NATUERA AND BRC COMPLETE FIRST IMPORT OF CANNABIS-DERIVED THC FROM COLOMBIA INTO THE UNITED STATES
This is the first export-import of high-THC cannabis derivative products from Colombia to the United States conducted in compliance with applicable laws.
The shipment, sent from NatuEra’s fully licensed, GMP-designed facility, located outside of Bogotá, was imported under a DEA permit by BRC for R&D purposes.
March 30, 2021 – NatuEra S.à.r.l. (“NatuEra”), a joint venture between Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) (“Cronos Group”) and an affiliate of Agroidea, and Biopharmaceutical Research Company (“BRC”), are pleased to announce the first successful shipment of cannabis-derived high-THC extract from Colombia to the United States, in compliance with applicable laws. This shipment of THC will be used for scientific research and analysis related to cannabis composition and safety, aimed at informing the ongoing policy discussions surrounding the advancement of a responsible, science-based framework for federal cannabis legalization and regulation.
“At NatuEra we believe companies and research organizations deserve to have access to compliant, reliable, high-quality cannabinoids for research and development initiatives. We’re delighted to be working with BRC in the United States to offer access to cannabis and cannabinoids grown and produced in compliance with applicable law. This work is significant as pharmaceutical, CPG, and academic organizations in the U.S. seek to advance the scientific research required to better understand cannabinoids and inform the ongoing policy discussions around the legalization and regulation of medical and adult use cannabis at the federal level,” said Nicolas Nannetti, CEO of NatuEra.
“We are excited to work with NatuEra to import compliant cannabis products from fully-licensed facilities for research and analysis. Researchers in the United States require compliant access to superior quality cannabinoids to answer important questions around the safety and efficacy of cannabis, and we are proud to work with NatuEra to advance federally compliant access to cannabis research. Our collaborative efforts to obtain the appropriate regulatory approvals to conduct this activity speak to our shared focus on compliance, science and advancement,” added George Hodgin, CEO of BRC.
The cannabis-derived, high-THC extract was exported by NatuEra under a permit granted by Colombia’s National Narcotics Control Board and imported into the United States under DEA approval obtained by BRC. This marks the first export-import of high-THC cannabis extract from Colombia to the United States in compliance with applicable laws and under the required approvals. The controlled substance will be used in an in-vitro study conducted by BRC to analyze the chemical constituents of residual cannabis vapor.
As the United States holds a national dialogue on how to transition from a state-led patchwork approach towards a federal framework guided by science, safety and consistent standards, this research will help scientists, doctors and policy makers better understand the chemical profile of cannabis in different forms.
About NatuEra:
NatuEra, a 50/50 joint venture between Cronos Group and an affiliate of Agroidea, is the hub and platform through which Cronos Group intends to access the Latin American market and offers brands worldwide access to reliable, compliant and capital-efficient cultivation, extraction, development, and manufacturing solutions. Its portfolio of hemp, cannabis and cannabinoid solutions is designed to comply with existing and emerging regulatory frameworks applicable to the wellness, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
About Biopharmaceutical Research Company:
BRC is a US-based federally compliant specialty pharmaceutical company. BRC holds several DEA Registrations and is working with the DEA for approval to manufacture clean, consistent and compliant cannabis for federally approved researchers around the world. BRC also conducts federally compliant cannabis-specific research activities.
Forward-looking statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of NatuEra, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. No undertaking is made to update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect any change in circumstances or events after the date of this press release.
