The Flowr Corporation and Hawthorne Gardening Company, a Subsidiary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Announce an Exclusive Strategic R&D Alliance

Emerging Canadian cannabis leader and world leader in cultivation products and systems will establish North America's first R&D facility focused exclusively on innovations in the cannabis industry

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TORONTO, March 19, 2018 /CNW/ - The Flowr Corporation ("Flowr"), an emerging Canadian cannabis leader and Hawthorne Gardening Company ("Hawthorne"), a subsidiary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company that focuses on gardening products and systems that help people live happier, healthier lives, today announced an exclusive strategic R&D alliance.  This alliance brings together two world-leading organizations to construct and operate the first purpose-built research and development facility in North America dedicated exclusively to innovations in the cannabis industry.

Located adjacent to Flowr's flagship cultivation facility in Kelowna, British Columbia, the facility will support scientists from both organizations.  Areas of R&D will include nutrient formulations, lighting and environmental systems, irrigation, growing media, and integrated cultivation systems in support of Hawthorne brands such as Botanicare, Gavita, General Hydroponics and Can-Filters.  Researchers will also develop cultivars for specific growing conditions and therapeutic purposes.

"We currently work with a broad range of licensed cannabis producers, but we have an especially deep respect for Flowr's facility construction and cultivation teams based on their unparalleled expertise and experience" said Chris Hagedorn, CEO of Hawthorne.  "We look forward to collaborating with Flowr to spearhead a new era of innovation in the emerging cannabis industry."

The new 50,000 square foot R&D facility will combine laboratories, indoor and greenhouse grow suites, training areas and genetics breeding areas in a single building.  Construction will begin in second quarter 2018.  The facility is expected to open in early 2019.

"Our alliance with Hawthorne gives us a unique opportunity to combine their deep expertise in cultivation products and systems with our industry-leading expertise in cannabis grow facility construction and cannabis cultivation techniques" said Tony Giorgi, CEO of Flowr.  "We're excited about the advancements this alliance will bring to us, to Hawthorne, and to the cannabis industry."

The R&D facility will reinforce the Okanagan region's status as a hub for advanced cannabis research and contribute to economic development in the area.  New scientific and technical staff will be added to Flowr's construction and cultivation teams already working at Flowr's seven-acre campus located at the boundary of Kelowna and Lake Country.  The facility also represents a significant investment by Hawthorne in the region, adding to Flowr's substantial investment in cultivation facilities.

About The Flowr Corporation
The Flowr Corporation is a vertically-integrated Canadian cannabis company with production facilities in Kelowna, BC and head office in Markham, ON.  Flowr's advanced indoor grow facilities, experienced cultivation team and focus on Good Manufacturing Practices ensure consistent, high-quality supply of medicinal cannabis.  Flowr is also well-positioned with a line of premium cannabis products for the upcoming adult-use market.  www.flowr.ca.

About Hawthorne Gardening Company 
Hawthorne Gardening Company is a house of brands that provides an array of tools for a multitude of gardening needs to help people live happier, healthier lives through gardening.  The company is dedicated to creating high-quality products founded in social and environmental responsibility and creates engaging consumer experiences that empower more people to garden no matter where or how they choose to grow. www.hawthorne-gardening.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based on Flowr's and Hawthorne's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events.  Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy.

Forward-looking information include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, Flowr and Hawthorne assume no responsibility to update or revise forward looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law.

Although Flowr and Hawthorne believe that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

SOURCE The Flowr Corporation

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