quickly and donated samples of Harper\u2019s tissue, cells, and organs to medical research into neurological diseases like Harper\u2019s at the UCSD Muotri Lab<\/a>. There, Dr. Muotri is using Harper\u2019s donations to research possible treatments for diseases like Harper\u2019s. <\/span><\/p>\n For years now, HempMeds\u00ae has maintained a relationship with the Hope4Harper organization, sponsoring their events and donating to their causes, and the company proudly continues to support their mission to fight these tough to treat conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae has also doubled the size of its team to help the company move forward in its mission to bring access CBD hemp oil products to the world. This new team included additions in sales, accounting, and marketing to help us become the most trusted brand in the CBD space. <\/span><\/p>\n The company has also seen further expansion internationally. After entry into Brazil in 2014, HempMeds\u00ae continued their effort increase access to CBD by expanding availability of \u00a0of their products into Mexico<\/a>, Paraguay<\/a>, Colombia<\/a>, Chile, and Argentina<\/a>. This push to open new markets falls under our goal of <\/span>access for all<\/span><\/em> to cannabinoids like CBD. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18135,18134,17986,17840,11057″ size=”240×200″ column=”ig_col_5″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies has had an incredible year of growth, being named one of Fox Business\u2019s <\/span>Top 5 Biotech Stocks of 2016<\/span><\/a>, as a result of its stock increased 2000 percent over the previous year. The company received the necessary funding this year to begin a series of clinical trials on their cannabinoid-based drugs. The company intends to carry this momentum into 2017 with a range of clinical trials scheduled.<\/span><\/p>\n AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies is undertaking human dermatological clinical trials based on the company\u2019s proprietary, patent-pending topical ointment formulation AX-1602<\/a>, which includes the \u201cstem cell cannabinoid\u201d cannabigerol (CBG) and other cannabinoids. The topical application of CBG is being tested for efficacy for the skin conditions psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The results of the AX-1602 study will determine whether the company pursues further clinical trials and a new drug application or moves to make the product available over-the-counter.<\/span><\/p>\n MedChew\u00ae Rx, a cannabinoid-infused chewing gum aimed at treating the pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS)<\/a>, will soon undergo clinical trials in Europe. AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies will conduct their clinical trial on MedChew\u00ae Rx at the Free University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The anticipated duration of the clinical trials prior to FDA\/ EMA registration is approximately twelve months. AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies is looking to secure MedChew\u00ae Rx as a novel, patented delivery method for cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic pain and spasticity for patients with multiple sclerosis. The potential economic impact for MedChew\u00ae Rx is estimated at $4.8 billion USD for the symptoms of MS.<\/span><\/p>\n The company is also preparing to begin <\/span>clinical trials for IBS patients<\/span><\/a>. The company has gained the approval necessary to start next phase clinical trials for its CanChew\u00ae Plus cannabinoid-infused chewing gum. In December of 2016, they received approval from the Medical Ethical Committee (METC) of Wageningen University, located in The Netherlands, to begin a study on patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) featuring its CanChew\u00ae Plus CBD gum.<\/span><\/p>\n Most recently, AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies has filed an <\/span>intellectual property (IP) application<\/span><\/a> with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) covering its proprietary method to extract and refine high-purity THC from cannabis plant material.<\/span><\/p>\n The company\u2019s recently-filed IP application would provide protection to the invention of a method of extracting THCa from cannabis flower. Because the process allows the company to recover more THCa, a precursor of THC, \u00a0AXIM\u00ae\u2019s proprietary extraction method helps the company to achieve THC extracts with a greater purity than conventional extractions being used in the market today. Standardizing this stage in its process is critical to the company\u2019s development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals, and the IP application protects its innovation, placing AXIM\u00ae in a competitive position to dominate the market.<\/span><\/p>\n Medical Marijuana, Inc. owns 22,143,650 common shares or about 40% of AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies. AXIM\u00ae\u2019s soaring stock value has helped strategically place the Medical Marijuana, Inc. portfolio of investments to capitalize on the rise of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”18193″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Medical Marijuana, Inc.