SAN DIEGO, Jan. 18, 2018 — Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC:MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, today announced that its subsidiary HempMeds® had its product registrations affirmed in Puerto Rico, enabling the Company to continue selling its CBD hemp oil products, Real Scientific Hemp Oil™ (RSHO™), freely throughout the U.S. territory. This major milestone marks another historic first for RSHO™ as the first and only legally registered cannabis product to be sold in Puerto Rico as a nutritional supplement.
In September of 2015, Puerto Rico’s Departmento de Salud (Department of Health) approved 12 RSHO™ products through Medical Marijuana, Inc. subsidiary HempMeds® for use in the territory. In Sept. 2016, the Department of Health notified Medical Marijuana, Inc. of its intention to cancel the registration of the Company’s CBD hemp oil products, stating that “HempMeds® products contained a controlled substance (CBD) considered to be unlawful under the Classification or Schedule 1 of the Federal Law on Controlled Substances.”
In July 2017, per request of Medical Marijuana, Inc. for a reconsideration of this determination, Puerto Rico’sDepartment of Health repealed its initial determination, reinstating the registration of HempMeds® products in Puerto Rico and providing the Company the right to sell them freely in the market of Puerto Rico. In appealing the decision, the Company asserted that its products were derived from the part of the plant, Cannabis Sativa L, that is exempt from the definition of “marijuana” under both the federal and Puerto Rico Controlled Substances Acts. Accordingly, the Company asserted, its products were legal under both federal and Puerto Rico law. The final determination held that:
- HempMeds® products are neither marijuana, nor containing marijuana. They are natural – not synthetic – based products of industrial oil or “hemp oil” that is extracted from the stalk or mature stems of the plant Cannabis Sativa L. The products are not psychoactive and do not have the psychotropic effect of marijuana.
- HempMeds® products are not substances controlled under federal law. The federal CSA identifies “marijuana” as a controlled substance under Category or Schedule 1, but the definition of “marijuana” expressly excludes from its scope oil and other derivatives of the stalk or mature stems of the Cannabis Sativa plant L.
“We are pleased with the decision to reinstate the registration of HempMeds products in Puerto Rico, as we can now continue providing the more than 3.6 million residents of this territory with CBD hemp oil products that are helping people around the world,” said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. “We are extremely proud to have been the first Company to provide the people of Puerto Rico with CBD hemp oil products, especially after the World Health Organization’s recent recommendation not to schedule CBD.”
About HempMeds®
HempMeds® is a corporate portfolio company of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC PINK:MJNA) and the Company’s exclusive master distributor and contracted marketing company, handling sales and distribution.
About Medical Marijuana, Inc.
We are a company of firsts®. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.
To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s corporate video, click here.
“Shareholders and consumers are also encouraged to buy CBD oil and other products at Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s shop.”
FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil.
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