VIVO and Loyalist College Collaborate on Cannabis Applied Research Project

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VIVO and Loyalist College Collaborate on Cannabis Applied Research Project

Napanee, Ontario, October 5, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSXV:VIVO, OTCQX: VVCIF) (“VIVO” or the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiary ABcann Medicinals Inc., and Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) have entered into an applied research agreement to investigate and develop innovative processes for the extraction and formulation of cannabis oil for commercialization.

By partnering with Loyalist, VIVO aims to develop optimized processes for extraction, expand its capacity to develop new products, and contribute to unique and advanced experiential learning opportunities for students while preparing them to become future leaders in the Canadian cannabis industry.

VIVO and Loyalist’s ARC intend to achieve the following objectives as part of this agreement:

  • Investigate new processes and technologies to increase the efficiency of producing high-quality, well-characterized medical cannabis oil for commercialization;
  • Facilitate applied research projects in extraction and testing;
  • Investigate opportunities for new product formats and formulations for commercialization; and
  • Implement experiential learning opportunities at VIVO that allow Loyalist students to apply and advance their industry knowledge.

 

“VIVO is excited to enter into this collaboration with Loyalist,” said Jaipaul Massey-Singh, VP of Product Development and Supply at VIVO. “The changes in our industry are rapid and dynamic, and to be successful it’s critical that we not only seek ways to innovate in the present but also foster future innovation. We believe our agreement with Loyalist will be highly beneficial for both organizations and look forward to collaborating on a range of projects that will allow students to contribute to our growth while we all learn and continue to produce the highest quality products for our customers.”

“We look forward to investigating new processes and technologies with VIVO,” said Ann Drennan, Senior Vice-President Academic and Chief Learning Officer. “This collaboration gives Loyalist students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in green technologies while working with an industry partner in the cutting-edge cannabis oil industry.”

About Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Department

Currently, Loyalist is the only College in Canada and the only Ontario academic institution to have a laboratory approved to conduct research activities with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations, as listed on the Government of Canada’s website. Through Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Department, the College collaborates with industry partners in various fields on applied research projects, creating amazing learning experiences for students and faculty of all disciplines. The College has had success with funding support through Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on a variety of projects. This allows Loyalist to increase capacity to work with local industries and businesses, support faculty who are committed to conducting research and to facilitating student research experiences. It has increased the capacity of Ontario industries to conduct applied research and attract new investors, stimulating innovative product development and job creation in the region. For more information, visit loyalistcollege.com.

About VIVO Cannabis™

VIVO, based in Napanee, Ontario, is recognized for trusted, high-quality products and services. It holds production and sales licences from Health Canada and operates world-class indoor cultivation facilities with proprietary plant-growing technology. VIVO has a collection of premium brands targeting unique customer segments, including Beacon Medical™, FIRESIDE™, Canna Farms™ and Lumina™. In August 2018, VIVO acquired Canna Farms Limited, a premium cannabis company based in Hope, British Columbia. Canna Farms was B.C.’s first Licensed Producer and has several years of craft cultivation experience and expertise, as well as a significant patient base and positive cash flow. The Company is significantly expanding its production capacity and pursuing partnership and product development opportunities domestically, as well as in select international markets, including Germany and Australia. VIVO also operates Harvest Medicine, a patient-centric and highly scalable network of specialty medical cannabis clinics as well as a new free telemedicine app providing best-in-class education and support to over 15,000 patients. VIVO has a healthy balance sheet with over $100 million in cash and is well-positioned to accelerate the growth of our business, in Canada and internationally.

More Information

Barry Fishman, CEO VIVO Cannabis: barry.fishman@vivocannabis.com
Michael Bumby, CFO VIVO Cannabis: michael.bumby@vivocannabis.com
Kerry Lorimer, Director of Marketing, Communications & Recruitment: klorimer@loyalistcollege.com
Website: vivocannabis.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Barry Fishman (CEO and Director)
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may be considered forward-looking statements, which are statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding the beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions of VIVO and its management regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements relating to the intended objectives and expected benefits of the collaboration with Loyalist.  Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including the possibility that the collaboration with Loyalist will not be successful or that VIVO may not derive the expected benefits from the collaboration including with respect to the Company’s ongoing product development efforts. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are urged to consider these factors, and the more extensive risk factors included in the Company’s annual information form dated April 30, 2018 and other continuous disclosure filings, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Loyalist College and Entomo Farms Extend Applied Research Partnership

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Loyalist College and Entomo Farms Extend Applied Research Partnership

May 11, 2018

Belleville, Ontario, May 11, 2018 – Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) has extended its applied research project with Entomo Farms, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), for another year.

