The MiningNewsWire Podcast

The freelance employment market now comprises 34 percent of the United States workforce, according to a recent report, with freelance workers contributing approximately $1.4 trillion to the nation’s economy. Intrinsically connected with today’s freelance market, digital services has a compound annual growth rate of 6 percent and may be poised to become one of the next global economic drivers. Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to fuel the growth of the digital freelance services market by enabling secure, transparent and rapid transactions. Companies bringing “Blockchain” to new industries include Bitcoin Investment Trust (OTC: GBTC), MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (OTCQB: MGTI), HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (OTC: HVBTF) (TSX-V: HIVE), Global Blockchain Technologies Corp. (OTC: BLKCF) (CSE: BLOC) and Victory Square Technologies, Inc. (OTC: VSQTF) (CSE: VST).

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB:SING) announces the official launch of the freshly revamped SingleSeed.com website, focused on selling cannabidiol (CBD) based products direct to consumer. A subsidiary of SinglePoint, SingleSeed has been actively operating in the cannabis space since 2014. Interest in CBD has increased tremendously over the years, and the CBD market is projected to hit $2.1 Billion by 2020, according to Forbes. SingleSeed is looking to capitalize in the space by creating and distributing hemp-based CBD products.

Ever since it was introduced five years ago, virtual reality (VR) technology has been underwhelming due to the lack of content and the exuberant costs of headsets like Oculus. But this year, the VR market could grow by 25 percent, according to the Consumer Technology Association, thanks to new products announced by Google and others in the tech world. VR enthusiasts are also predicting that Steven Spielberg’s newest film, which depicts a futuristic VR universe, could push the technology into mainstream. However, the biggest boost to VR technology potentially comes from the integration of blockchain technology. This is where blockchain companies could bring the true potential of VR into life. Companies at the forefront of this technology include Victory Square Technologies, Inc. (OTC: VSQTF) (CSE: VST), 360 Blockchain, Inc. (CSE: CODE), Hashchain Technology, Inc. (TSX-V: KASH), BTCS, Inc. (OTC: BTCS), and Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA).

SinglePoint (OTCQB: SING) announces LastMile Delivery, a platform giving small businesses and cannabis delivery companies a solution to efficiently manage deliveries. This is the first app launched under SinglePoint’s joint venture with AppSwarm (OTC: SWRM). The two companies have closely worked together to define and launch a scalable service geared toward providing an agnostic platform for delivery businesses to accept orders, locate drivers and keep records of each delivery every step of the way, from initial manifest to completion of delivery product. The application is currently under review, and it is anticipated it will be approved for beta testing in app stores soon. Once official acceptance occurs, SinglePoint and AppSwarm will launch beta testing, implement feedback and launch the production service. The companies estimate production should occur within 45 to 60 days.

Recreational cannabis will soon be legal in Canada for adults, but selling and buying the pungent herb won’t be as simple as some presume it will be. Regulations governing the cultivation, production, packaging and sale of cannabis are still being refined as Canadian lawmakers at different levels of government tackle unique differences between provinces and local jurisdictions. One thing is certain, however: a cannabis retail explosion is coming, and cannabis companies ready for the surge will reap the benefits when Canada’s recreational marketplace officially opens for business. Cannabis retail brand Choom™ Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is preparing to meet the demands of this market with a strategic blend of product and consumer experience, while Hiku Brands Company. Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF) (DJACF Profile) steadies itself as a lifestyle cannabis brand. Canada’s top cultivators, Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF); Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQX: ACBFF); and ABcann Global (TSX-V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF) (ABCCF Profile) are also exploring getting in the game.

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB:SING) (“the Company”) announces the acquisition of ShieldSaver, which expands the Company’s blockchain initiatives into the automotive industry in an exciting way.

ShieldSaver is a technology company disrupting the automotive repair and maintenance industry. A trojan horse within the automotive industry, ShieldSaver has unique permissions—through contracts with multiple companies—to enter locations that are typically off limits, obtain critical vehicle data at those locations, and then make contact with vehicle owners regarding needed repairs on their cars. For instance, ShieldSaver is able to access vehicles parked in airport lots at Sacramento International Airport, Denver International and others; assess potential repair needs for those vehicles; and then leave information regarding the vehicle’s issues, along with ShieldSaver company contact information, for the vehicle owners. This is something that, currently, no other company is able to do.

