The MiningNewsWire Podcast

An estimated 17% of the world, or 1.3 billion people, use tobacco, creating a global tobacco market that approached one trillion dollars in 2020. Given all of the health risks associated with smoking, a significant portion of those tobacco users are looking for other smoking options, alternative that offer a smooth and satisfying tobacco-free and nicotine-free experience that tastes as well as or better than traditional tobacco products. For many, eliminating nicotine is a priority. Addressing this problem head on and carving out a new market niche, TAAT(TM) Lifestyle & Wellness Ltd. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQB: TOBAF) (Profile) recently launched TAAT, a nicotine-free and tobacco-free cigarette, available in three flavors: Original, Smooth and Menthol. The retail launch included a comprehensive unveil in Ohio, and an e-commerce site went live last week. The company is reshaping the smoking experience by offering a smokable alternative. TAAT is looking to grab significant shelf space alongside the big tobacco oligopoly of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM), Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) and British American Tobacco Industries p.l.c. ADR (NYSE: BTI) as well as Chinese vaping giant RLX Technology Inc (NYSE: RLX).

An estimated 17% of the world, or 1.3 billion people, use tobacco, creating a global tobacco market that approached one trillion dollars in 2020. Given all of the health risks associated with smoking, a significant portion of those tobacco users are looking for other smoking options, alternative that offer a smooth and satisfying tobacco-free and nicotine-free experience that tastes as well as or better than traditional tobacco products. For many, eliminating nicotine is a priority. Addressing this problem head on and carving out a new market niche, TAAT(TM) Lifestyle & Wellness Ltd. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQB: TOBAF) (Profile) recently launched TAAT, a nicotine-free and tobacco-free cigarette, available in three flavors: Original, Smooth and Menthol. The retail launch included a comprehensive unveil in Ohio, and an e-commerce site went live last week. The company is reshaping the smoking experience by offering a smokable alternative. TAAT is looking to grab significant shelf space alongside the big tobacco oligopoly of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM), Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) and British American Tobacco Industries p.l.c. ADR (NYSE: BTI) as well as Chinese vaping giant RLX Technology Inc (NYSE: RLX).

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend toward digital online learning in both education and business was growing at a steady pace. As the pandemic surged, tens of millions were forced to work from home and college classrooms were shuttered, and the trend turned to a tsunami, leaving many businesses completely unprepared for the new normal. Now both the present and the future of learning and work has moved online, and whole ecosystems must move to e-learning to survive. Demand has surged for customized and scalable online learning products in a single, easy-to-use format. This is the sweet spot for Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) (Profile), an award-winning artificial intelligence (“AI”) software company that delivers online learning ecosystems for business, higher education and K-12. Amesite’s product portfolio is complemented by a robust suite of services that help partners implement new programs and improve existing ones. Most recently, Amesite introduced Manage, a creative new functionality that enables schools and businesses to efficiently build and customize new courses, or onboard existing ones, at their own pace. In September, Amesite completed its initial public offering, joining peers such as 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU), Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN), Chegg Inc. (NYSE: CHGG) and Pluralsight Inc. (NASDAQ: PS) that strive to improve learning environments with their technology and services.

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend toward digital online learning in both education and business was growing at a steady pace. As the pandemic surged, tens of millions were forced to work from home and college classrooms were shuttered, and the trend turned to a tsunami, leaving many businesses completely unprepared for the new normal. Now both the present and the future of learning and work has moved online, and whole ecosystems must move to e-learning to survive. Demand has surged for customized and scalable online learning products in a single, easy-to-use format. This is the sweet spot for Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) (Profile), an award-winning artificial intelligence (“AI”) software company that delivers online learning ecosystems for business, higher education and K-12. Amesite’s product portfolio is complemented by a robust suite of services that help partners implement new programs and improve existing ones. Most recently, Amesite introduced Manage, a creative new functionality that enables schools and businesses to efficiently build and customize new courses, or onboard existing ones, at their own pace. In September, Amesite completed its initial public offering, joining peers such as 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU), Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN), Chegg Inc. (NYSE: CHGG) and Pluralsight Inc. (NASDAQ: PS) that strive to improve learning environments with their technology and services.