\u2019s premier lifestyle marketing company, Kannaway relaunched its brand<\/a> this year with a fresh new look, exciting new products, and a streamlined online experience. <\/span><\/p>\n The first step in this relaunch was the announcement its new executive team in March. Bradley J. Tayles<\/a> took on the role of Vice President, and Blake Schroeder<\/a> joined the company as CEO. Their combined experience in the natural supplement and peer-to-peer marketing spaces allows for new insight into the company\u2019s role in the CBD hemp oil industry. <\/span><\/p>\n Kannaway has also hosted a number of successful events in 2016. These \u201cRed Carpet\u201d events offer Kannaway attendees the opportunity to learn, network, and grow their businesses. Following two successful Red Carpet events in San Diego, Kannaway hosted events in Arizona and Colorado. All these events were a lead up to Kannaway\u2019s Genesis event<\/a> in November. <\/span><\/p>\n At the Genesis<\/em> event, Kannaway launched a new brand ambassador experience, including a crisp new website and revamped product packaging and branding materials. Kannaway also revealed new head-start training for new and existing brand ambassadors to help them kickstart their success from the very beginning. <\/span><\/p>\n This new training, combined with the company\u2019s announcement of the addition of a stock incentive program to its brand ambassador compensation plan, creates attractive opportunities for growth among Kannaway business owners. <\/span><\/p>\n The company also expanded into bilingual marketing and branding materials, as well as brand ambassador support, allowing the company to bring the benefits of its hemp oil supplements to a new segment of the market. <\/span><\/p>\n Finally, Kannaway introduced a pair of new product lines<\/a> this year. Kannaway Premium Hemp Oil brings pure hemp oil to the Kannaway brand for the first time. This single ingredient hemp oil is extracted from the hemp plant and packaged with no additives to retain the makeup of the hemp plant itself, providing concentrated levels of CBD in each serving. <\/span><\/p>\n The company also announced the addition of its new Kannaway Pure CBD products, previously Rev!ve Pro-X, to their online store. This innovative new THC-free product line has already become popular with Kannaway customers looking to avoid even trace levels of THC in their CBD hemp oil supplements. The rest of the Rev!ve line received new formulation as well this year, to bring it into line with Kannaway\u2019s suggested 50 mg of CBD per day.<\/span><\/p>\n Kannaway\u2019s efforts to renew its brand this year resulted in a growth in revenue of 400% this year over 2015. This success is passed down to the company\u2019s brand ambassadors, who are looking forward to even greater growth in the coming year. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Kannalife\u2122 Sciences, a Medical Marijuana, Inc. investment company, is working to create cannabinoid-based treatments for a pair of neurological diseases. <\/span><\/p>\n A late-stage biotechnology company, Kannalife\u2122 Sciences is capitalizing on their licensing agreement with the U.S. government to use their patent 6,630,507 titled <\/span>Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n Kannalife\u2122 Sciences has created a synthetic CBD-like cannabinoid in their effort to create a cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals. This synthetic cannabinoid, <\/span>KLS-13019<\/span><\/a>, is both 50 times stronger and 400 times safer than naturally occurring CBD. <\/span><\/p>\n Kannalife\u2122 Sciences was also given the first ever DEA permit awarded to a U.S. based company to import pharmaceutical grade cannabidiol, allowing them to labor to create the next generation of pharmaceutical treatments using cannabis. The company is currently focusing on developing medications for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). <\/span><\/p>\n Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) results when the liver cannot function properly, allowing toxins to reach the brain and damaging functionality. HE typically occurs in those with chronic liver disease. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is the result of repeated blows to the head. Linked to concussions, CTE is estimated to affect over <\/span>90% of NFL players<\/span><\/a>, but may be found in anyone with head injuries. Featured in <\/span>Sports Illustrated<\/span> and <\/span>Forbes<\/span> this year for their work on CTE and the positive effects cannabinoids like CBD could have for players in the NFL. <\/span><\/p>\n Although Kannalife\u2122 Sciences is focusing on these two conditions in their research now, the company\u2019s work can open up treatments for a number of other neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer\u2019s disease and Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n This year HempMeds\u00ae Brasil took steps that will help reinforce its position as the proven industry leader for CBD products in Brazil, including the introduction of new products and the introduction of new management. <\/span><\/p>\n