Lowell Farms and Ascend Wellness Holdings Announce Strategic Licensing Agreement, Bringing Award-Winning Lowell Smokes to Illinois and Massachusetts
Lowell Smokes award-winning pre-rolls available this summer in two of the top four largest cannabis markets outside of the West Coast
SALINAS, Calif. and CHICAGO, April 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lowell Farms Inc. (CSE:LOWL; OTCQX:LOWLF), a California-based vertically-integrated cannabis company with advanced production capabilities including cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, brand sales, marketing and distribution, and multi-state, vertically-integrated cannabis operator Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC (“AWH”) are bringing Lowell Farms’ iconic Lowell Smokes brand to AWH retail locations in Massachusetts and Illinois via a strategic licensing agreement.
The collaboration will allow AWH, a distinguished pre-roll producer in Illinois, to produce Lowell Smokes – one of California’s leading pre-roll products – for sale at AWH’s state-of-the-art, thoughtfully-designed retail locations in two of the country’s most profitable cannabis markets by sales. Massachusetts and Illinois both eclipsed more than $1 billion in gross sales at licensed cannabis retailers in 2020, generating a combined $293.5 million in tax revenue for their states. Further, the agreement marks another step towards AWH’s goal of bringing iconic West Coast brands to its markets as well was Lowell Farms’ first expansion beyond California.
Lowell Smokes is an iconic American cannabis brand that deserves a home in all markets where consumers are free to enjoy cannabis.
Lowell Farms Inc. Chairman George Allen
The partnership with AWH accelerates our expansion with highly capable partners who share our passion for quality and mission. AWH has strategically located dispensaries and a trusted reputation, and we are grateful to be partners with them.
Adds AWH Founder and Chief Executive Officer Abner Kurtin: “We’re excited to add Lowell Farms, a well-established, beloved brand to our Ozone offering.
“AWH’s overall strategy extends deeper than market expansion and acquisition. Consumer’s preferences are always top of mind and our main focus is providing the best possible product assortment in the Midwest and East Coast retail environments. Lowell Farms is one of several new partnerships that make up our expanding product selection, joining the likes of Cookies, 1906 and Airopro.”
Lowell Smokes will be made available in five-pack and single gram pre-rolls at AWH retail locations beginning Summer 2021.
ABOUT LOWELL FARMS INC.
Lowell Farms Inc. (CSE:LOWL; OTCQX:LOWLF)(the “Company”) is a California-based vertically-integrated cannabis company with advanced production capabilities supporting every step of the supply chain, including cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, brand sales, marketing, and distribution. Founded in 2014 as Indus Holdings, Inc, Lowell Farms grows artisan craft cannabis with a deep love and respect for the plant, and prides itself on using sustainable materials – from seed to sale – to produce an extensive portfolio of award-winning original and licensed brands, including Lowell Herb Co, Cypress Cannabis, MOON, and Kaizen Medicinals, for licensed retailers statewide.
ABOUT ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS
AWH is a vertically integrated operator with assets and partners in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. AWH owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award-winning strains and producing curated selection of products with effect-based categorization. AWH produces and distributes Ozone branded products. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com.
