How to Treat and Prevent Hand and Arm Injuries that Often Occur While Working Out

Working out with the intention of building strength, increasing endurance or losing weight has numerous health benefits, but can present a few hazards as well. Hand and arm injuries are among the most common for fitness enthusiasts, especially those that use free weights or weighted machines frequently. There are a few tips that all workout enthusiasts should follow, including the need to rest and recover following any kind of exercise injury.

Always Follow Form

Any exercise that involves weight, even if it’s just your own body, should be executed in good form every single time. You should always carefully research the posture and execution for each exercise, starting with little to no weight and building from there. A gym membership or personal training sessions can be invaluable for getting a direct education in how to navigate a new fitness routine. Using proper form also increases the value of the exercise for fitness or body-building purposes.

Address Bone and Joint Damage

Bones and joints don’t grow bigger to increase strength like muscles do, but they can still strengthen or weaken over time. People who use their hands and arms for various exercises, including those targeting other muscle groups, should consider wearing wrist braces or other protective gear to better distribute the weight. Damage to bone and joints also takes a lot longer to heal than injury to other tissue, so it can take several weeks or months to get back to normal. Serious injuries or developing conditions warrant a trip to an orthopedic hand specialistto minimize the potential for long-term complications.

Stretch and Warm-Up

Many people who are just starting on their fitness journey don’t fully appreciate the importance of a stretch and warm-up routine before exercise. Stretching helps strengthen muscles all on its own and greatly reduces the chances of an injury during a workout. Some fitness routines incorporate stretching throughout the session, while others prioritize it at the beginning and end of the workout.

Fuel Yourself for Success

Diet may not play a direct role in causing a hand or army injury, but it does impact the chance of it occurring and ability to recover. Calcium is just one of many vitamins and nutrients that directly affect bone health. Various vitamins, amino acids and ample water are all also important for encouraging repair of muscle fibers throughout the body. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the overall chance of injury and improve recovery rate.

Few things are as frustrating as hand or arm damage when you are trying to achieve fitness goals. Giving these injuries time to heal can slow down some of your workout goals, but ignoring them and allowing them to degenerate can cause life-long problems. Don’t hesitate to seek professional or medical assistance for any kind of serious injury.

New communications platform aims to prevent social isolation by connecting older adults with family and friends

MONCTON, NB, Oct. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - A new Canadian-designed messaging platform offers older adults with little to no computer experience or with sensory loss an easier way to stay in contact with family and friends.

"Our goal is to break down walls and re-engage older adults who are not online and may have vision, hearing, motor skills or language barriers that isolate them from family and friends," says Robert Arn, co-founder and chief technology officer at Famli.net Communications Inc., developers of the new platform.

Called FamliNet, the platform makes it easy to send voice, text or video messages and photographs. 

A public beta version that can be used by seniors and their families wherever they live was released this week at the AGE-WELL Annual Conference in Moncton, New Brunswick. AGE-WELL, Canada's Technology and Aging Network, has supported the development of FamliNet.

"Staying connected to meaningful relationships is one of the leading determinants of health and quality of life," says Dr. Arn. "This service is specifically designed to help seniors preserve those relationships and to prevent social isolation, which is all too common among older adults." 

Until now, FamliNet has been used by residents at several retirement and long-term care facilities in Canada. 

For Richard Ratcliffe, 91, who lives at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto, Ontario, the platform has "opened up a whole new world." Life had become lonely for the war veteran and career naval officer because of profound hearing loss from "being a little too close to gunfire in Korea."

Things changed when Ratcliffe began using FamliNet. He now shares pictures, videos, audio and text messages with family and friends on a daily basis. 

Says daughter Steph Gagne: "FamliNet has opened up horizons for my dad. It has brightened his world."

For multilingual families or groups, the program automatically translates everyone's messages into each person's preferred language in both text and voice. The initial version supports English, French and Mandarin Chinese, with 30 more languages to follow.

FamliNet requires minimal training to use, even for those with no computer experience, says Dr. Arn. Seniors were involved in testing the platform, which features pictures of the user's contacts and straightforward icons to access the different types of messaging. It also connects users to online services, news and games. 

FamliNet works on any device that runs a web browser and will soon be available for iOS mobile devices. It can be accessed at www.famlinet.com and runs without downloads or installation complications. There is no cost until January 2020, when a monthly fee will be introduced.

Dr. Arn says he expects that family members may often be the ones to introduce the platform to the older adult in their family—and to underline "why it is worth a try." 

