Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX VENTURE: OGI) (OTCQX: OGRMF), the parent company of Organigram Inc. (the “Company” or “Organigram”), a leading licensed producer of cannabis, is pleased to announce the Company has entered into an agreement with 1812 Hemp, a New Brunswick based industrial hemp research company to secure supply and support research and development on the genetic improvement of hemp through traditional plant breeding methods. 1812 Hemp is focused on further developing a line of Canadian cultivars (specific varieties of plants cultivated to enhance desirable qualities) of high cannabidiol (CBD) yielding hemp for the Canadian climate.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organigram will have access to a secure supply of hemp flower which contains significant levels of cannabidiol (CBD cultivars ranging from 4% to 8%). CBD is a naturally occurring active ingredient in hemp and cannabis that is currently being studied for various therapeutic uses.
“Maximizing the CBD yield of hemp and cannabis means being able to meet increasing consumer demand for CBD while reducing overall production costs,” explains Greg Engel, CEO Organigram. “We are proud to work with other industry-leading companies and researchers to continue to explore the potential of hemp and cannabis plants and the efficiency with which we can deliver CBD to our customers.”
The recent legalization of cannabis in Canada has meant an increased need for agriculture technologies and plant breeding research to support both the indoor and outdoor growing of cannabis and industrial hemp. 1812 Hemp is excited to leverage the considerable research capacity and the substantial experience in variety and cultivar crop development in New Brunswick as it launches its industrial hemp breeding program for the development of new and improved cultivars to support the national and global demand for high value hemp genetics.
“We see the future CBD market in Canada and beyond to be an incredible opportunity” explains Engel. “CBD infused products will only grow in both medical and adult recreational channels, and we are focused on establishing the right relationships and processes now to fully take advantage of that opportunity”.
Access to Hemp
As part of the deal Organigram has access to approximately 6,000 kg of dried hemp flower harvested in the fall of 2018 which it intends to purchase and begin to send for extraction within the first calendar quarter of 2019.
In addition, Organigram has a right-of-first refusal on future procurement of hemp from 1812 Hemp which is expected to increase significantly in 2019 and beyond.