For the past 12 months, the ARC has collaborated with Entomo Farms through an Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and NSERC grant to determine optimal storage and a ‘best before’ date of 12 months for their cricket powder product. Throughout the year-long study, the powder did not show any significant signs of deterioration. As a result, the ARC will conduct another year of analyses in order to gather additional data. 

This project will provide further recommendations for storage and a more accurate ‘best before’ date, which Entomo Farms requires in order to effectively distribute their cricket powder nationally and internationally. It aims to validate Entomo Farms’ scientific methods while illustrating the environmental, social and nutritional benefits of insect farming and support the adoption of insect protein for human, pet and livestock diets. Entomo Farms intends to transfer the knowledge gathered from this project to their other powder products.

Quotes:

“Entomo Farms is changing the way people think about insects as protein and nutrient-rich food sources, which have the potential to improve global food security while preserving biodiversity. Their products continue to present our ARC with innovative research opportunities through which students and faculty test powder quality and preservation. As eating insects is still a relatively novel concept, the findings of this project will be particularly important in informing society’s approval and adoption.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO

“The groundbreaking and pioneering research we are conducting in partnership with Loyalist is helping to establish empirical evidenced based frameworks for understanding elements of insect foods, specifically cricket powder performance, characteristics and functionality. It is creating confidence and normalizing this emerging food category. We are excited and look forward to many more collaborative projects in the future.” – Dr. Jarrod Goldin, President of Entomo Farms

About NSERC

NSERC invests over $1.2 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries—valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect industry with discoveries and the people behind them. Researcher-industry partnerships established by NSERC help inform research and development and solve scale-up challenges.

NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada.

About Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Department

Through Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Department, the College collaborates with industry partners in various fields on applied research projects, creating amazing learning experiences for students and faculty of all disciplines. The College has had success with funding support through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on a variety of projects. Having access to funding support allows Loyalist to increase capacity to work with local industries and businesses, support faculty who are committed to conducting research and to facilitating student research experiences. It has increased the capacity of Ontario industries to conduct applied research and attract new investors, stimulating innovative product development and job creation in our region.

About Loyalist College

Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 65 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre, which is LEED® Silver certified, are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. The College is a key driver of the social and economic health and prosperity of the area and contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product. This represents an overall effect on the regional economy of $530 million annually – based on a 2014 Report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536

Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis Collaborates with Province Brands of Canada

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Loyalist College's Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis Collaborates with Province Brands of Canada

April 30, 2018

Belleville, Ontario, April 30, 2018 – Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) has launched a year-long applied research project with Province Brands of Canada, makers of alcohol-free cannabis beers and spirits.

In February 2018, Loyalist was awarded $660,000 in funding for the project through the Government of Ontario’s Colleges Applied Research and Development Fund (CARDF), administered by Ontario Centres of Excellence in partnership with Colleges Ontario. Funding provided through the CARDF program allows Province Brands of Canada to leverage $300,000 from the Ontario Centres of Excellence, with their contribution of $300,000 cash and in-kind towards the research and development efforts.

The research project aims to help Province Brands of Canada further develop and commercially scale-up their patent-pending process for converting cannabis plant components into an aqueous solution as a base for producing fermented beverages, including premium beer products. It is a significant contribution to Province Brands of Canada’s efforts to bring to market the world’s first beers brewed entirely from cannabis plants, instead of barley or grains.

The ARC is Canada’s only College with a laboratory approved to conduct research with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations, as listed on the Government of Canada’s website.