Only three weeks into the new year, and stock trading volumes are “through the roof,” reports a Jan. 22 CNBC article , titled “Trading Volume Is Up from 2020′S Breakneck Pace as Retail Investors Jump In.” The article continues: “It’s not just equity prices that are hitting new highs in 2021. Trading volumes for stocks and options are at records as well. Much of it is being driven by retail investors, who are continuing the high level of engagement that began in 2020.” January volumes are up 92% from last year and up 33% just since December. Evidence points to increased retail trading as the primary impetus in the record-setting increase in volume with much of the real volume increase coming from little-known names in the small cap market. Electronic brokers are hitting new highs as investment markets become more retail driven, and independent investors are making marks in their own portfolios. This new dynamic puts new pressure on public companies to effectively connect with these investors and manage public interaction. But managing the transition to a retail base of investors is easier said than done. Pioneering fintech company SRAX (NASDAQ: SRAX) (SRAX Profile) is changing the dynamic between public companies and shareholders, establishing a new paradigm and perhaps even a new market. Through SRAX’s premier investor intelligence and communications platform, Sequire, companies can track their investors’ behaviors and trends and use those insights to engage both current and potential investors across multiple marketing channels. This provides new untapped arenas for public companies to interact with current and potential future shareholders. Investor interactions and analytics markets have spawned a huge industry. Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (NYSE: BR), a $4.5-billion global fintech leader, is a leading provider of investor communications and technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers, and corporate issuers. IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO) delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to 80% of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Some companies such as Genius Brands International Inc. (NASDAQ: GNUS), a global kids media company, and Ideanomics Inc. (NASDAQ: IDEX), which provides disruptive fintech solutions, have both seen exponential growth that likely was impelled by the new dynamic of retail driven markets.

A recent Pew Research article pinpointed major concerns with social media platforms. “Americans have complicated feelings about their relationship with big technology companies,” the article observes. “While they have appreciated the impact of technology over recent decades and rely on these companies’ products to communicate, shop and get news, many have also grown critical of the industry.” The article goes on to report that a Pew Research Center survey found that “roughly three-quarters of U.S. adults say it is very (37%) or somewhat (36%) likely that social media sites intentionally censor political viewpoints that they find objectionable. Just 25% believe this is not likely the case.” The events of the last few weeks have made that article appear almost prophetic as issues of censorship and privacy have gained additional prominence on the world stage. A number of private and public companies are working to resolve these issues, with many of those companies relying on blockchain to provide their services. Leading the pack is BIGtoken, the first consumer-managed data marketplace where people can own and earn from their data. The opportunity ahead has such potential that parent company SRAX Inc. (NASDAQ: SRAX) is spinning out BIGtoken into a separate publicly traded company and has entered into a definitive share exchange agreement with Force Protection Video Equipment Corp. (OTC: FPVD). The separation of BIGtoken provides shareholders a pure play in the consumer-managed data sector. SRAX benefits from the potential upside of the BIGtoken platform while reducing operating costs. Social media behemoths such as Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ: FB) and Twitter Inc. (NYSE: TWTR) are under pressure to identify and remove hate-filled communication along with taking added measures to protect consumer data. Blockchain companies such as Riot Blockchain Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) could benefit from increased implementation of blockchain technology to protect consumers, safeguard information and ensure data privacy. Everyone’s at risk as revealed by the recent Solarwinds hack, which compromised not just local, state and federal agencies but also major tech companies as well.

Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification Inc. ("WAVE"). The agreement outlines plans for a 100% acquisition in exchange for cash and stock considerations; full terms of the agreement are contained in the company’s 8-K filing. Based in Salt Lake City, WAVE provides inductive, or wireless, charging solutions for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles (“EVs”). The fully automated, hands-free WAVE system is embedded in roadways and charges vehicles during scheduled stops; it provides a solution to battery-range limitations, enabling fleets to reach driving ranges comparable to those of internal combustion engines (“ICE”) vehicles. The WAVE technology is proven in the field through multiple customer deployments, and the company’s 2020 unaudited revenues are expected to be in the range of $7 million, with an expanding pipeline looking forward. Roth Capital Partners acted as an advisor to WAVE on the transaction, which is subject to closing conditions. “The acquisition of WAVE is a significant one for our EV efforts across the board,” said Ideanomics CEO Alf Poor in the press release. “We are excited to bring Michael Masquelier and his team into the Ideanomics family, where we can inject significant growth capital to enable WAVE to further accelerate its business and bring wireless charging to our product offerings. WAVE has become a market leader in inductive charging systems, which are much better suited for commercial EVs than plug-in charging systems. WAVE complements our Medici Motor Works and Treeletrik businesses, and our investment in Solectrac, and is aligned with our MEG division's sales to financing to charging model. This is a win-win all around, which will help maximize shareholder value.”

