Drug

Prodigy Processing Solutions Announces Strategic Partnership to Elevate Cannabis Extraction to Pharmaceutical Standards

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

MIAMI, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prodigy Processing Solutions, a pioneering force in hydrocarbon extraction technology, today announced its strategic partnership with Solvent Direct, the premier supplier of high-purity solvents specifically engineered for cannabis extraction. The alliance marks a momentous step forward in elevating the extraction process to meet and exceed pharmaceutical and consumer safety standards across the cannabis and hemp industries.

Key Points: 
  • MIAMI, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prodigy Processing Solutions , a pioneering force in hydrocarbon extraction technology, today announced its strategic partnership with Solvent Direct , the premier supplier of high-purity solvents specifically engineered for cannabis extraction.
  • The alliance marks a momentous step forward in elevating the extraction process to meet and exceed pharmaceutical and consumer safety standards across the cannabis and hemp industries.
  • "Our partnership with Solvent Direct aligns perfectly with Prodigy's strategic vision of integrating the highest standards of safety and compliance into every facet of the cannabis extraction process," said Marc Beginin, CEO of Prodigy Processing Solutions.
  • For more information about Prodigy Processing Solutions and its partnership with Solvent Direct, please visit ProdigyUSA.com.

enGene Announces Hiring of Dr. Raj Pruthi as Senior Vice President, Urologic Oncology and Clinical Development

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

In this role, Dr. Pruthi's responsibilities will include supporting the clinical development of EG-70 across the urologic space, including through engagement with the urological community.

Key Points: 
  • In this role, Dr. Pruthi's responsibilities will include supporting the clinical development of EG-70 across the urologic space, including through engagement with the urological community.
  • He joins enGene from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, where he was most recently the Global Medical Affairs Leader, Bladder Cancer and Senior Medical Director, Oncology (Global – Prostate and Bladder Cancer).
  • "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Raj Pruthi to the enGene team.
  • In addition to his position at enGene, Dr. Pruthi maintains multiple prominent leadership roles within the urological community.

SNDL to Participate in Upcoming International Cannabis Conferences

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

CALGARY, AB, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - SNDL Inc. (Nasdaq: SNDL) ("SNDL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Zach George, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and Alberto Paredero, Chief Financial Officer, will be participating in several upcoming investor and cannabis conferences, including the International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin B2B and Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami, Florida this month.

Key Points: 
  • CALGARY, AB, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - SNDL Inc. (Nasdaq: SNDL) ("SNDL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Zach George, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and Alberto Paredero, Chief Financial Officer, will be participating in several upcoming investor and cannabis conferences, including the International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin B2B and Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami, Florida this month.
  • On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Alberto Paredero will speak at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami, Florida.
  • The discussion 'Emerging Trends in Cannabis Finance: Smart Money For Plant-Touching Businesses' will begin at 1:30 p.m. EDT on the Breakout stage.
  • Mr. George will participate in a discussion titled 'Emerging Legal Cannabis Markets: Which countries have the potential to create the most opportunities?'

Abstrax and Seed Talent Partner for First of Its Kind Advanced Terpene Education and Exclusive Terpene Science Courses

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024

TUSTIN, Calif., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Abstrax has partnered with Seed Talent, the leading education platform for comprehensive professional development for the cannabis industry, to enable brands and retailers to maximize their sales efforts and better educate consumers. This collaboration is set to revolutionize terpene education for retailers by introducing an exclusive series of courses focused on terpene education, Abstrax's cutting-edge science, and in-depth analysis of their cannabis discoveries outlined in their white papers.

Key Points: 
  • This collaboration is set to revolutionize terpene education for retailers by introducing an exclusive series of courses focused on terpene education, Abstrax's cutting-edge science, and in-depth analysis of their cannabis discoveries outlined in their white papers.
  • "The partnership between Seed Talent and Abstrax marks a significant milestone in cannabis education, bringing together Seed Talent's expertise in delivering high-quality, centralized training for cannabis retailers and brands," says Max Koby, CEO of Abstrax.
  • With the addition of these courses, Abstrax continues to solidify its position as a leader in terpene and cannabis education.
  • "We are thrilled to join forces with Seed Talent to share our passion for terpene science with a wider audience.

Chicago Atlantic Closes $20 Million Facility with Nova Farms

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024

CHICAGO, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Atlantic has deployed a $20 million facility in senior secured financing to Nova Farms, a fully integrated cannabis operator managing a Massachusetts cultivation farm, seven retail brands, and five full-service dispensaries across Massachusetts, Maine, and New Jersey.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Atlantic has deployed a $20 million facility in senior secured financing to Nova Farms, a fully integrated cannabis operator managing a Massachusetts cultivation farm, seven retail brands, and five full-service dispensaries across Massachusetts, Maine, and New Jersey.
  • Nova Farms was among the first to secure licenses in Massachusetts upon the state's legalization of adult-use cannabis back in 2016.
  • This trajectory solidifies Nova Farms' rising prominence in the cannabis industry, positioning the company for unparalleled success in the evolving market.
  • "Nova Farms has demonstrated its ability to operate successfully and identify attractive opportunities to accelerate its progress.

TerrAscend's Jason Wild Takes Center Stage as Honorary Chairman at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant recognition of his contributions to the cannabis industry, Jason Wild, Chairman of the Board at TerrAscend, one of the leading cannabis companies in the world, and President of JW Asset Management, has been named the Honorary Chairman of the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Scheduled for April 16-17 at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, this event is the epicenter of innovation and investment within the cannabis sector. Following the tradition of honoring industry stalwarts like Emily Paxhia, Wendy Berger, and Kim Rivers, Jason Wild's selection underscores his pivotal role in shaping the cannabis finance landscape.

