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As Canadian cannabis companies increasingly seek an expanded presence internationally for cultivation and research opportunities, Toronto-based Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON; TSX: CRON) today announced the opening of a new R&D centre in Israel. 

The company’s new cannabinoid device research and development facility, dubbed Cronos Device Labs, is located in Israel and will focus on vaporizer devices. 

Cronos already has a foothold in Israeli cannabis-based research, having previously teamed up with the Technion Research and Development Foundation last year. The partnership saw Cronos and the Technion Israel Institute studying cannabinoid use as a treatment for skin disorders. 

Cronos Device Labs will serve as a permanent base of operations for development of new products in Israel, with a staff of 23 people currently hired to run the facility. Company President and CEO Mike Gorenstein commented on the opening of the facility:

Vapor is already one of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption, and we see a clear opportunity to introduce the next-generation of vaporizer products designed specifically for cannabinoid formulations. With a deep bench of engineering, analytical, scientific and design talent already in place, we are confident that Cronos Device Labs will play an important role in positioning the company for long-term success.

Gorenstein went on to say that the R&D crew consists of software engineers, formulation scientists, and product designers working to provide an expanded line of products revolving around vaporizer technology in the near future. 

Since recreational adult cannabis usage was legalized in Canada last year, a clear trend in the licensed industry has emerged with customers smoking pre-rolled dried flower products less and seeking out other consumption methods more often. 

Other methods such as vaporizers, oils, tinctures, patches, and edibles are all becoming more popular and seeing large-scale R&D efforts across the industry for new products to bring to a customer base seeking additional choices.   

In other company news, back in March Cronos Group landed one of the single largest investments in Canadian cannabis history, with a $2.4 billion investment from Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO). 

Following that investment, former CFO William Hilson moved into the new position of Chief Commercial Officer to focus on expanding Cronos Group’s research & development. 

About Author

Ty Arthur

Ty Arthur

Ty Arthur has spent the last decade of his journalism career covering everything from cutting-edge tech to local news through outlets such as the Houston Chronicle. He has focused on the counterculture aspects of society, from marijuana legalization to underground music through Metalunderground.com and rapidly changing trends in the entertainment industry. He lives in the cold, dark north with his wife and son.

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