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/Oj69I

About Ideanomics

Ideanomics is a global company focused on the convergence of financial services and industries experiencing technological disruption. The company’s Mobile Energy Global (“MEG”) division is a service provider that facilitates the adoption of electric vehicles by commercial fleet operators through offering vehicle procurement, finance and leasing, and energy-management solutions under its innovative sales to financing to charging (“S2F2C”) business model. Ideanomics Capital is focused on disruptive fintech solutions for the financial services industry. Together, MEG and Ideanomics Capital provide the company’s global customers and partners with leading technologies and services designed to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability, and provides IDEX shareholders with the opportunity to participate in high-potential, growth industries. For more information about the company, please visit www.Ideanomics.com.

Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification Inc. ("WAVE"). The agreement outlines plans for a 100% acquisition in exchange for cash and stock considerations; full terms of the agreement are contained in the company’s 8-K filing. Based in Salt Lake City, WAVE provides inductive, or wireless, charging solutions for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles (“EVs”). The fully automated, hands-free WAVE system is embedded in roadways and charges vehicles during scheduled stops; it provides a solution to battery-range limitations, enabling fleets to reach driving ranges comparable to those of internal combustion engines (“ICE”) vehicles. The WAVE technology is proven in the field through multiple customer deployments, and the company’s 2020 unaudited revenues are expected to be in the range of $7 million, with an expanding pipeline looking forward. Roth Capital Partners acted as an advisor to WAVE on the transaction, which is subject to closing conditions. “The acquisition of WAVE is a significant one for our EV efforts across the board,” said Ideanomics CEO Alf Poor in the press release. “We are excited to bring Michael Masquelier and his team into the Ideanomics family, where we can inject significant growth capital to enable WAVE to further accelerate its business and bring wireless charging to our product offerings. WAVE has become a market leader in inductive charging systems, which are much better suited for commercial EVs than plug-in charging systems. WAVE complements our Medici Motor Works and Treeletrik businesses, and our investment in Solectrac, and is aligned with our MEG division's sales to financing to charging model. This is a win-win all around, which will help maximize shareholder value.”

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/Oj69I

About Ideanomics

Ideanomics is a global company focused on the convergence of financial services and industries experiencing technological disruption. The company’s Mobile Energy Global (“MEG”) division is a service provider that facilitates the adoption of electric vehicles by commercial fleet operators through offering vehicle procurement, finance and leasing, and energy-management solutions under its innovative sales to financing to charging (“S2F2C”) business model. Ideanomics Capital is focused on disruptive fintech solutions for the financial services industry. Together, MEG and Ideanomics Capital provide the company’s global customers and partners with leading technologies and services designed to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability, and provides IDEX shareholders with the opportunity to participate in high-potential, growth industries. For more information about the company, please visit www.Ideanomics.com.

Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) announced that its Mobile Energy Global (“MEG”) and its contracting entity Qingdao Chengyang Medici have signed an agreement with Meihao Chuxing, a joint venture between BYD and Didi, to purchase an initial 2,000 units of model BYD D1. The ride-hailing vehicles are intended for deployment in multiple cities within China, with deliveries expected to begin in H1 2021.

To view the original press release, visit https://www.nnw.fm/HOTb3

About Ideanomics

Ideanomics is a global company focused on the convergence of financial services and industries experiencing technological disruption. Our Mobile Energy Global (MEG) division is a service provider that facilitates the adoption of electric vehicles by commercial fleet operators through offering vehicle procurement, finance and leasing, and energy management solutions under our innovative sales to financing to charging (S2F2C) business model. Ideanomics Capital is focused on disruptive fintech solutions for the financial services industry. Together, MEG and Ideanomics Capital provide our global customers and partners with leading technologies and services designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability, and our shareholders with the opportunity to participate in high-potential, growth industries.

The company is headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Qingdao, and operations in the U.S., China, Ukraine, and Malaysia.

Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) announced that its Mobile Energy Global (“MEG”) and its contracting entity Qingdao Chengyang Medici have signed an agreement with Meihao Chuxing, a joint venture between BYD and Didi, to purchase an initial 2,000 units of model BYD D1. The ride-hailing vehicles are intended for deployment in multiple cities within China, with deliveries expected to begin in H1 2021.

