Oregonix

Oregonix was founded by CEO David Schwimmer and COO Owen Papworth, who met in Oregon where they developed a deep appreciation for the state's mature cannabis cultivation practices. The duo began planning their Illinois venture even before recreational cannabis was legalized in the state in 2020. Papworth brings 26 years of cannabis cultivation experience, starting when Oregon was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana.After a four-year development process, Oregonix opened their purpose-built craft cultivation facility in Huntley, Illinois in July 2023, with an investment of over $11 million. The company launched their flagship brand "Northern Heights" in January 2024, introducing premium flower and pre-roll products to Illinois dispensaries. As one of only 88 licensed craft cultivators in Illinois, Oregonix has quickly established itself as a leader in the small-batch cannabis movement. The company has also expanded into retail with their Emerald Dispensary & Lounge in Island Lake, creating a vertically integrated cannabis operation.

Oregonix operates as a licensed craft cannabis cultivator in Illinois, bringing 25 years of Oregon cannabis knowledge to the Midwest market. Their state-of-the-art indoor facility in Huntley produces approximately 300 pounds of premium flower monthly, emphasizing quality over quantity with their "we don't grow the most, we grow the best" philosophy.The company's Northern Heights brand features distinctive strains including Super Boof, Sherb Cake, Strawberry Gary, Bomb Sauce, Garlic Breath 2.0, and Bacio Belts. Their products are available at over 10 major dispensary chains across Illinois, including nuEra, Nature's Treatment, Vertical Dispensary, Trinity, The Happy Cannabis Co., Consume, Karma Club, and RiverBluff.Oregonix employs meticulous cultivation practices in specially designed facilities that provide optimal care for each plant, emphasizing "people per plant over plants per square foot." The company maintains strict quality standards with no remediation processes, ensuring clean, premium products. Their vertical integration includes the upcoming Emerald Dispensary & Lounge, creating a complete seed-to-sale operation.

Oregonix's core mission centers on the belief that "quality triumphs over quantity," with an unwavering commitment to growing the best cannabis rather than the most. The company aims to blend the precision of Northwestern cannabis technology with the care and expertise of Midwestern farmers, creating a unique cultivation approach that elevates industry standards.Their dedication extends beyond cultivation to redefining what consumers should expect from craft cannabis, setting new benchmarks for quality and consistency throughout Illinois. Oregonix is committed to cultivating a stigma-free culture around cannabis use, starting with legal and criminal justice reforms. The company also prioritizes community involvement, planning to contribute profits to local organizations and employ 170-180 people as they expand operations. Through Northern Heights, they aim to provide consumers with unmatched experiences that elevate the industry rather than simply meeting expectations.