Seniors who have difficulty typing will benefit from FamliNet's ability to record a spoken message, transcribe it into text and deliver it to a relative or friend in both spoken and text form.  

Those with poor vision can tap a large icon to hear a text read aloud. 

FamliNet was initially developed by TAGlab at the University of Toronto, under the direction of Dr. Ronald Baecker. TAGlab and Famli.nethave deep roots at AGE-WELL as they are funded through the AGE-WELL Core Research Program. 

About AGE-WELL:

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services, policies and practices that improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca.

SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)

ProMIS Neurosciences advances ALS program selectively targeting toxic form of TDP-43

Results follow recent updates to ProMIS antibody programs selectively targeting root cause of multiple neurodegenerative diseases

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Oct. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, has generated antibody candidates targeting the neurotoxic form of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), a protein found in all cells and implicated as a root cause in a spectrum of diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). 

New data generated by ProMIS' unique drug discovery and development platform demonstrate that several antibody candidates show selectivity for toxic, misfolded intracellular aggregates of TDP-43 with no binding to normal TDP-43 located in the cell nucleus. ProMIS antibody candidates also show selective binding to the pathogenic, misfolded form of TDP-43 in post-mortem brain tissue from patients with FTD.  

"The momentum behind each of our programs is palpable," said Elliot Goldstein, MD, ProMIS Neurosciences President and CEO. "In the past 30 days, we've announced data advancing our development programs selectively targeting toxic misfolded proteins for treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), ALS and FTD. Yesterday, Biogen's decision to submit its amyloid-beta targeting drug candidate, aducanumab, for FDA approval signaled a milestone shift in the promise of next-generation amyloid-beta targeting drugs. Our lead program, PMN310, offers sniper-like precision for the toxic, misfolded form of amyloid beta, a key feature that offers important potential advantages compared to aducanumab. We will continue to support the patient community by advancing our programs, in particular PMN310 for Alzheimer's disease, leveraging our proprietary, drug discovery platform." 

To learn more about the search for therapies for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, listen to the podcast, Saving Minds, at iTunes or Spotify.

About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines – ProMIS and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.

Visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

Surge in demand for natural products prompts 

Costco to add Drake’s Organic Spiced Rum

Gold medal winning spirit will join Drake’s Spiked Ice on shelves of world’s second largest retailer

Minneapolis, Minnesota (October 23, 2019) – Drake’s Organic Spirits announced today that its gold medal-winning all-organic spiced rum is now available at Costco locations beginning in San Diego, California. 

“Costco is not only one of the world’s largest retailers, it’s also beloved by devoted fans around the globe who appreciate the company’s low prices, quality products and commitment to customers and employees,” said Drake’s Founder and CEO Mark Anderson.  “Costco is on the leading edge of the growing consumer demand for products made sustainably and without the addition of artificial colors and flavors.  We’re proud that Costco has chosen to offer Drake’s Organic Spiced Rum to their members.” 

Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirit line in the world to be certified USDA organic, non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher.  The five certifications ensure a cleaner drinking option that comes only from the highest quality organic ingredients. Drake’s continues to be among the most environmentally conscious brands in the spirits industry and deeply committed to using ingredients and processes that lead to a more sustainable planet. 

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Drake’s Organic Spiced Rum won Gold at the 2019 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention.  The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit. Previous awards for Drake’s Organic Spiced Rum include Gold at the Asia International Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the 2017 Global Spirits.

Costco continues to offer Drake’s Organic Spiked Iceä freeze-and-eat adult treats in select locations.  The handheld ice pops feature 15% ABV and only 80 calories each.  Spiked Ice comes in four flavors - Mango Rum Punch, Vodka Lemonade, Watermelon Martini and Classic Mojito - and are made with Drake’s award-winning all-organic ultra-premium vodka and white rum. 

Proceeds from the sale of all Drake’s Organic Spirits products help fund Long Lake Animal Rescue, an animal rescue foundation that takes in animals in urgent need of a second chance at life.

About Drake’s Organic Spirits 
Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017.    Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium spirits. Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drakes Organic Spiced Rum offer a no-grain, no-gluten, no-gmo, ultra-premium and 12-times distilled handcrafted spirits at a better price than the leading premium brands.

For more information, please visit http://www.drakesorganicspirits.com, facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drakesorganic/, Instagram: @drakesorganic, or contact email sales: info@drakesorganicspirits.com.