To view the original press release, visit https://www.nnw.fm/HOTb3

About Ideanomics

Ideanomics is a global company focused on the convergence of financial services and industries experiencing technological disruption. Our Mobile Energy Global (MEG) division is a service provider that facilitates the adoption of electric vehicles by commercial fleet operators through offering vehicle procurement, finance and leasing, and energy management solutions under our innovative sales to financing to charging (S2F2C) business model. Ideanomics Capital is focused on disruptive fintech solutions for the financial services industry. Together, MEG and Ideanomics Capital provide our global customers and partners with leading technologies and services designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability, and our shareholders with the opportunity to participate in high-potential, growth industries.

The company is headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Qingdao, and operations in the U.S., China, Ukraine, and Malaysia.

CNS Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CNSP) (“CNS” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers of the brain and central nervous system, today announced that the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its lead product candidate, Berubicin, for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is now approved and in effect as filed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Company will initiate its trial during the first quarter of 2021 to investigate the efficacy of Berubicin in adults with GBM who have failed first-line therapy.  Recent correspondence between the Company and the FDA resulted in modifications to the previously disclosed trial design, including designating overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint of the study. OS is a rigorous endpoint that the FDA has recognized as a basis for approval of oncology drugs when a statistically significant improvement can be shown relative to a randomized control arm.

To view the original press release, visit https://nnw.fm/zWHqI

More than 700 million people worldwide are affected with some form of mental illness, addiction or eating disorder, representing about 13% of total disease burden. In reality, the worldwide picture is a bit murky, considering the high frequency of nondiagnosis as well as lack of treatment, even in the most developed countries. Advances in medicine to treat these conditions of the brain have been elusive, as conventional drugs that treat symptoms and not underlying causes remain the most popular. There are reasons to be optimistic about the future, though, underscored by increased research activity surrounding psychedelics. This is the area of focus for Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (Profile), which this week acquired Adelia Therapeutics, a transformational move that broadened addressable indications in its pipeline and strengthened its scientific team. Cybin has a three-pillar approach,  its initial sights set on treating major depression disorder (“MDD”) now expanded to address additional indication as well through innovative psychedelic therapeutics development and unique delivery technologies. Cybin stands shoulder-to-shoulder with peers striving for a world of better mental well-being such as COMPASS Pathways Plc (NASDAQ: CMPS), Mind Medicine Inc (OTC: MMEDF) (NEO: MMED), Numinus Wellness Inc. (OTC: LKYSF) (NEO: NUMI) (TSX.V: NUMI) and HAVN Life Sciences (OTC: HAVLF), all of which are developing innovative approaches to bring new psychedelic-based therapies to patients in need.

