Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. announced that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has granted the company a patent for the acetylation of cannabinoids. More specifically, the patent covers a process for acetylating cannabidiol ("CBD"), and subsequent refinement of CBD-O-Acetate using a proprietary extraction and distillation technique. The company owns 12 issued U.S. patents and 70 issued patents globally for the extraction, purification, and delivery of cannabinoids - representing the patent portfolio among all cannabis companies. This patented process to produce CBD-O-Acetate enables the standardization of a more potent analog of CBD through targeted drug delivery. Prodrugs utilize various physical and chemical modifications to improve features of active drugs. Maintaining the integrity of the molecule and its ability to deliver drugs to precisely targeted areas in the body may increase efficacy for desired outcomes. The company believes an orally consumable CBD metabolic prodrug produced under its patented process for acetylating cannabidiol will enhance the therapeutic potency of CBD. OILS already owns U.S. patents for the acetylation of THC, and the acetylation of CBD. The company's patent portfolio and Health Canada licenses for cannabis processing and research presents an entry point for pharmaceutical firms looking to manufacture cannabinoid prodrugs in a federally legal jurisdiction. The company plans to commercialize this intellectual property ("IP") through IP licensing, and the production of IP protected cannabinoid-based products as legally permitted by Health Canada. Nextleaf has engaged Kronos Capital Partners Inc. ("Kronos") to pursue and evaluate global strategic partners and investors. Kronos is a strategic advisor and an active investor in the global cannabis and life science sectors.