Emblem signs five-year supply agreement with Compass Cannabis Clinic for Starbuds Canada
Emblem brands and products to be distributed through Compass’ national retail operations, Starbuds Canada
TORONTO, Sept. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emblem Corp. (TSXV: EMC, OTCQX: EMMBF) (“Emblem” or the “Company”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Emblem Cannabis Corporation, a licensed producer of medical cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”), announced today that it has entered into a five-year supply and preferred vendor agreement (the “Agreement”) with 10330698 Canada Ltd. d/b/a Compass Cannabis Clinic (“Compass”) to become a preferred cannabis supplier through its wholly owned subsidiary adult-use retail entity Starbuds Canada (“Starbuds”), effective October 17, 2018.
Compass currently has forty confirmed leases for locations across Canada, a mix of operational clinics that are now open, in development, or in preparation with the intended use of becoming retail cannabis stores. Starbuds – licensee of the Starbuds brand name for Canada from Starbuds based out of Denver, Colorado – has an aggressive expansion plan across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan to serve cannabis enthusiasts across Canada. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Compass, Starbuds has received cannabis retail licenses in two provinces along with a dozen retail development permits across the province of Alberta.
Under the Agreement, subject to the receipt by Compass of all required licensing under the applicable provincial cannabis regimes, and where such agreements are permitted by applicable provincial regulations, Emblem will supply Compass with high-quality cannabis, beginning with products under Emblem’s first adult-use brand, Symbl. It is expected that Emblem’s Symbl-branded products will be sold in all provinces in which Compass operates and where Emblem has received a provincial listing or approval for sale.
Emblem’s relationship with Compass establishes another important distribution channel to get our products and brands to cannabis consumers across Canada. As we continue to build our brands and innovate with products, the retail environment will play a critical role in building our awareness with consumers and driving market share.
Nick Dean, CEO, Emblem Corp.
Compass is a highly regarded, trusted operator of cannabis clinics, and we are confident their Starbuds retail operations will continue in this vein. As the cannabis retail environment continues to develop, Emblem intends to pursue strategic relationships with retailers that will focus on providing a premier retail experience including product education, customer service, and quality products.
Compass is well-positioned to be a leader for retail cannabis distribution nationally, securing real estate for retail locations in advance of regulations coming into effect. With confirmed leases across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, Compass is also in the second round of the application process for retail licensing in Manitoba.
Compass has established a strong reputation as a trusted cannabis clinic. Our Starbuds retail operations will lean into this by providing a space for consumers focused on product education and expert service.
Dave Martyn, President of Starbuds Canada and Compass Cannabis Clinic
Starbuds is a rapidly developing cannabis brand in Canada and we look forward to building our team, establishing our retail footprint and serving Canada’s cannabis consumers.
About Emblem
Emblem, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Emblem Cannabis Corporation, is a fully integrated licensed producer and distributor of medical cannabis and cannabis derivatives in Canada under the ACMPR. Emblem’s state-of-the-art indoor cannabis cultivation facility and research and development laboratory is located in Paris, Ontario. Led by an experienced management team of healthcare executives, accomplished marketing professionals, and cannabis experts, Emblem is focused on driving shareholder value through product innovation, brand relevance, and access to patient and consumer channels. Emblem is also the parent company of GrowWise Health Limited, one of Canada’s leading cannabis education services. Emblem trades under the ticker symbol EMC on the TSX Venture Exchange.
About Compass
Compass, through Compass Cannabis Clinics is a medical cannabis consultation company whose core business is focused on providing educational and consultation services to Canadians who are able to obtain cannabis from a licensed producer under the ACMPR. With a rapidly growing patient base of approximately 8,000 patients currently being served and an aggressive real estate acquisition strategy, the company aims to be one of the largest retail cannabis organizations in Canada with ongoing development strategies to expand internationally. Learn more about Compass at https://compasscannabis.ca/.