COMBAT FESTIVE FORGETFULNESS: A HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Guinness Record Holder for Memory Shares Holiday Hacks with Tips to Remember Names & Faces at Parties  Holiday forgetfulness is a common issue that many of us face. Between the additional errands, shopping, travel, and prep, it's totally understandable why our stress levels rise and things fall through the cracks. In addition to just missing "to-do list" items, festive forgetfulness can also emerge in a more embarrassing way. The holidays bring plenty of opportunities to experience the excruciatingly-awkward, social situation of not being able to remember an acquaintance’s name.Luckily, Guinness Record Holder for Greatest Memory, Dave Farrow is sharing tips to improve your recall and memory this holiday season!"How often have you met someone and 5 seconds later you forget their name? People are always thinking about the next thing to say to avoid awkward conversation so names go in one ear and out the other..."...says Farrow who explains that remembering a person's face relies on recognition, while their name is a matter of recall. Although Farrow has been called 'the walking encyclopedia' for his ability to remember facts and trivia, he has no inborn gift for memory. In fact, he has severe dyslexia and ADHD and developed a system for memorizing to help combat these issues. "The holidays are filled with distractions and stress which can impact how the brain processes information and stores memories," says Farrow. If you are stressed during an event, (like your company's holiday party) you may have more difficulty accurately remembering the details of the event later (like the name of your boss's wife who you met at last year's holiday party.) Whether it is a work event or a friend’s get-together, you’ll want to be on top of your name-remembering game. You have considerable control over your own brain function since much depends on what you experience, and how you use your brain. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep play a big role in our brain function and how much we remember. It's never too late to make the conscious decision to adopt a more brain-fit lifestyle. This will allow the brain to heal, reset, and ultimately put your mind at ease in social situations.  Dave Farrow has fascinating information on the brain and memory. He is sharing tips and actionable advice people can use to combat festive forgetfulness and improve memory over the holidays. IN AN INTERVIEW OR ARTICLE, DAVE FARROW CAN:Share holiday brain hacks to combat festive forgetfulness and improve memoryGive simple tips to help you remember names and faces at holiday parties and eventsExplain the science behind memory and recallPerform live, on-air, memory demonstrations ABOUT DAVE FARROW:Dave Farrow is the two-time Guinness World Record holder for greatest memory. To earn this title, Farrow recalled the exact order of 59 decks of shuffled playing cards using 'The Farrow Memory Method'. This method was originally invented to combat Farrow’s dyslexia and ADHD and it is now a unique memory system backed by a double-blind neuroscience study from McGill University. Farrow is also the CEO of Farrow Communications and the founder of Brain Hackers, a digital magazine that offers brain-based advice for personal and professional improvement. Dave Farrow has been a featured guest expert on over 2000 interviews in the media including Dr. Oz, The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Steve Harvey, Discovery Channel, and many others.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: Brainhackers.com 

Province Brands of Canada Achieves Major Milestone 

Seeks Patent Protection for Technology to Bring the First Cannabis Brewed Beverages to Market in 2020 

CAMBRIDGE BAY, NUNAVUT – October 24, 2019 -- Province Brands of Canada, a leading researcher in cannabinoid science and the developer of first of their kind luxury beverages powered by cannabis, is proud to announce today the filing of a patent application in the United States (and soon to be expanded globally) for a novel strain of yeast designed to improve the Company’s first-of-its-kind process for the fermentation of cannabis and help Province Brands bring the world’s first beverages brewed from cannabis (in place of the seed or fruit of cereal grasses) to market.  This is the second patent in progress for Province Brands of Canada.

The invention of, a strain of Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis, already on file with the International Depositary Authority of Canada, is a novel proprietary technology which will allow the Company to more efficiently convert the stalks, stems and roots of the cannabis plant into a fermented beverage.  

Nearly every commercially produced brewers’ yeast has been specifically engineered to ferment sugars from seed or fruit of cereal grasses (barley, wheat, rice, etc.),  or pure sugars.  Prior to the development of this yeast, Province Brands of Canada was limited to only working with these commercially available yeasts and was not able to achieve full fermentation of cannabis stalks, stems & roots.  While it was still possible for Province Brands to brew delicious beverages using these commercially available yeasts, costly additional steps were required to remove unwanted byproducts of the fermentation. A strain of S.  stipitis enables Province Brands to achieve a complete fermentation from cannabis stalks, stems and roots, lowering the costs, and improving flavor & product quality. 

Brewed beverages containing cannabis are expected to see explosive growth once Canada becomes the first country in the world to allow for the sale of recreational cannabis edibles and beverages at a federal level later this year (edibles and beverages are allowed in certain U.S. States, but not allowed federally).  This new proprietary yeast will allow Province Brands of Canada to more efficiently brew its beverages – which are in an entirely different category from the competition.  Other brewed beverages will be fermented from barley, grains or sugar and infused with marijuana oil.  This process may result in products that are unpredictable, unattractive and bad tasting.  Province Brands uses no barley, sugar or grains and instead ferments cannabis plant matter to create the best-tasting, highest-quality brewed cannabis beverages available. 