As blockchain becomes better established, companies across a wide range of industries are finding ways to benefit from the technology. Payment solutions company Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) is providing blockchain services for logistics, payment, and high-risk businesses through a set of subsidiaries. Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) is seeing a period of growth as demand for its processing hardware rises to support blockchain software. Shopping chain Walmart, Inc. (WMT) has taken out a patent for blockchain-based package tracking and is working with IBM on blockchain food supply chains. United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) has also taken an interest in using the technology to track deliveries, investing in the future through the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance, and even oil giant BP plc (BP) has a pilot program to explore how blockchain could improve energy supplies and trades.

With legal recreational cannabis coming to Canada later this year, companies are making the most of the last few months to prepare for the challenge of a new and largely brand-free market. Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is building a brand upon retail outlets and a slice of cannabis history, hoping to get the attention of existing and new curious consumers. Medical cannabis company OrganiGram Holdings, Inc. (TSX-V: OGI) (OTCQB: OGRMF) is expanding its operations, using larger growing rooms and more staff to ensure supplies when the law changes. Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) is also pursuing a growth strategy, using targeted investment and collaborations to reach a larger consumer base. Hydropothecary Corp. (TSX-V: THCX) is using the expertise of specialist companies, including Segra’s tissue culture propagation technique and Shopify’s expertise in building ecommerce sites. Meanwhile, The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX-V: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF) is looking beyond Canada, with an investment deal to bring in cannabis oils from Lesotho.

As investors enter the second quarter looking for signs of growth sectors, cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related markets remain at the top of the list in potential. In particular, the advantages of blockchain technologies and their secure, immutable shared ledgers are rapidly gaining recognition in the international trade and finance, security, gaming and healthcare sectors. Several companies are advancing programs to educate the broader investing public about blockchain technology. Those companies include SinglePoint, Inc. (SING), which has been aggressively making strategic acquisitions and building a diverse portfolio in the blockchain space. Other public companies pursuing opportunities in the expanding blockchain sector include Longfin Corp. (LFIN), Accenture PLC (ACN), Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (MARA) and Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK).

With recreational cannabis only months away from legalization in Canada, companies are racing to prepare for the new market. For many, this means partnerships, supply agreements, and external investment. Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) has received a substantial investment from ABcann Global to develop its high-end retail brand and growing facilities. Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQX: ACBFF) has entered into a supply agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart and invested in Liquor Stores N.A. Ltd. to support expansion in both the medical and recreational sectors, and OrganiGram Holdings, Inc. (TSX.V: OGI) (OTCQB: OGRMF) inked a deal with TGS Colorado, providing access to technology and designs not available to other Canadian companies. The Hydropothecary Corporation (TSX.V: THCX) struck a deal with the Société des alcools du Québec, while The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF) has invested $3 million in BlissCo, a new producer. Across the industry, such deals are paving the way for growth.

Renowned British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, before passing away March 14, 2018, recently offered this observation about artificial intelligence: “The rise of AI could be the worst or the best thing that has happened for humanity.” For those companies immersed in developing blockchain technology, the famous scientist’s words underscore the responsibility tech companies shoulder as the integration between this technological trend and the Internet of Things (IoT) opens up promising new frontiers. As a strong proponent of blockchain technology for the finance market’s logistics supply chain integrity and high-risk sectors such as legalized cannabis, Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) is determined to offer customized solutions based on fintech and blockchain services. Other notable players investing heavily in blockchain technology are Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Alphabet, Inc. (GOOG) (GOOGL), Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK) and CME Group, Inc. (CME).

The proposed legalization of recreational cannabis this year is expected to mean huge growth in the Canadian cannabis sector, and companies are preparing to make the most of it. Choom™ Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) is creating a premium lifestyle brand backed by an integrated supply chain, while Hiku Brands Co. Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF) is applying for the final license to sell its handcrafted cannabis flower. Medical marijuana producer Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) has obtained outside funding to explore the potential of cannabis-infused soft drinks, and Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) is using a strategy of collaboration and targeted investment to boost its cannabis production resources. For consumers concerned about the quality of their smokes, ABcann Global (TSX-V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF) is using a specially developed technique to ensure a consistently high-grade, premium organic cannabis.

It’s difficult to imagine childhood without a set of building blocks, be it Tinkertoys, Legos, or the tried-and-true backyard stick structures. Regardless of the construction method, the drive to solve problems and build something useful never really goes away, especially when it comes to business. In fact, it’s the anchoring thought behind the blockchain revolution made famous by bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology, described as a distributed database or ledger that maintains a continuous list of transactions or records, has the potential to disrupt any public or private sector. Companies actively pursuing and building on the opportunities provided by this technology include Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Oracle Corporation (ORCL), and United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS).

