Today, Ascend operates 31+ dispensaries and seven state-of-the-art cultivation facilities across Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The company sold over 187,000 pounds of wholesale cannabis products in 2024, serving both their own retail locations and third-party licensed dispensaries.Ascend's impressive brand portfolio includes five core in-house brands: Simply Herb (accessible, high-quality everyday cannabis), Ozone (their flagship lifestyle brand), Common Goods (value-focused offerings), Royale (super-premium curated selections), and their newest addition, Effin' (targeted-effect edibles). They also feature specialty lines like Ozone Reserve for exotic strains and High Wired infused products for experienced consumers.Additionally, Ascend manufactures and distributes premium partner brands including Miss Grass, Lowell Smokes, Flower by Edie Parker, 1906, and AiroPro. Their cultivation program emphasizes sustainability with LED lighting and natural coco growing medium. All products undergo rigorous testing and tracking to ensure compliance with state regulations while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Ascend Wellness Holdings was founded in 2018 by Abner Kurtin, recognizing a critical need within the rapidly growing cannabis industry for state-of-the-art cultivation facilities and trusted community partnerships. Co-founder Frank Perullo joined Kurtin to build what would become a vertically integrated powerhouse, with Perullo initially serving as Chief Strategy Officer before becoming President.The company went public in 2021, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. By 2024, Ascend had achieved over $562 million in annual revenue, representing consistent year-over-year growth. Recent leadership changes in August 2024 brought in Samuel Brill as CEO and elevated Perullo to President, positioning the company for its next phase of expansion.From its strategic headquarters in New Jersey, Ascend has methodically expanded across seven key markets: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Rather than competing for licenses through traditional lottery systems, Ascend strategically acquired existing licenses, allowing them to secure premier retail locations in high-traffic areas. This approach has enabled them to establish flagship dispensaries in prime locations like downtown Boston and just outside Chicago's Loop district.
Ascend Wellness Holdings is committed to "bettering lives through cannabis," focusing on creating meaningful connections between high-quality products and the communities they serve. Their mission centers on providing best-in-class governance while championing diversity and creating an inclusive, respectful environment for both customers and team members.Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives form the core of AWH's guiding principles, with management passionately advocating for social justice within the cannabis industry. The company maintains unwavering commitment to quality through their cultivation program, which nurtures plants to yield the most potent, high-quality flower available.Ascend's strategic focus on premier retail locations in high-density population centers reflects their dedication to accessibility and convenience for patients and adult-use consumers alike. They believe cannabis should be approachable, consistent, and available where people naturally shop and gather, breaking down traditional barriers that have historically limited access to quality cannabis products.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Ascend's strategic approach to the cannabis market. Unlike many operators who rely on license lotteries, Ascend strategically acquired existing licenses to secure the best possible retail locations – think downtown Boston between TD Garden and Faneuil Hall, or prime spots just outside Chicago's Loop district.Their innovation really shines with brands like Effin', which combines THC with minor cannabinoids like THCV, CBN, CBG, and CBD to deliver specific effects. When Effin' launched, it quickly became the top-selling edibles brand at Ascend locations – that's the kind of product development that creates real value for consumers seeking specific experiences.Financially, they're solid with ten consecutive quarters of positive operating cash flow and substantial cost-saving initiatives. Their new Ascenders Club loyalty program and AI-powered shopping experience show they're serious about customer experience. For deal-seekers, Ascend consistently offers quality products across multiple price points, from accessible Simply Herb to premium Royale selections.