TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scythian Biosciences Corp. (the "Company" or “Scythian”) (TSXV:SCYB) (Frankfurt:9SB) (OTC – Nasdaq Intl:SCCYF) is pleased to announce that Argentina-based ABP S.A. (“ABP”), a pharmaceutical import and distribution company that Scythian is in the process of acquiring, has received its first purchase order (the “Order”) of CBD oil, which is to be fulfilled under the supply agreement with Aphria Inc. (TSX:APH) (“Aphria”), a prominent Canadian producer of medical cannabis. The Order is for Aphria’s renowned CBD oil strain, Rideau.



ABP’s first order will go to the Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital (the “Hospital”), a highly recognized and one of the most credible medical institutions in South America, to support a first of its kind clinical study focused on treating refractory epilepsy in children. The study, which will be conducted over 2.5 years, will also determine the product’s pharmacokinetics in order to optimize the dosage of future treatments. The study will include the participation and guidance of some of the top neurologists and pediatric specialists in the country. Additionally, with the support of Scythian and ABP, a training program will be conducted during and after the study to train and educate a network of specialized doctors across multiple provinces in the country using Aphria’s pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis.

“I am very proud of ABP working with the Scythian team for reaching this new milestone of a first purchase order under the first permit issued by the Argentina Ministry of Health for the import of pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis,” said Jonathan Gilbert, CEO. “Scythian, through ABP, is honoured to begin its research and development legacy in Argentina through the first medical cannabis shipment to scientists exploring the treatment of childhood epilepsy. There’s no better way to symbolize and cement our commitment to patients and their needs.”

Today's announcement follows the Company's press release of April 9, 2018, in which the Company announced that ABP had received its license to import CBD oil into Argentina after having entered into an exclusive international supply agreement for Argentina with Aphria (the “Supply Agreement”). Under the terms of the Supply Agreement, Aphria will supply ABP with cannabis products for research and development purposes as well as for distribution to hospitals, retail pharmacies, and private health providers in Argentina’s public health system.

Scythian previously announced on March 12, 2018 that it had entered into a non-binding letter of intent with MMJ International Investments Inc. (“MMJ”) to acquire MMJ, the sole shareholder of ABP. A binding definitive agreement governing the terms of the acquisition was expected to be entered into by March 31, 2018. On March 29, 2018, Scythian announced an extension to complete and sign a definitive agreement to April 30, 2018. If the acquisition of MMJ is completed, ABP will become a subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition of MMJ is subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Scythian Biosciences Corp.

Scythian is a research and development company committed to advancing prevention and treatment efforts for concussion and traumatic brain injury with its proprietary cannabinoid-based combination drug therapy.

Scythian’s mission is to be the first accepted drug regimen for the treatment of concussion. Scythian is partnered with the University of Miami and its neuroscientific team to conduct pre-clinical and clinical trials of its drug regimen. Through the Company’s collaborative efforts with the university, Scythian has access to the university’s extensive network of experts in the fields of traumatic brain injury and concussion. These connections provide Scythian with the ability to conduct its clinical studies at world-class facilities by widely recognized medical professionals.

Scythian has initiated its international expansion by launching additional cannabis-related activities across the globe. These significant endeavours complement the Company’s research and development efforts to enhance the many medical applications of cannabis.

Scythian is evaluating several strategic initiatives and pursuing partnerships with local cultivators, pharmaceutical import and distribution entities and universities in North America, South America, the Caribbean and beyond. This comprehensive approach positions Scythian as a potential global frontrunner in the research and development of medical cannabis.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Scythian Biosciences Corp.

Jonathan Gilbert, CEO

Phone: (212) 729-9208

Email: info@scythianbio.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

David Schull or Nic Johnson

Russo Partners

(858) 717-2310

david.schull@russopartnersllc.com

nic.johnson@russopartnersllc.com

Cautionary Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and statements (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation, statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. Such forward-looking information includes information relating to the proposed acquisition of MMJ and ABP, the intended uses of licensed medical cannabis by ABP in Argentina, the scope of a proposed clinical study of the treatment of epilepsy in children using medical cannabis, the implementation of a training program in Argentina to educate doctors in the use of medical cannabis, and the supply of medical cannabis to ABP by Aphria.

Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results or events are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the risk that: that the Company may not proceed with the proposed acquisition of MMJ, and therefore, the acquisition of ABP; that the ultimate terms of the proposed acquisition of MMJ and ABP will differ from those that are currently contemplated; that a regulatory approval that may be required for the proposed acquisition is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; that a condition to the completion of the acquisition of MMJ may not be satisfied; that the businesses of MMJ and ABP are not integrated successfully; that the research into the use of medical cannabis for the treatment of epilepsy in children demonstrates little to no effectiveness of medical cannabis or substantial side effects; or that Aphria is unable to supply ABP with medical cannabis products in sufficient quality or quantity in accordance with the terms of the Supply Agreement.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there can be other factors that cause results or events to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: the Company’s ability to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under US federal laws; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company’s annual information form filed on SEDAR and available at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.