Quotes:

“Our province needs talent to continue to sustain its growing innovation eco-system. Investing in applied research and development is a step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our province. By bringing together colleges and the R&D sector, we’re creating opportunities for our students and ensuring they are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.” – Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science

“Loyalist’s ARC is uniquely positioned to collaborate with Province Brands of Canada to conduct the analytical testing and process development they need. This will be the first project of its kind in Canada to utilize the whole cannabis plant, creating an opportunity to eliminate waste streams in cannabis and industrial hemp industries. Our focus on sustainability and entrepreneurship through innovative applied research provides our students with exceptional educational experiences that prepare them for forward-thinking roles.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO

“We are thrilled that Ontario Centres of Excellence sees the value in our groundbreaking research to create a new brewing tradition, which will ultimately create jobs across Ontario and most importantly, introduce consumers to a safer alternative to alcohol.” – Dooma Wendschuh, Co-Founder and CEO of Province Brands of Canada

“We are excited to partner with Province Brands of Canada. This project comes at an important time as Canada is emerging as a leader in the North American hemp industry and in the cultivation of cannabis. It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to work with industry partners on game-changing applied research projects.” – Dr. Kari Kramp, Principal Investigator and Biosciences faculty at Loyalist College

About Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Department

Through Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Department, the College collaborates with industry partners in various fields on applied research projects, creating amazing learning experiences for students and faculty of all disciplines. The College has had success with funding support through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on a variety of projects. Having access to funding support allows Loyalist to increase capacity to work with local industries and businesses, support faculty who are committed to conducting research and to facilitating student research experiences. It has increased the capacity of Ontario industries to conduct applied research and attract new investors, stimulating innovative product development and job creation in our region. For more information, visit loyalistcollege.com.

About Province Brands of Canada

Province Brands of Canada is an early stage, Toronto-based, highly disruptive premium adult beverage company founded by veteran entrepreneurs with extensive experience in the premium alcohol and legal medical and recreational cannabis industries. Province Brand’s patent-pending process has created the world’s first beer brewed entirely from cannabis. Alcohol-free yet highly intoxicating, and with a dose-response curve similar to that of alcohol, Province Brand’s cannabis-powered beers and spirits will challenge the alcohol industry by offering a safer and healthier alternative that is also low in calories and sugar. For more information, please visit: provincebrands.com or email elad@provincebrands.com. 

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director of Marketing, Communications & Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536

Loyalist College Introduces Canada’s First Cannabis Applied Science Program

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Loyalist College Introduces Canada's First Cannabis Applied Science Program

April 19, 2018

Belleville, Ontario, April 19, 2018 – Loyalist College has launched an eight-month Cannabis Applied Science (CSGS) Ontario College post-graduate certificate program with funding approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Created in response to the burgeoning cannabis job market, the new program is the first of its kind in Canada to allow students to build on their degree or Ontario College diploma with the in-depth skills to support cannabis product development, inform process optimization, and address natural product quality, consistency and safety.

“With the impending legalization of cannabis this summer, there is increasing demand among prospective students for post-secondary programs that will ready them for new career opportunities, ranging from roles such as cannabis quality assurance manager and lead processing technician to formulation chemist,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO. “Our Cannabis Applied Science students will learn both inside our state-of-the-art Health Canada licensed facility using advanced extraction technologies and outside the classroom during a field placement with Licensed Producers where they can apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.”

The program will be delivered in collaboration with Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC), Canada’s only College laboratory approved to conduct research with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations, as listed on the Government of Canada’s website. It will focus on green technologies, including supercritical CO2 extraction, to support industry’s transition away from the use of petrochemical solvents. Students will apply a range of lab techniques for the extraction and analysis of cannabis, developing methods which can provide them and their employers with a competitive advantage.

“This hands-on program was developed based on extensive consultation with Licensed Producers and industry experts across the sector,” said Ann Drennan, Senior Vice-President Academic and Chief Learning Officer. “Our Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of specialists in the cannabis field and their expertise is reflected in our highly relevant Cannabis Applied Science curriculum. Graduates of this program will be the qualified personnel employers require to fill their growing number of job opportunities.”

Applications for the College’s first intake of the program, starting in September 2018, are currently being accepted through ontariocolleges.ca. Admission requirements include an Ontario College diploma, Ontario College advanced diploma, degree or equivalent in the Sciences, Biology or a related discipline. To comply with Health Canada regulations and to be eligible to work with cannabis, applicants need to provide a recent and valid criminal record check. For more information about Loyalist’s Cannabis Applied Science program, which builds on the strength of the College’s established Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering and Environmental programs, please visit loyalistcollege.com.

About Loyalist College

Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 65 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre, which is LEED® Silver certified, are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. The College is a key driver of the social and economic health and prosperity of the area and contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product. This represents an overall effect on the regional economy of $530 million annually – based on a 2014 Report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536