Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - ASHBURTON VENTURES INC. (ABR-TSX:V) (ARB-FRANKFURT)("Ashburton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that scientific trials to test the effect of zeolite in cannabis cultivation have reached the flowering stage of marijuana production.

Ashburton Ventures is conducting the first known scientific trials of cannabis cultivated with zeolite and carbon. Clinoptilolite, the form of zeolite mined from Ashburton's Z1 Quarry near Cache Creek, BC, is a volcanic mineral known to benefit a range of agricultural crops. Studies show it to increase yields by 50% to 70%, while increasing vitamin content and decreasing nitrates in fruits and vegetables. Clinoptilolite and coal are shown to enhance the production of barley. The Ashburton study was inspired by anecdotal claims of similar increases to cannabis yields and quality.

"The numbers involved in this study will be sufficient to indicate whether zeolite and carbon can affect cannabis yields," stated biologist Albert Kasprowicz, manager of the test facility. "We're already noticing better water retention in plants potted with zeolite."

Initial samples of cannabis plant tissue, growth media and liquid runoff will be delivered to MB Labs on Thursday, June 1. Laboratory analysis will focus on nutrient uptake to flowers and foliage, and microbial activity in the root zone. Testing will be repeated at two-week intervals until plants are ready to harvest. Weight measurements will then explore links between zeolite and final yields. A full chemical and cannabinoid profile of the finished product will test for improvements in marijuana quality.

The study tracks cannabis plants of two strains, CBD God and Meltdown, in sets of plants grown in coco coir mixed with straight zeolite, straight carbon and blended carbon and zeolite.

Ashburton Ventures Inc. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on Canadian mineral projects in Quebec and British Columbia, Canada.If you would like to be added to the news release distribution please get in touch with us at info@ashburtonventures.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Michael England"

Michael England, CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995; Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770; www.ashburtonventures.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Ashburton Ventures Inc. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:
public://news_release_pdf/AshburtonMay302017.pdf

Source: Ashburton Ventures Inc. (TSX Venture:ABR, FWB:ARB)

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