The MiningNewsWire Podcast

Blockchain technology is responsible for transformations far beyond its original application as the basis of cryptocurrencies. Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) is applying blockchain in facilitating payment services, as one example of its divergent potential. Global Arena Holding, Inc. (OTC: GAHC) is demonstrating another as it uses blockchain to ensure fair elections. BTCS, Inc. (OTCQB: BTCS) is investing in a range of blockchain developments, including cryptocurrency ATMs. Companies such as Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) are turning to crypto mining as an extra revenue stream, and Seven Stars Cloud Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSC) is providing a bridge between new and old forms of investment.

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) (“ETST” or the “Company”), an innovative biotech company focused on the cannabidiol (CBD), nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields as well as medical devices and research and development, is pleased to announce that the audit process has been finalized and the Company has submitted Form 10 to become fully reporting.

Cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technology continue to grow in popularity. To make the most of this, a variety of tech-based companies are racing to put blockchain in the hands of ordinary businesses and consumers. Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP) is a technology company providing cryptocurrency payment solutions for retailers and consumers. BTCS, Inc. (OTCQB: BTCS) is creating a portfolio of companies that will bring cryptocurrency to a wider arena through ATMs and support for crypto in business. Others, such as British-Canadian company BTL Group, Ltd. (TSXV: BTL), are using blockchain as a basis for differing forms of software, with BTL’s platform providing extra speed, security and resilience to the work of programmers. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) offers a business blockchain that provides a permissioned network with known identities and no need for cryptocurrency exchange. And Daimler AG (OTC: DDAIF) has launched blockchain-based digital currency MobiCoin to encourage eco-friendly practices among drivers using its cars.

Telecommunications companies are under threat (http://nnw.fm/BrM3f) from over-the-top (OTT) services that enable consumers to communicate over the internet via streaming content and apps such as Skype, WhatsApp and Viber. These services currently handle over 80 percent of messaging traffic, and more than a third of all global voice traffic is channeled through Skype. This astounding level of competition demands that telecommunications companies focus on modernizing their operations and creating strategies to develop new products or services if they hope to achieve sustainable growth. One of the companies at the forefront of innovative strategy implementation is Hammer Fiber Optics Holdings Corporation (OTCQB: HMMR), a telecommunications company investing in the future of wireless technology and fiber optics. Other significant players in this industry include Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) and Comcast Corporation (CMCSA).

Financial technology is currently making new era advances, providing innovative, accessible solutions for entrepreneurs and small businesses. As part of this movement, Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) has created a flexible platform for dealing with finance across a business’s infrastructure, as well as a specialist payment system for high-risk businesses. Glance Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: GLNNF) has produced a mobile phone payment system that is secure, simple to use, and helps local businesses reach their customer base. MassRoots Retail (OTCQB: MSRT) uses technological solutions to help businesses develop links with consumers and is moving into financial technology through the development of a cryptocurrency. Support company mCig, Inc. (OTC: MCIG) has set up a cryptocurrency consulting division to help with the spread of this technology, as well as investing in state-of-the-art ATMs. Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG) has provided retailers with a secure payment processing system that helps to automate financial processes such as tax collection and sales tracking.

Venture capitalists have been placing enormous bets on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These high-tech batteries now power everything from smart phones and power tools to electric vehicles. Demand for lithium is certain to surge as vehicles become greener, new devices flourish and electricity becomes cleaner. In a testament to the immense opportunity created by the batteries’ versatility, venture capital firms have already pumped a record $1 billion-plus into battery technology this year, more than double all of last year’s total. Surging demand and inadequate market supply have intensified the hunt for new sources of this critical mineral by Lithium Chile, Inc. (TSX-V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) and other interested mining companies such as Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB), Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC), FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM).

For the very first time, a developed country stands at the precipice of legalizing recreational cannabis. Despite a slight delay from the original July 2018 legalization goal, industry analysts agree that Canada is on course to fully legalize recreational marijuana in August or September of this year, clearing the way for adults aged 18 and over to legally purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries across the nation. For companies like Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF), Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQX: ACBFF), Namaste Technologies Inc. (CSE: N), Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (TSXV: EMH) (OTCQX: EMHTF) and The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSXV: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF), this unprecedented regulatory shift is likely to unleash huge opportunities across multiple industry sectors, most notably cultivation and retail operations.

Most people who try to quit smoking cigarettes will fail. Why? Scientific research shows that the overwhelming culprit is nicotine. Nicotine holds such an addictive power over smokers, because it arrives in the brain so quickly — smoking delivers nicotine even faster than an injection, one researcher notes (http://nnw.fm/uunO1). While people know that smoking is a preventable killer, they also know that quitting is far easier said than done. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as nicotine gums, lozenges, sprays, sublingual tablets and transdermal patches dominate the multibillion-dollar global smoking cessation and nicotine de-addiction market. However, all commercial forms of NRT have different levels of efficacy and variable rates of nicotine absorption, as noted in an article published by the National Institutes of Health. Enter drug delivery platform innovator Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), which recently announced a significant breakthrough in alternative nicotine delivery technology that was first proven effective in cannabinoid or CBD delivery. Other biotechnology companies conducting research in similar arenas include GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH), CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI), 22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE American: XXII) and Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYNE).

Sunniva Inc. (CSE: SNN) (OTCQX: SNNVF) (“Sunniva” or the “Company”) announced today that it will delay its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 earnings release and the subsequent earnings call, previously scheduled for April 24, 2018 and April 25, 2018, respectively. The company now intends to release its results on April 30, 2018, after markets close. The delay is required for the company’s auditors to complete their final audit procedures.

North American cannabis markets have achieved tremendous growth in recent years, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. Cannabis research firm ArcView has called for an annualized growth rate of 26 percent through 2021, as the burgeoning industry benefits from growing popular support and regulatory changes. Perhaps the most notable of these pending amendments is Canada’s planned nationwide legalization of recreational cannabis. Canadian Health Minister Ginette Peitipas Taylor has stoked optimism regarding an August or September 2018 official launch date for recreational cannabis across Canada. Choom Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CHOOF) (CSE: CHOO), with its growing portfolio of four late-stage licensed producer applicants, is primed to pounce on this new market opportunity. Through an aggressive acquisition strategy and strong commitment to developing national retail distribution, Choom has quickly positioned itself as a major player among other North American cannabis industry mainstays like Cronos Group, Inc. (TSX: CRON) (NASDAQ: CRON), Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF), Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) and Hiku Brands Company, Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF).