NEZ operates exclusively in Illinois, focusing on craft cultivation that prioritizes quality over quantity. The family-owned operation gives plants plenty of space to grow naturally, avoiding overcrowding practices common among larger producers. Their Peotone-based facility utilizes hydroponic systems with high-tech grow rooms, emphasizing hands-on, quality-controlled growing methods.Every strain undergoes meticulous growing, hand-trimming, and curing processes, ensuring only premium flowers reach consumers. NEZ's cultivation approach emphasizes bold terpene profiles, dense trichome coverage, and strain variety designed for adventurous consumers and experienced smokers.The brand operates two distinct product lines: their flagship NEZ brand featuring strains like Baby Yoda, Sherb Cream Pie, Platinum Cake, and Cadillac Rainbows, plus their Otherside sub-brand offering more experimental genetics. Top-performing products include Daily Grapes, Cadillac Rainbows, and Sherb Cream Pie, with the brand generating over $100K in monthly Illinois sales. Distribution includes partnerships with select Illinois dispensaries like Karma Club and The Happy Cannabis Co.
NEZ Craft Cannabis emerged as one of Illinois' most promising boutique cultivators, establishing itself as an independent, family-owned operation based in Peotone. Founded as a craft cannabis operation born and raised out of Illinois, NEZ began with a commitment to small-batch cultivation and artisanal quality.The company built its foundation on hydroponic cultivation systems monitored by state-of-the-art equipment, setting itself apart from mass producers through meticulous attention to detail. Since launching, NEZ has focused laser-sharp attention on perfecting their initial strain lineup, investing time and energy into product development rather than flashy marketing.By 2024, NEZ achieved significant market traction, climbing Illinois flower rankings from 37th to 30th position between June and September. The brand expanded its portfolio with the launch of their sub-brand Otherside, introducing strains like Point Break, Super Buff Cherry, Cap Junky, Blue Nerdz, Gelato #33, and Biscotti. This rapid growth reflects their dedication to quality-first cultivation and their ability to resonate with Illinois cannabis consumers seeking authentic craft experiences.
NEZ's core mission centers on filling jars with love, care, and good old-fashioned teamwork while maintaining their independent, family-owned values. The brand is dedicated to embodying the spirit of Illinois within every harvest, staying true to their home state roots.NEZ targets the "loyal, experienced, quality-driven, and bold" cannabis consumer, committing to deliver small-batch flower with big flavor and personality. Their cultivation philosophy rejects overcrowding in favor of allowing plants to flourish naturally, ensuring each flower receives individual attention through hand-trimming processes.The company maintains a craft-first approach, prioritizing product perfection over rapid expansion. By investing time and energy into strain development rather than extensive marketing, NEZ demonstrates commitment to letting their flower quality speak for itself. This authentic approach positions them as a genuine craft alternative in Illinois' increasingly corporate cannabis landscape.
NEZ represents everything we appreciate about craft cannabis culture. In a state filled with multi-state operators and mass production, NEZ brings something refreshing: cannabis that feels personal, cultivated with pride, and designed for smokers who crave flavor, effect, and artistry.What impresses us most is their product-first mentality - they've chosen to invest in perfecting their cultivation rather than flashy marketing, letting their flower quality build their reputation organically. Their Point Break strain even earned Leafly recognition for its resinous buds and tension-melting effects, proving their quality credentials.For deal-seekers, NEZ offers genuine value with consistent top-sellers like Daily Grapes and Cadillac Rainbows maintaining strong sales numbers. Dispensary partners consistently praise their potency and presentation, while their small-batch approach ensures each purchase feels special rather than mass-produced. This is craft cannabis done right - authentic, quality-focused, and genuinely Illinois-proud.