“The yeast themselves produce abundant flavor compounds and are signature to a beer. This technology allows Province Brands to combine traits of yeast cousins to improve the organoleptic qualities of their beers, produced from cannabis, to be distinctive and exclusive. I believe that the technology here is complimentary to Province Brands of Canada’s existing collection of technologies and previous developments,” said Dr. Erin Johnson, developer of the technology. 

The patent application also involves biotechnology that selects and isolates the proprietary strains of yeastshould allow Province Brands of Canada to create the best-tasting, highest quality brewed cannabis beverages available. 

Portfolio of Premium Cannabis Beverages 

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the October 17, 2019 Canadian legalization of cannabis edibles and beverages. Recreational cannabis use became legal in Canada in October 2018 but legalization of edibles and beverages was delayed for one year from that initial legalization. Province Brands currently has a diverse premium portfolio of adult beverages. 

About Province Brands of Canada 

Province Brands of Canada is a mission-driven research and development / IP generation company developing a suite of innovative technologies with applications across the cannabis and adult beverage industries. The first technology we are bringing to market is a revolutionary technique for crafting the world's first fermented beverages brewed from cannabis in place of grains or barley. Province Brands of Canada is mining the untapped potential of the cannabis plant to achieve its mission - creating less harmful alternatives to alcohol. 

4 Training Disciplines That Build Muscle and Strength

In addition to boosting your confidence, martial arts are also incredibly good for your physical health. Here is a quick look at four of the most popular martial arts and a few tips that you can use to build muscle while learning one of those disciplines.

Krav Maga

When it comes to intense physical activities, very few disciplines are as strenuous as Krav Maga. In most Krava Maga schools, students will carry out dozens of different exercises in every single class, and those movements will activate all of the major muscle groups. Some of those schools even utilize a form of high-intensity interval training, and that is one of the best ways to burn fat while improving your cardiovascular health.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

There are quite a few reasons why Brazilian jiu-jitsu has exploded in popularity in recent years. In addition to being an effective martial art, this discipline is also an incredible form of exercise. Jiu-jitsu focuses on grappling, and practitioners must continue to strengthen their arms, legs, and core muscles. Many jiu-jitsu gyms also focus on intense cardiovascular training before the rolling sessions even begin, and that is going to strengthen your heart and lungs.

Wing Chun

If you have recently decided to learn a martial art, then you might want to take a look at Wing Chun martial arts schools. This martial art emphasizes simplicity, and many students can pick up the basic movements after just a few classes. While Wing Chun is going to take years to master, there isn’t a steep learning curve at the start. As an added bonus, this discipline is also a great option for those who would like to focus on self-defense.

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

In order to be competitive in Muay Thai, a practitioner is going to need an incredible amount of strength in their thighs, calves, biceps, triceps, and shoulders. Muay Thai also requires you to be an excellent cardiovascular shape, and many gyms focus on long periods of steady-state training with short periods of explosive movements. Many Muay Thai schools also incorporate weight training sessions into their workout routines.

Taking martial art classes is going to greatly improve your health, but you should also consider engaging in other types of training activities as well. While many of these disciplines will get you into great shape, supplementing your training with weightlifting sessions and other exercises will ensure that you don’t develop any muscle imbalances.

How to Aid Your Weight Loss Regimen By Leaps and Bounds

Weight loss can do wonders for people who want to look better. It can even do wonders for people who simply want to feel better. If you’re interested in enhancing your feelings of wellness, then it may help you to establish a weight loss regimen. If you have an existing weight loss routine, you can take it to the next level in a couple of key ways.

Consult a Nutritionist

Working with a dietitian or nutritionist can be a game-changer for people who want to take their weight loss routines up a few notches. Professionals can give you tips that pertain to suitable food and beverage choices for winning the Battle of the Bulge. They can help you figure out which kinds of foods you need to avoid, too.

Establish a Superb Exercise Routine

Losing weight isn’t only about eating foods that are nutritious, balanced, and relatively low in calories. It’s also about getting sufficient physical activity on a regular basis. If you want to aid your plan to shed pounds, then getting regular exercise can do a lot for you. You should sign up for a gym membership. You should think about going for brisk walks and jogs in your neighborhood as well. The point is to squeeze in exercise sessions at least three times a week.