The United States was once a thriving producer of rare earth elements (“REEs”), a group of 17 elements deemed critical to clean energy and modern technologies. REEs are used in a bevy of applications including cell phones, computers, electric vehicles, defense equipment, renewable energy systems and more. China has dominated global rare earth markets, driving out competitors and controlling nearly all of the world’s processing capacity. China has wielded this monopoly of the REE supply chain to influence foreign policies, a weaponization that threatens the economic and national security of the U.S. and other countries around the world. Against this backdrop, the U.S. government is committed to ending its dependence upon China for REEs, and Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) (Profile) is among the leaders with projects that intend to re-ignite REE production in the U.S., which in Energy Fuels’ case, is expected as soon as early 2021. In December 2020, the company advanced its entry into the REE market by inking a three-year supply agreement with the Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) to acquire a minimum of 2,500 tons per year of natural monazite sand ore, one of the highest-grade and highest-value rare earth minerals in the world. Yet, the relatively tiny quantity of natural monazite the company will be acquiring from Chemours contains close to 10% of total U.S. demand for rare earths. Chemours is the nation’s leading miner of monazite, a reddish-brown phosphate mineral sand containing high concentrations of REEs and uranium. Companies are looking to shift their supply chains away from China, as EV maker Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) recently did by becoming a lithium miner in Nevada to supplement its other material feeds. Tech juggernaut Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is following a different path, using recycled REEs in its latest products with plans for the entire corporate footprint to have net zero climate impact by 2030. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA (OTC: GCTAF) has challenges of its own as a major supplier of wind turbines, which requires REEs in their construction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reached a benchmark in the United States, topping 15 million cases as the death count exceeds 285,000. The pandemic has transformed the world in many ways, including bringing digital technologies to the forefront of a socially distanced world. In this space, Loop Insights Inc. (TSX.V: MTRX) (OTCQB: RACMF) (Profile) recently made history as the first-ever, end-to-end venue-tracing and management solution. A provider of contactless solutions and artificial intelligence aimed at driving automated marketing, venue management and tracing to the brick-and-mortar space, Loop gained national attention for its “bubble,” which allowed NCAA basketball to play on in Nevada and Florida. Pairing Loop Insights’ venue-tracing platform with revised safety protocol allowed games to be played at multiple venues without a single case of COVID-19 reported. Loop Insights, which calls ecommerce juggernaut Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) an investor and partner, joins majors such as The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS), one of the world’s largest producers of entertainment; Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL), the parent company of tech behemoth Google; and cruise ship operator Carnival Corp. (NYSE: CCL) in the fight to get the economy back safely operating at full capacity while protecting guests, entertainers, and employees at the same time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reached a benchmark in the United States, topping 15 million cases as the death count exceeds 285,000. The pandemic has transformed the world in many ways, including bringing digital technologies to the forefront of a socially distanced world. In this space, Loop Insights Inc. (TSX.V: MTRX) (OTCQB: RACMF) (Profile) recently made history as the first-ever, end-to-end venue-tracing and management solution. A provider of contactless solutions and artificial intelligence aimed at driving automated marketing, venue management and tracing to the brick-and-mortar space, Loop gained national attention for its “bubble,” which allowed NCAA basketball to play on in Nevada and Florida. Pairing Loop Insights’ venue-tracing platform with revised safety protocol allowed games to be played at multiple venues without a single case of COVID-19 reported. Loop Insights, which calls ecommerce juggernaut Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) an investor and partner, joins majors such as The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS), one of the world’s largest producers of entertainment; Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL), the parent company of tech behemoth Google; and cruise ship operator Carnival Corp. (NYSE: CCL) in the fight to get the economy back safely operating at full capacity while protecting guests, entertainers, and employees at the same time.

The United States was once a thriving producer of rare earth elements (“REEs”), a group of 17 elements deemed critical to clean energy and modern technologies. REEs are used in a bevy of applications including cell phones, computers, electric vehicles, defense equipment, renewable energy systems and more. China has dominated global rare earth markets, driving out competitors and controlling nearly all of the world’s processing capacity. China has wielded this monopoly of the REE supply chain to influence foreign policies, a weaponization that threatens the economic and national security of the U.S. and other countries around the world. Against this backdrop, the U.S. government is committed to ending its dependence upon China for REEs, and Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) (Profile) is among the leaders with projects that intend to re-ignite REE production in the U.S., which in Energy Fuels’ case, is expected as soon as early 2021. In December 2020, the company advanced its entry into the REE market by inking a three-year supply agreement with the Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) to acquire a minimum of 2,500 tons per year of natural monazite sand ore, one of the highest-grade and highest-value rare earth minerals in the world. Yet, the relatively tiny quantity of natural monazite the company will be acquiring from Chemours contains close to 10% of total U.S. demand for rare earths. Chemours is the nation’s leading miner of monazite, a reddish-brown phosphate mineral sand containing high concentrations of REEs and uranium. Companies are looking to shift their supply chains away from China, as EV maker Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) recently did by becoming a lithium miner in Nevada to supplement its other material feeds. Tech juggernaut Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is following a different path, using recycled REEs in its latest products with plans for the entire corporate footprint to have net zero climate impact by 2030. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA (OTC: GCTAF) has challenges of its own as a major supplier of wind turbines, which requires REEs in their construction.

