The Crypto Report
IBM Corp (NYSE:IBM) has filed yet another blockchain-related patent.
Followers of the blockchain technology space may not be surprised that IBM is one of the top holders of blockchain patents, second only to China’s Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA).
Its latest patent outlines how scientific researchers can benefit from blockchain technology, according to a CoinDesk report.
“Currently, there are limited platforms that allow for sharing information about scientific research and showing transparent data collection and analysis steps. Platforms that do exist, lack the requisite controls and mechanisms to allow for trustworthy data, as there are few options for ensuring that data will be resistant to modification," states the patent filing.
READ: CryptoCann™ Report: AT&T and T-Mobile sued on behalf of victims of crypto theft; Marijuana legalization may be headed to Washington DC
IBM describes the system as a “tamper resistant log of scientific research.”
In the crypto space, Bitmain has reportedly sued an anonymous hacker responsible for the theft of millions of dollars of cryptocurrency.
The crypto mining company stated in court documents that a total of US$5.5 million in Bitcoin and other digital assets was stolen from its Binance exchange account in April.
Bitmain alleges that the hacker took over its Binance account, using stored Bitcoin to manipulate the price of altcoin Decentraland (MANA) and then steal the profits, according to a Cointelegraph report.
The Cointelegraph report found that a total of US$927 million of cryptocurrency was lost via hacks of crypto exchanges in the first nine months of 2018.
The Cann Report
Michigan voted in favor of Proposal 18-1 in last week’s midterms, legalizing its recreational use in the state for those 21 years of age or older. The proposal also legalized commercial sales of cannabis through state-licensed retailers, subject to a 10% tax.
Cannabis advocates in neighboring Indiana are wondering if their state is next.
READ: Aurora Cannabis sees revenue nearly quadruple in 1Q as recreational sales heat up
“It would pass the House floor,” predicted David Phipps, communications director of the Indiana branch of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in Indianapolis, in an interview with the South Bend Tribune. “It’s the Senate where we need to gain a few more votes.”
Senator Karen Tallian (D-IN) forecast that it would come to pass eventually.
The nearby state of Ohio has a medical marijuana program and Kentucky may be heading in that direction as well, leaving cannabis advocates in the Hoosier State somewhat hopeful.
The state of Ohio may have approved a medical marijuana program, but it’s been slow to kick off.
Medical marijuana was approved back in 2016 with a target launch date of September 2018, but the lack of operating testing labs has delayed the process.
The state requires cannabis to be tested for potency and purity before being sold in dispensaries, but none of the five licensed testing labs is open for business, according to a Marijuana Business Daily report.
The medical marijuana market in Ohio is expected to be worth US$400 million annually once it revs up, according to the Marijuana Business Factbook 2018.
Contact Lenore Fedow at lenore@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter: @LenoreMariee