Get a Keto Dietary Supplement

There are all sorts of nutritional supplements these days that can come in handy for people who want to drop excess pounds. If you want to drop pounds and revel in wellness at the same time, you should look into all of your options regarding a 2000mg keto dietary supplement. Nutritional supplements can often help people trim the fat. They can often help people achieve higher levels of health in general.

Work with a Friend for Support

Having a workout buddy can do a lot for your morale and spirits. If you want your weight loss routine to be particularly effective, it may help to team up with a family member or a friend. You may want to come up with nutritious meal options with a pal who is just as fitness-conscious as you are. You may want to exercise alongside a relative who is passionate about getting fit for life as well. Doing something with another person can be terrific for your motivation.

You should do anything you can to make your weight loss routine healthy and effective. You should prioritize eating well and exercise sessions alike. Dropping pounds doesn’t have to be as difficult as you suspect.

Spike in Referral Cases Prompt University Gastroenterology to Encourage Colorectal Cancer Screenings

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 22, 2019) — Physicians at University Gastroenterology (UGI) are raising awareness about screening options for colorectal cancer amid a spike in cases where Cologuard should not have been prescribed. Medical staff at UGI have also expressed concern about the multi-million dollar public relations campaign to promote Cologuard, which could deter patients from seeking more effective cancer screening tests. 

In an effort to address the growing issue, University Gastroenterology is launching its own campaign about the need for regular colorectal cancer screenings once patients reach age 50. One of the most important messages about UGI’s public health effort is to inform patients and primary care physicians that Cologuard is not an appropriate test for everyone. 

University Gastroenterology wants the public to be aware of the following issues related to colonoscopy and Cologuard:

  • Colonoscopy is the gold standard because it is the only screening test that detects and prevents cancer. 
  • Cologuard is only approved for average-risk patients age 50 years and older and is not intended to replace diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk patients. 
  • A 2014 study involving 10,000 patients, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that Cologuard missed 1 in 13 patients who had colorectal cancer that was found by a colonoscopy
  • Cologuard also missed more than 30 percent of polyps that will become cancer, and almost 60 percent of larger polyps that may become cancer. 
  • The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (MSTF) ranked Cologuard as a second-tier screening test. MSTF recommends that physicians first offer colonoscopy, followed by annual Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for patients who decline colonoscopy, followed by second-tier tests for patients who decline annual FIT.

About University Gastroenterology

University Gastroenterology is a specialty group that provides patients with friendly, cutting edge care for diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. UGI doctors are regionally recognized for their expertise in general gastroenterology, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and therapeutic endoscopy. The multi-disciplinary group has major campuses in Providence, East Greenwich, and Portsmouth. Each campus houses a state-of-the-art ambulatory Endoscopy Center that provides a caring and cost effective environment. UGI also provides inpatient consultative services at Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Kent County Hospital, Newport Hospital, and Roger Williams Hospital. Referrals are welcome. 

For more information about colorectal cancer screening options and the full range of services and procedures offered by University Gastroenterology, visit: http://www.universitygi.com/

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Hemp: Big Risks, Big Rewards for Agriculture
Fiber, grain/seed and cannabidiol demand is growing, as processing capacity is strained
Since the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, the agriculture industry has been inundated with interest in and information about industrial hemp. Some of the information has indicated a large financial upside for the broadening industry. Producers responded, as hemp acreage in the U.S. tripled from 2017 to 2018. However, CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division warns that false, outdated, biased or even contradictory information can make it difficult to navigate in this industry.In its latest report, CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division provides a foundation for understanding some of the key nuances of this growing market and highlights key risks and opportunities. Nine risks or uncertainties that face the hemp industry are identified and assessed on a low to high risk scale for each of hemp’s three crops and markets: fiber, grain/seed and CBD production.  “It is important when talking about the risks and opportunities of hemp to recognize that we are not talking about just one type of crop, and that opportunities and risks should be evaluated case by case,” said Crystal Carpenter, specialty crops analyst with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division.“Overall, CBD production has the highest level of risk across the board due to a range of factors,” said Carpenter. “From seed quality, labor costs and availability, THC limit risks and long-term acceptance by the Food and Drug Administration, the industry could face significant headwinds.” While some risks are inherent to a new industry, risks for the hemp industry are compounded by legal and regulatory hurdles, according to the report. The USDA is expected to release hemp regulations and guidance soon. The timing and outcome of future FDA regulation will be critical to the long-term demand for CBD.Carpenter’s full risk table, video synopsis and report are available on CoBank.com.