RavenQuest BioMed Solidifies Its Leadership Position in Indigenous Markets

Canada’s cannabis industry is projected to be worth C$22.6 billion over the coming years, according to Deloitte, driven by the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis. With more than 100 licensed producers, investors have many different options for gaining exposure to the burgeoning industry. The best opportunities are companies that are taking a unique approach to the market rather than simply growing cannabis flower.

RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (CSE: RQB) has developed a four pillar approach to the market, including partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, in-house licensed production by mid-2018, revenue from managed services, and research and development. Investors may want to take a closer look at the stock given its unique value proposition and focus on partnering with a growing number of Indigenous People’s groups.

Partnerships With Indigenous Peoples

Canada’s Indigenous population will play a key role in the emerging cannabis industry. While there are only four Indigenous licensed producers, and 14 applications that have identified affiliations, the government hopes to allocate about one-fifth of the total cannabis canopy to the population over the long-term. These groups are also lobbying to receive an appropriate share of the excise taxes derived from the sale of cannabis.

RavenQuest has developed an Indigenous-centered, end-to-end offering for cannabis production and sale on sovereign land. These efforts are led by Head of Government and Indigenous Relations, Bill Robinson, former President & CEO of the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission and former Commander, “D” division, RCMP. The company has already worked with several Indigenous Peoples groups at various stages of the licensing process.

The company’s partnerships with Indigenous populations are typically structured as a services contract to help them develop their Health Canada application. After securing licensed producer status, management’s goal is to transition into a full-fledged equity partnership focused on helping them build out their production footprint, effectively manage the operations, and realize long-term success.

New Contracts in Place

RavenQuest recently signed a contract with Alexander First Nation to develop a cannabis license application, marking a huge first step toward a brighter economic future for both the Indigenous group and the company’s shareholders. The Indigenous group is located next to the Edmonton Metro region, which has a population of over 1.3 million residents, and plans to build a cannabis facility on its sovereign land.

“This agreement speaks to our continued commitment to working with Indigenous communities,” said RavenQuest CEO George Robinson in a recent press release announcing the new agreement. “We see the economic and social impact these partnerships can bring and will continue our work in earnest to establish similar partnerships and engagements with unique Indigenous communities in the months ahead.”

In the case of Fort McMurray, the company’s services contract evolved into a full-fledged equity partnership to develop a 24,000 sq. ft. facility, and then, an expansion agreement to move it to a 250,000 sq. ft. facility. A similar agreement may be possible with Alexander First Nation if it’s successful in obtaining a licensed producer status from Health Canada, meaning that the initial agreement could be a bigger deal down the road.

These agreements also serve as a proof-of-concept when it comes to working with other Indigenous groups around the country. With one-fifth of the total canopy dedicated to these groups, they could be very lucrative over the long run.

Looking Ahead

RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (CSE: RQB) is well positioned to unlock significant value within the cannabis industry by targeting the Indigenous Peoples markets. While there are more than 100 licensed producers for investors to choose from, RavenQuest represents a unique focus that provides diversified exposure to the industry.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.rbqglobal.com.  

Disclaimer

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About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.