(Chicago, IL) – October 29, 2018 – PRESS RELEASE – Cresco Labs, one of the largest multi-state vertically integrated cannabis operators in the United States, has announced its acquisition of licenses and assets in the state of Arizona. This marks Cresco Labs’ second acquisition in Arizona, adding two cultivation facilities, one processing facility and one dispensary to a cultivation, processing and dispensary operation already owned near Phoenix.
“Arizona is a state closely aligned with our strategic focus on entering markets with great patient participation, sound regulatory structures and a need for consumer-focused and consistent, quality cannabis products,” said Cresco Labs CEO and co-founder Charlie Bachtell. “At Cresco Labs, we have already successfully scaled the steepest learning curves in the most highly regulated markets such as Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania. As a result, we are able to replicate our process to expand into other markets expeditiously and are excited to broaden our scale in the great state of Arizona."
Cresco has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arizona Facilities Supply, LLC (AFS), and certain of its subsidiaries for cash and equity consideration. AFS provides management and advisory services to Encanto Green Cross Dispensary, a non-profit entity that holds a vertical license to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in the state of Arizona, operates a medical marijuana dispensary in Phoenix, Ariz., and owns real property used for cultivation in Salome, Ariz. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2018 or the first quarter of 2019, subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
With an established presence in Arizona, Cresco Labs holds an ownership interest in an existing operation consisting of a vertically integrated license with cultivation, processing, and one dispensary location near Phoenix. Arizona is one of the nation’s sizable medical cannabis programs with over 170,000 registered patients.
