Cresco Labs operates as one of the largest vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis companies in the United States, controlling every aspect of the seed-to-sale process. The company operates Sunnyside dispensaries in New York, Illinois, Ohio, Arizona, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, and other states, with 72 locations nationally and 15 dispensaries in Pennsylvania alone.Their brand portfolio includes eight major cannabis brands: Cresco (premium flower and concentrates), High Supply (value-focused products), FloraCal Farms (craft cannabis from California), Good News (social consumption products), Wonder Wellness Co. (low-dose beginner-friendly options), Mindy's Edibles (chef-crafted gourmet edibles), Remedi (medical-focused wellness products), and Sunnyside branded products.The company maintains world-class cultivation and manufacturing facilities powered by expert agronomists, extraction specialists, and state-of-the-art agricultural equipment. As the industry's largest wholesaler of branded cannabis products, Cresco distributes through both their own Sunnyside stores and third-party retailers nationwide. Every product undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure consistency, purity, and potency across all markets.

Cresco Labs was founded in 2013 by CEO Charlie Bachtell and Joe Caltabiano, who met while working together at mortgage company Guaranteed Rate in Chicago. The company began with a $3.5 million investment from the co-founders and three friends, launching after Illinois passed its medical marijuana law.Starting with three retail locations in Illinois, Cresco began cultivation in November 2015 and made its first cannabis sales in January 2016. The company grew rapidly, going public on the Canadian Securities Exchange in December 2018 after raising $87 million.Major milestones include the $850 million acquisition of Origin House in 2020, expanding their California presence significantly. In 2019, they rebranded their dispensaries under the unified "Sunnyside" name to create a consistent retail experience.Today, Cresco operates as one of the largest publicly traded multi-state operators, achieving record $724 million revenue in 2024 with $132 million operating cash flow—a 126% increase from 2023. The company has evolved from a small Illinois startup to an industry leader with operations across multiple states and America's most recognized cannabis brands.

Cresco Labs' mission is to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry through a consumer packaged goods (CPG) approach to building national brands and delivering customer-focused retail experiences. Their brand portfolio is thoughtfully developed for diverse consumer lifestyles, from cannabis newcomers to experienced connoisseurs, with each brand offering trusted, quality, and consistent experiences.The company embraces responsibility to support communities through their comprehensive SEED (Social Equity & Educational Development) initiative, launched in 2019 as the cannabis industry's first national social equity program. SEED focuses on three pillars: Business Development, Education & Workforce Development, and Restorative Justice, specifically addressing the lack of Black and Hispanic participation in the cannabis industry. Through year-round policy advocacy, community outreach, and educational initiatives, Cresco Labs works to create the most responsible, respectable, and robust cannabis industry possible.

At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Cresco's commitment to both excellence and accessibility. Their record-breaking $132 million operating cash flow in 2024 demonstrates strong business fundamentals that translate to consistent product availability and competitive pricing for consumers.What sets Cresco apart is their strategic brand architecture—they've created distinct products for every consumer segment, from Wonder Wellness Co.'s 3mg beginner-friendly edibles to FloraCal's premium craft cannabis. Their Pineapple Express consistently ranks as a top-performing product, showing they understand what consumers want.Beyond products, their SEED initiative has provided over $735,000 in direct support for restorative justice and helped over 8,000 individuals through community programs. Their Sunnyside dispensaries focus on education and creating judgment-free shopping experiences, making them perfect for deal-seekers who want quality products with knowledgeable guidance. As the largest branded cannabis wholesaler, they offer consistent availability and competitive wholesale pricing that benefits consumers.