Key Points: 
  • HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant recognition of his contributions to the cannabis industry, Jason Wild, Chairman of the Board at TerrAscend, one of the leading cannabis companies in the world, and President of JW Asset Management, has been named the Honorary Chairman of the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference .
  • "The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is the cornerstone event for those looking to drive the future of cannabis.
  • With Jason Wild at the helm as our Honorary Chairman, we are set to delve into critical discussions that will map the trajectory of cannabis finance in 2024," said Jason Raznick, CEO of Benzinga.
  • The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference conference will feature a star-studded lineup of speakers, including keynotes and panels by top industry moguls, analysts, and policymakers.

Laekna Announces Two Poster Presentations on Internally Discovered Drug Candidates at AACR 2024

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024

"After advancing LAE102, our internally discovered antibody against ActRIIA, into IND stage, Laekna continues to strengthen our internal discovery efforts, with new drug candidates emerging", said Dr. Justin Gu, Chief Scientific Officer of Laekna.

Key Points: 
  • "After advancing LAE102, our internally discovered antibody against ActRIIA, into IND stage, Laekna continues to strengthen our internal discovery efforts, with new drug candidates emerging", said Dr. Justin Gu, Chief Scientific Officer of Laekna.
  • Laekna will continue our internal effort of discovery novel drug candidates to provide more options for patients."
  • The company has internally discovered 14 drug candidates, among which seven have been optimized and advanced to PCC (pre-clinical candidate) stage.
  • The Annual Meeting of AACR is set for April 05 to 10, 2024 at the San Diego Convention Center, California, USA.

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair to Unveil Cannabis Business Secrets and Hot Stories at Top Conference in Florida, April 16-17

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 5, 2024

Mike Tyson, in his characteristic candid style, will share intriguing anecdotes from his experiences with cannabis and reflect on what inspired him to enter the industry.

Key Points: 
  • Mike Tyson, in his characteristic candid style, will share intriguing anecdotes from his experiences with cannabis and reflect on what inspired him to enter the industry.
  • Ric will shed light on his recent forays into the cannabis industry, showcasing the launch of innovative products and collaborations.
  • The Mike Tyson and Ric Flair panel will focus on the importance of strategic partnerships, cultural adaptation, and regulatory navigation in the international cannabis space.
  • Seize this opportunity to learn from the best in the business and to network with leaders shaping the future of the cannabis industry.

Germany decriminalised cannabis: why the UK should consider doing the same

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

This policy allows over-18s to possess a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and grow up to three plants at home.

Key Points: 
  • This policy allows over-18s to possess a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and grow up to three plants at home.
  • The UK government cites concerns about the risk to mental health associated with using cannabis as a justification for supporting prohibition.

Cannabis and mental health

  • There is extensive research exploring the relationship between cannabis and mental health problems, such as psychosis.
  • The evidence suggests that some people may be more vulnerable than others to developing psychosis through cannabis use.
  • The risk to mental health associated with cannabis, then, is relatively low.

Alcohol and tobacco: regulated but riskier

  • Unlike cannabis, alcohol is regulated in the UK.
  • As with cannabis, there are risks to mental health as a consequence of using alcohol.
  • The risk of developing depression among heavy alcohol use is significant: one in two will experience depression.
  • So despite alcohol being regulated or legal, the risks to a person’s mental health are greater than those posed by cannabis.

Public health

  • In contrast, German policy reform includes a public health education programme which aims to reduce the risks of using cannabis.
  • In 2007, when the Labour government introduced a ban on smoking in public areas, this wasn’t supported by many people.
  • The risks to health from using cannabis, then, are relatively small compared to regulated drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.
  • As the UK public finances continue to be squeezed, particularly around the NHS, persisting with the prohibition of cannabis is a missed opportunity for the nation’s health and a costly policy for its public services.


Mark Monaghan receives funding from UK Government, Cabinet Office and the ESRC. He has in the past received funding from the Nuffield Foundation. Ian Hamilton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Deepfake porn: why we need to make it a crime to create it, not just share it

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

The most popular website dedicated to sexualised deepfakes, usually created and shared without consent, receives around 17 million hits a month.

Key Points: 
  • The most popular website dedicated to sexualised deepfakes, usually created and shared without consent, receives around 17 million hits a month.
  • There has also been an exponential rise in “nudifying” apps which transform ordinary images of women and girls into nudes.
  • When Jodie, the subject of a new BBC Radio File on 4 documentary, received an anonymous email telling her she’d been deepfaked, she was devastated.
  • Her sense of violation intensified when she found out the man responsible was someone who’d been a close friend for years.

Deepfake creation itself is a violation

  • In the House of Lords, Charlotte Owen described deepfake abuse as a “new frontier of violence against women” and called for creation to be criminalised.
  • Creation may be about sexual fantasy, but it is also about power and control, and the humiliation of women.
  • Men’s sense of sexual entitlement over women’s bodies pervades the internet chat rooms where sexualised deepfakes and tips for their creation are shared.
  • As with all forms of image-based sexual abuse, deepfake porn is about telling women to get back in their box and to get off the internet.

Taking the law further

  • A law that only criminalises the distribution of deepfake porn ignores the fact that the non-consensual creation of the material is itself a violation.
  • As well as the criminal law laying the foundation for education and cultural change, it can impose greater obligations on internet platforms.
  • With women sharing their deep despair that their futures are in the hands of the “unpredictable behaviour” and “rash” decisions of men, it’s time for the law to address this threat.


Clare McGlynn does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.