Tree of Knowledge products are on the cutting-edge of cannabis
Aug 12, 2016 By Joy Beckerman
There is nothing more inspiring than purpose-driven ingenuity.
One shining example is Tree of Knowledge, which combines the motivation to heal with applied science and business acumen. Co-founders Brian Main and Michael Caridi break into smiles when describing their EVR line of hemp-derived CBD products and the cutting-edge technology they’re developing (see sidebar).
Tree of Knowledge products
– Pharmacogenomic testing (genetic enzyme marking technology): This is a cheek swab test kit (sometimes known as a gene SNP kit) for health care practitioners that analyzes the genetic disposition of the patient for metabolic data. This information provides an indication of how the patient will metabolize various cannabinoids, including how various cannabinoids react with other medicines being taken by the patient. Interactions between certain medicines and cannabinoids can be problematic. Monitoring the rise or fall of enzyme levels can aid in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions. Knowing the metabolizer status of a patient helps practitioners in dosing and choosing a pharmaceutical strategy more effectively than the trial-and-error dosing models that are common practice.
-Nasal spray delivery technology: TOK is the exclusive licensee of this patented technology for CBD from cannabis. Nasal sprays are an effective delivery method, especially when rapid absorption is necessary, such as during an epileptic seizure. Nasal delivery may also assist with challenges related to poor bioavailability and gastrointestinal tract distress, while also avoiding the first-pass metabolism in the liver.
– Identification verification system: TOK has a licensing agreement for a state-of-the-art identification verification system created by a team of software developers in both the financial compliance and casino gaming arenas. The kiosk technology was created for the rapidly emerging sector of self-service, where terminals are capable of conducting transactions, but unable to verify government-issued identification. TOK’s kiosks also use biometric markers to enable a repeat use account to meet regulations.
– Vending kiosk: This system, which can incorporate identification verification, enables the payment of purchases at the kiosk by bridging the gap between live tellers and advanced cash handling machines. The system is uniquely focused on point-of-sale for hospitality and retail operations, where it can reduce lines, increase speed of self-service and reduce clerical errors. It also caters to consumers who do not wish to interact with a salesperson or cashier.
– EVR BrainBit EEG: The BrainBit is a small, wearable electroencephalography (EEG) device that monitors and records electrical activity of the brain. This data may be used to measure and compare brain activity before, during and after cannabinoid therapy. For example, brain activity can be measured during a seizure or PTSD event, and then measured again after treatment with cannabis to help determine the drug’s efficacy. Initial models will be designed for health care practitioners, but a personal use device is planned for release within 2016.
TOK’s product line includes premium hemp-derived CBD oil, tinctures, capsules and vape pens, all of which are produced under the highest manufacturing standards. Verified lab results can be accessed by a QR code, allowing consumers to view details about the precise lot and batch of the product they want to purchase. The EVR products are derived from European industrial hemp cultivated through time-tested methods and processed under stringent regulations. All products are inspected and lab-tested prior to shipment. Cannabinoids are organic compounds that can break down or degrade if not stored properly, so all products are analyzed again when they arrive in the United States. TOK has U.S. and international distribution agreements in place, and its products can be purchased online.
TOK is far more than just a business venture. Main, a Northwest-born veteran and entrepreneur, met Caridi, a Northeast business development virtuoso, in 2010. They worked together on several real estate and investment projects, including the modernization of a hydropower plant in Montana where they installed new generators in existing dams.
In late 2010, Main was approached by a group looking to explore cannabis industry endeavors in New York. Main had already begun to focus on the non-euphoric aspects of cannabis after experiencing a horrific car accident that left him with pins in his shoulder and legs. He refused to rely on opioids, and years of living with the pain and severe headaches from those injuries left him feeling rusty and aged before his time. He found relief in cannabis, but as he grew older, he could no longer tolerate the euphoric effects of THC.
Brain Bit 2As Main explored CBD and non-euphoric cannabinoids to treat his own pain, he also began to study the effect of CBD on veterans suffering from PTSD, another condition that hits close to home for him. As Main and Caridi became increasingly encouraged by the peer-reviewed research and anecdotal evidence, they developed a joint mission to provide high-quality CBD products and to develop systems that will benefit the cannabis industry through technology.
“Because we believe in what we’re doing, we insist on delivering the highest standards in everything we do, and we have the experience and team to navigate the churning waters of cannabinoids quality of life,” Main says.
In addition to its EVR product line, TOK has heavily invested in the technology sector of the cannabis industry. The company formed an advisory board consisting of leaders from virtually every sector, ranging from medicine to professional sports to the military. The company’s strategic partners include nationally renowned scientists and researchers, as well as some of the top software developers in international financial compliance and casino gaming.
“Markets are controlled by systems that are in place,” Main says. “If a company wants to be relevant five years from now, then there must be a strong presence in the technology end.”
Given the outrageous barriers to formal research of cannabinoids, TOK sought out the leading experts in the field in order to ascertain the most reliable data available and create the first models of its diagnostic tools. Some of these tools have been created for health care practitioners in states that either allow or require providers to prescribe dosing instructions or other specific directions for cannabis patients.
Clarification
The company featured in this story, Tree of Knowledge, is incorporated as Tree of Knowledge, Inc. in Nevada and Tree of Kindness, Inc. in Washington.
Its only public website is www.evrcbd.com.
It is a completely separate organization from Tree of Knowledge, Inc. in Washington, which is a state-licensed cannabis producer (tokinc.com).
Joy Beckerman is the president of Hemp Ace International and president of the Washington chapter of the Hemp Industries Association. She is a member of Tree of Knowledge’s advisory board.
