CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: Out of 120 applicants, Manitoba recently awarded four master retail licenses, a monumental action as Canada prepares to legalize cannabis for recreational use this summer. The entities that now hold prized licenses to retail pot and its associated paraphernalia in the province are: Tokyo Smoke, a subsidiary of HIKU Brands (CSE:HIKU; OTCBB: DJACF) (DJACF Profile); a consortium of Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. and Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF); National Access Cannabis (CSE: NAC) (OTC: NACNF); and 10552763 Canada Corporation. One key industry player that missed out on this licensing opportunity is MedReleaf (TSE: LEAF) (OTC: MEDFF). These licenses open the doors to considerable recreational retail revenue potential, and investors with foresight were quick to take action, with Aphria (TSX: APH) (OTC: APHQF) and Koicha Partners LP investing millions into the big four’s newest presence, HIKU.
New name, established brand
Although the name HIKU is new, the brands behind it are well-known and have interesting back stories. Tokyo Smoke was named “best brand” at the inaugural Cannabis Industry Awards in December 2017, and in January 2018 the company joined forces with Doja Cannabis Company to create...