As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, new deals are creating opportunities for a range of companies and an influx of investments. PreveCeutical Medical, Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) has teamed up with research institutions in Australia and gained a government permit to import cannabis for development of its drug delivery system. Cannabis for this project will be supplied by Aurora Cannabis (OTCQX: ACBFF) (TSX: ACB), a company experiencing significant production growth, including a deal for a new joint venture in Denmark. ABcann Global (TSX.V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF) is expanding its production facilities and utilizing a computer-controlled system to ensure the best growing conditions, while Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) has developed an expansion strategy using targeted investment and collaborations to help the company and its partners grow. And with legal recreational cannabis coming to Canada, Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) has secured a $191 million investment from Constellation Brands to support new products such as cannabis-infused soft drinks.

Investment in blockchain technology is growing rapidly. As innovators develop new ways to apply the technology to a range of industries, more companies are finding new applications for the technology and attracting increased funding from investors at the same time. SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) has attracted investment for a broad range of blockchain services, including applications in payment processing, logistics and health care. Visa, Inc. (V) is testing a new business-to-business blockchain payment service aimed at making international financial transactions easier. Mastercard, Inc. (MA) has registered a patent for a blockchain database to reduce the need for intermediaries and resultant delays in payment processing. International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is collaborating with a shipping firm to develop blockchain-based international logistics designed to smooth out global supply chains while HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSX-V: HIVE) (HVBTF) operates its own cryptocurrency facilities that seek to bridge the gap between new and traditional finance.

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) is pleased to announce the soft launch of its SingleSeed payment bitcoin payments solution. Additionally, SinglePoint management provides details and insight to the company’s activity in new ventures and pursuit of acquisitions in two major emerging markets: cannabis and blockchain. This corporate update includes an overview of each previously announced project and potential acquisition, as well as the progress on its 2017 audit and current revenue run rate for 2018.

SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) announces its engagement with Circonomy Solutions to create the cannabis industry’s first waste diversion program, with an emphasis on moving toward zero-waste. With broad experience in the waste and sustainability industries, Circonomy is the premier company to deliver creative technologies and solutions to make this “green” industry even greener.

Blockchain continues to become increasingly important in the financial technology sector. While some businesses are focused on pure blockchain solutions, others are considering how to integrate the technology into existing business practices to ensure its benefit to customers and enduring value as a technology. Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) has incorporated blockchain into payment and business consulting services for high-risk parts of the economy, as well as supply chain management. LongFin Corp. (LFIN) is making blockchain an integral part of import/export transactions through smart contracts, as well as using it to provide micro-lending, a vital banking service for entrepreneurs in many parts of the globe. MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (MGTI) has made cryptocurrency mining, a prominent blockchain service, part of its secure technology platform, while Global Arena Holding, Inc. (GAHC) is seeking ways to apply blockchain for greater security in elections. Patent licensing company Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (MARA) has invested in crpytocurrency mining as a way to broaden its technology-driven business. Across the board, companies are finding ways to integrate blockchain into existing work.

Blockchain technology has taken the world by storm. From its initial use as the technological architecture underlying cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, the technology has grown in popularity to the point that now an ever-increasing number of industries and applications around the globe make use of the innovative distributed ledger. Each day, the value of blockchain technology gains further ground as its myriad of potential applications attract the interest of new developers, users, and investors. Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING) (SING Profile), Bitcoin Services, Inc. (OTC: BTSC), Glance Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: GLNNF), and HashChain Technology, Inc. (OTCQB: HSSHF) are among the public companies which have positioned themselves to benefit from the continuing growth of the blockchain phenomenon.

American smokers are stubbing out their cigarettes. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that the proportion of the adult American population that has smoked at least 100 cigarettes during their lifetimes stood at 15.5 percent in 2016, down from 20.9 percent in 2005. Of course, quitting smoking does not always mean saying no to nicotine. The stimulant, credited with some health benefits, is highly addictive. As a result, alternative delivery biotechnologies for nicotine have become a recent R&D focus for cigarette manufacturers and other companies, including Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO), British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI), Imperial Brands (LON: IMB) (OTCQX: IMBBY) and Philip Morris International, Inc. (NYSE: PM). With close to 38 million American smokers still puffing away, and nearly 1 billion worldwide, these companies are developing safer products and delivery technologies, which may wean smokers away from a habit estimated to kill about 480,000 (1 in 5) adult Americans every year.