More than 700 million people worldwide are affected with some form of mental illness, addiction or eating disorder, representing about 13% of total disease burden. In reality, the worldwide picture is a bit murky, considering the high frequency of nondiagnosis as well as lack of treatment, even in the most developed countries. Advances in medicine to treat these conditions of the brain have been elusive, as conventional drugs that treat symptoms and not underlying causes remain the most popular. There are reasons to be optimistic about the future, though, underscored by increased research activity surrounding psychedelics. This is the area of focus for Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (Profile), which this week acquired Adelia Therapeutics, a transformational move that broadened addressable indications in its pipeline and strengthened its scientific team. Cybin has a three-pillar approach,  its initial sights set on treating major depression disorder (“MDD”) now expanded to address additional indication as well through innovative psychedelic therapeutics development and unique delivery technologies. Cybin stands shoulder-to-shoulder with peers striving for a world of better mental well-being such as COMPASS Pathways Plc (NASDAQ: CMPS), Mind Medicine Inc (OTC: MMEDF) (NEO: MMED), Numinus Wellness Inc. (OTC: LKYSF) (NEO: NUMI) (TSX.V: NUMI) and HAVN Life Sciences (OTC: HAVLF), all of which are developing innovative approaches to bring new psychedelic-based therapies to patients in need.

On election day this year, four more states voted to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, bringing the total of states that now allow recreational cannabis use to 15. This growing acceptance of cannabis, and more specifically CBD, which is now legal in all 50 states, has sparked an explosion of new CBD-infused products and brands within the consumer packaged goods (“CPG”) space. Estimates about how large the legalized cannabis market may grow vary widely, but a Lido Consulting report notes that the total addressable cannabis market (“TAM”) could potentially hit $1 trillion in global economic impact by 2027. Seeing almost unlimited potential, companies are rushing to take advantage of the massive opportunity. Continuing its aggressive growth strategy, The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile) entered the CBD space with the launch of its A88CBD(TM) brand. Already nationally recognized for its premium bottled water and flavor-infused water,  Alkaline Water now features a full line of CBD-infused and topical products. After posting record sales earlier this year, this strategic push into the lucrative CBD market could propel the company to new records. Also quick to see the opportunity, Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ) recently exercised warrants to purchase additional shares of Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), increasing its stake in the Ontario cannabis producer to more than 38%. In a nod to the value of having CPG expertise, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) has appointed Miguel Martin, an international CPG executive, as its chief commercial officer. And Charlotte’s Web Holdings Inc. (OTC: CWBHF) (TSX: CWEB) has announced a collaboration between its CW Labs science division and the University at Buffalo’s  Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences to advance hemp cannabinoid science through a research program that provides a better understanding of the therapeutic uses and safety of cannabinoids.

On election day this year, four more states voted to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, bringing the total of states that now allow recreational cannabis use to 15. This growing acceptance of cannabis, and more specifically CBD, which is now legal in all 50 states, has sparked an explosion of new CBD-infused products and brands within the consumer packaged goods (“CPG”) space. Estimates about how large the legalized cannabis market may grow vary widely, but a Lido Consulting report notes that the total addressable cannabis market (“TAM”) could potentially hit $1 trillion in global economic impact by 2027. Seeing almost unlimited potential, companies are rushing to take advantage of the massive opportunity. Continuing its aggressive growth strategy, The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile) entered the CBD space with the launch of its A88CBD(TM) brand. Already nationally recognized for its premium bottled water and flavor-infused water,  Alkaline Water now features a full line of CBD-infused and topical products. After posting record sales earlier this year, this strategic push into the lucrative CBD market could propel the company to new records. Also quick to see the opportunity, Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ) recently exercised warrants to purchase additional shares of Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), increasing its stake in the Ontario cannabis producer to more than 38%. In a nod to the value of having CPG expertise, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) has appointed Miguel Martin, an international CPG executive, as its chief commercial officer. And Charlotte’s Web Holdings Inc. (OTC: CWBHF) (TSX: CWEB) has announced a collaboration between its CW Labs science division and the University at Buffalo’s  Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences to advance hemp cannabinoid science through a research program that provides a better understanding of the therapeutic uses and safety of cannabinoids.

From the coronavirus pandemic to nationwide public unrest, 2020 has been a year that has inspired re-imagining public safety as the country has poignantly witnessed the challenges faced by law enforcement and security services across all verticals. The answers to some of society’s greatest problems today are not to be found simply in man power; rather, many of the answers lie in technology, like that of Knightscope Inc. (Profile), which is designed to augment and improve existing security infrastructure. Silicon Valley-based Knightscope, with its lineup of fully autonomous security robots, aligns with companies such as Palantir Technologies Inc. Class A (NYSE: PLTR), Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ: AAXN), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LHX) and Velodyne Lidar Inc. (NASDAQ: VLDR), which all share a passion for solving an array of security and safety problems, as well as protecting life and data with next-generation technology.