Since first approving RSHO\u2122 products for a little girl suffering from epilepsy, ANVISA, the regulating authority in Brazil, has gone on to approve HempMeds\u00ae Brasil products for import for Parkinson\u2019s disease and chronic pain. Just this past year, ANVISA approved RSHO\u2122 for import for patients with <\/span>cancer<\/span><\/a>. The company continues to work to educate health officials, doctors, and patients about the effects of CBD to help expand the number of indications for which RSHO\u2122 is approved by ANVISA for import. <\/span><\/p>\n To make sure that the right hemp oil products make it into the hands of our customers in Brazil, HempMeds\u00ae Brasil made them available to their customers. These new products include RSHO\u2122 Green Label pure hemp oil from the oral applicator and MCT liquid. Both of these products contain oil that is high in CBDa<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae Brasil also added RSHO\u2013X\u2122, HempMeds\u00ae\u2019 completely THC-free CBD oil product. Already popular with HempMeds\u00ae customers looking to avoid even trace levels of CBD, RSHO\u2013X\u2122 is now available to all qualified patients in Brazil.<\/span><\/p>\n In the coming year, HempMeds\u00ae Brasil will be hosting a series of educational events across Brazil to help connect patients and doctors with the material they need to make informed decisions regarding CBD as a treatment option. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Medical Marijuana, Inc. created HempMeds\u00ae Mexico after the company\u2019s flagship THC-free product RSHO-X\u2122 became the first cannabis product<\/a> to be allowed for import into the country by COFEPRIS. The Health Department of Mexico, COFEPRIS issued the country\u2019s first-ever government permits in February to import RSHO-X\u2122 to Maria Paula, 5, and Alina Maldonado Montes de Oca, 11<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since then, HempMeds\u00ae Mexico has labored to ease access to CBD in Mexico through educational and lobbying efforts. Part of this effort included the creation of an official partnership with the Por Grace Foundation. <\/span><\/p>\n Raul Elizalde started the Por Grace Foundation to further access to CBD for his daughter Grace and others like her. The premier cannabidiol advocacy group in Mexico, the Por Grace Foundation works closely with HempMeds\u00ae Mexico to help interested patients navigate the process to access CBD.<\/span><\/p>\n Raul was invited to join President Pe\u00f1a Nieto on stage in April to give an impassioned speech about the effects of cannabinoids on his daughter before the Mexican President announced<\/a> that country would be pursuing a more compassionate stance on the medical use of marijuana in the country. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae Mexico also made several key hires in their efforts to expand further into Mexico. The company appointed Dion Markgraaff, a 25 year veteran in the cannabis industry, as President of company. HempMeds\u00ae Mexico has also hired Carlos Gonzalez to join their team as Head of Operations. Gonzalez is an experienced lawyer and importation law expert in Mexico, giving him a unique knowledge of the administrative hurdles the company and its customers will need to navigate. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae Mexico has also been active in creating or attending crucial cannabis events throughout Mexico<\/a>.These events have given HempMeds\u00ae Mexico the chance to reach out to a large number of doctors and patients at once, sparking a national conversation around the use of cannabidiol that was covered nationally in media outlets like El Universal<\/em> and Reforma<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n Dion Markgraaff spoke at the <\/span>ExpoWeed Conference<\/span><\/a>, which took place at the International Exhibitions and Conference World Trade Center in Mexico City. Markgraff was joined by Raul Elizalde to help educate the public in Mexico about the benefits of CBD. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae Mexico also hosted their first National Symposium on the benefits of CBD titled <\/span>Cannabidiol, Medical and Therapeutic Uses<\/span><\/a>. Renowned Mexican physician <\/span>Dr. Saul Garza Morales spoke at the event <\/span><\/a>on the benefits of CBD. <\/span>Cannabidiol, Medical and Therapeutic Uses<\/span><\/em> presented a unique educational opportunity for the doctors of Mexico to learn about cannabidiol and how to prescribe RSHO-X\u2122 to their patients for certain intractable conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae Mexico was also present at the Senate of Mexico\u2019s historic exhibition \u201cHemp for All<\/a>,\u201d held in October on the second floor terrace of the Senate building. The exhibition was held in an open space where medicinal cannabis advocates were be able to share information on the many therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana to both Mexican lawmakers and the media. <\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae RSHO-X\u2122 THC-free CBD oil was also at the center of a recent study on the effects of CBD and epilepsy. Renowned Mexican physician Dr. Carlos G. Aguirre Velazquez recently <\/span>announced the results<\/span><\/a> of a new survey conducted on children with refractory epilepsy. Participation in the study was voluntary, and study criteria required a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet, Doose or other similar conditions, and the current use of medicinal cannabis (usually a pure CBD extract).