I believe Phase 1 has to do with the process of extraction. According to the PR, "Innovation in cannabinoid extraction from food sources other than cannabis and hemp as well as leading technology to enhance bioavailability was our number one goal in this important phase of the initiative and we achieved it."
This was tantamount to what they are looking to do. If you can extract CBD from things other than hemp... this broadens the revenue possibilities.
and another thought...in addressing Bioavailability.
In pharmacology, bioavailability (BA) is a subcategory of absorption and is the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, one of the principal pharmacokinetic properties of drugs.
Basically, Phase 1 involves optimizing the potency.
QUALITY STUFF!!!