The 1937 Group operates as a fully integrated cannabis company across Illinois with three Parkway Dispensary locations in Tilton, Fox Lake, and Forest Park, plus their 52,000-square-foot Helios Labs cultivation facility and Highwaymen Security transportation service.Their diverse product portfolio spans flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, and vapes, featuring both proprietary and partner brands. In-house brands include Kush League (sports-themed edibles with vitamins and solventless rosin), Higher Self (mental wellness-focused products featuring innovative Vape Stone technology), TerpKings (strain-specific disposable vapes emphasizing terpene profiles), and Outfitters (premium 2-gram blunts and pre-roll packs). They also partner with established brands like Old Pal, Cookies, and Potli for pantry-style infused products.All products undergo rigorous quality control in their climate-controlled facility featuring hydroponic systems and extended cure times for enhanced terpene profiles. The company maintains pesticide-free growing practices while focusing on legendary strains and craft-quality processing.Beyond retail, their Tilton location includes Molly's Joint, an innovative consumption lounge with full bar service, gaming areas, and entertainment venues—representing a new model for cannabis retail experiences that prioritizes community building and destigmatization.
The 1937 Group emerged in 2022 as Illinois' first minority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company, founded by CEO Ambrose Jackson in Chicago. The company's name pays homage to the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which criminalized cannabis and disproportionately targeted Black and Latino communities—a historical injustice they're committed to addressing.The company secured major milestones quickly, including $17 million in funding from SGG Enterprises LLC in August 2022. Their breakthrough came in September 2023 with the opening of their pioneering cannabis complex in Tilton, Illinois, featuring Parkway Dispensary and Molly's Joint—a first-of-its-kind entertainment destination.By 2024, The 1937 Group had achieved remarkable growth, penetrating over 180 of Illinois' 215+ dispensaries and expanding to three Parkway locations in Tilton, Fox Lake, and Forest Park. Their Tilton location earned the prestigious 1st Place People's Choice Award for Best Dispensary in Central Illinois.Most recently, Cannabis Business Insights recognized them as the Vertically-Integrated Cannabis Company of the Year for 2025, cementing their position as industry trailblazers who've transformed from underdogs to market leaders in just three years.
The 1937 Group's mission extends far beyond cannabis commerce—they view cannabis as "a transformative tool for healing, opportunity, and equity." Their core commitment centers on creating meaningful opportunities for voices often overlooked in the industry, particularly communities impacted by the War on Drugs.Through their 501(c)(3) non-profit, The 1937 Foundation, they actively address mental health disparities in minority communities while supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. Their business practices emphasize social equity, with intentional hiring and partnership decisions that elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs and artists.Quality remains paramount in their mission, with every product crafted to professional standards using sustainable practices. They're committed to destigmatizing cannabis through education, community engagement, and innovative retail experiences that foster belonging.Their ultimate goal is proving that profitability can coexist with equity and sustainability, creating a legacy defined by empowerment, social responsibility, and transformative community impact—demonstrating that cannabis businesses can be powerful tools for social justice and healing.
At Calm Effect, we're genuinely impressed by The 1937 Group's authentic commitment to social equity paired with uncompromising quality standards. Unlike many companies that treat social responsibility as marketing, this Chicago-based operation has built equity into their DNA from day one.Their product innovation consistently surprises us—from Higher Self's river rock-inspired Vape Stones to Kush League's athletic-focused edibles with added vitamins. They're not following trends; they're creating them with thoughtful brand development that resonates with diverse consumer needs.What really sets them apart is their transparent approach to pricing and community building. Their Parkway locations offer competitive deals while maintaining craft-quality standards, and their 90%+ Illinois dispensary penetration speaks to retailers' trust in their products.For deal-seekers, The 1937 Group delivers exceptional value through their diverse brand portfolio, consistent quality, and genuine commitment to serving communities rather than just extracting profit. They represent the future of cannabis retail—inclusive, innovative, and integrity-driven.