<\/span><\/p>\n The survey, submitted to parents of the Por Grace Foundation Facebook Group, found that out of 53 cases of children who were treated with cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil, 60 percent showed a reduction in seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n The study<\/a>, conducted by Dr. Velazquez, Professor of Pediatric Neurology at the Monterrey Institute of Technology\u2019s School of Medicine, also reported that in seizure crises treated with CBD hemp oil, 16 percent were completely controlled and 51 percent improved in either a \u201cmoderately to an important way\u201d. Results from the study were presented to other doctors across Mexico as part of an ongoing effort inside the country to inform health professionals on the therapeutic uses of cannabis.<\/span><\/p>\n HempMeds\u00ae Mexico also worked to open several new Latin American markets this past year, expanding efforts into <\/span>Argentina, Chile<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Colombia<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Paraguay<\/span><\/a>. As the tide of opinion regarding medical marijuana continues to change in Latin America, HempMeds\u00ae Mexico and Medical Marijuana, Inc. will work alongside activists and patients in efforts to bring access to those who need it most. <\/span><\/p>\n Lawmakers in Mexico voted in December of 2016 to pass significant medical marijuana reform<\/a> in the country. The new medical marijuana law would open access to multiple types of cannabis products, including those containing THC for the first time, by making several classification changes for cannabis in the country\u2019s controlled substances list. The reform initiative has passed in the Senate of the Republic and is now on its way to the Chamber of Deputies for a vote there. If it passes there, the reform bill will become law, relaxing restrictions on the medical use of cannabis.<\/span><\/p>\n This change in medical marijuana laws may soon create a unique opportunity for HempMeds\u00ae Mexico to begin to export its entire product line to Mexico, as well as continue to ship its THC-free RSHO-X\u2122, creating a promising climate in the coming year. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”6796,6786,17958,17967,17951,17962″ size=”200×200″ column=”ig_col_6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Medical Marijuana, Inc. also had a big year, dominating the discussion surrounding the CBD. The company, a proven leader in the CBD hemp oil industry, was featured in a number of major media outlets. <\/span><\/p>\n Early in 2016, <\/span>Reuters<\/span><\/a> covered AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies\u2019 patent on delayed-release cannabinoid gum. When Mexico awarded the first import authorizations, <\/span>Fox News<\/span><\/a> was on hand. <\/span>Fox News<\/span><\/a> also covered Harper Howard\u2019s stem cell donation to medical research at UCSD. During the 3rd Annual Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo, Medical Marijuana, Inc. <\/span>was featured<\/span><\/a> on NBC, ABC, and Fox News out of New York City. Both <\/span>Sports Illustrated<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Forbes<\/span><\/a> ran stories this year about the NFL and CTE, centering their stories around Kannalife\u2122 Sciences. Most recently, <\/span>Forbes<\/span><\/a> focused on the role of Medical Marijuana, Inc. in the CBD industry in a story about DEA policy. <\/span><\/p>\n Our CEO, Dr. Stuart Titus spoke at events around the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Titus delivered the historic keynote address on CBD at the <\/span>VII Mexico City World Anti-Aging Congress<\/span><\/a> on February 13th. Then in June, Dr. Titus spoke at the <\/span>3rd Annual Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo<\/span><\/a> about the nutritional and therapeutic potential of hemp and CBD. He also presented a speech titled \u201cThe Exploding Marketplace of Cannabidiol CBD\u201d at the <\/span>Southern California Cannabis Conference and Expo<\/span><\/a> in October. <\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Titus was also interviewed for several investor focused radio shows, including the <\/span>Union-Tribune Community Radio<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Fox News Business Radio<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>HempMeds\u00ae<\/strong><\/h3>\n
AXIM\u00ae Biotechnologies<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Kannaway\u2122<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Kannalife\u2122 Sciences<\/strong><\/h3>\n
HempMeds\u00ae Brasil<\/strong><\/h3>\n
HempMeds\u00ae Mexico<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Medical Marijuana, Inc.<\/strong><\/h3>\n