Marijuana Business Magazine January 2019

January 2019 | mjbizdaily.com 17 and discussion on this issue, because the rewards for Canadians, Americans and others can be so bountiful. What does the interest of companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi tell you about this sector? Murphy: Whether you’re Coke, Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch or Molson Coors, everyone sees how they can benefit—and benefit their shareholders—with cannabis. It’s a very complex plant. There are a number of components within the plant that provide wellness products. Coke sees it as more of a wellness opportunity, whereas alcohol and spirit companies see it more as a hedge against losing market share in their core businesses. When you think about the overall size of this business, and the opportunity set in front of each one of these companies, it would be a very difficult thing for the boards of these companies to ignore the opportunity in front of them, given their competitors are making swift moves in trying to capture some of the upside. When Coca-Cola moves, so does Pepsi. When Constellation moves, so does (liquor giant) Diageo. Constellation was the first to put their foot forward with a check for $4 billion. But make no mistake: You are seeing all the major players around the space angling as to where they can find their entry point into this opportunity set. Mulroney: Investors are queuing up to take advantage of a unique opportunity. While I was surprised at the amount, I wasn’t surprised at the fact, because it seems to be entirely logical that this is the way major investors and major corporations are going to go. Is Acreage’s goal to expand outside North America? Murphy: To date, our business plan is solely focused on the United States. With the 50 states that we have in front of us, (33) of which have a medicinal program for cannabis, we have our work cut out for us in those states. The United States is roughly 5% of the world’s population, but we as a country consume more than 80% of all opioids. That staggering statistic, along with another 115 people dying of opioid overdoses every day, has us focused on bringing an alternative—cannabis—to the marketplace. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. • WATER: Eliminates pathogens while adding oxygen (ozone’s only by-product) • WASTE WATER: Contaminate control and BOD/COD reduction • SURFACE DISINFECTION: Eliminates harmful microbes on all surfaces • INDOOR AIR: Controls mold, mildew and odor ClearWater Tech ozone sanitation systems clean and sanitize surfaces, equipment, control odor, and recycle water for reuse, safely and effectively. Maximize efficiency in your grow room and produce healthier plants. Contact ClearWater Tech today for details and special pricing! 805.549.9724 | 800.262.0203 | sales@cwtozone.com cwtozone.com/applications/medical-cannabis/ ClearWater Tech, LLC - Since 1986 Ozone Systems for Water & Air Purification PANEL-MOUNT SYSTEMS COMAIR 20T MOBILE CART KEEP YOUR GROW FACILITY FREE FROM HARMFUL PLANT PATHOGENS MEET REGULATIONS, EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY WITH OZONE SANITATION